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.

First, we encourage everyone to explore our website and read through the information provided, especially the FAQs, which answer most common questions new students have. We’ve also written a “Guide To Becoming a Pilot” document that you can view HERE.

Once you’ve reviewed the website, the next step is to schedule an informal meeting with our chief flight instructor. Just give us a call at (509) 458-2359, and our front desk staff will set it up. During the meeting, you can ask any remaining questions, see our facility, simulators, and aircraft, and get a feel for what life is like at Northwest Flight Service.

Many students start by enrolling in ground school. However, since you’re not required to complete ground school before starting to fly, many students choose to start flight training and take ground school simultaneously. There are many advantages to taking ground school and beginning flight training around the same time. You can discuss the best approach during your meeting.

Enrolling in ground school is quick and easy. You can sign up by giving us a call or stopping by our office during business hours.

We will ask you to complete a simple information sheet, provide copies of your photo ID, U.S. passport, or birth certificate, and sign an acknowledgment confirming that you have read our Standard Operating Procedures. Once your tuition is paid, you are officially enrolled and ready to begin.

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

We highly recommend scheduling a complimentary meeting with our chief pilot. This meeting is a great opportunity to ask questions and plan your training. It’s also very helpful to review this information beforehand so you can make the most of your meeting.

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. Click the link below to see estimated costs based on actual student averages:

• Training Program Cost Estimates

• Airplane and instructor rates

When you begin flight training, we will match you with a primary instructor who will oversee your progress and fly with you most often. If your primary instructor is unavailable, we have several other instructors available to ensure your training continues without delay.

The FAA sets minimum requirements for flight instruction prior to your checkride. During this time, you’ll gain practical knowledge about safely operating an aircraft in the national airspace system. While the FAA minimum is 40 hours, the national average for a student pilot is 65–80 hours. Your instructor will review these requirements in detail and guide you through the process.

The number of flight hours you need depends on several factors, including your availability, motivation, prior experience, aircraft complexity, weather, and simulator use. Estimated training costs on our website are based on an average of 65 hours.

Before starting with an instructor, you’ll choose the aircraft you wish to train in: Cirrus or Cessna. As a Platinum Cirrus Authorized Training Center, Cirrus training is our specialty and offers many advantages. However, we understand Cirrus isn’t for everyone, so we also provide Cessna 172s for primary and advanced training. More information about our fleet is available on our fleet page, and we’re happy to help you compare aircraft and make an informed choice.

Each lesson includes a pre-flight briefing, a preflight inspection of the airplane, a 1–2 hour flight, and a post-flight debrief. Expect each lesson to take approximately 3–4 hours from start to finish.

No! 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.

The short answer is no. A medical certificate is only required before you can fly solo. However, we encourage students to obtain a medical certificate early in their training to ensure there are no issues that could disqualify them.

A medical certificate can only be issued by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). You can find a list of local AMEs on our website, or by visiting the FAA’s database of AMEs.

There are three classes of FAA medical certificates: first, second, and third class. If you plan to fly for pleasure or personal business, a third-class medical is sufficient. Airlines require a first-class medical, and some corporate aviation jobs may require a first- or second-class medical. If your goal is a career in aviation, we recommend obtaining a first-class medical at the outset to ensure you meet the requirements.

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.

The Cessna 172 is a four-seat, single-engine, high-wing aircraft designed for general aviation. It is known for its reliability, simplicity, and suitability for both flight training and recreational flying.

Our Cessna 172s feature:

• Updated interior

• Dual Garmin G5 avionics

• Garmin 430W GPS/NAV/COM

• ADS-B In/Out with traffic and weather

• Fully IFR capable

The Cirrus SR20 is a modern, single-engine, low-wing aircraft designed for both student pilots and experienced aviators. Known for its advanced technology, comfort, and safety features, the SR20 is excellent for training and ideal for students pursuing a career as an airline pilot or pilots looking to enhance their flying experience. It is also a great option for business travel.

Our Cirrus SR20s feature:

• Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS)

• Seatbelt airbags

• Advanced stall resistance

• State-of-the-art glass cockpit (Garmin Perspective+)

• Synthetic vision, traffic awareness, weather data, and GPS navigation

• Integrated autopilot

• Air conditioning

• Higher cruise speed and range compared to other training airplanes (Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, etc.)

