Private Pilot Training

in Northern Colorado 

Ever since you can remember, you’ve dreamed of soaring through the skies, pilot’s license in hand. At Leading Edge Flight Training, we turn those dreams into reality. We’re based at the Fort Collins-Loveland Airport (Northern Colorado Regional Airport) – the perfect launch point for aspiring pilots from Loveland, Fort Collins, and across Northern Colorado. Our Private Pilot Training program offers you a professional, inspiring environment to earn your wings and experience the freedom of flight.

Your Journey to a Private Pilot License

What does it take to become a private pilot? Earning a Private Pilot License (PPL) is the first major milestone in your aviation journey. This training combines flight lessons, ground school, and FAA exams to ensure you become a safe and competent pilot. Here’s a quick overview of what private pilot training involves:

• Flight Experience: The FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time for a private pilot certificate. This includes dual instruction with a certified instructor and solo flight practice. (Most students log around 50–60 hours by completion to build the confidence and skills they need.) During these hours, you’ll learn how to take off, land, perform maneuvers, navigate cross-country, fly at night, and handle the airplane in various scenarios.

• Ground School: Flying isn’t just about hands-on skill; it also requires knowledge. Through ground school classes or self-paced study, you’ll master aviation theory, weather, navigation, aerodynamics, and Federal Aviation Regulations. This knowledge prepares you for both real-world flying and the FAA written test. Our instructors make ground training engaging and clear, so you feel fully prepared.

• FAA Written Exam: You will take a knowledge test administered by the FAA to confirm your understanding of aviation topics. Don’t worry – by the time you’re ready, you’ll have reviewed all the material (and we help you prep with practice tests and tutoring as needed).

• FAA Practical Test (Checkride): Finally, your training culminates in a practical exam known as the checkride. This includes an oral quiz and a flight test with an FAA-designated examiner. It’s your chance to shine and demonstrate everything you’ve learned, from pre-flight planning to in-flight skills. Pass the checkride, and you officially earn your Private Pilot License!

Throughout your training, you set the pace. Whether you fly a few times a month or several times a week, we’ll tailor the program to fit your schedule. In general, students who train consistently (2–3 lessons per week) can finish in about 4 to 9 months. But there’s no rush or deadline – the goal is to make you a confident pilot, not just to meet minimum hours.

What can you do with a Private Pilot License? A PPL allows you to act as the pilot in command of a single-engine aircraft and carry passengers (friends, family, colleagues) on personal flights. In other words, it opens up a whole new world of opportunities and adventures. As a licensed private pilot, you’ll have the freedom to:

• Fly for fun – Take weekend trips or sunset flights over the gorgeous Colorado landscape. Soar above Horsetooth Reservoir, the foothills of the Rockies, and your favorite Northern Colorado landmarks from a whole new perspective.

• Travel on your own schedule – Skip the highway traffic or airline security lines. With your own pilot privileges, you can visit friends and family in other cities, attend business meetings in Denver or mountain towns, and explore remote destinations that commercial flights don’t reach – all according to your timetable.

• Share the adventure – Bring along passengers to experience the joy of flight with you. Whether it’s taking your spouse up for a dinner flight to Boulder or giving your best friend an aerial tour of Fort Collins, you’ll create unforgettable memories together in the sky.

• Build toward advanced ratings – If you have professional aviation dreams (airlines, charter, etc.), the private pilot certificate is your foundation. It’s the prerequisite for advanced training like Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot. Even if you start out flying for fun, you’ll have the option to advance your skills and career from this solid starting point.

• Give back through aviation – Many private pilots use their skills for good. Your license enables you to volunteer for causes like angel flights (medical transport for those in need), search-and-rescue support, or other community flying events. It’s a rewarding way to combine passion with purpose.

Why Choose Leading Edge Flight Training?

Not all flight schools are created equal. Leading Edge Flight Training stands out as Northern Colorado’s premier flight school for earning your private pilot license. Here’s what sets our program apart and why students from Loveland, Fort Collins, and beyond love training with us:

• Top-Rated Flight School: We are proud to be the highest-rated flight training facility in Colorado, known for our student success and training excellence. Our curriculum is built on years of experience and a proven track record of helping pilots achieve their dreams. When you train with us, you’re learning at a school that sets the standard for quality and safety in the region.

