We know you probably have questions about hovercraft training, so we’ve answered a few of the most common ones here.

What is a hovercraft?
Are hovercraft easy to operate?
What will my training day consist of?
Do you need a license to pilot a hovercraft?
How safe is a hovercraft?
Why do I need to take training?
Do I need my own hovercraft in order to take training?
Am I too young or too old to train? What if I have a disability?
Is there a weight limit?
How many people can be trained at one time? Can I bring a friend along?
Where can I stay while training at HTC headquarters in Terre Haute, Indiana USA?
Can I train on my schedule?
Will training be delayed or canceled due to bad weather?
What do I need to wear or bring to the training?
Where will training take place?
How long does it take to train?
How do I pay for training? 

Don’t see what you’re looking for? Contact us. We’re happy to help.

What is a hovercraft?
Hovercraft are highly maneuverable vehicles that fly above many surfaces on a cushion of air. A true multi-terrain, year-round amphibian, hovercraft easily transition from land to water, flying over grass, mud, sand, snow, swamp, or ice. Because hovercraft float on a cushion of air forced under the craft by a fan, the dynamics of hovercraft operation are more closely related to aircraft than to boats or automobiles.

Are hovercraft easy to operate?
First, it is necessary to understand that you are actually flying - low to the ground, but flying nonetheless. Therefore, you will need proper pilot training to ensure safe, enjoyable hovering. Most students pick up the necessary skills during the hands-on portion of the full-day training course.

What will my training day consist of?
At Hovercraft Training Centers, great care is taken in preparing you for your first flight. You will begin your full-day training with a classroom session to learn preventive maintenance and the principles of hovercraft operation. After lunch (provided by HTC) you will begin your hands-on pilot training, spending several hours hovering on land and water until you have mastered basic operation of the craft. Our experienced instructors create an individualized course for each student and will guide you in maneuvers and techniques specific to your needs. Upon successful completion of the course you will receive a Hovercraft Training Centers license card and Certificate of Competency. Most students successfully complete classroom and hands-on training in 5-10 hours, depending on the course.

Do you need a license to pilot a hovercraft?
No. Hovercraft are regulated as boats by the U.S. Coast Guard. Some USA states may require an ATV license. Overseas customers should consult their local hoverclub or marine authority.

How safe is a hovercraft?
In its 50 year history, the hovercraft has proven to be possibly the safest vehicle ever conceived. Unlike boats, hovercraft never sink. Their planform area must be large for lift purposes, so they carry lots of flotation compartments or foam, which prevents sinking. Because they travel above the surface on a cushion of air, hovercraft fly over obstacles rather than colliding with them. A hovercraft can fly over a person lying on land or floating in water without harm and can even fly over eggs without cracking them! And, because hovercraft tend to operate where no other vehicle can go, the risk of vehicle-to-vehicle crashes is extremely low.

Why do I need to take training?
Operating any new vehicle, from aircraft to automobiles, requires new skills. Learning the fundamentals of hovercraft flight from an experienced instructor is less costly and less risky than trying to learn on your own. Students with experience operating an aircraft, helicopter, motorcycle, airboat, snowmobile, or jet ski usually adapt more quickly, but hovercraft are unique. Professional instruction enables you to make the most of this powerful, versatile vehicle.

Do I need my own hovercraft in order to take training?
No! Just as most aircraft pilots learn to fly a plane before purchasing their own, many hovercraft pilots fly before they buy. We supply the training hovercraft unless you wish to use your own.

Am I too young or too old to train? What if I have a disability?
Anyone who can physically steer the craft and follow instructions can train to fly hovercraft. No special skills or abilities are required.

Is there a weight limit?
Weight does affect the performance of the hovercraft. The Neoteric Hovertrek™ is designed to carry four people with an average weight of about 170 pounds (78 kg) each. However, during the training - just as in learning to fly an aircraft - only the instructor and student pilot will be on board.

How many people can be trained at one time? Can I bring a friend along?
Anyone can sit in on the classroom training at no extra charge. However, hands-on pilot training requires one-on-one attention. Each student will need to schedule with an instructor and pay the course fee.

Where can I stay while training at HTC headquarters in Terre Haute, Indiana USA?
Information on local hotels, dining, shopping and other amenities can be found here.

Can I train on my schedule?
We offer round-the-clock training - 24 hours a day, 365 days a year - to suit your needs.

Will training be delayed or canceled due to bad weather?
Bad weather doesn't slow a hovercraft down, so training usually takes place regardless of conditions. In the rare event that HTC cancels training, students may reschedule or receive a prorated refund based on the percentage of the course completed. Because training is individualized for each student, cancellations and rescheduling are strongly discouraged and will be considered only in extreme circumstances. Failure to appear for training will result in forfeiture of all training fees.

What do I need to wear or bring to the training?
Dress comfortably for the weather and understand that you may get wet and dirty. We supply all special clothing and safety gear.

Where will training take place?
Unless special training conditions such as swiftwater are required, training will take place close to the training center.

How long does it take to train?
The time involved depends on the course you’re taking:

Hovercraft Test Flight: 3 hours
Standard Training: 1 day (12 hours)
Advanced Training: 1 day (12 hours)
Master Training: 2 days (12 hours each)
Specialized Training: 3-4 days (12 hours each) depending on time needed to reach suitable training location
On-site Training: 1 day or more (12 hours each) or more, depending on number of students
Franchise Training: 2 days (12 hours each)

How do I pay for training?
Please review our Purchase Policy.

For more information on the hovercraft used for training click here, or visit Neoteric Hovercraft, Inc., the exclusive hovercraft provider to Hovercraft Training Centers.