STUDENT ONBOARDING
THE AZURE ONBOARDING PROCESS
Welcome to Azure Aviation Academy. This page is your centralized onboarding checklist designed to make your start as smooth and stress-free as possible. Below, you’ll find the required steps, agreements, and resources needed before beginning training.
Each item is clearly outlined so you know exactly what to expect, what’s required, and what’s optional. You can complete these steps at your own pace—there are no hidden obligations, and our team is here to help at every stage.
Once these items are complete, you’ll be fully set up and ready to focus on what matters most: learning to fly safely, confidently, and professionally.
1. Obtain your Medical Certificate
Before you begin flight training, all student pilots are required to obtain an FAA Third Class Medical Certificate. This ensures you meet the basic health and safety standards necessary for pilot training and flying. You do not need a Second or First Class medical to train as a private pilot — just a Third Class will get you started.
1. Go to the FAA MEDXPress website and create your account.
Visit the FAA MEDXPress website and create an account using your legal name as it appears on your government-issued ID. This account allows you to complete and manage your FAA medical application.
2. Complete the online application (FAA Form 8500-8)
Once logged in, you’ll complete FAA Form 8500-8. This includes basic personal information, medical history, and health-related questions. Answer all questions honestly and completely—omissions or inaccuracies can cause delays or deferrals. You do not need to include routine health visits, such as yearly dentist visits, physicals, or eye exams.
3. Submit your application and print your confirmation
After submitting the application, you’ll receive a MEDXPress Confirmation Number. Save or print this confirmation—your AME cannot conduct the exam without it.
4. Bring your MEDXPress Confirmation to your examination appointment
Bring your MEDXPress confirmation, a valid photo ID, and any required medical documents to your appointment. During the exam, the AME will review your application, conduct basic vision, hearing, and health checks, and issue your Third Class Medical if all requirements are met.
Azure’s AME Recommendations
Bradley K. Harrison, MD
2012 Vanesta Pl #220, Manhattan, KS 66503
785-706-4327
Matthew Pyle, D.O.
520 S. Santa Fe Ave.Suite 400
785-452-7366
2. Complete our Flight Training Agreement
At Azure Aviation Academy, safety, clarity, and accountability are at the core of our training experience. Before you take to the skies with us, there are a few important steps to complete to ensure we’re all on the same page — starting with our Flight Training Agreement.
This agreement outlines key policies, expectations, and responsibilities for both students and instructors. It helps us maintain a professional, safe, and efficient training environment while making sure you have a clear understanding of what to expect during your time at Azure.
Before scheduling your first lesson, please take a moment to carefully review and complete the Flight Training Agreement linked below. If you have any questions, our team is always happy to help clarify.
3. Complete our Aircraft Training Agreement
While these aircraft are available to support your training and flying experience, they are not owned by Azure Aviation, and separate rental policies apply.
Before you can rent or operate any Schilling Aviation aircraft for training you must complete the Aircraft Rental Agreement. This agreement outlines Schilling Aviation’s policies, safety requirements, and financial responsibilities for all renters.
The agreement must be completed prior to your first solo flight, aircraft checkout, or rental. If you have questions, our team is happy to assist you through the process.
Please understand that aircraft rental rates are billed separately from Azure Aviation Academy. You will be invoiced for flights through Schilling Aviation Services, LLC, and for flight instruction through Azure Aviation Academy, LLC.
4. Create Your Flight Schedule Pro (FSP) Account
Azure Aviation Academy uses Flight Schedule Pro (FSP) as our official scheduling and training management system. All students are required to create and maintain an active FSP account before beginning flight training.
What Is Flight Schedule Pro?
Flight Schedule Pro is an aviation-specific platform used by flight schools to manage:
Flight and simulator scheduling
Instructor assignments
Aircraft availability
Training progress and records
This system ensures transparency, reduces scheduling conflicts, and allows both students and instructors to stay aligned.
How Scheduling Works at Azure Aviation Academy
Your weekly training schedule will be posted in Flight Schedule Pro by each Sunday at 5:00 PM. Once published, this schedule becomes the official training plan for the upcoming week.
Students are expected to:
Review their schedule promptly
Communicate any conflicts as early as possible
Arrive prepared and on time for all scheduled lessons
Flight Schedule Pro Account Setup
Scheduling is managed through Flight Schedule Pro. For security reasons, account creation must be completed directly on their platform.
5. Student Pilot Equipment
Embarking on the journey to become a private pilot is both exciting and challenging. The process involves not just mastering the controls of an aircraft but also gaining a deep understanding of aviation theory, safety, and regulations. Having the right resources is crucial for effective learning.