• Experienced, Caring Instructors: Our flight instructors are the heart of our program. Each one is a certified professional pilot but most importantly, they are passionate teachers. We hand-pick instructors who love to teach and mentor. They focus on you, not just building their own flight hours. You’ll appreciate their patience, expertise, and personalized approach. They know how to make lessons effective, safe, and fun at the same time, helping you progress with confidence.

• Modern & Diverse Aircraft Fleet: At Leading Edge, you won’t be stuck flying the same plane over and over. We maintain Northern Colorado’s most diverse training fleet, including popular training aircraft like the Cessna 172 (classic four-seat trainer) and Piper Cherokee/Archer models. All our airplanes are meticulously maintained to exceed FAA safety standards. By training in a variety of aircraft, you’ll become a more adaptable pilot, comfortable with different cockpit layouts and performance characteristics. This diversity strengthens your skills and prepares you to fly any single-engine airplane with ease.

• Ideal Training Environment: Our location at the Fort Collins-Loveland Airport (FNL) offers a unique blend of benefits for student pilots. You’ll train in the beautiful foothills of the Rocky Mountains, an area known for its clear skies and 300+ days of VFR flying weather per year. The airport is easy to access from anywhere in Northern Colorado and provides a mix of airspace that’s great for learning – a relatively relaxed setting (no heavy airline traffic) but with opportunities to practice radio communications and procedures in controlled airspace. You’ll experience high-altitude airport operations (our field elevation is about 5,000 feet) which will sharpen your piloting skills and confidence. By the time you finish, you’ll be prepared to fly in a wide range of environments and conditions.

• Flexible, Student-Centered Scheduling: We understand that life is busy, and fitting in flight training can be a challenge. That’s why our flight operation hours are 24/7/365. Need to fly early before work, in the evening after class, or on weekends? We’ve got you covered. Our Part 61 training structure allows us to adapt to your availability and pace. Train as intensively or as gradually as you need, our team will keep you on track and moving forward.

• Supportive Community & Guidance: When you join Leading Edge, you join a welcoming aviation community. From day one, you’ll be treated like part of the family. Our staff and fellow students create a positive atmosphere where questions are encouraged and every achievement is celebrated. Flying can seem technical, but you’ll never feel alone in the process – we’re with you every step of the way, from your first takeoff to the day you earn your license. Our goal isn’t just to get you a certificate; it’s to ignite your passion for aviation and build your confidence as a newly minted pilot.

In short, we strive to provide the best private pilot training in Loveland/Fort Collins and all of Northern Colorado – combining top-notch instruction, great airplanes, a fantastic location, and a friendly vibe. It’s a training experience you won’t find anywhere else.

Ready to Start? – Schedule Your Discovery Flight 

There’s no better way to kickstart your pilot training than by experiencing flight firsthand. That’s why we offer Discovery Flights (introductory flight lessons) to all prospective students. On a discovery flight, you’ll fly one of our training airplanes with a certified instructor by your side. You get to take the controls for much of the flight, sampling what it’s like to be a pilot, while enjoying breathtaking views of the Northern Colorado landscape below. It’s an unforgettable, no-pressure experience that will leave you exhilarated and informed. Whether you’re serious about getting your license or just curious, this flight is the perfect first step.

Contact us today to schedule your discovery flight and take the first step towards becoming a pilot! We’re excited to answer your questions and get you airborne. Call us at (970) 669-1187 or email us at info@leflighttraining.com to book a time that works for you. Our team will walk you through what to expect and make sure you’re ready for your mini-adventure in the sky.

Don’t just sit on the sidelines and daydream about flying. Now is the time to make it happen. Join us at Leading Edge Flight Training and see for yourself why we’re the top choice for private pilot training in Loveland, Fort Collins, and all of Northern Colorado. Your aviation journey begins with one flight – let’s make it happen! The sky is waiting… come and explore it with us.