Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 70
About
Aloft Aviation is a leading flight school and FBO at Airlake Airport (KLVN) in Lakeville, Minnesota. Founded in 2020, we are a veteran-owned and operated Part 61 flight school offering private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, CFI/CFII, and multi-engine courses. Our on-site A&P mechanics, in-house avionics shop, and expert instructors provide a full-service aviation experience in the Twin Cities area.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 172M (Skyhawk) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $80 – $320/hr | $5,600 – $22,400 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $45 – $170/hr | $1,775 – $7,150 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $25 – $100/hr | $500 – $2,000 |
| Estimated Total Range | $7,900 – $31,500 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Aloft Aviation is estimated to cost $7,900 – $31,500. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Aloft Aviation operates under Part 61. Training is self-paced: you and your instructor set the curriculum rather than following a pre-approved syllabus. The FAA minimum for a Private Pilot Certificate under Part 61 is 40 flight hours, though most students need 60 to 70.
No, Aloft Aviation does not have a Designated Pilot Examiner on staff. When you're ready for your checkride, you'll need to book with an independent DPE. Ask the school if they can point you to one nearby.
Aloft Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 172S (Skyhawk), Cessna 172M (Skyhawk), Cessna 172N (Skyhawk), Piper PA-28-161 (Warrior), Cirrus SR20, and Piper PA-30 (Cougar). Having multiple types in the fleet keeps your training on track if one plane is down for maintenance. Ask the school about current availability and any additional charges per aircraft.
Yes, Aloft Aviation has the following flight training device: VA VA05. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Aloft Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.