Flight Training
Flight Training Built for the Real World
At Flight Training Network, flight training is designed around how aircraft are actually flown in the real world. Not confined to repetitive local patterns or rigid lesson scripts, our programs emphasize practical, scenario-based flying that gets you out of the practice area and into real destinations, airspace, and decision-making environments.
Students may begin with no prior experience or enter with existing certifications. Training progresses at a pace guided by proficiency, availability, and individual goals, with the option for steady, self-paced advancement or accelerated segments at select locations. Rather than training to a clock, FTN trains pilots to think, plan, and operate confidently in real flight conditions.
Whether you are taking your first discovery flight, earning your next certificate, or returning to aviation after time away, FTN provides a clear training pathway grounded in real-world operations. Each stage of training builds confidence, judgment, and proficiency through mission-focused instruction that mirrors how pilots truly fly.
This page outlines how each certificate fits into the overall training pathway, typical prerequisites and timelines, and the services and pricing available at each stage, all grounded in Flight Training Network’s commitment to real-world flying.
Professional Pilot Pathway
The Professional Pilot Pathway is FTN’s comprehensive training framework, connecting each certificate and rating into a cohesive plan rather than a series of disconnected courses.
Rather than treating training as individual milestones, FTN helps students understand how each phase builds toward the next.
This structure allows students to:
- Start from zero experience or continue training mid-path
- Move at a pace that fits their schedule and learning style
- Incorporate accelerated training blocks when appropriate
- Adjust goals over time without losing momentum
While many students pursue this pathway with professional aviation careers in mind, the structure also supports recreational pilots and those seeking advanced ratings without airline ambitions.
Professional Pilot Pricing
Essentials Program: 5 Months | $59,990
Includes:
- Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial single engine
- 250 hrs of flight time
- Flight and ground instruction
- Ground school prep for knowledge tests
- Knowledge test fees
- Check ride fees
PLUS Program: 6 Months | $82,990
Includes:
- Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial single & multi, CFI, CFII
- 290 hrs of flight time
- Flight and ground instruction
- Ground school prep for knowledge tests
- Knowledge test fees
- Check ride fees
Premium Program: 7 Months | $88,990
Includes:
- Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial single & multi, CFI, CFII, MEI
- 305 hrs of flight time
- Flight and ground instruction
- Ground school prep for knowledge tests
- Knowledge test fees
- Check ride fees
Private Pilot Certificate
The Private Pilot Certificate is the foundation of all flight training. It teaches the core skills needed to safely and confidently operate an aircraft and is the first step toward recreational or professional flying.
Key Training Stats
Training Style Offered
Traditional
Accelerated: 3 weeks
Required Prerequisites
- Online ground school completed
- FAA Knowledge test passed
- Must hold a FAA Medical
- Ready to pass the oral exam
- prepared & motivated
Note: Most students will require additional flight time
Instrument Rating
The Instrument Rating allows pilots to fly in reduced visibility and complex weather conditions by relying on aircraft instruments. It is a critical milestone for safety-focused pilots and a required step for professional aviation careers.
Key Training Stats
Prerequisite
Private Pilot Certificate
Training Style Offered
Traditional
Accelerated: 2 weeks
Required Prerequisites
- Must have 46 hrs of PIC cross country flight time
- Must hold a private or commercial pilot certificate
- Online ground school completed
- FAA Knowledge test passed
- Must hold a FAA Medical or Basic Med
- Ready to pass the oral exam
- prepared & motivated
Note: Most students will require additional flight time
Commercial Pilot Certificate
The Commercial Pilot Certificate enables pilots to be compensated for flying and represents the transition from student pilot to professional aviator. Training emphasizes precision, advanced maneuvers, and professional standards.
Key Training Stats
Prerequisite
Private Pilot Certificate
Training Style Offered
Traditional
Accelerated: 5 days
Required Prerequisites
- 235 hrs of flight time
- 300 mi cross country per 61.129(a)(4)(i)
- 5 hrs of night VFR with 10 t/o and landings per 61.129(a)(4)(ii)
- 10 hrs of complex or TAA time
- 10 hrs of instrument training per 61.129(a)(3)(i)
- 2 hrs dual 100mi leg cross country daytime
- 2 hrs dual 100mi leg cross country night
- FAA Knowledge test passed
- Must hold a FAA Medical or Basic Med
- Ready to pass the oral exam
- prepared & motivated
Note: Most students will require additional flight time
CFI: Certified Flight Instructor
CFII: Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument
MEI: Multi Engine Instructor
Instructor training prepares pilots to teach and mentor others while building valuable flight experience. These certificates are commonly pursued by pilots building hours toward airline or advanced professional roles.
Key Training Stats
Prerequisite
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Training Style Offered
Traditional
Accelerated:
CFI: 8-10 Days
CFII add-on: 5 days
MEI-add-on: 5 days
Required Prerequisites
CFI:
- Must hold a Commercial Pilot certificate
- Must hold a FAA medical or Basic Med
- FOI and FIA knowledge test passed
- Spin Training Endorsement
CFII:
- Must hold a CFI certificate
- Must have current instrument proficiency
- FAA knowledge test passed
- Must hold a FAA medical or Basic Med
MEI:
- Must hold a CFI and CMEL rating.
All:
- Ready to pass the oral exam
- prepared & motivated
Note: Most students will require additional flight time
Pricing & Services
TRAIN AT YOUR OWN PACE
Accelerated Flight Training
- Piper Cherokee 180 – $185/hr
- Piper Apache – $385/hr
- Full Motion AATD SIM – $65/hr
- Flight Instruction – $65/hr
- Ground/Sim Instruction – $65/hr
- Multi Engine Instruction – $80/hr
- Crew Time Building – $295/hr shared
- Discovery Flight From $199
Private Pilot: 3 weeks, Starting at $10,999
Includes:
- 30 hrs of flight time with an instructor
- 10 hrs of flight time solo
- 2 hrs of flight time for the check ride
- 20 hrs of ground instruction
- Check ride prep materials
Instrument Rating: 2 Weeks, $10,999
Includes:
- Up to 35 hrs of flight time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of AATD simulator time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of flight time for the check ride
- Up to 20 hrs of ground instruction
- Check ride prep materials
Commercial Pilot Certificate: 5 Days, $4,699
Includes:
- Up to 15 hrs of flight time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of flight time for the check ride
- Up to 8 hrs of ground instruction
- Check ride prep materials
Certified Flight Instructor: 8 Days, $7,499
Includes:
- Up to 15 hrs of flight time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of flight time for the check ride
- Up to 24 hrs of ground instruction
- Check ride prep materials
CFII Instrument Add On: 6 Days, $4,599
Includes:
- Up to 13 hrs of flight time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of AATD sim time with an instructor
- 2 hrs of flight time for the check ride
- Up to 10 hrs of ground instruction
- Check ride prep materials
Multi Engine Instructor Add-on 5 days, $7,999
Includes:
- 15 hrs of flight time
- 5 hours of ground instruction
- Any additional flight time or ground instruction will be billed at the hourly rate.
- All prices are based on cash or check payment. Credit cards and loan financing my have added costs.
- Check ride fees are not included
- Prices are subect to change
Get Started
Not sure where you fit in the training pathway?
Our team can help you determine the right starting point and build a training plan that aligns with your goals.