Frequently Asked Questions

The following list contains some common questions and helpful answers for new and returning UTP Students.

Where can I get information about Florida Institute of Technology (FIT) and its flight training organization, FIT Aviation?
The Florida Institute of Technology, College of Aeronautics website is available at: http://coa.fit.edu. The FIT Aviation website is available at: http://www.fitaviation.com.
Where can I get information about Melbourne, Florida?
You can find a lot of information on the Internet about Melbourne. Here are a few websites about Melbourne:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Melbourne,_Florida
http://www.melbourneflorida.org/
Where is Florida Institute of Technology?
The Florida Institute of Technology campus is located in Melbourne, Florida, about 100km east of Orlando, Florida on the Atlantic Ocean coast. Melbourne is a quiet, peaceful, and safe city considered to be a very desirable place to live year-round. It is also near to NASA’s Kennedy Space Center, so the area is also referred to as “The Space Coast.” With over 72 miles of relaxing Atlantic beaches, The Space Coast has a number of attractions that contribute to the appeal of choosing FIT for your flight training location.
Where will I have my flight training?
You will receive your flight training with FIT Aviation. Located at the Melbourne International Airport (KMLB). FIT Aviation will welcome you to a modern, new training facility. MLB is a towered airport, located approximately 45 miles south of a Class D airport, is also used by Delta Airlines daily.

For more information about FIT Aviation and MLB, visit http://www.fitaviation.com and http://mlbair.com/

Where will I stay?
You will stay on the Florida Tech campus in one of the student dormitories. A van runs hourly between campus and Melbourne International Airport (KMLB) where training is conducted. There is no cost for this transportation.
Is there a cafeteria on campus?
Florida Tech is proud to offer an exceptional campus dining service. We are committed to providing our community with quality food and services at an exceptional value, in a clean, comfortable and friendly atmosphere. From traditional all-you-can-eat and ala carte locations, to catered affairs and pizza delivery, Dining Services is striving to bring you the very best. Meal plans are available and current rates along with more information can be found at: http://fit.edu/food/mealplan.php
Who will pick me up from the Orlando Airport (MCO)?
You will be picked up from the Orlando Airport by FIT Aviation. We will also provide transportation to and from campus, the Orlando FSDO, and to the Melbourne Police for TSA fingerprinting. The cost of all transportation is included in your training fee.
Where can I take my FAA written test?
FIT Aviation is an authorized LaserGrade test center and you will be able to take your FAA Written Exam anytime during business hours. The fee is $100 per test.
What are the costs associated with my training?
Since training requirements differ with each student, we will provide you a detailed quote regarding the costs associated with your training. However, some costs are similar to all students:
  • Written test fee: $100 per test
  • FAA Designated Examiner fee: between $300 and $400 per checkride
  • TSA fee: $130 per application (one application for Multiengine and one for Instrument)
  • Fingerprinting fee: Varies
  • Transportation fee: $100
  • Books: Varies
What is the difference between a U.S. Restricted and a U.S. Stand Alone license?
A U.S. Restricted license is based on a foreign license. If you hold a Restricted license, you are required to keep your foreign license valid. If your foreign license is revoked or expires, so will your U.S. Restricted license. When you complete the “Verification of Authenticity” process, you will be issued a Private Pilot U.S. Restricted license. The only way to receive a Stand Alone license from a Restricted license is to complete an FAA checkride with a Designated Examiner (DPE) or an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI).

A U.S. Stand Alone license is received upon completion of an FAA checkride with a Designated Examiner (DPE) or an Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI).

What is the difference between having a U.S. Test Passed Instrument Rating and just an Instrument Rating?
When converting your Panamanian license to a US Restricted License, you will have the ability to add an Instrument Rating to your FAA license. You have 2 options:
  1. You can take the FAA Instrument written exam (with a score of 70 or higher) and present the results to the FAA inspector. He will then issue your temporary certificate as a Private Pilot certificate with Instrument Rating. It is important to be aware that the note, “US Test Passed,” will not appear on your license at this time. This means that your Instrument Rating privileges will not transfer after you receive your US Stand Alone license (Private or Commercial).
  2. You can opt for taking an FAA Instrument checkride with a Designated Examiner (DPE):
    • If you had a Private Pilot US Restricted license (based on your Panamanian license), your new license will still be restricted but will show Instrument Rating - U.S. Test Passed. This means that your Instrument Rating privileges will transfer after you receive your US Stand Alone license (Private or Commercial)
    • If you had a Private or Commercial Pilot US Stand Alone license, your new license will have an additional Instrument rating.
How do I obtain a U.S. Medical Certificate in Panama?
You can contact Dr Carlos E. Staff at 507-225-3963. He is located at Centro Medico Nacional, PO Box 0815-01044 in Panama City, Panama. A 1st or 2nd class medical is recommended but 3rd class is acceptable. If you do not have a Private Pilot license yet, ask your doctor for a “Medical Certificate with Student Pilot Certificate”.
Who do I contact if I have any additional questions?
Don’t hesitate to contact Michael Grant (or 321-674-6509) or Greg Reverdiau (or 321-674-6508). If there any issues or questions that we cannot address, you may also contact the FIT Panama Program Director, Dr. (Prof) Ballard M. Barker