Learn To Fly
"Don't forget that 'Why fly?' has nothing to do with aircraft. It has nothing to do with by-products, the 'reasons' so often put forth in those pamphlets to potential buyers. If you find that you are a person who can love to fly, you will find a place to come whenever you tire of a world of TV dinners and people cut from cardboard. You will find people alive and adventures alive and you will learn to see a meaning behing it all." - Richard Bach A Gift of Wings
Discovery Flights are only $99!
You will be able to fly the airplane for most of this first flight, typically lasting just over 1/2 hour. Our instructor will also take as much time as necessary before and after the flight to explain the entire training process, as well as answer any questions you might have. Call today to book your first flight!
What does it take to become a pilot?
A desire to fly and to learn new skills is all that is necessary. If you can fit a couple of 2 hour lessons per week into your daily schedule than you can learn to fly. You must be 16 years old to 'solo' an airplane, and 17 for your certificate, but you can start earlier. You must be in a physical condition capable of meeting the requirements for a driver's license.
What can I do as a pilot?
With a basic Private Pilot certificate you can fly most smaller airplanes(up to 12,500lbs) to any destination of your choosing, day or night. The instrument rating will allow you a little more weather flexibility with the ability to fly in the clouds. You can carry passengers for pleasure but not for profit. You decide your departure and arrival times and locations, not the airlines; if that spot below you looks interesting, you can actually land and check it out, instead of listening to the captain talk about the speck you just passed. Or let this be the start to becoming that captain someday, the sky is no longer the limit.
How long does it take to become a pilot?
One can obtain a basic Sport Pilot ticket in as little as 25 hours of training. The standard Private Pilot certificate requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time and can be obtained in less than 6 months of training.
How much does it cost?
Considering the life-long privilages you acheive with your pilot certificate the cost is negligable.
The Sport Pilot certificate can be obtained for less than $5,000 but has it's limitations. A full private pilot rating typically runs between $7,000 and $10,000 depending on the airplane you choose, and the time you can devote to your training.
Why learn at Columbia Gorge Regional airport?
KDLS, The Columbia Gorge Regional Airport is centrally located east of the Cascades. This affords us many more good weather flying days than other nearby airports, especially those in the Willamette Valley. Our proximity to the valley and even the coast gives us unprecedented access to great instrument weather conditions for training. As a rural airport with little traffic, you won't spend extra time and money waiting for traffic delays. The Cascades and the beautiful Columbia River provide a picturesque backdrop for your training.
How can I reduce the cost of my training?
Our professional curriculums will guide you through the requirements efficiently while providing real life experience at the same time. By utilizing this as a guide for self-study at home you can reduce the time needed with an instructor. Coming to each lesson prepared goes a long way for saving money.
Enrolling in one of our group ground school classes will also give you a substantial head start on the knowledge required for your certificate with little investment.
You can also lower your training costs by spending a block of time with us over several weeks. Complete immersion in a topic is the best way to learn it efficiently. We can help you through your Instrument rating in less than 10 days, and your Private Pilot in less than one month. This virtually eliminates the re-learning required when spreading out your lessons over a larger time period.