Private Pilot Courses

Few experiences in life match that of flying. From the first time you take the controls and feel yourself lift into the air, through your first solo where you know you are in total control of that airplane you used to dream of from the ground. But what does it take to become a member of that elite group of people who took their dreams and made them reality? The one thing that is certain is that as long as you are sitting here looking at words on a computer screen, someone else is up there in the sky where you want to be.

Getting your license is easier than you think. You'll just need 3 things:

• Time

  The minimum time required by the Federal Aviation Administration, (FAA) to earn your Private Pilot certificate is 40 hours, but studies have shown that the average student will get their "Wings" in around 60-75 hours. There are many variables that determine the length of time required to complete your training. Seasonal issues, weather, money and your own scheduling flexibility all are important items to consider. Some students have gotten their licenses in as little as 3 or 5 months while others may take quite a bit longer. The average commitment is approximately one year. This is something most schools won't tell you.

• Money

  While learning to fly isn't inexpensive, it is less expensive than you may think. For around $8,000 you can complete your training from first flight to licensed pilot. Lessons are paid for on a per flight basis. Ask any pilot and they'll tell you it's money well spent! Best of all, your introductory flight counts as logged training time toward the FAA requirements! Before you know it, you will be soaring among the clouds.

• Commitment

  And lastly, learning to fly is much more than attending classes and going through the motions. It's a willingness to accept new challenges, setting and obtaining goals and having the desire to succeed. Many self-study courses are available which can make your time spent in the airplane more efficient, ask your instructor for more info. Learning to fly cannot be done as a one hour block of time spent every few weeks, it requires a higher level of immersion.

Tailwheel Training

If you're looking to put some excitement back into your flying, a tailwheel endorsement may be just what you are looking for.

A tailwheel endorsement is a great skill builder and will increase your skill level no matter what you fly. Not only is it unparalleled fun and excitement, but it will make you a better pilot and improve safety, too!

For tailwheel trainers we use the heavily bush-modified Piper PA-18 Super Cub "160" with slotted wing and extended flaps and the classic Piper J-3 Cub. After you earn your tailwheel endorsement you can also check out in our beautifully restored Stearman biplane. Fly the plane that separated the "men from the boys." There's nothing that can match the sound and feel of a round engine and an open cockpit.

Most students checkout in 6-8 hours and can usually be done in a long weekend. Incorporate your BFR in your training as a bonus.

Advanced Tailwheel / Bush Pilot Training

Overview

For those with a more adventurous spirit in addition to basic tailwheel instruction, we also offer an Advanced Tailwheel/Bush Flying Course. Learn the advanced techniques that professional bush pilots use and how to utilize the edges of the airplane's performance envelope. Even if you never fly in the bush, the techniques you will learn will increase your proficiency and improve safety. You will fly our highly-modified slot wing Super Cub with vortex generators and 31" Alaskan Bushwheels.

Objectives

• Get maximum performance from your aircraft
• Operate from unimproved strips
• Master extreme short and soft field techniques
• Operate on sloped strips
• Perform confined area operations

Course is approximately 6-8 hours. Basic tailwheel endorsement is required. Call for more details.

Ski Training

Winter operations are a whole lot more fun in a classic J3 on skis. Ground and in-flight lessons help you learn the ski techniques for various snow conditions — including white-out landings, remote area operations and self-reliance training — that are necessary to become proficient in ski flying.

Seasonal, please call for more information.

Hourly Rates