Training programs

Private Pilot Program

Where it all starts, this is where you'll learn to become a pilot. This Federal Certification will open up the world of Aviation to you, your friends, and your family. Once you are a pilot, you are a pilot for life!

Review the Private Pilot intro video from our training partner, Sporty's Online Training

Our syllabus-driven Private Pilot program is built to provide comprehensive training that exceeds FAA requirements. With a focus on personalized, one-on-one instruction led by FAA-certified instructors, you can train at a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Online Syllabus-Based Training in partnership with Sporty's. Your flight lessons follow the award-winning Sporty's online courses. Prepare and review your lessons online as you progress through the program.
Online Scheduling and Lesson Grading. Access your schedule and monitor your progress via our Flight Circle online portal. Stay up to date with lesson reminders and notifications.
In-house FAA Certified Aircraft Maintenance Staff. Airplanes break, but our dedicated staff keeps them running!
Up Front Pricing (no added fees)
Financing Available.

Rates as of 10/2025

$65 per hour. Instructor rate.
$120 per flight hour: Cessna 150 (VFR)
$150 per flight hour: Cessna 172 or Piper PA28 140 (150 conversion). (IFR/VFR)
$160 per flight hour: EFIS-equipped (Garmin G5) "Glass cockpit" and the Garmin 430w / 530w WAAS GPS (VFR/IFR)

Block rate discount! Buy just 10 hours in advance and save 10% on the airplane rate!

Aircraft hourly rates include fuel.

FAA 61.109

Minimum of 40 flight hours of total flight time
10 hours of solo flight time as pilot in command (PIC), including 5 hours flying “Cross-country” (50+ Miles), including one "long" solo cross-country of 150+ Miles with landings at 3 airports.
3 hours of simulated instrument training.
3 hours of night training.
One on One Classroom Instruction and Evaluation
Pass the FAA Written Exam with a minimum of 70%.
Program Length: Depends on Client Availability (customizable)
Training Schedule: 2 - 5 x week (customizable)
Program cost depends on a variety of factors; inquire within.
Check ride examiner fee, written test, and equipment costs not included.

We offer the following Funding options:

Pay as you go (pay for each lesson as you complete them.
Discount "block time": Purchase 10 hours of flight time for a discount. As long as you have hours on your contract, you just pay for the instructional time.
Program Funding. Finance up to 100% of your flight training, including deferred funding options via Stratus Financial. Click here to learn about financing with Stratus.

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Discovery Flight

Financing

Instrument pilot program

Learn to fly in the clouds with the airlines on the same frequency! Fly Instrument Approaches to Minimums and fly like a "real pilot" (at least that's how I felt.) In this course, you'll learn to fly your airplane in instrument conditions while managing navigation and communications to a new level!

Review the Instrument Pilot intro video from our training partner, Sporty's Online Training.

Our syllabus-driven Instrument Pilot program is built to provide comprehensive training that exceeds FAA requirements. With a focus on personalized, one-on-one instruction led by FAA-certified instructors, you can train at a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Online Syllabus-Based Training in partnership with Sporty's. Your flight lessons follow the award-winning Sporty's online courses. Prepare and review your lessons online as you progress through the program.
Online Scheduling and Lesson Grading. Access your schedule and monitor your progress via our Flight Circle online portal. Stay up to date with lesson reminders and notifications.
In-house FAA Certified Aircraft Maintenance Staff. Airplanes break, but our dedicated staff keeps them running!
Up Front Pricing (no added fees)

Rates as of 10/2025

$65 per hour. Instructor rate.
$150 per flight hour: Cessna 172 or Piper PA28 140 (150 conversion). (IFR/VFR)
$160 per flight hour: EFIS-equipped (Garmin G5) "Glass cockpit" and the Garmin 430w / 530w WAAS GPS (VFR/IFR)

Block rate discount! Buy just 10 hours in advance and save 10% on the airplane rate!

Aircraft hourly rates include fuel.

FAA 61.65

50 hours of cross-country flight time as pilot in command
Forty hours of actual or simulated instrument time in the areas of operation listed in 61.65 paragraph (c)
Instrument flight training on cross-country flight procedures, including one cross-country flight in an airplane with an authorized instructor, that is performed under instrument flight rules when a flight plan has been filed with an air traffic control facility and that involves—
- (A) A flight of 250 nautical miles along airways or by directed routing from an air traffic control facility;
- (B) An instrument approach at each airport; and
- (C) Three different kinds of approaches with the use of navigation systems.

