Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 54
About
Cirrus Aviation is an FAA-approved flight school based at Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport (KSRQ) in Sarasota, Florida, offering professional and recreational pilot training since 1994. Programs include Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Commercial Pilot, and CFI certifications under both FAA Part 61 and Part 141. The school features a modern aircraft fleet, an advanced flight simulator lab with Alsim AATD simulators, in-house aircraft maintenance with IA-certified mechanics, on-site FAA airman knowledge testing, aircraft rental, and aircraft brokerage services. Cirrus Aviation is GI Bill approved and partners with Liberty University for a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics degree program.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pipistrel Alpha (Alpha Trainer) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $75 – $300/hr | $5,200 – $20,900 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $40 – $160/hr | $1,675 – $6,725 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Estimated Total Range | $7,400 – $29,800 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Cirrus Aviation is estimated to cost $7,400 – $29,800. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
Yes, Cirrus Aviation is approved for both Part 61 and Part 141 training. Part 141 uses a structured, FAA-approved curriculum with stage checks and lowers the minimum hours for a Private Pilot Certificate from 40 to 35. Part 61 is self-paced with no required syllabus. Ask the school which path fits your schedule.
No, Cirrus 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.
Cirrus Aviation's training fleet includes the Cessna 172 (Skyhawk), Diamond DA42 NG (Twin Star), Piper PA-28-151 (Warrior), and Pipistrel Alpha (Alpha Trainer). 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, Cirrus Aviation has the following flight training devices: Alsim AL250 and Alsim AL172. Ask the school which ratings the devices count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Cirrus Aviation does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.
Contact
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