Frequently Asked Questions

Flight training can vary in cost based on a few factors, as we do offer discounted rates for several programs and scenarios (Contact for more info). For estimated total cost of training please visit our COURSE CATALOG for a specific breakdown of total cost estimate per License/Rating.

Our standard rates are as follows:

Aircraft - C172/PA28 - $200/hr WET (Including fuel)

Instruction - $80/hr

Dependable Aviation does offer training to pilots in their own aircraft; however, this is allowed under certain circumstances and specific restrictions.

In most cases, to keep training standardized and consistent, we prefer to provide all instruction in our own Dependable Aviation aircraft.

Several things are required to begin training as a pilot, and they can change based on which license you are seeking. For more detailed info on specific requirements please visit our COURSE CATALOG or our PRE-TRAINING CHECKLIST at the top of the home page.

Some of the basics include:

✔ Ability to fund your training

✔ At least 16 years of age to fly solo

✔ At least 17 years of age to hold a Private Pilot License

✔ Ability to obtain a 3rd Class FAA Medical or qualify under BasicMed

✔ Ability to read, write, and comprehend English

✔ If a U.S. citizen, provide proof of citizenship with a valid U.S. passport or a birth certificate paired with a valid U.S. driver's license

Yes! We offer a variety of financing options to help make flight training more accessible and manageable, no matter your budget, goals, or timeline.

Many traditional flight school loans decide how and when your money is used, often requiring large upfront borrowing and locking students into high interest rates, rigid payment structures, training contracts & large upfront debt before training even begins.

Our approach is different. We keep you in control of your training funds and training schedule, allowing you to pay as you fly and move at your own pace—so your money works for your goals.

Dependable Aviation offers a more flexible financing approach, designed to help you start flying sooner while keeping long-term costs in check, with less financial pressure and a clearer path from your first lesson to your checkride!

For more details, visit our FINANCING page.

Choosing the right flight school is one of the most important steps in your aviation journey — one that should depend on more than just the dollars and cents, and it should always feel like a confident, informed decision from day one.

At its core, the right school should offer clear expectations, dependable aircraft, and instructors who are invested in your success, not just logging hours or collecting a paycheck. Look for a training environment that prioritizes safety, consistency, and personalized instruction, while still giving you the flexibility to train at a pace that works for your schedule and goals.

At Dependable Aviation we always tell potential clients that they should be shopping the people when it comes to picking a flight school. Anyone can buy a fancy airplane, but when it gets down to it you should feel comfortable with & confident in the person who you rub knees with in the flight deck and they truly have your best interests at heart.

Pay close attention to the quality of instruction and how accessible instructors are. Great instructors don't just teach maneuvers — they have a passion for the subject matter, mentor, communicate clearly, and adapt their teaching style to how you learn best.

Almost equally important is the aircraft and maintenance standard. Well-maintained, modern aircraft with maintenance schedules that run like well oiled machines themselves lead to more efficient training, fewer cancellations, and a safer learning environment overall. Many schools talk a big game about their fancy new training fleets, but if the plane rolls off the runway and into the shop its good for nobody.

You'll also want to consider scheduling flexibility and transparency around costs. A dependable flight school should be upfront about timelines, pricing, and available financing options, so you can focus on flying instead of worrying about surprises along the way.

Finally, trust your instincts about culture and fit. The right school should feel professional, supportive, and motivating — a place where you're encouraged to grow, ask questions, and build confidence every time you show up.

The right flight school doesn't just teach you how to fly — it gives you a dependable foundation for your aviation future

Dependable Aviation is a Part61 flight school. Part61 training offers you flexibility and customization throughout your flight training timeline.

Unlike Part141 programs that follow a rigid syllabus with strict scheduling, additional unnecessary FAA oversight, and strict orders of lessons and topics to be discussed, Part61 allows you and your instructor to tailor your lesson plans to fit your pace, goals, and availability.

This flexibility is especially helpful with unpredictable weather, changing work schedules, or accelerated training programs put together by your particular flight school.

Part61 flight students are trained to the same standards and pass the same oral and practical tests, receiving the same license that students on a 141 curriculum do—often times in less time & for less money than their 141 cohorts due to decreased "bloat" in the program and the aforementioned flexibility that is offered by Part61.

At Dependable Aviation we have an extremely structured and beyond comprehensive training curriculum that goes well beyond the required Certification standards held by the FAA. Additionally, one of the only differences between ours and a 141 program is that we maintain the freedom to alter the programs or move through them as we see fit to best accommodate our students needs at the time.

Whether you're flying on weekends, weekdays, or aiming for an accelerated timeline, Part61 training adapts to your journey rather than forcing you into a one-size-fits-all curriculum.

Ground training for RUSTY PILOT REFRESHERS and some of our core curriculum can be conducted online upon request. While we recommend in-person ground training whenever possible, we’re happy to work with you to ensure you get the knowledge you need, when you need it!

Ideally, a student will be placed with a single primary flight instructor with whom they will train for the duration of their license or rating being sought.

Additionally, if the teaching style of your initial instructor just isn’t working for you, we will work with you to find an instructor who will better suit your needs.

How often you train depends on your goals for aviation and what kind of timeline you want to achieve them in, as well as other external factor like work & personal life.

Generally speaking, we recommend that our non-accelerated students train on average approximately three times a week in an effort to achieve maximum retention and rate of progression.

Consistency is key when it comes to flight training, and often times larges gaps in training timelines can result in flights needing to be repeated and bloated costs.

While we do recommend three sessions per week, our training is custom tailored to fit your lifestyle. We are happy to accommodate whatever training schedule suits you and will work to make sure that whatever time we do have together is spent in the most efficient ways possible.

Dependable Aviation also offers accelerated courses for those who wish to commit to a more fully immersive training regiment.

Yes! All students, renters, or pilots of any kind who are operating an aircraft owned by Dependable Aviation are required to have their own current Aircraft Renters insurance policy.

Dependable Aviation requires all pilots to have a minimum liability coverage of $70,000 Aircraft Physical Damage & $100,000 Bodily injury and Property Damage coverage.

If you have questions about where to acquire a renters insurance policy, or what companies we recommend please contact us or visit the Resources tab on our website and navigate to the Policies and Procedures page.