One on One Classroom Instruction and Evaluation.
Pass the FAA Written Exam with a minimum of 70%.
Program Length: Depends on Client Availability (customizable)
Training Schedule: 2 - 5 x week (customizable)
Program cost depends on a variety of factors, inquire within.
Check ride examiner fee, written test and equipment costs not included.

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Commercial Pilot program

The ticket to getting paid to fly! Our commercial Pilot program focuses on mastering your airplane with more advanced maneuvers and 10 hours in a Beech Bonanza (provided outside of the school). Learn to fly a high-performance/complex/Technologically Advanced aircraft at speeds approaching 200 MPH and fly the training aircraft to the LIMITS with skill. Learn about systems, aircraft performance, and systems at a professional level.

Review the Commercial Pilot intro video from our training partner, Sporty's Online Training

Our syllabus-driven Commercial Pilot program is built to provide comprehensive training that exceeds FAA requirements. With a focus on personalized, one-on-one instruction led by FAA-certified instructors, you can train at a pace that suits your lifestyle.

Online Syllabus-Based Training in partnership with Sporty's. Your flight lessons follow the award-winning Sporty's online courses. Prepare and review your lessons online as you progress through the program.
Online Scheduling and Lesson Grading. Access your schedule and monitor your progress via our Flight Circle online portal. Stay up to date with lesson reminders and notifications.
In-house FAA Certified Aircraft Maintenance Staff. Airplanes break, but our dedicated staff keeps them running!
Up Front Pricing (no added fees)

Rates as of 3/2026

$65 per hour. Instructor rate.
$120 per flight hour: Cessna 150 (VFR) (Great option for timebuilding)
$150 per flight hour: Cessna 172 or Piper PA28 140 (150 conversion). (IFR/VFR)
$160 per flight hour: EFIS-equipped (Garmin G5) "Glass cockpit" and the Garmin 430w / 530w WAAS GPS (VFR/IFR)

Block rate discount! Buy just 10 hours in advance and save 10% on the airplane rate!

Aircraft hourly rates include fuel.

The KC Aero Academy Difference: Our commercial pilot program includes 10 flight hours in our S35 Beech Bonanza! This is an amazing airplane that will teach you to fly a truly high-performance, complex aircraft in the IFR system. Learn to master energy management, descent planning, engine management, and emergency procedures. All while visiting fun destinations. You can even bring a friend along for free!

Hold a current FAA-issued Third-class medical certificate.
US Citizen (international students, check TSA Requirements.)
Must reach the following requirements prior to taking the FAA Practical Exam
- Pass the FAA Commercial Pilot Written Exam with a 70% or better
- 250 hours of flight time (100 hours as pilot in command)
- 50 hours of Cross Country (>50 NM straight line distance)
- 5 hours of night flight time as pilot in command with 10 takeoffs and Landings.
- 10 hours of instrument training (credited from your IFR training)

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Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI, CFI-I)

The ultimate challenge! The Certified Flight Instructor check ride is said to be the most difficult of all the check rides. Learn to teach and, in the process, learn more about flying and human relations than you ever thought possible! This program focuses on your ability to teach, build lessons, and communicate. The flying portion focuses on previously tested skills (commercial pilot/instrument pilot) while actively teaching from the right seat.

Click here to watch my video on the subject.

Rates as of 3/2026

$65 per hour. Instructor rate.
$120 per flight hour: Cessna 150 (VFR) (Great option for timebuilding)
$150 per flight hour: Cessna 172 or Piper PA28 140 (150 conversion). (IFR/VFR)
$160 per flight hour: EFIS-equipped (Garmin G5) "Glass cockpit" and the Garmin 430w / 530w WAAS GPS (VFR/IFR)

Block rate discount! Buy just 10 hours in advance and save 10% on the airplane rate!

Aircraft hourly rates include fuel.

Aside from your commercial pilot certificate with 250 hours of flight time, there are no minimums for the Certified Flight Instructor certificate, but you must complete the following.

FAA 61.183

FAA Written Exam on the Fundamentals of Instruction
FAA Written Exam Certified Flight Instructor (a combination of your Commercial and Instrument exams.)
Stall / Spin Awareness Flight Training, including Spin Recovery Procedures.
Pass a rigorous oral exam with an FAA-designated pilot examiner (DPE). No, the FAA doesn't offer check rides any longer. This is considered the most difficult of all the exams!
Pass a flight test where you'll be teaching while flying the maneuvers.
Plan on 20-40 hours of ground instruction depending on your level of preparation.
Watch my YouTube video for some good tips.

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