Frequently Asked Questions

Yes! You can book an Introductory Flight and experience what it’s like to fly an airplane around the Fort Collins–Loveland area. You’ll take the controls with a certified instructor by your side. It’s the best way to see if flying is right for you.

We offer full-spectrum flight training, including:

• Private Pilot Certificate

• Instrument Rating

• Commercial Pilot Certificate

• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training

• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) training

• We rent aircraft to certified pilots

• Multi-engine training in our Beechcraft Baron

• We offer all training programs in your own aircraft.

During your flight training, you’ll learn a variety of exciting and essential maneuvers designed to build confidence and control in the airplane. These include:

• Turns, climbs, and descents

• Takeoffs and landings

• Slow flight and stalls

• Emergency procedures and radio communication

• Navigation and cross-country flying

Stalls are a required part of training, but don’t worry. You’ll practice them at altitude with an instructor who ensures it’s a safe, calm, and valuable experience. Everything is taught at your pace with a focus on safety and skill-building.

Many different types of aircraft are available, you can check them out here.

It depends on how often you can fly. Students who fly 2 to 3 times per week typically finish in 4 to 6 months. Less frequent flying may extend your timeline to 8 or 9 months.

Correct: the FAA minimum is 40 hours, but most students need about 50 to 60 hours to become proficient and pass their checkride confidently. Flying regularly and studying consistently helps reduce the total time and cost.

An Instrument Rating typically takes 2 to 4 months for full-time students, or 4 to 6 months flying 2 to 3 times per week. You’ll need at least 50 hours of cross-country time as PIC and 40 hours of instrument time, but much of this can overlap with other training. If you already have a strong foundation, the process is streamlined.

Becoming a Commercial Pilot usually takes 3 to 6 months once you've logged the required flight time (typically 250 total hours). Many students build time through aircraft rental or additional training while working toward their Commercial Certificate.

CFI training takes around 1 to 2 months for most students, depending on how quickly you can master the teaching material. You'll already need a Commercial Certificate to begin. Many of our CFI students go on to teach at Leading Edge and build valuable experience while earning income.

Definitely. Many of our instructors are experienced in a wide range of aircraft. As long as your aircraft is properly maintained and insured, we’re happy to train you in it.

Our Commercial Pilot Pathway Program is designed to take you from your very first flight all the way to becoming a paid professional pilot. This includes:

• Private Pilot Certificate (4–6 months)

• Instrument Rating (2–4 months)

• Commercial Pilot Certificate (3–6 months)

• Optional CFI and CFII (1–3 months)

Total time from zero to commercial-ready can be as fast as 12 to 18 months with full-time dedication, or 18 to 24 months part-time.

Yes! Many pilots wear glasses. As long as your vision is correctable to the FAA standard, you can fly. Just remember: you’ll need to have your corrective lenses with you when you fly.

If the weather isn’t safe, there’s no financial penalty; you’ll simply reschedule. You can also use that time to do simulator training or ground instruction to keep your progress moving forward.

Unfortunately, no. You’ll need a medical exam from an FAA-authorized Aviation Medical Examiner (AME).