Tailwheel, Backcountry, Advanced or Primary Certificates, and More...

Other schools can focus on cranking out future airline pilots. Our focus is on developing aviators. Clients come from all over the world to benefit from the training we provide. We love introducing novices and experienced pilots to new challenges, and then helping them safely develop the new skills and a passion for flight. Training can be provided in your aircraft or our beautiful turbocharged Kitfox. Here's an overview of the types of training we provide:

• Tailwheel Training: Mastering the tailwheel opens up new possibilities and brings real joy to every flight. They say "Real Aviators Fly Taildraggers." We're here to help you earn your endorsement or polish your footwork. Click here for more.
• Idaho Backcountry Training: If you've made it here, it's pretty clear that this is the meat of what we do. We love the beauty and freedom of flying in the backcountry. Perhaps you will to? Click here for an in-depth view of our program.
• Sport of Private Certificates: Begin your aviation adventure by learning to fly right. Learning in a tailwheel airplane will expand your aviation horizons and provide you with a higher level of stick and rudder skills than those who learn at traditional flight schools. Click here for more.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate: Do you aspire to become a commercial pilot, but have more interest in backcountry charter, fish and game, or aerial firefighting than flying an Airbus? We can provide the type of training your future employer will value.
• Certified Flight Instructor: Are you interested in the rewards of teaching others to fly safely and with greater skill? Our background in tailwheel and mountain/canyon instruction will provide you with the teaching skills of those specialties.
• Complex / High Performance Training: Ready to move up to retractable landing gear, adjustable props and high-horsepower airplanes? We'll train you to proficiency and provide the required endorsements.
• Rusty Pilot: Did life get in the way and cause a pause in your aviation pursuits? Maybe you just grew bored droning doing the same old thing. We find great rewards in helping bring back that pilot smile.
• Flight Reviews: Why simply satisfy the regulatory need? Flight Reviews can be incorporated into any of our training programs. Experience the joy of tuning-up and mastering new skills. We provide Flight Reviews in your airplane or ours.
• Transition Training: Thinking of making the move to a new aircraft type? Transition from larger, more complex aircraft to Light Sport, or vice versa? We're here to help you gain the skills and confidence necessary to safely take command.

Instruction and Aircraft Rates:

• Idaho Rates: See our Backcountry Training page
• Reno-based Instruction: $85 per hour, $100 per hour (when using your aircraft)
• Reno-based Kitfox Rental: $185 per hour. A fuel surcharge of $5 per hour will be added for every $1 that fuel costs equal or exceed $7.00 per gallon. For example, if fuel costs are between $7.00 and $8.00 per gallon, a $5 per hour fuel surcharge would be added.
• Note: a 3% Airport Authority Use fee will be added to any services originating or ending at the Reno-Stead Airport.
• Prices effective 12/20/2023.

See what others have to say: "Fred, I want you to know that the 3 days of flight with you rate right up there with my first flight ever in a Great Lakes (with a 2 time national aerobatic champion doing aerobatics including hammerhead stalls), my first solo as a student pilot, the first flight of the first aircraft that I owned (that I rebuilt from a wreck over 5 years) and the first flight of the aircraft that I built over a 20 year period. I learned that I have developed some bad habits over 35 years of flying but that you taught an "old dog new tricks". I'll never forget Yanking and Banking over the river and the landings and takeoffs on a narrow 30 degree upslope strip. Again, thanks for everything . . .    Sincerely, Joe" ~ from Delaware