What does it cost?

At STL Flight Training, we believe in making aviation accessible and predictable. Whether you're just getting started or pursuing advanced certifications, our pricing estimates give you a clear understanding of what to expect. Below you'll find breakdowns for each training program so you can plan your journey with confidence.
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Private Pilot - $11-$15,000
Instrument Rating - $7,000
Commercial Pilot - $7,000

CFI - $6,000 (not including time building)
CFII - $2,000

From zero to CFI we estimate $70,000 total

Instructor rates : $75 an hour

Flexible Payment Options

We believe that paying for flight school should be as flexible as your schedule. That’s why we offer multiple payment options to fit your needs:
-Pay-as-you-go: Pay after each flight or lesson, with no upfront commitment.
-Prepay and save: Make prepayments of $1,000 or more and receive a 5% discount — a great way to save as you train!

‍Note: Discounts are only available on prepayments made via bank transfer.

Whether you're budgeting one lesson at a time or planning ahead, we’ll work with you to find the best option for your training journey.

Types of licenses

Private Pilot’s License PPL

This is the first license you'll work on as you begin your journey into the world of aviation! After receiving your PPL (Private Pilot's License) you'll be licensed to fly single engine land aircraft (SEL) with as many passengers as you want. You will be able to enjoy the freedom and joy that comes with entering the world of private aviation as you'll be able to fly yourself and those you love (almost) anywhere you want!

Below you'll find an overview of the journey you'll follow as you study to get your license with STL Flight Training.

Discovery flight

A discovery flight is your first step as you begin your journey into the world of private aviation! You'll be paired with a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), walk through preflight procedures, go over a ground briefing and fire up the engine. You'll taxi out to the runway and after you're cleared for takeoff, you'll start your takeoff roll and rotate one you build up enough speed to brake the bonds of gravity and lift into the sky!

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You'll be free to fly as much as you want, perform any basic maneuvers and even get an up close view of the Gateway Arch and National park above Downtown St Louis!

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Click here to get started and purchase your discovery flight today!

Basic Requirements

Before your first training flight, you'll meet with your CFI and go over the basic requirements for getting your PPL.

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Eligibility Requirements 14 CFR 61.103

Be at least 17 years of age ( 16 to solo)
Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
Obtain at least a Third Class Medical Certificate
Pass the required knowledge test (STL Flight Training offers Sporty's courses to our students at a discount!)
Complete the required flight training
Obtain a U. S. Student Pilot Certificate (apply here iacra.faa.gov)

Basic Flight

As you start training, you'll work on these basic flight maneuvers first!

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Basic Flight Maneuvers

Slow flight
Stalls
Steep Turns

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Ground Reference Maneuvers

S Turns
Turns around a point

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Emergency Maneuvers

Engine Out
Engine Fire
Lost Communications

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Pre Solo - Pattern Work

Takeoff and Landings

Solo Flight

Before you take your first solo flight you'll take a pre solo written test and then you'll experience the magic of solo flight for the first time! It's an incredible experience you'll remember for the rest of your life.

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Pre Solo Written Test
First Solo

Cross Country Flight

After you take your solo flight, you'll move into some more advanced training including some fun Cross Country flights, night time flights and flying based solely on your aircraft's instruments,

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Cross Country training

50 nm or more trip
Creating flight plan
Executing flight plan

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Night flying (3hrs)

Night XC (cross country)
10 Take offs & Landings

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BAI Basic Attitudes in Instrument Conditions

Flying relying solely on instruments inside the cockpit
3hrs

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Solo Cross Country

150 nm 3 airports

Checkride

After you've completed all the requirements for your checkride, you'll finish up your checkride prep and review the ACS (Airmen Certification Standards) for Private Pilots.

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Review Eligibility Requirements 14 CFR 61.103

Minimum 40 hrs Total Time
Minimum 20 hrs Dual
Minimum 10 hrs Solo
Really 45-60

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Review Flight Maneuvers

Basic Flight Maneuvers
Ground Ref Maneuvers
Emergency Maneuvers
Pattern Work
Cross Country Prep

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Checkride

Knowledge (Oral) Exam
Practical Exam

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Instrument Rating IFR

You did it, you're a Private Pilot! Now what? It's time to continue your training and learn how to fly without being able to see out of the windows!

Instrument training is one of the most important ratings for all pilots to receive, even if you never plan to fly in clouds or weather, learning the proper procedures and skills required to safely navigate and fly without having any reference to the ground not only makes you a safer pilot, but you'll gain confidence too.

Basic Requirements

To be ellegible to get your Instrument Rating you have to meet the following requirements found in 14 CFR Part 61.65

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Hold at least a Private Pilot's License
Receive Ground Training and pass the required written test (we offer discounted rates on Sporty's courses)
Complete the required flight training
Pass the Practical and Knowledge Tests (FAA Checkride)

BAI Basic Attitudes instruments

Tracking VOR

Holds

DME Arcs

Charts

Enroute Charts

Approach Plates

Briefings

Approaches

Non Precision

Precision

Departures and Arrivals

SIDS

STARS

Clearances and Procedures

IFR Cross Country

Planning

Emergencies

Weather Regulations

FAA Checkride

After you've completed all the required training and instruction to prepare for your checkride, you'll review the ACS (Airmen Certification Standards) for Instrument Rating.

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Your checkride will consist of a knowledge test and a practical test administered by a FAA DPE.

Commercial Pilot’s License CPL

Okay, now you're an Instrument Rated Private Pilot. What's next? If you want to pursue a career in aviation or get additional training to continue becoming an even safer pilot, the Commercial Pilot's License is your next step!

After receiving this certificate, you'll be able to get paid to fly! Time building is one of the biggest steps in becoming eligible for your commercial, so have fun and take some long cross country flights and explore new airports.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS

To be eligible to receive your Commercial Pilot's License, you must meet the requirements found in

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Be at least 18 years of age
Be able to read, speak, write and understand English
Hold at least a Private Pilot's License
Meet the experience requirements (14 CFR Part 61.129)
Pass the required Knowledge test (we offer discounted rates on Sporty's courses)
Pass the required Practical test (Checkride)

Maneuvers

Lazy 8’s
Chandelles
8’s on pylons
Power off 180’s

Cross Country

50 hrs PIC Cross Country Time
GPS Navigation
2 hr 100 nm Daytime Dual flight
2 hr 100 nm Nighttime Dual Flight
300 nm Solo Cross Country (1 leg min 250 nm)