Flight training courses
From your very first flight to a career in the cockpit — every certificate and rating we offer, taught at your pace.
Your flight journey is unique, and we're excited to guide you every step of the way. Whether you're dreaming of a career in the airlines or just want to explore the skies as a hobby, start wherever makes sense — most students begin with a discovery flight.
Discovery Flight
An introductory flying experience designed to give you a taste of what it's like to be a pilot — no previous experience required. You'll sit in the cockpit with a Certified Flight Instructor who walks you through the basic controls and maneuvers, and you'll have the chance to fly the plane yourself. A low-pressure, hands-on way to find out whether pursuing a certificate is right for you.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
$14,000–16,000Typical all-in. Full breakdown →
A comprehensive program covering both ground school and flight training. In ground school you'll learn aviation theory, regulations, weather and navigation. In the air, you'll learn to fly under the guidance of a CFI. The course finishes with a checkride, where you demonstrate your proficiency to a Designated Pilot Examiner. A PPL lets you fly privately and carry passengers for non-commercial purposes.
Instrument Rating (IFR)
$10,000–14,000Typical all-in, including written and checkride.
The next level of training, teaching you to fly solely by reference to instruments. Essential for flying in clouds or low visibility, and a strong way to sharpen the skills you built during your private pilot training. Includes ground school on instrument navigation, flight planning and regulations, plus in-flight practice in simulated and actual instrument conditions — navigational aids, instrument approaches and cockpit resource management.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
$5,500–8,500 trainingPlus time building to 250 hours — usually the larger cost.
Designed for pilots who want to fly professionally. This advanced program builds on your private pilot skills with higher standards of precision, safety and decision-making, emphasizing aviation regulation, advanced aerodynamics and cross-country navigation. A CPL allows you to be compensated for your flying and opens the door to a career in aviation.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
$6,000–9,000Typical all-in, including both written tests and the checkride.
A program that prepares experienced pilots to teach others to fly. The focus is on communicating flight concepts clearly, instructing students effectively, and safely managing a training environment. It's also the most common way to build the hours you need for an airline career.
One thing to know about the commercial certificate
The FAA requires 10 hours of training in a complex or technically advanced airplane. Our two Cessna 172s are neither — no retractable gear, no constant-speed prop, and no two-axis autopilot.
You can do everything else toward your commercial certificate with us, and we'll help you arrange those 10 hours in a suitable aircraft. We'd rather tell you now than at hour 200. Ask us and we'll walk through the whole sequence.
We're a Sporty's dealer
Every course here has a ground-school component, and you'll need books, a headset and a few other things along the way. We're an authorized Sporty's dealer, so you can get all of it through us.
Same products, same prices — but with your instructor telling you what's worth buying now and what can wait. More on ground school options.
Not sure which course is right for you?
Tell us your goals and we'll map out the fastest, most affordable path to get you there.