What it costs to learn to fly in the Fox Valley
Every rate is public. Here's exactly what you'll pay and what it covers — no quotes, no packages, no "contact us for pricing."
Flight & Ground Instruction
$58 / hour
One rate for every minute of your reserved time — nothing billed separately
- Preflight briefing and preparation
- Ground training and lessons
- Instruction in the airplane
- Post-flight debrief
- Written and checkride test prep
1961 Cessna 172B
$135 / hour wet
The rate charged for the airplane rental time
- Private Pilot instruction
- Commercial Pilot instruction
- Rental available with a checkout
Discovery Flight
$145 one-time
The best first step: see what flight training is like before you commit.
- 45-minute flight at the controls
- 30 minutes of ground instruction
- A logbook with your first entry
Optional add-on: +$90 for inside and external video recording of your flight.
Lower rates, not less training
We're a lean, independent flight school — not a franchise with a front desk, a big building, and marketing budgets baked into every hour you fly. That's the whole reason the rates are lower here. It is not because you get less.
Your $58/hr covers every minute of your reserved time: the preflight briefing, ground instruction, time in the airplane, and the debrief afterward. Training follows a real syllabus toward the same FAA standards as any school, and every lesson ends with you knowing exactly where you stand and what comes next.
Already training somewhere else?
Your logged hours count wherever you earned them, and there's no penalty for switching. Bring your logbook and we'll pick up right where you are.
A dedicated instructor and a real plan. You won't be handed off between CFIs or re-fly lessons because someone new is in the right seat. There's a plan for every lesson, a debrief after every flight, and communication between lessons — you'll never wonder where you stand or what's next.
Your pace, your goals. Whether you're headed for a flying career or flying purely for the joy of it, training is built around what you want and how you learn — with an instructor dedicated to getting you there.
Quality over speed. What we won't promise is a rushed checkride. The goal is a safe, confident pilot who loves flying — trained by an instructor who's here to support your goals, not to build hours.
Talk with Dan about where you are and where you want to go. Call or text (920) 358-0581, or send a message.
A classic, honest trainer
Our 1961 Cessna 172B has been teaching pilots to fly for over six decades. Simple systems, forgiving handling, and a roomy cabin make it an ideal platform for both Private and Commercial instruction.
Already have your certificate? It's available for rental after a checkout with Dan.
What does a Private Pilot certificate cost in total?
Plan on roughly $15,000 on average from first lesson to checkride. The honest caveat: your total depends on the training you need. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but most pilots take more time to become safe, proficient aviators, and how often you fly makes a real difference.
Want to see where every dollar goes? Read Dan's real-world breakdown: The Cost of a Private Pilot Certificate.
Good to know
- Pay as you train. No packages required, the discovery flight is the only fixed-price offering.
- Scheduling and payments run through Flight Schedule Pro. Book lessons online and conveniently pay online.
- Training away from home base? Any travel costs are discussed and agreed on ahead of time, no surprises.
Your Path to the Flight Deck
Five milestones, one flexible plan. Here's the typical path from your first flight to carrying your own passengers.
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Discovery Flight
Start with a $145 discovery flight: 45 minutes at the controls, 30 minutes of ground instruction, and a logbook to record your very first lesson.
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Medical Certificate
Get your student pilot certificate and a medical certificate from an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). We help you through both early so nothing slows you down later.
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Ground School
Learn the knowledge side of flying, aerodynamics, weather, regulations, and navigation, and prepare for the FAA written test.
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First Solo
The milestone every pilot remembers: your first flight alone in the airplane, once your instructor signs you off as ready.
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Checkride
Demonstrate your knowledge and flying skills to an FAA examiner and earn your pilot certificate.
Ground school, your way
The order is flexible. Dan recommends getting a few hours in the airplane first so the ground material clicks faster, but if you would rather knock out ground school before you fly, he will tailor a ground-first program for you.
Training that fits your schedule
Lessons are available nights, weekends, and days. You and your instructor work out a training plan together, and the pace is set by that plan, not the other way around.
Ready to start?
The best first step is a $145 discovery flight. Questions about rates, or want to talk through a plan first? Reach out and we'll work out something that fits your goals and your schedule. Already training somewhere else? You're welcome here too — bring your logbook and we'll pick up right where you are.
Or call / text Dan at (920) 358-0581