• Fully IFR capable

For more information on the SR20, SR22, SR22T, and the SF50 Vision Jet, visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.

The FAA checkride is the final step in earning your pilot certificate. It consists of two main parts: an oral exam and a flight test.

During the oral exam, the designated pilot examiner (DPE) will ask questions to assess your knowledge of aviation regulations, aircraft systems, flight planning, weather, navigation, and other essential topics. This is also an opportunity to discuss decision-making and scenarios you may encounter in the air.

The flight portion tests your ability to safely operate an aircraft and demonstrate the maneuvers required for your certificate. You will perform pre-flight procedures, takeoff and landing maneuvers, emergency procedures, navigation, and other tasks according to FAA standards.

Your instructor will prepare you thoroughly for both portions of the checkride, reviewing areas where you may need additional practice and ensuring you feel confident and ready. The goal is to demonstrate your ability to operate safely and competently as a pilot.

We offer the following flight training programs:

• Private Pilot

• Instrument Rating

• Commercial Pilot

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

• Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)

• Cirrus SR2X Transition Training

• Flight Review / Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)

• Aircraft Ferry Service

Training costs can vary for several reasons, and every student’s experience is different. Flight training isn’t just about time in the airplane—our instructors spend many hours teaching on the ground. Students who spend more time in ground instruction often require fewer flight hours, which can reduce overall costs.

Other factors that affect cost include how quickly a student grasps new concepts, their age, and the frequency of training. Students training 1–2 times per week will take longer to complete their license than those training 3–4 times per week, which will increase the overall cost.

The type of aircraft you fly, as well as the airport and airspace used during training, can also impact expenses. Every student’s training plan is tailored to their goals and needs, so costs can vary from one individual to another.

There are several ways to reduce the overall cost of flight training:

• Don’t skip ground instruction. The airplane is the most expensive part of training, and it isn’t an ideal classroom. Learning the fundamentals on the ground first allows you to apply your knowledge more efficiently in the air.

• Train in a simulator. Our simulators help you practice radio communication, checklists, and avionics faster than you can in the airplane.

• Study consistently. Dedicate at least one hour per day to studying at home to save time and money during both ground and flight training.

• Train frequently. Scheduling lessons 2–3 times per week helps you progress faster and reduces overall costs.

• Avoid long breaks. Consistent training helps maintain skills and prevents costly review lessons.

The Cirrus SR20 is a modern training aircraft with advanced technology and safety features that make it an excellent choice for student pilots. While older, simpler airplanes like the Cessna 172 are reliable and easy to fly, the Cirrus offers several advantages for training and beyond.

Some of the benefits of learning in a Cirrus include:

• Advanced safety features such as the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS) and seatbelt airbags

• State-of-the-art glass cockpit with synthetic vision, traffic awareness, weather data, and GPS navigation

• Integrated autopilot to help you manage workload during complex maneuvers

• Better performance, including higher cruise speed and longer range

• Comfort features such as air conditioning, make flights more pleasant and enjoyable.

• Redundancy systems, including dual alternators and dual batteries, which enhance safety

• Learning in a Cirrus better prepares students for the airlines and other corporate flying jobs.

While simpler aircraft can be good for initial exposure, learning in a Cirrus prepares you for modern aviation, builds confidence in advanced systems, and provides a higher level of safety from day one. To learn more about the Cirrus visit www.cirrusaircraft.com.

Yes, non-U.S. citizens can train at Northwest Flight Service. However, all non-U.S. citizens must register with the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) before they can begin flight training in the United States.

The AFSP process requires submitting personal information and documentation to the TSA for approval. Training cannot start until authorization is granted.

Non-U.S. citizens can learn more and apply at the TSA’s AFSP portal: https://fts.tsa.dhs.gov/

We recommend contacting our office early in the process so we can guide you through the AFSP requirements and help schedule training once you are approved.

Aircraft rentals are available to enrolled students who are actively working toward a license or rating. At this time, we do not offer full-day or overnight aircraft rentals.

Renter’s insurance is not required, but we recommend that all pilots carry personal renters’ insurance for rental or solo flights. Northwest Flight Service has a $1 million per occurrence insurance policy. Anytime you fly with an NWFS instructor, you are covered under our policy.

However, if you are renting or flying solo in one of our airplanes, you may be responsible for the deductible and any damages, so personal insurance is strongly recommended.