Learn to Fly
As a flying club, our members learn to fly together — working with experienced CFIs at your own pace, on your schedule, with member rates on aircraft and instruction.
Discovery Flights
Never flown before? Start here. Experience the thrill of flight with a professional instructor — no experience necessary. Gift certificates available.
30-Minute Discovery Flight
- Pre-flight safety briefing
- Hands-on flight experience
- Local scenic route
- Photo opportunities
- Pilot logbook time
- Certificate of completion
60-Minute Discovery Flight
- Extended flight time
- Comprehensive briefing
- Multiple maneuvers practice
- Longer scenic route
- More hands-on experience
- Full pilot experience
- Professional photos included
What to Expect
Before Your Flight
- • Meet your certified flight instructor
- • Complete pre-flight safety briefing
- • Walk-around inspection of the aircraft
- • Review flight plan and weather
During Your Flight
- • Take the controls and fly the aircraft
- • Experience basic maneuvers
- • Enjoy scenic views of Columbia
- • Take photos from the air
After Your Flight
- • Debrief with your instructor
- • Receive certificate of completion
- • Logbook entry (counts toward training!)
- • Discuss training opportunities
What to Bring
- • Valid photo ID
- • Comfortable clothing
- • Sunglasses (recommended)
- • Camera for memories
Choose Your Path
From your first discovery flight to advanced ratings, our members work with club CFIs to reach their aviation goals — one step at a time.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
Your Journey to Solo Flight Begins Here
Duration
3-6 months
Hours
50-70 hours
Cost
$12,000 - $15,000
Learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, weather, and aeronautical decision-making. Build the skills and confidence to safely pilot an aircraft.
Instrument Rating (IR)
Master IFR Flight & Weather
Duration
2-4 months
Hours
40-50 hours
Cost
$10,000 - $13,000
Develop proficiency in IFR procedures, holds, approaches, and weather/ATC communications. Build essential skills for safe all-weather flying.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Turn Your Passion Into a Career
Duration
4-8 months
Hours
100-150 hours
Cost
$18,000 - $25,000
Master commercial maneuvers, professionalism, and regulations. Build time toward commercial minimums with structured cross-country blocks.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Share Your Knowledge & Build Time
Duration
2-3 months
Hours
20-30 hours
Cost
$8,000 - $10,000
Learn the fundamentals of instruction, develop lesson plans, and master the art of teaching. Become checkride-ready to start your instructing career.
How Instruction Works
Straightforward, pay-as-you-go instruction with no hidden fees.
Independent Instructor — $60/hr
Our instructors are independent contractors who charge $60 per hour for their services. You pay only for the time you fly and the ground instruction you receive — no upfront tuition blocks.
- Pay as you go — no large upfront payments
- Schedule directly with your instructor
- Learn at your own pace, on your schedule
Training Syllabus — $300
All clients are required to purchase our training syllabus, available for $300 in our store. It's an online, integrated training course that prepares you for each lesson.
- Online, integrated course — access anywhere
- Prepares you for every lesson before you fly
- Required for all training clients
Pathway Comparison
Compare the learning pathways available to club members
| Program | Duration | Flight Hours | Est. Cost | Prerequisites |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot License (PPL) | 3-6 months | 50-70 hours | $12,000 - $15,000 | Must be 17 years old (16 for solo) |
| Instrument Rating (IR) | 2-4 months | 40-50 hours | $10,000 - $13,000 | Private Pilot Certificate |
| Commercial Pilot License (CPL) | 4-8 months | 100-150 hours | $18,000 - $25,000 | Private Pilot Certificate |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | 2-3 months | 20-30 hours | $8,000 - $10,000 | Commercial Pilot Certificate |
Ready to Learn to Fly?
Join Columbia Flying Club and connect with experienced CFIs who'll help you reach your aviation goals.