We understand this can be a big decision! Fortunately we do introductory flights for a low cost of $160. This will allow you to enjoy a scenic flight around Gadsden, no strings attached! If you decide to proceed with training, your introductory flight can be counted towards your training!

The airplane is $170/hr including fuel and the instructor rate is $65hr. (Can buy 10 hours/ get .5 free; buy 20 hours and get 1.5 free for the airplane)(The instructor rate is from start to finish per lesson). Total cost really depends on how much work the student puts into it. On average I say to budget around $25,000 to get a Private Pilot certificate but that can vary + or - depending upon how much self study they do and how often they train/fly. A FAA third class medical is required before flying solo and to obtain a private pilot certificate. The medical is not required to start your training though. 

Alternatively there is also the ability to obtain a sport pilot certificate that would be about half the cost. This comes with limitations such as can only carry 1 passenger, can’t fly at night and over 10,000 feet and some other limitations. The sport pilot certificate doesn’t require an FAA medical, a valid drivers license suffices. It also limits the type aircraft you can fly (basically just to smaller aircraft like the Cherokee 140 we have). Its a good alternative for someone who would just like to fly for fun/ recreationally. 

 We offer an introductory flight for $160. This lets you get in the air and see the flight school as well. Would you like to schedule an introductory flight? We will need to prove US citizenship with a picture of a passport or drivers license and birth certificate before actual training begins. It is not needed for an introductory flight though. 

We have a Cherokee 140 Aircraft and one full-time instructor. More information can be found on my website, cofieldaviation.com. 

If you decide to proceed with the training, we will start you off with grounds covering Pilot qualifications, airworthiness requirements, operation of systems and performance and limitations before we get you in the airplane. All of these things are covered on my YouTube channel (Cofield Aviation) if you want to get a head start. Subscribe to the cofieldaviation YouTube channel to get notified of the latest content. And it’s free! We follow the Gleim syllabus. Also look at joining the Gadsden Area Pilots Facebook page and my Cofield Aviation Facebook page. My website, cofieldaviation.com has all of the above ground school information and YouTube videos in the student resource section for study and review. So please take advantage of all the free study material between YouTube, website and Facebook group.  We have the Gleim books (Private Pilot Kit) at the office for purchase to get you started. ($200).  

We have one aircraft that student pilots and pilots can rent. It is a Piper Cherokee 140 (PA-28-140). Rated at 150 HP, it is a popular trainer offering forgiving flight characteristics. It is well equipped with some of the latest technology making a great modern trainer for Private and instrument.

We follow the Gleim syllabus and offer Gleim books at our office that you can purchase for $199 to get you started. There is also plenty of free video material provided by Cofield Aviation in the Student Section on this site!

Absolutely! Pilots are in high demand right now. Cofield Aviation can get you from Private Pilot to an Instrument rating, and then Commercial Pilot.