Everything you're wondering about learning to fly

Most students should plan on roughly $15,000 on average for a private pilot certificate, though the total depends on how much training you need. Our pricing is simple: instruction is $58/hr and covers all of your reserved time (preflight briefing, ground training, flight time, and post-flight debrief), and the 1961 Cessna 172B rents for $135/hr wet (Hobbs). No packages required; you pay as you train.

A discovery flight is open to any age. Training toward a certificate typically starts around 14 or 15, and the FAA requires you to be 16 years old to fly solo and 17 to earn your private pilot certificate, but lessons before those milestones all count toward your training.

Absolutely. Many of our students are high schoolers, and lessons fit around school with night, weekend, and daytime availability. A lot of students aim to finish their private pilot certificate before heading to college, a great head start on an aviation career.

Yes, flight training can lead to careers as an airline, corporate, charter, or cargo pilot, a flight instructor, and more. Dan works in the aviation software industry and stays close to the career side of aviation, so he can help you or your student map out a college and career pathway that fits your goals.

It depends mostly on how often you fly. Students who train two to three times per week typically finish in a matter of months. Flying less frequently stretches the timeline because more time is spent reviewing. We will build a training plan and pace that fits your schedule.

Yes. Before you fly solo you will need at least a third-class medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME), along with a student pilot certificate. We do not issue medicals or advise on them, so take any health questions to an AME.

Wisconsin weather is part of learning to fly. When conditions are not safe or productive for a flight lesson, we either convert the session to valuable ground training or reschedule. Learning to make good weather decisions is itself a core pilot skill.

A government-issued photo ID for your first visit, comfortable clothing, and sunglasses are a great start. A notebook helps for ground sessions. If you book a discovery flight, a logbook is included so you can record your very first lesson.

You will train in a 1961 Cessna 172B, a classic, honest trainer used for both Private and Commercial instruction. It rents for $135/hr wet and is also available for rental to certificated pilots after a checkout.

All scheduling and payments are handled through Flight Schedule Pro, the platform used by flight schools nationwide. You book your lessons online and pay as you go. No payments are taken on this website, and no upfront packages are required.