Your first steps at Chino Airport
A clear path from curious to ready to train
You do not need to have your entire aviation future figured out before you call. Start with a conversation, visit the school and try a flight. We will help you understand the medical, paperwork and training steps that fit your goals.
Step 1 · Meet us
Arrange a tour of DuBois Aviation
Call (909) 597-6292 to set up a school tour. Tell us whether you are exploring flying for fun, a private pilot certificate or an eventual airline career. We can show you the school, discuss instruction and aircraft availability, and help you understand what training involves.
Bring your questions about your schedule, budget and goals. A tour is an opportunity to get to know the school before committing to training.
See our location and facility · Learn what sets DuBois apart
Step 2 · Try a flight
Take a discovery flight before making a big commitment
If you have never flown in a small airplane, we recommend a discovery flight with an instructor. It gives you a first-hand feel for the cockpit, the view, the sounds and the sensations of flying, and a chance to decide whether you enjoy the experience.
Tell your instructor if you are nervous or have experienced motion sickness before. A short introductory flight can help you assess your comfort, but one flight cannot guarantee that you will never feel airsick. If you start to feel unwell, speak up so your instructor can respond. Ask an AME before using medication for flying; do not assume an over-the-counter remedy is appropriate for a pilot.
Step 3 · Check medical eligibility early
Find an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner
An Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a physician designated by the FAA to perform airman medical examinations. Use the AME finder on Pilot Training Tracker to search by city, ZIP code or name. Confirm the examiner’s current designation, available exam classes, fees and appointment instructions directly before scheduling.
Planning an airline career? Ask for a first-class medical early.
If your long-term goal is airline flying, we recommend pursuing an FAA first-class medical early—before making a substantial investment in career training. This helps you check whether you meet the medical standards associated with that goal. A first-class medical is not required simply to take a discovery flight, and obtaining one now does not guarantee future medical eligibility or airline employment.
For the usual airplane private-pilot training path, a third-class medical is generally the starting medical certificate required before solo; a first-class medical can also meet that need. The class and requirements depend on the privileges you plan to exercise. Discuss your particular situation with an AME.
Prepare for the appointment
- Ask the AME which medical class to request and what documents to bring.
- If you have questions about your medical history, a diagnosis or medication, ask about a consultation before submitting your examination application. Do not stop or change prescribed medication on your own.
- When ready, complete the FAA application through FAA MedXPress as directed by the AME. Answer the questions accurately.
- Remember that the medical certificate and student pilot certificate are separate. We can help you understand the student-certificate application process.
Medical guidance reviewed October 1, 2026. General orientation only; the AME and FAA determine medical eligibility. FAA references: medical certificate classes, AME guide and separate student pilot certification.
Step 4 · Build your training plan
Choose your goal, schedule and budget
After your visit and introductory flight, talk with us about a realistic lesson schedule and the certificate or rating you want to pursue. Review instruction, aircraft rental, ground training, study materials, medical and testing costs before committing to a budget.
We can help you understand student pilot paperwork and any applicable TSA Flight Training Security Program requirements. Do not assume every student’s enrollment requirements are the same.
Compare training programs · Review training costs · Explore funding options · Review enrollment · TSA requirements
Step 5 · Train with a clear picture of progress
Know what you have learned and what comes next
Flight lessons and ground preparation work together. Our own Pilot Training Tracker application helps students, instructors and school administrators follow training progress. Parents and sponsors can follow along through authorized school access or progress reports.
At DuBois, stage-check flights before solo and a checkride-readiness checkout help identify skills and knowledge that need more attention. Your instructor determines readiness and provides the required endorsements; a software progress indicator or school checkout does not replace those decisions.
Ready to take the first step?
Call DuBois Aviation at (909) 597-6292 to arrange a tour or schedule a discovery flight. Let us know what you hope to do with flying—we will help you get started.