Flight Training Programs
Private Pilot
Learn to fly for fun and personal travel, building the core skills every pilot needs. Fly single‑engine airplanes, carry passengers, and enjoy local or cross‑country trips for non‑commercial purposes
Estimated time for completion: 40-60 hrs
We’ll work on eligibility requirements found here.
Instrument Rating
Add all‑weather capability and more confidence to your flying. Use instruments and published procedures to safely complete trips when visibility isn’t ideal.
Estimated time for completion: 40-60 hrs
We’ll work on eligibility requirements found here.
Commercial Pilot
Take your skills to a professional standard. Qualify to be paid for certain types of flying and demonstrate higher precision, knowledge, and judgment in every phase of flight.
Estimate time for completion: 50-100 hrs
We’ll work on eligibility requirements found here.
Finish-Up Training
Finish the license or rating you started elsewhere. Let’s review your past training, focus on weak spots, and help you efficiently prepare for your checkride.
Pricing & Aircraft
My instructional rate is $35 per hour for one‑on‑one flight or ground training. Aircraft rental fee is paid separately (which varies based on aircraft), or you’re welcome to use your own properly insured and maintained airplane. I can work with clients to find aircraft that are safe, reliable, and as budget‑friendly as possible so you know what to expect before every lesson.
How to Get Started
Inquire
Contact me, share your goals, and get honest answers about what learning to fly involves. Finishing up? Let's curate a plan to get your certificate!
Take a Discovery Flight
Experience flying from the front seat and decide if you’d like to move forward.
Confirm Eligibility
Let's get your student pilot license and confirm your medical eligibility-before investing in full training
Start Training
If everything checks out, I’ll help you get your materials, begin ground school, and schedule your first flight lesson
Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility
Do I need any prior flying experience to start?
No. All training programs are designed to take you from zero experience to your certificate. If you do have prior experience, a discovery flight or evaluation lesson will establish where to pick up.
How old do I need to be to start flight training?
You can begin training at any age. However, you must be at least 16 to solo a powered aircraft and 17 to earn your Private Pilot Certificate (PPL).
Are there any vision or health requirements?
The FAA sets the medical standards. Common correctable conditions like glasses or contacts are generally acceptable. A visit to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) will confirm your eligibility.
Where can I find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME)?
You can find a list of AMEs through the FAA here.
Can non-U.S. citizens train with you?
Yes, but TSA regulations require non-U.S. citizens to complete a TSA background check and receive approval before training begins. This process can take a few weeks, so plan ahead.
Training
What should I expect during training?
Training is a combination of flight lessons, ground instruction, and self-study. Along the way, you will reach milestones like your first solo flight before building toward your final evaluation. Earning each certificate or rating requires passing an FAA Knowledge Test (written exam) and a Practical Exam (checkride). The checkride consists of an oral portion, where the examiner tests your ground knowledge, and a flight portion, where you demonstrate proficiency in required maneuvers. Training is designed to prepare you for both. Consistent studying between lessons is strongly encouraged and plays a major role in how quickly you progress. See Resources for more information to help you ace your exams.
What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 training?
Part 61 and Part 141 refer to two different sets of FAA regulations that govern how flight training is conducted. Part 61 is more flexible and self-paced, while Part 141 follows a structured, FAA-approved course curriculum with defined stage checks and minimum hour requirements per stage.
Which regulation does Flight by Mike operate under?
Part 61. This allows for a flexible, student-centered approach where the pace and structure of training is tailored to your individual progress and schedule.
Does Part 61 take longer than Part 141?
Not necessarily. Part 61 requires a minimum of 40 flight hours for a PPL, the same as Part 141. The difference is that Part 141 schools can issue a PPL at 35 hours minimum because of their structured curriculum and FAA oversight. In practice, most students under either regulation finish closer to 60–70 hours.
How long does it take to complete a program?
Programs can be completed within 2-4 months depending on how often you fly.
How often should I schedule lessons?
Flying at least 2–3 times per week is strongly recommended. Consistent training leads to faster skill retention and reduces the total hours — and cost — needed to reach your goals.
