Read our “Guide To Becoming A Pilot” brochure which will answer most of your questions about the process of becoming a pilot.

To obtain a Private Pilot license, a student must:

• Be at least 17 years old (there is no minimum age to start training)

• Obtain a medical certificate

• Pass the FAA written exam

• Train with an instructor in the air and on the ground (average 65–75 hours)

• Fly solo in the air (minimum 10 hours)

• Pass an FAA oral and practical exam

Training costs can vary for a number of reasons. When it comes to flight training, you truly get what you pay for. We strongly encourage students to avoid choosing the cheapest option, as quality matters more than cost. Your safety and your future as a pilot depend on the quality of training you receive.

We recommend scheduling a meeting with us to discuss what you can expect to pay based on your individual situation and goals.

You can view our hourly rates HERE.

Completion of ground school is not required to begin flight training, though it is a common starting point for many new students. For those unable to attend our in-person ground school, we can recommend several online options.

Ground school provides the knowledge and skills needed to pass the FAA written exam. We offer Private Pilot Ground School throughout the year in an interactive classroom setting, with each course lasting approximately three months.

More information, including class dates and times, is available here.

With the exception of ground school and introductory flights, all flight training is pay-as-you-go. You are never required to pay the full cost of training upfront. We accept all major Debit and Credit Cards as well as cash and check payments.

We do not offer in-house financing, but there are many excellent scholarship opportunities available. In addition, AOPA provides flight training financing for qualified individuals. Click HERE for more information.

There’s no substitute for high-quality, structured flight training led by experienced professionals. While flight training is an investment, quality and value matter far more than cost, especially when your safety and skills are at stake. Cheaper programs often mean less experienced instructors or poorly maintained aircraft, which can lead to costly gaps in your knowledge later on.

At Northwest Flight Service, experience is our foundation. We’ve been training pilots in the Spokane area longer than any other flight school in the region. Our instructors bring diverse aviation backgrounds and a proven record of helping students achieve their goals.

Our facility sets us apart with private briefing rooms, a modern conference room, and a spacious classroom designed for distraction-free learning. We also offer two state-of-the-art flight simulators, powerful training tools that save money while allowing us to simulate a variety of real-world conditions.

Our aircraft are modern, well maintained, and readily available, and our instructors work around your schedule to help you progress efficiently. We can tailor our training syllabus to your individual goals and learning pace.

Safety and quality are our top priorities. Our instructors complete frequent proficiency training, and our aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by our in-house team of FAA-certified, factory-trained mechanics.

We’re proud of the recognition we’ve earned over the years:

• 2025 – AOPA Distinguished Flight School Award

• 2022 – Platinum Cirrus Training Center

• 2022 – Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot of the Year (Chief Pilot)

• 2018 & 2019 – Cirrus Approach Safety Awards

• 2017 – Cirrus Training Center of the Year (North America)

Above all, exceptional customer service is at the heart of what we do. We want every student to feel like part of something special—because you are.

Our office is open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and training happens 24/7/365. We look forward to meeting you and showing you firsthand why Northwest Flight Service is the best choice for your aviation journey.

Yes. While our training fleet consists of Cirrus aircraft, our instructors have experience in a wide variety of other aircraft types. We regularly provide instruction in many common general aviation airplanes, including Cessnas, Pipers, Beechcraft models, and other similar aircraft.

Many aircraft owners choose to train in their own airplane for ratings, flight reviews, instrument proficiency, insurance requirements, or transition training. Our instructors are happy to work with you in your aircraft to help you build proficiency and confidence in the airplane you fly.

If you are interested in training in your own aircraft, please contact us to discuss your airplane, your training goals, and how we can best support your training.