Introductory Flight Lesson

Introductory Flight Lesson

Ready for takeoff?

Learn to fly! The Minot Aero Center offers a 30-minute Introductory Flight starting at just $99!

       Your instructor will:

• Instruct you on how the airplane flies

• 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!

scenic flight tours

The Minot Aero Center also offers Scenic Flights starting at just $99 for up to 3 passengers per flight!

The pilot offers you, your friends, and family the unique opportunity to see the Magic City and surrounding area from the air! Our scenic flights are flown within 25 miles of the Minot Airport.

• You can take an evening flight to view the Magic City lights and seasonal Christmas lights. It is the perfect way to spend an evening with friends, family, or your special someone.

• During the day you can take a scenic flight and see the colorful fall foliage, your house, farmstead/agriculture, wildlife, the state fair, and more.

Contact us today to schedule a scenic flight!

Gift Certificates Available!

Our Flight Instructors

The Minot Aero Center has several FAA Certificated Instructors to help you achieve your aviation dreams!

You can achieve it all, right here at the Minot Aero Center. We provide instruction starting with your private pilot on up. We have a testing center onsite to achieve your written knowledge tests. We also have a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) onsite to administer your practical test/check ride. 

• We offer the following pilot ratings/endorsements: Private Pilot; Instrument; Commercial; Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI); Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I); Multi-add on; Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI); Cirrus Training Program; and Tailwheel Endorsement.

• Minot Aero Center has a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot. Whether you purchased a new Cirrus or need initial training with a CSIP to begin flying as a Cirrus pilot, we’ve got you covered.

Let us help you achieve your aviation dreams!

You can also give us a call: 701.852.4092

Financing

There are several sources of financing available for flight training. Here are some recommendations for you:

Pilot Financing Loans

• Flight Training Finance, LLC.
• AOPA Flight Training Finance
• Personal Bank Loan

Scholarships

• AOPA Scholarships
• Dakota Territory Air Museum
• Ninety-Nines
• North Dakota Aviation Association
  
• FAA Scholarships
  
• Avfuel Scholarship
  
• EAA Scholarship
• Military Funding Options
  

Private Pilot Requirements

General FAR 61.103

To be eligible for a private pilot certificate, a person must:

• Be 16 years of age to solo
• Be 17 years of age for pilot certificate
• 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 the FAA Private Pilot knowledge test
• Pass the Private Pilot practical test

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
  • Must include a cross country flight over 150 miles
  • 10 takeoffs and landings
• 10 solo hours
• 5 hours solo cross country

Instrument Rating Requirements

General FAR 61.65

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 or simulated instrument conditions
•    15 of which must be with an authorized instructor (CFI-I)
• 50 hours PIC cross country
• Pass FAA Instrument knowledge test
• Pass the FAA Instrument practical test

Instrument Rating Privileges:

• Fly in Instrument Meteorological Conditions (IMC)
• Receive air traffic control guidance along your entire flight 

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; flight time accredited using a flight simulator or flight training device depending on grade of flight simulator used).

What can I do with an instrument rating?

An instrument rating will allow you to fly in weather with lower visibility and allows you to fly on an IFR flight plan. 

Commercial pilot 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 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do I need an commercial rating?

You need an commercial rating to be more proficient, competent, and confident pilot. Your commercial rating will allow you to fly for pay. A commercial rating is required to be paid to fly in any capacity.

How long does it take to earn your commercial rating?

The length of time to earn your commercial rating varies. You can receive your commercial rating in as little as 30 days if you fly every day. If you fly 2-3 times a week, you can receive your commercial rating in about 3 to 6 months (you will need to have 250 hours of flight time; 100 hours of which must be in a powered aircraft, and 50 must be in airplanes; 50 hours cross-country, 10 of which must be in an airplane; 20 hours of training, including 10 hours of instrument, 10 hours of complex; and know/demonstrate ability to pass practical test; 10 hours of solo training, including cross-country and night flying).

What can I do as a low time commercial pilot rating?

A commercial rating will allow you to fly for hire. Any career such as flight instruction, corporate pilot, agricultural pilot, banner towing, pipeline patrol, traffic reporting, scenic tours, and more will require a commercial pilot certificate.

Can Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) time be used in leu of Complex time?

Yes, if the aircraft has a PFD, a MFD and a Two Axis Auto Pilot. You will need a minimum of ten hours per FAR 61.129.

After I get my commercial, what needs to be done to work for the airlines?

Most regionals require 25 hours of multi-engine PIC and 1500 total hours to be qualified for your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate (ATP).

multi-engine instruction

Are you already a pilot? Are you looking to add another rating? Perhaps you are looking for a little bigger plane to fly or prefer more than one engine?

Whether for business or leisure, the Minot Aero Center has an easy to fly Piper Seneca. 

We have several Multi-Engine Instructors (MEI) at the Minot Aero Center. They can accommodate almost any schedule 7 days a week (weather permitting).

Multi-Engine Courses Offered:

• Multi-Engine Rating;
• Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) Rating;
• Insurance-mandated recurrency training;
• Biennial Flight Review (BFR);
• Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC);
• Achieve your instrument rating while building multi/complex time;
• Aircraft rental for leisure flying for hauling more passengers;
• Customized programs tailored to your needs.

 We have a Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) onsite for check rides. 

Contact us today for more information:  701.852.4092

Student Resources

Here are several resources that will help you as a student:

• FAA Become a Pilot
• Foreign/U.S. Citizen Requirements
• Integrated Airman Certification and Rating Application (IACRA)
• Medxpress (Medical Exam)
• Security Badges (Minot International Airport)