Ohling Aviation LLC

How much does flight training cost in Utah?

Total cost depends on how quickly you progress and which certificate you’re working toward, but most private pilot students in Utah spend between $8,000 and $20,000 all-in, including instruction, aircraft rental, and testing fees. Because I train at your pace rather than following a rigid syllabus, we can also structure your schedule to fit your budget and timeline. Reach out for a personalized cost estimate based on your goals.

What’s the difference between a Sport Pilot and Private Pilot certificate?

A Sport Pilot certificate requires a minimum of 20 hours of flight training and lets you fly light sport aircraft for recreation, making it a faster and less expensive way to get into aviation. A Private Pilot Certificate requires a minimum of 40 hours, but gives you more privileges — larger aircraft, night flying, and the ability to carry passengers further and in more conditions. Both require you to be at least 17 years old and pass an FAA knowledge test and practical test. If you’re not sure which is right for you, we can talk through your goals and figure out the best starting point.

How long does it take to get a private pilot license?

Most students earn their Private Pilot Certificate in 3 to 6 months, though this depends heavily on how often you’re able to fly and study. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, but the national average is closer to 60–70 hours. Training more frequently — two or more times a week — generally gets you to your checkride faster and can actually reduce total cost, since skills are retained better between lessons.

Do I need a medical certificate to start flight training?

You don’t need a medical certificate to begin flight training, but you will need one before you can fly solo, and you’ll need to hold an appropriate class (first, second or third) of certificate to take your checkride. I recommend getting your medical squared away early — before you invest significant time and money in lessons — so there are no surprises. I can help point you to a local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) as one of your first steps.

Is there a flight school near St. George, Utah?

Yes — Ohling Aviation is based in Hurricane, Utah, just minutes from St. George, and I train students throughout Washington County, including St. George, Hurricane, Washington, Santa Clara, and Ivins. As an independent flight instructor rather than a large flight school, I’m able to offer flexible scheduling and one-on-one, personalized instruction without the wait lists or rigid programs typical of bigger operations.

What certifications do you hold as a flight instructor?

I’m a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and I earned my degree in Aviation Technology – Professional Pilot from Utah State University. My training included earning a CMEL, CSEL and Instrument Rating. I also serve in the Utah Army National Guard as an AH-64 Apache Armament, Avionics, and Electronics Repairer — experience that reinforces the importance of safety, precision, and attention to detail that I bring into every lesson.

How much does it cost to become a commercial pilot after getting my private license?

After earning your Private Pilot Certificate, most students spend $45,000 to $80,000 and log significant additional flight hours to meet the FAA’s commercial aeronautical experience requirements before their Commercial Pilot checkride. The exact cost depends on how many hours you already have, how efficiently you build time, and whether you’re also pursuing an instrument rating along the way (which most commercial students do). I work with students to build a training plan that sequences these steps efficiently, so you’re not paying for more time than you need.

What aircraft do you train in?

I primarily train students in a 1978 Cessna 152, which is well-suited for both primary training and cross-country flights. It is equipped with a standard six-pack and two Garmin G5s. I also have access to a Sirius TL-3000 Ultralight equipped with a Garmin G3X touch. Both aircraft are available through a rental agreement. I am able to provide transition training for new aircraft owners as well.

What’s flying like in Southern Utah’s terrain?

Southern Utah offers some of the most scenic and varied flying in the country — red rock canyons, high desert plateaus, and mountain terrain all within a short flight of Hurricane and St. George. That variety is actually a great training environment: students get exposure to density altitude considerations, mountain flying awareness, and dramatic terrain changes that pilots training in flatter regions don’t encounter until much later. It makes for both a more capable pilot and a more memorable training experience.

What airports do you fly out of near Hurricane, UT?

I primarily operate out of 1L8, General Dick Stout Field, Hurricane Municipal Airport, with easy access to St. George Regional Airport (SGU) for airspace experience. Training near a (soon to be) towered airport like SGU gives students real-world exposure to radio communication and controlled airspace early in their training, which is a big advantage when it comes time for your checkride.