Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 55
About
Aqua Aero was started in 2020, by David Lackey, former airline pilot, certificated flight instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. David has a love of the outdoors and aviation. The natural combination of those two activities lead to David earning his seaplane pilot certificate and purchasing a Maule M-7-260 Amphibious aircraft. David eventually purchased a riverfront home on the North East Cape Fear and turned it into the perfect place for pilots to come, relax, and earn their new seaplane pilot certificate! The home features two rooms available for transient students with all inclusive amenities planned for your stay at the property. The location offers great peaceful views and of course an ideal training environment with the training aircraft parked just at the edge of the back yard! Even if you aren't staying at the riverfront home, or if you are local to the area and driving in for training; the seaplane training center location makes it the ideal spot to earn your rating quickly, safely and efficiently. The docks are less than 8 Nautical Miles from Wilmington International Airport and we can even arrange for you to be picked up if you happen to be flying in. A windy river bed that flows in several wide and long, unobstructed directions also means that shifting winds will not likely delay your training. The climate in South Eastern North Carolina affords us the ability to train virtually all year round. ? Along with David, you will find Jonathan Groner a friend and fellow CFI teaching alongside David and maybe even cooking your lunch and dinner., Old friends, and past students are always dropping by to say "Hello" and as much as this is a business, it is also a place where you will come as a stranger, leave as a friend, and know you are always welcome back
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maule M-7 260 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $215 – $850/hr | $14,900 – $59,500 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $215 – $850/hr | $8,900 – $35,700 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Estimated Total Range | $24,400 – $97,400 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Aqua Aero, LLC is estimated to cost $24,400 – $97,400. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Aqua Aero, LLC 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.
Yes, Aqua Aero, LLC has a Designated Pilot Examiner on staff. You can schedule your checkride directly through the school instead of finding an independent examiner on your own. In many areas DPE wait times have stretched to weeks or months, so this is worth factoring in when choosing a school.
Aqua Aero, LLC trains in the Maule M-7 260. Contact the school for current availability and hourly rental rates.
No flight simulators are listed for Aqua Aero, LLC. Some schools have basic Aviation Training Devices that may not be in our database. Ask them directly.
No, Aqua Aero, LLC does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.