
Flight Instruction

Flight Instruction
Introductory Flight Lesson
Introductory Flight Lesson
Ready for takeoff?
The Minot Aero Center offers a 30-minute Introductory Flight starting at just $99!
Your instructor will:
-
Instruct you on how the airplane flies
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Let you handle the controls and fly the airplane
There is no experience necessary!
No age requirement!
Flight time can be logged and used toward meeting the requirements of the Private Pilot Certificate.
For people who are already serious about pursuing an FAA Private Pilot Certificate,
we recommend starting with a 1-hour lesson. Gift Certificates available!
Road map to your private pilot’s certificate
Introductory Flight
Begin Training
What aircraft will you use, a rental airplane or fly your own airplane?
Start Flying!
Get Your Medical Certificate
Study, Practice, Learn
- Ground school studies
- Practice flights
- Prepare for solo flight
- Secure airport badge
Your First Solo Flight
Fine Tune Your Skills
Tests and Exams
Private Pilot Certificate
Keep flying!
Our Flight Instructors

Austin Greenheck
Flight Instructor
Commercial Pilot – Pilot ServicesCertified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Derek Peterson
Flight Instructor
Commercial Pilot – Pilot ServicesCertified Flight Instructor (CFI-I)
Tailwheel

Ed Burkardt
Flight Instructor
Commercial Pilot – Pilot Services – Charter ServicesCertified Flight Instructor (CFI-I)

Stephen Vook
Flight Instructor
Commercial Pilot – Pilot Services
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-I)
Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
Private privileges for Single Engine Seaplane and Glider
Contact Us To Book A Flight!
You can also give us a call: 701.852.4092
Financing
Pilot Financing Loans
- Pilot Finance Inc.
- AOPA Flight Training Finance
- Personal Bank Loan
Scholarships
Private Pilot Requirements
Private Pilot Eligibility Requirements: General
To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:
- Be 16 years of age to solo
- Be 17 years of age for license
- Pass the FAA 3rd class medical
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Private Pilot Steps:
- Attend a ground school online or self-study
- Complete a minimum of 40 flight hours
- Pass FAA private written exam
- Pass the check ride
Private Pilot Privileges:
- Fly day or night
- Carry passengers (not for hire)
- Fly in visual flight rules (VFR) conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I train before 16 years of age?
There is no minimum age to begin flight training for your private pilot certificate. You can begin training as early as 15 years of age, but you must be at least 16 years of age to solo.
How long will my private pilot training take to complete?
The length of time to complete your private pilot training varies. Most students fly on average of 2-3 times a week. At this pace you could receive your certificate in about 3 to 6 months.
The following times are the FAA minimum requirements: 40 flight hours total; 20 dual hours; 3 hours cross country; 3 night hours; 10 solo hours; 5 hours solo cross country.
Instrument Rating Requirements
Instrument Rating Requirements: General
A person who applies for an instrument rating must:
- Be at least 17 years of age
- Hold a FAA private pilot certificate
- Pass a FAA 3rd class medical
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
Instrument Rating Steps:
- Minimum of 40 hours in actual instrument conditions (in the clouds)
- Pass FFA instrument written exam
- Pass the check ride
Instrument Rating Privileges:
- Fly in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) conditions
- Receive air traffic control guidance along your entire flight
- Receive priority landings
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do I need an instrument rating?
You need an instrument rating to be more proficient, competent, and confident pilot. Your instrument rating will increase your safety as you will be prepared to handle any change in weather conditions.
How long does it take to earn your instrument rating?
The length of time to earn your instrument rating varies. You can receive your instrument rating in as little as 30 days if you fly every day. If you fly 2-3 times a week, you can receive your instrument rating in about 3 to 6 months. (40 flight hours of actual or simulated IFR; 50 hours cross country PIC; Up to 10 hours in a FAA approved simulator)
What can I do with an instrument rating?
An instrument rating will allow you to fly in weather with lower visibility. Flying in IFR weather with a flight plan will often give you priority to land at busy airports.
Commercial pilot Requirements
Commercial Pilot Eligibility Requirements: General FAR 61.123
To be eligible for a commercial pilot certificate, a person must:
- Be 18 years of age
- Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language
- Complete a minimum of 250 total flight hours
- Complete 100 hours Pilot in Command (PIC)
- Complete 50 hours cross country
- Complete 10 hours dual instruction
Specific arrangements need to be made to train in a complex (retractable gear) aircraft.
Student Resources
- FAA Become a Pilot
- Foreign/U.S. Citizen Requirements
- Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
- Medxpress (Medical Exam)
- TSA Requirements for AOA Badge (Link Coming Soon)
Logs
Check Lists

Minot Aero Center
2216 N. Broadway
Minot, ND 58703
Phone: 701.852.4092