We offer training for Private and Commercial certificates as well as for the Instrument rating. Additionally we offer training for high-performance and tailwheel endorsements, and we offer flight reviews using the WINGS program. For more information on each of our courses, feel free to contact us.

Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)

For more information on getting started with your training, check out our flight training FAQ page:

Whether you plan to fly for fun or for your career, this is where you want to start. As a Private Pilot, you can fly yourself, your friends, and your family around your hometown or across the country. Once you earn your certificate, you’ll be able to rent our aircraft after completing an aircraft checkout. A mile of runway can take you anywhere!

Requirements:

• Be at least 16 years of age to hold a Student Pilot Certificate and fly solo in an aircraft

• Be at least 17 years of age to hold a Private Pilot Certificate

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language

Our recommendations:

• You will need to hold a medical certificate to act as Pilot in Command of any aircraft. Make sure you are able to receive a medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) before investing your time and money!

• Flight training requires commitment and consistency. Make sure you are fully able to devote the time necessary to study the appropriate material while also coming to the airport for training at least twice a week. The less time you can set aside for your flight training, the longer and more expensive your training will be.

• The sooner you can get the written exam done, the better. Nothing is more frustrating than completing the rest of the requirements before your checkride only to realize that you still need to study for and pass the written test. Home study courses will often have test prep materials included.

Instrument Rating (IR)

For those less than ideal days when low clouds and visibility keep most VFR-only pilots grounded, the Instrument Rating will allow you to safely and confidently complete your flight. Even if you never fly in the clouds, you can greatly improve your skills by training to the high technical standards required of the Instrument Rating.

Requirements:

• Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language

Our recommendations:

• The charts and publications required for instrument flying must be updated every 28 days. We highly recommend having an iPad with an EFB app such as ForeFlight or Garmin Pilot that has electronic charts to avoid the cost, weight, and inconvenience of paper charts.

• Instrument flying is largely procedural. Flying on a home simulator program such as Microsoft Flight Simulator or X-Plane is an excellent way to practice checklists, briefings, and instrument procedures at home during your training.

Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL)

If flying as a career is your ultimate goal, the Commercial Pilot Certificate is for you. Arming yourself with the regulatory knowledge and flight skills you’ll obtain during your CPL training will put you on the path to becoming a professional pilot.

Requirements:

• Be at least 18 years of age

• Hold at least a Private Pilot Certificate

• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language

Our recommendations:

• Know your aeronautical experience requirements! FAR §61.129 requires that Commercial applicants have a total of 250 hours in airplanes, but only 20 hours of training with an instructor are required and up to 50 hours of this total can be done in our Redbird SD simulator for far less than it would cost to get these hours in an airplane. Most of the requirements listed can be met by flying on your own, so plan your flights wisely and you’ll spend far less time and money earning your Commercial certificate.