Flight Training FAQs

No. Most of our students have never flown a small airplane. A discovery flight is the perfect first step — you fly the airplane yourself with a certified instructor beside you.

A discovery flight is an introductory lesson where you take the controls of a real airplane with an instructor. At Aerotech it starts at $65 and lasts 30–60 minutes. The time logged counts toward your pilot license if you continue.

Start with a discovery flight or call us. After that first flight, your instructor builds a personalized plan and you begin lessons at a pace that fits your schedule and budget.

Just yourself, comfortable clothing, and sunglasses. We provide headsets and training materials. Bring a friend or family member to watch if you like.

About $14,000 at Aerotech Aviation — thousands less than the $16,000–$18,000 many Salt Lake City schools charge. Your exact total depends on how often you fly and how quickly you progress.

We keep our hourly rates transparent and our overhead low, training out of an efficient towered field (KSVR) rather than a costly major airport. There are no hidden fees or surprise add-ons.

Yes. We work with aviation lenders including Stratus Financial, AOPA Finance, and Meritize, offering flexible loans, deferred payments while training, and co-signer options. You can also simply pay as you go.

A wet rate includes the cost of fuel. All Aerotech aircraft rates are wet, so the hourly price you see already covers fuel and maintenance.

Flying 2–3 times per week, most students earn their Private Pilot License in 3–6 months. Accelerated full-time training can take as little as 2 months; part-time takes longer.

The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the realistic national average is 50–60 hours, depending on how often you fly and how quickly you master each skill.

Both lead to the same FAA certificates. Part 61 (which Aerotech uses) is more flexible and self-paced, ideal for students balancing work and family. Part 141 follows a rigid, FAA-approved syllabus and is geared toward full-time academies. For most people, Part 61 is more convenient and often more affordable.

Absolutely. Our self-paced scheduling is built for busy professionals — fly before work, on lunch, or on weekends. Flying consistently (about twice a week) keeps progress efficient.

Everything from your first discovery flight through Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI) certificates, plus specialty courses like mountain and Class Bravo training.

You can begin training at any age, fly solo at 16, and earn your Private Pilot License at 17. There is no upper age limit.

You need at least an FAA third-class medical certificate before you solo. You do not need one for a discovery flight. We can recommend a local Aviation Medical Examiner.

No. Learning to fly has no degree requirement. A degree only matters for certain airline-hiring paths later, not for earning your certificates.

Yes. Corrected vision is perfectly acceptable for nearly all pilot certificates, including commercial and airline careers.

At South Valley Regional Airport (KSVR), 7220 South 4450 West, Hangar C-7, West Jordan, UT 84084 — minutes from Salt Lake City, South Jordan, Sandy, and Draper.

Aerotech has maintained a perfect safety record since 2007 and a 100% FAA checkride pass rate — every student who has completed our program has passed.

Yes. Certified pilots can rent our Cessna and Piper aircraft for personal flying and travel, with easy online self-scheduling.

Yes. Discovery flights make memorable gifts, and we can arrange scenic flying over the Wasatch Front. Contact us to set one up.