What certificates and ratings do you offer?
I offer training for the Private Pilot Certificate (PPL), Instrument Rating (IFR), and Commercial Pilot Certificate (CPL) for Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL) aircraft
Do I need to study on my own outside of lessons?
Absolutely. Ground study between lessons accelerates your progress significantly. You will need to pass a FAA Knowledge Test during your training, and undergo an oral (ground knowledge) examination on the day of your practical test. which requires dedicated self-study. See Resources for recommendations to master your ground knowledge.
Do you work with specific Designate Pilot Examiners (DPE)?
Yes, but I allow clients to utilize their network for a DPE or they may contact one of their choosing. List of DPEs can be found here.
Where will flight training be located?
Aircraft availability for flight training will be at Durant OK (KDUA). I’m working on increasing availability in McKinney, TX (KTKI) and in Dallas (KRBD).
Aircraft & Equipment
What aircraft will I be training in?
Training is conducted mainly in a Cessna 172. However, I am open to train in other models of aircraft. Specific aircraft details and availability will be discussed during your initial consultation.
Do I need to rent the aircraft separately from instruction?
No, it is my responsibility to book the aircraft for a flight lesson.
Do I need renter's insurance?
Renter’s insurance is strongly recommended and may be required depending on the aircraft owner. It protects you from liability in the event of accidental damage to the aircraft. Policies are affordable and easy to obtain through aviation insurers like AOPA, Avemco, or Skywatch.ai.
What if the aircraft is out of service for maintenance?
Scheduled and unscheduled maintenance is handled by the aircraft owner. If the assigned aircraft is unavailable, lessons may be rescheduled or an alternate aircraft arranged when possible.
What equipment or materials do I need to bring to lessons?
For most lessons you will need your logbook, a valid government-issued photo ID, your medical certificate (once obtained), a headset, tablet (preferably iPad) and any applicable charts or study materials. A kneeboard and flight bag are also useful but not required from day one. See Resources for more details.
What is a "wet" rental rate?
A wet rate means fuel is included in the hourly rental price. This is the most common rental structure and simplifies cost tracking since you are not billed separately for fuel. Should we fly in a “dry” lease (fuel not included), cost of fuel will be the client’s responsibility.
Scheduling
How do I schedule a lesson?
Lessons are scheduled directly with me via phone, text, or email. An online booking system are in the works and will be available soon.
How far in advance should I book a lesson?
Booking 3-5 days in advance is recommended to secure your preferred time slot. Same-day requests may be accommodated depending on availability but are not guaranteed.
What days and hours are lessons available?
Specific availability varies — contact me to discuss a recurring schedule that works for you.
What is the cancellation policy?
Cancellations made with adequate advance notice carry no charge. Several occurrences of late cancellations or no-shows will be subject to a fee (instructor rate per half-hour reserved). Specific notice requirements will be outlined in your training agreement
Weather-related cancellations are made at the instructor’s discretion using official aviation weather sources. Safety is always the priority. No charge is applied for weather cancellations, and the lesson will be rescheduled at the earliest opportunity.
Is there a minimum flight time per lesson?
To maximize your travel time and effectiveness of a flight lesson, approximately 1.5–2.5 hours of flight time should be expected. This can vary depending on the maneuvers being practiced and weather conditions on the day.
What happens if we have to cut a lesson short?
If a lesson is cut short due to weather, aircraft issues, or other unforeseen circumstances, you are only billed for the actual flight time and instruction time completed.
Finances
How much does each program typically costs?
Training costs can range between $8500-$12000, excluding examination fees.
What are the rates for instruction?
My instructional rate is $35 per hour for one‑on‑one flight or ground training. Aircraft rental fee ( varies per hour based on aircraft) will be added and itemized in your invoice, or you’re welcome to use your own properly insured and maintained airplane.
How is billing handled?
You will be invoiced based on my hourly instruction rate plus the aircraft’s hourly rental rate, multiplied by the time spent during each lesson.
When is payment due?
Payment is due after each lesson.
What forms of payment do you accept?
Payment is accepted via card, tap-to-pay, cash, check, PayPal, or via link.