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Cessna 172 tied down on the grass at sunset with a blue sky above Moraine Airpark

How It Works

From your first question to a professional pilot career, every step has a purpose and every milestone is clear. Start the way that suits you, and we build the plan around your schedule.

Your Way In

Start Flight Training Your Way

Starting something new can feel like a big leap, so we let you choose the door. Some people book a flight first, and others would rather call, send an email, or talk with an instructor before they decide. Every one of those works.

  1. 1

    Pick Your Starting Point

    Book a Discovery Flight, call us, send an email, or fill out the form. A discovery flight is a real lesson with an instructor, you do not need any experience, and your first flight counts as lesson one in your logbook.

  2. 2

    Talk With an Instructor

    Tell us what you want from flying and when you are free to train. We match you with an instructor and shape a plan around your evenings, weekends, and work schedule.

  3. 3

    Enroll and Start Your Plan

    When you are ready, finish enrolling and begin training under Part 61, the FAA rules that let your training fit your schedule. You fly with your instructor one on one, and each lesson builds on the last.

What You Need to Begin

Eligibility depends on the certificate. To earn a Private Pilot certificate you must be at least 17, read, speak, and understand English, and meet the medical rules. Most airplane students need a medical certificate before their first solo, so talk with an Aviation Medical Examiner early if you have any questions.

Book a Discovery Flight
Smiling student in a red hoodie seated in the left seat of a Cessna Skyhawk with headset

Your First Certificate

Build a Strong Foundation

Every pilot career begins with a first certificate and a rating or two. The FAA sets minimum hours for each one, and most students fly more than the minimum, so your instructor paces you by what you can do and not by the clock.

Sport Pilot

A focused path to recreational flying in light sport aircraft. The FAA minimum is 20 hours, and some students may use a driver's license in place of a medical when FAA rules allow.

Explore Sport Pilot Training

Private Pilot

The certificate most pilots start with. You learn to fly safely, plan trips, and carry passengers. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, and most students need more.

Explore Private Pilot Training

Instrument Rating

A rating you add to your private certificate to fly by reference to your instruments. It opens up flying in clouds and low visibility, and it is a key step toward a career.

Explore Instrument Training
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Where It Can Lead

Grow Toward a Pilot Career

Once your foundation is solid, each new certificate stacks on the one before it. You add privileges, build flight time, and move closer to flying for pay. There is no fixed timeline, because your pace depends on how often you fly, the weather, and how you learn.

  • Commercial Pilot Certificate. Lets you fly for pay in certain kinds of operations. You must be 18 and hold a private certificate, and many airplane applicants need 250 hours of total flight time.
  • Certified Flight Instructor. Teaches you to brief, demonstrate, and coach from the right seat. You need a commercial certificate and an instrument rating, and instructing is a common way to build flight time.
  • Complex Endorsement. Prepares you to fly airplanes with retractable gear, flaps, and a controllable-pitch propeller. It is a short course that often fits into commercial training.
See the Pilot Career Path
View over the propeller on final approach to runway 26 with green fields and the river beside it
Sunset sky over the river with runway 26 ahead past the propeller

Pay as You Train

Training That Fits Your Budget

There are no monthly dues here. You pay as you train, so your spending follows the lessons you fly, and you can take one step at a time.

Your total cost depends on your pace, the weather, and how you learn. Ask us for a plan and pricing for the certificate you want, and we will map the steps with you.

Learn How Training WorksBook a Discovery Flight

Clear Your Doubts

Questions Students Ask Before They Start

Do I need any experience to start?

No experience is needed. Training begins with the basics and builds from there, and a discovery flight is a good way to see how it feels.

What do I need before I can start?

For a private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17, understand English, and meet the medical rules. Most airplane students need a medical certificate before their first solo, so ask an Aviation Medical Examiner early if you have questions.

Can I train while I work full time?

Yes. Training runs under Part 61, which lets us build around your schedule, with evening and weekend appointments available. Tell your instructor what your week looks like and the plan adjusts.

Do I have to commit to a full career path?

No. You can start with one certificate and decide the next step later. Many students begin with a discovery flight, then choose the program that fits their goal.

How much will it cost?

Cost depends on the certificate, your pace, and the weather, so we build a plan before you commit. There are no monthly dues, and you pay as you train. Contact us for pricing on the program you want.

How long does it take?

There is no fixed timeline. How often you fly, the weather, your schedule, and how you learn all change the answer. Talk with an instructor about your goals and we will show you what a realistic plan looks like.

Got any more questions? Contact us and we will be happy to answer.

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