Flight Bag
A sturdy flight bag to organize and carry training materials, charts, and personal items is greatly helpful.
Headset
Aviation headsets are essential tools for pilots, including student pilots, as they enhance communication and reduce noise in the cockpit environment. Choosing the right headset can significantly impact the training experience and overall comfort during flight. Comfort, weight, durability, and bluetooth, and price should all be features to consider.
Type: Passive noise-canceling
Pros: Renowned for comfort and durability; affordable.
Cons: Slightly heavier and less effective at noise cancellation compared to active models.
Type: Active noise-canceling
Pros: Exceptional noise cancellation, lightweight, and comfortable for long flights.
Cons: Higher price point; requires batteries.
Type: Active noise-canceling
Pros: Excellent sound quality, comfortable, and comes with Bluetooth capability.
Cons: Higher cost, but often worth the investment for serious student pilots.
Kneeboard
A kneeboard is a handy tool used by pilots to keep important flight materials and notes organized and easily accessible during flight. Typically, a kneeboard is a flat, portable board that attaches to a pilot's thigh with straps or a Velcro band, allowing them to write, reference charts, and manage other essential materials while flying.
Logbook
A logbook is a vital record-keeping tool used by pilots to document their flight experience and training. It serves multiple purposes, including tracking flight hours, logging specific maneuvers, and providing evidence of experience for certifications and ratings. We recommend this logbook, especially for pilots who aspire to work commercially/professionally:
Electronic Flight Bag
We strongly encourage student pilots to purchase an iPad for training purposes. As opposed to old-fashioned methods of paper charts and using multiple different publications, resources, and documents, an iPad allows pilots to keep all their resources condensed and easy-to-access in one place.
ForeFlight is a widely used Electronic Flight Bag (EFB) application that provides pilots with a comprehensive suite of tools for flight planning, navigation, and in-flight management. It is especially popular among general aviation pilots, including student pilots, for its user-friendly interface and robust functionality. Here’s an overview of ForeFlight and why it can be advantageous for student pilots compared to traditional paper charts and resources:
Flight Planning: Tools for creating and modifying flight plans with automatic routing based on current airspace and regulations.
Navigation Charts: Access to current VFR (Visual Flight Rules) and IFR (Instrument Flight Rules) charts, approach plates, and airport information.
Weather Information: Real-time weather updates, including METARs, TAFs, radar imagery, and graphical weather maps.
Performance Calculations: Features for calculating weight and balance, fuel requirements, and takeoff/landing distances based on aircraft type.
Logbook: Integrated electronic logbook for tracking flight hours and experiences.
6. Gain Access to Sporty’s Online Course
Azure Aviation Academy uses Sporty’s Private Pilot Online Course as our online ground school curriculum. This course is an essential part of your training and is designed to prepare you for the FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Exam while reinforcing what you learn during flight and ground lessons
Course Progress Expectations
To ensure steady progress and long-term success, students are expected to complete at least 5% of the Sporty’s course for each flight or ground lesson completed. This pacing requirement helps keep training efficient, prevents knowledge gaps, and aligns ground study with flight training.
Why We Use Sporty’s
Sporty’s Private Pilot Course:
Covers all FAA-required private pilot knowledge areas
Includes test-prep questions and full practice exams
Helps build confidence and consistency throughout training
Prepares students for long-term success, not just the written test
Knowledge Exam Readiness & Endorsement
Before being endorsed to take the FAA Knowledge Exam, students must:
Demonstrate consistent course progress
Achieve practice exam scores of at least 90%
This standard ensures students are truly prepared and helps avoid unnecessary retests, delays, or additional costs.
Pricing & Billing
The Sporty’s Private Pilot Course is $300. For tracking and accountability purposes, Azure Aviation Academy charges for the course directly through Flight Schedule Pro. This allows us to:
Monitor course completion and pacing
Track practice exam performance
Verify eligibility for the knowledge exam endorsement
7. Download Training Documents
Below are the Private Pilot Training Course Documents for each aircraft. If you are unsure which aircraft you will be scheduled in, please reach out. If you would like paper copies of these documents please let us know.
Piper Archer - Private Pilot Training Course Documents
Cessna 172 - Private Pilot Training Course Documents
Aircraft-specific documents may be found below.
1978 Piper Archer POH
1972 Cessna 172L POH
Have Questions About Getting Started?
Starting flight training can feel overwhelming — we’re here to help. If you have questions about onboarding steps, medical requirements, scheduling, or your training path, our team is happy to assist and make sure you’re set up for success.