Quality Score
Good
Base (15) + components above = 73
About
We are KC Aero Academy! Exceptional Instructors & Supportive Environment At KC Aero Academy, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional learning environment. With a dedicated team of experienced instructors and staff, we ensure personalized attention and flexibility in your training schedule. Our professional culture is not just about flying; it's about fostering a friendly and sociable atmosphere where you feel comfortable as you pursue your aviation goals. Our journey Formally known as Tampa North Flight Center, KC Aero Academy took flight in 2023 under new ownership and management with a singular vision: to build better pilots! From our humble beginnings (spanning over several decades), we are progressively expanding our offerings, specializing in Part 61 training today and expanding to a Part 141 Aviation Academy. We proudly provide comprehensive flight instruction to aspiring Private Pilots, Instrument Pilots, Commercial Pilots, and Flight Instructors. At KC Aero Academy, we cater our programs to your mission and budget; whatever your goals, we will customize a plan of action to help you make your dreams a reality! Visit our programs page to learn more about flight training at KC Aero Academy. Fleet, Maintenance & Expertise KC Aero Services is a full-service maintenance shop with an on-site A&P IA. We do it all here at KC Aero Services. From an Annual on a Piper Cub to engine replacements on a Cessna 410 to Avionics upgrades, we've got you covered all at affordable prices. FAA Testing Center KC Aero Academy proudly serves as a Certified FAA Testing Center in partnership with PSI. Our onsite facility offers a wide array of testing.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 150L (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $55 – $215/hr | $3,800 – $15,100 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $35 – $130/hr | $1,375 – $5,450 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $130/hr | $650 – $2,600 |
| Estimated Total Range | $5,800 – $23,200 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at KC Aero Academy is estimated to cost $5,800 – $23,200. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, KC Aero Academy 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, KC Aero Academy 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.
KC Aero Academy's training fleet includes the Cessna 172I (Skyhawk), Cessna 172P (Skyhawk), Cessna 172M (Skyhawk), Cessna 172L (Skyhawk), Cessna 150L, Piper PA-28-140 (Cherokee), Piper PA-18-150 (Super Cub), and Piper PA-30 (Twin Comanche). 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, KC Aero Academy has the following flight training device: Gleim BATD. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, KC Aero Academy does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.