Questions you wish you knew beforehand

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Contact us to discuss your goals or request a Discovery Flight. We’ll explain program options and how to get started.

No previous flying experience is needed to begin introductory or Private Pilot training. For advanced programs, we’ll review your certificates and experience.

•  Valid ID (Driver's License and U.S. Passport)
• Ability to speak/read/understand English
• Medical certificate (for solo + most programs)
• Discovery Flight or intro meeting with an instructor

Medical requirements depend on your planned training and flying privileges. Discuss your goals with the academy and consult current FAA guidance and an aviation medical examiner before making training commitments.

Timing depends on lesson frequency, study, weather, aircraft availability and proficiency. We’ll help you develop a realistic plan; completion dates are not guaranteed.

A consistent schedule helps you retain skills. Discuss a lesson frequency you can sustain with your instructor.

 Yes — we offer training 7 days a week, including evenings.

Your instructor will evaluate conditions. When flying is unsuitable, ask about rescheduling or using the time for a ground or simulator lesson.

 Costs depend on:

• Aircraft choice 
• Lesson frequency
• Fuel, weather, and actual flight hours

See our Programs & Rates page for current pricing.

Financing options are available through Stratus Financial for eligible programs. See Financing for details. The lender determines approval and terms; contact us about current payment arrangements for training.

 Yes. A temporary fuel surcharge is currently in effect due to elevated fuel costs. The surcharge fluctuates based on changes to our contracted fuel prices and is regularly reviewed, adjusted, or removed as fuel costs change. Current surcharges are listed on our Programs & Rates page.

• You can begin flight training at any age 
• You must be 16 to solo 
• You must be 17 for the Private Pilot checkride

Solo readiness depends on proficiency, required training and instructor authorization. Your instructor will assess your progress; there is no guaranteed solo date or hour count.

Your instructor introduces radio communication and airport procedures as you progress. Visit our Why Train at Boise page to learn about the training environment.

 We train in:

• Piper Cherokee 180 (83N)
• Piper Archer II (71Y & 85V)
• Piper Cherokee 235 (31W – High Performance/TAA)
• Piper Seneca II Turbo

Yes. We use a Redbird SD simulator for cockpit procedures, instrument practice and training scenarios.  It's available in our Single Engine and Multi Engine configuration. Ask how eligible device experience applies to your training plan.

 Most checkrides are conducted by DPEs in the Idaho region.
Your instructor will help schedule and prepare you. 

Your instructor will help you choose the best materials. We also utilize online ground school to help get you prepared.
We also provide:

• Study plans
• Ground review sessions 
• Simulator time 
• Endorsements

 Around 45–60 minutes, including ground briefing and flying time. 

 Yes — 1 passenger is typically allowed depending on weight and weather.

 Yes — under instructor supervision, you’ll have an opportunity to take the controls shortly after takeoff.