Birmingham Flight Training At Its Finest!
About US
Accepting Light Sport Pilots as of October 1st, 2025!!
Discovery Flight
A Discovery Flight is your chance to get a feel for what flying is really all about and how much fun it can be! It will help you see first-hand the training, aircraft, and quality of instruction that you will experience with us. It is also a great way to get a sense of what it’s like to fly from behind the controls. It is the perfect first flight for prospective students, as well as those who simply want to see the world from the air for an afternoon! You will be set up with a flight instructor who will guide you and answer any questions you may have during the flight.
Discovery Flights start at just $150.00
(Fuel surcharge may apply)
Gift Certificate
Give the gift of flight! A gift certificate is perfect for the person in your life who wants to pursue their dream of becoming a pilot, or someone who is looking for some inspiration. It is also great for those who simply want to see the world from a new point of view for an afternoon!
What are my options? You may purchase a gift certificate for any amount you like. For reference, our Discovery Flights are offered in ½ hour and 1 hour increments, and cost approximately $150.00 and $245 respectively. If you are purchasing a gift for a pilot who would like to rent from us, our aircraft rent for $180 per flight hour.
Training Requirements
Private Pilot Certification:
Total Time: 40 hours minimum, which consists of at least-
Dual: 20 hours minimum of flight training with an instructor on the Private Pilot areas of operation including:
- 3 hours of cross country flight training in a single engine airplane
- 3 hours of night flight training in a single engine airplane, that includes at least
- 1 cross country flight of over 100 mm total distance; and
- 10 T/O’s and 10 landings to a full stop with each involving a flight in the traffic pattern at an airport.
- 3 hours of flight training by reference to instruments in a single engine airplane
- 3 hours of flight training in a single engine airplane within the 60 days prior to the practical test.
Flight Instructors
Instructor Rates $55.00 Per Hour for primary training
Barry Franks, Chief Flight Instructor
Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot
- Commercial Multi Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Certified Instrument Instructor
- Multi Engine Instructor
- Flying for 30+ yrs
Mark Scardino, Flight Instructor
Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot
- Commercial Multi Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor
- Certified Instrument Instructor
- Multi Engine Instructor
- Flying for 30+ yrs
Rental Aircraft
Piper Arrow II – N55088
$220 per hour wet / Garmin 650 WAAS/IFR
- 200HP
- Complex
- GTN650 w/ WAAS
- GFC500 Autopilot
- Dual G5’s
- IFR Certified
Cessna 172 – N12887
$180 per hour wet Garmin 430 / IFR
- 160HP
- GNS430
- IFR Certified
Why Over the Mountain?
Why should you choose Shelby County Airport over a larger airport like Birmingham?
Career Opportunities
Over The Mountain offers an opportunity to build hours while earning more income than any other flight school in the area. In the last several months, instructors from Over the Mountain have moved onto careers flying a Hawker 800, Beech Jet, King Air, and Cirrus. Let us help you build those 1,500 hours quickly and jump start your aviation career!
To apply send your resume to Owner Barry Franks.
email: bfranks@otmaviation.com
CFI Job Info
- Create your own schedule
- Competitive hourly pay
- Ground school/study room facility available
- On-site reliable maintenance
- 5 airplanes available for instruction (C172s & PA28s)
FAQ
What is a Private Pilot License?
This license allows you to fly during the day and night, with friends and family in VFR conditions, basically good weather.
What does it take to be a pilot?
This license allows you to fly during the day and night, with friends and family in VFR conditions, basically good weather.
Who can get a Private Pilot License?
This license allows you to fly during the day and night, with friends and family in VFR conditions, basically good weather.
What does it cost?
Cost is dependent on a couple of variables. While 40 hours is the minimum required for a private pilot license, the national average varies between 50-60 hours. Completion at closer to 40 hours is possible with dedication in studying at home and flying more frequently (2-3 times per week).