Your Path to Pilot in Command
Our proven process takes you from student to pilot in command with milestones you’ll never forget
Discovery Flight
Take your first flight with a Certified Flight Instructor and experience what it’s like to take the controls. You’ll get a feel for the aircraft, the local airspace, and the training environment before committing to your journey.
Program Start & CFI Match
Once you’re ready to begin, we’ll pair you with your lead instructor, align your goals, and build a custom training schedule and study plan that fits your pace.
Fundamentals & Airwork
Lay the groundwork for safe and confident flying. Master takeoffs, landings, slow flight, stalls, steep turns, and other core maneuvers that set the stage for your solo.
Solo & Cross-Country Training
After demonstrating proficiency, you’ll earn your solo endorsement—an unforgettable milestone. From there, you’ll expand your skills through cross-country flights, navigation, and real-world decision making.
Night Operations & Advanced Skills
Refine your technique with night flying, emergency procedures, and advanced maneuvers. These lessons strengthen your situational awareness and confidence in diverse conditions.
Checkride Preparation
Polish every maneuver and review ground knowledge to perfection. With mock orals and final proficiency flights, you’ll be ready to ace your checkride and earn your wings.
A Fleet Designed for Your Mission
Training costs vary by aircraft, fuel prices, and individual pace. Students can mix and match aircraft — many start in the Cherokee 140 for affordability, then advance to the Archer or Cirrus for glass-cockpit experience.
All estimates are based on a 55-hour average, reflecting Aspire’s realistic approach to the FAA’s minimum 40-hour requirement and the national average of about 65 hours.
Piper Cherokee
Piper Archer
Cirrus SR20
The Aspire Aviation Difference
Aspire’s FAA-approved simulators mirror the exact cockpits of our aircraft, including Garmin G1000 NXi and Cirrus Perspective systems. Combined with our modern glass-panel fleet, you’ll train smarter, cut costs, and build confidence with the same technology professional pilots use.
Starting with the right tools means faster progress and a stronger foundation.
What You Can Do With a Private Pilot License?
Private aviation creates freedom for families and efficiency for businesses — opening doors that cars and airlines can’t.
Fly on Your Timeline
Go when the weather and your schedule line up. No airline queues, no connections.
Bring Passengers, Share Costs
Take friends, family, or colleagues along while sharing expenses within the rules.
Land Closer to Your Plans
Reach thousands of public-use airports, from major hubs to small-town strips near your actual destination.
PPL General Prerequisites
To earn a Private Pilot License under FAA Part 61, every student must meet these standards:
- Age – At least 17 years old to hold the certificate (you can solo at 16).
- Medical Certificate – Hold a valid FAA 3rd Class Medical or BasicMed.
- Knowledge Test – Pass the FAA Private Pilot Airman Knowledge Test (written exam).
- Flight Experience – Minimum of 40 total hours
- Practical Test – Successfully complete the checkride (oral + flight test) with a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE).
Aspire’s structured approach keeps you aligned with these FAA requirements while building the skills and confidence to act as Pilot in Command.
Private Pilot Program FAQ
How do I schedule my flight lessons after enrollment?
Once you’re enrolled, we’ll set you up in Flight Circle and pair you with your primary CFI. From there, you can schedule aircraft, simulator, and ground lessons directly.
Do I need prior flying experience to start Private Pilot training?
Once you’re enrolled, we’ll set you up in Flight Circle and pair you with your primary CFI. From there, you can schedule aircraft, simulator, and ground lessons directly.
Should I book a Discovery Flight before starting training?
Yes. A Discovery Flight is the best first step. It gives you hands-on time with an instructor in the cockpit, helps confirm your goals, and counts as loggable flight time if you continue training.
What is the typical first solo timeline?
Most students solo between 15–25 flight hours, depending on pace, weather, and consistency of training. Your CFI will sign you off only when you are fully ready.
What study materials are required?
Your CFI will provide guidance on FAA handbooks, prep courses, and Aspire-recommended study tools. Ground lessons and online resources are structured to keep you checkride-ready.
How flexible is the training schedule?
Training is flexible. You and your CFI set a pace that works for you, whether flying multiple times per week or progressing more gradually.
How often should I fly to make steady progress?
We recommend at least 2–3 lessons per week. Flying consistently keeps skills fresh and usually lowers your total training hours compared to spreading lessons out.
Intro Discovery Flight
Take the controls with a certified flight instructor and enjoy the thrill of flight over Kansas City. Our Discovery Flights put you in the left seat of a Cirrus SR20, Cirrus SR22, or Piper Archer TX, giving you a true taste of aviation. Learn the basics of flight, handle the controls, and enjoy unforgettable views of the Kansas City skyline. No experience required—just bring your sense of adventure.
Starting at $125