Q: How long does it take to learn to fly?

A.F., Escanaba, Michigan

A: I would say as long as it takes to learn to do it right. But there are serious rules, and the time depends on the level of certificate you’re seeking, according to Steve Thibodaux, who is a NAFI master instructor, among other things. NAFI is the National Association of Flight Instructors.

For a sport pilot certificate, you need 20 hours of instruction. A recreational pilot certificate requires 30 hours. And a private pilot needs 40 hours. Those are the minimums set by the FAA. Of course, it isn’t just the time spent, it’s the things learned, and each level has added requirements. Chances are, you aren’t going to complete your training in those minimum hours.

"Realistically, a private pilot certificate will require 55-60 hours," Thibodaux said.

With each level, the privileges increase with the training. A sport pilot, for example, can fly only specific airplanes with a limited speed and horsepower.

Thibodaux recommends flying twice a week during training, but assures potential pilots, "It’s just learning."

For more information, stop at the Learn to Fly Center at Member Village, at the NAFI Tent, or tune in to www.NafiNet.org on the web.

Q: Where do I find people representing the Copperstate Regional Fly-In?

C.M., via e-mail

A: Check out the event’s website at www.Copperstate.org or stop at its booth here at AirVenture, located between Exhibit Hangars A and C.

"It’s just like AirVenture, only smaller," said Bob Hurni, director of the annual Arizona event. That means 600-700 aircraft. It’s going to be October 25-28 at the Casa Grande Municipal Airport, which is between Phoenix and Tucson. All sorts of aircraft are welcome. "If it flies, bring it," Hurni said.

Admission is $15 per person, $13 for EAA and AOPA members and those on active military duty. Children younger than 12 are free, and parking is free.

Q: Last year at AirVenture, I had a hard time finding vegetarian food. Where on the grounds are they this year?

A: According to my research, you’re going to have a hard time again this year. There are places that offer salads, and some that have wraps that may or may not be meat-free. You’re best bet for the moment probably is to leave the convention grounds. But come on, you’re in Wisconsin now. Have a brat.

Q: Can I rent tiedowns for my 172 when I arrive at AirVenture? Must I bring my own rope?

A: You can rent tiedowns, you don’t need ropes, but as one pilot said, "It never hurts to throw a little rope in the plane." As the adage goes, give a flier enough rope, and he’ll tie his plane down. Though you can rent tiedowns, EAA recommends that you bring your own. And there is an entire page on the EAA website devoted to the subject.

Q: We’re camping in the North 40 general aviation camping area. Why is there no camp store, or at least ice, for campers up here? We have to travel light in our planes and can’t bring a generator and a refrigerator.

A: The camp store for the North 40 closed in about 2000, for the reason that most businesses close - there wasn’t enough business. There are businesses just outside that end of the grounds that sell ice. Here’s a golden opportunity for some enterprising entrepreneur to make some cold cash.

Q: Why does that airplane in the EAA Aircraft Sweepstakes have such big, puffy tires?

A: If you fill those tires with helium, it will help get the airplane off the ground. That’s entirely fictional. The airplane is an Aviat Husky, a popular bushplane, and according to experts, those puffy tires, known as tundra tires, are popular because they are large and low pressure, allowing the plane to land on very soft surfaces. For Wisconsinites, by the way, that doesn’t mean the frozen tundra of Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers.

Q: I see those red "No" buttons everywhere. How many of them are there?

A: Those buttons, which oppose user fees for any general aviation purposes, are indeed everywhere. Without a fee. But not for long. Dick Knapinski, EAA spokesman, says that the original 50,000 are almost gone. In their place, some 20,000 stickers have been ordered and should be here any minute now.

Q: My O-470 has rotors on both the intake and exhaust valves. Do you have info on what the rate of rotation is per unit of time, or the degrees of rotation per stroke?

A: I not only do not have that information, I also have no idea what language you are speaking. However, I’m sure that the manufacturer of that engine would understand. You can find representatives of Teledyne Continental Motors at Booths 96-102, near Exhibit Hangar C.

Q: When will Glacier Girl get to Oshkosh?

A: Like Kurt Vonnegut’s Billy Pilgrim, I tend to get unstuck in time, especially during AirVenture. In any case, if that restored P-38 didn’t arrive Tuesday, it will be here today, assuming that today is Wednesday.