Flight training questions, answered

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 structure your schedule to fit your budget and timeline. See my published rates, or reach out for a personalized estimate.

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 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 farther and in more conditions. Both require you to be at least 17 and pass an FAA knowledge test and practical test. Not sure which is right for you? We can talk through your goals and find the best starting point.

Most students earn their Private Pilot certificate in 3 to 6 months, depending on how often you can fly and study. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, but the national average is closer to 60 to 70 hours. Flying two or more times a week generally gets you to your checkride faster and can reduce total cost, since you retain skills better between lessons.

You don't need a medical certificate to begin flight training, but you'll need one before you can fly solo, and you'll need the appropriate class (first, second or third) 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 point you to a local Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) as one of your first steps.

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 offer flexible scheduling and one-on-one instruction without the wait lists or rigid programs of bigger operations.

I'm a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a degree in Aviation Technology – Professional Pilot from Utah State University. My training included earning commercial multi-engine (CMEL) and single-engine (CSEL) certificates and an instrument rating. I also serve in the Utah Army National Guard as an AH-64 Apache armament, avionics and electronics repairer, which reinforces the safety, precision and attention to detail I bring to every lesson. More about me.

After earning a Private Pilot certificate, most students spend $45,000 to $80,000 and log significant additional flight hours to meet the FAA's commercial experience requirements before the Commercial Pilot checkride. The exact cost depends on how many hours you already have, how efficiently you build time, and whether you also pursue an instrument rating along the way (most commercial students do). I build training plans that sequence these steps efficiently, so you don't pay for more time than you need.

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

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

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

It's your first real flying lesson: you take the controls with me beside you, and the time counts toward your license. It's $211 in the Cessna 152 or $231 in the Sirius TL-3000 for one hour of Hobbs time, about 45–50 minutes in the air. Book a discovery flight.