Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 52
About
We Make Better Pilots through the most Complete Flight Training available. Expanding your confidence, skill, marketability, and fun. Let's FLY! Pilot Makers Advanced Flight Academy was founded to give aviators in the Mountain West, and beyond, the opportunity to enhance their flying skills and knowledge through tailwheel and aerobatic training with the belief that expanding our envelope as pilots improves both our safety and enjoyment as aviators. Loss of Control In Flight (LOCI) has been on the rise in both commercial and private aviation. The unintended consequences of more conservative basic training, "safer" aircraft design, and more advanced avionics technology is the increased reliance on things other than pilot skills. By bringing back skill sets that have been lost to these unintended consequences, Pilot Makers advocates and teaches more advanced pilot skills to offset the increasing reliance on technology that has been eroding physical flying skills. At the end of the day exposure to and confidence in the entire flight envelope that aircraft are capable of is what both gives us more confidence and enjoyment in flying, as well as making us better, safer, and more knowledgeable aviators when the unexpected happens.
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Piper PA-28 (Archer) (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $100 – $400/hr | $7,000 – $28,000 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $35 – $140/hr | $1,475 – $5,875 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $35 – $140/hr | $700 – $2,800 |
| Estimated Total Range | $9,200 – $36,700 | ||
Instruction Rates
Frequently Asked Questions
Training for a Private Pilot Certificate at Pilot Makers is estimated to cost $9,200 – $36,700. to see the full breakdown with exact aircraft rental and instructor rates.
No, Pilot Makers 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, Pilot Makers 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.
Pilot Makers's training fleet includes the Piper PA-28 (Archer), American Champion 8KCAB, Extra 300 L, Piper PA-44 (Seminole), and Cirrus SR20 G6. 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, Pilot Makers has the following flight training device: Redbird. Ask the school which ratings the device count toward and how many hours you can log.
No, Pilot Makers does not charge a fuel surcharge. The published rental rates are your actual hourly cost.