Flight Training
Begin your journey to the skies at our Watsonville Airport (KWVI) facility with industry-leading instruction and modern aircraft.
Discovery Flight
A Discovery Flight is your exciting first step into aviation—an introductory lesson designed to give you a true taste of flying.
A Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) will first walk you through the aircraft and brief you on the flight. Then, after takeoff, the fun really begins! You'll get to take the controls and experience first-hand what it's like to pilot an airplane, soaring over the beautiful Monterey Bay. It's the perfect adventure to treat yourself to or a truly unforgettable gift for a loved one.
Purchase a Discovery FlightLicenses & Certifications
Private Pilot License
Our Private Pilot License program is the perfect first step for students wanting to learn how to fly. The program provides the full scope of training, including ground school (theory) and flight training. Upon completion, private pilots have the freedom to fly for recreation or personal travel.
Instrument Rating
Our Instrument Rating program is designed for pilots who want to fly in inclement weather or low-visibility conditions. The program includes flight training, ground school, and simulator training. Upon completion, pilots are authorized to fly by reference to flight instruments only and under instrument flight rules.
Commercial Pilot License
Our Commercial Pilot License program is designed for pilots who want to become a professional pilot. The program includes flight training, ground school, and simulator training. Graduates of the program earn their Commercial pilot license, allowing them to fly for compensation or hire.
Flight Instructor Certification
Our Flight Instructor Certification program is perfect for pilots who want to teach others how to fly. The program includes flight training, ground school, and classroom instruction. Upon completion, pilots will be eligible for several instructor certifications.
Training Resources & Rates
Van's RV-12iST
$170/hourPurchased brand new from Van's Aircraft
- Modern glass-cockpit avionics: Garmin G3X Touch screens
- 2-axis autopilot
- Technically Advanced Aircraft
- Safety: Garmin Smart Glide
Flight Instructor
$70/hourOur team of instructors offer flight training in airplanes for:
- Private Pilot
- Instrument
- Commercial
- Flight Review
- Instrument Proficiency Check
Flight Training Pricing Estimates
Program base costs
Hourly wet rates include fuel, insurance, and aircraft lease. Realize your goals at Watsonville Airport (KWVI).
Comprehensive Flight Cost Estimates
These estimates cover all required training fees and expenses, including any third-party fees, calculated by combining the hourly rate for aircraft and instructor services against required flight hours.
| Certificate or Rating | Estimated Flight Hours | Estimated Cumulative Hours | Estimated Total Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Private Pilot Certificate (PP) | 65 | 65 | $17,990 |
| Instrument Rating (IR) | 65 | 130 | $17,500 |
| Commercial Pilot Certificate (CP) | 120 | 250 | $31,190 |
| Certified Flight Instructor Rating (CFI) | 10 | 260 | $6,660 |
| Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument Rating (CFI-I) | 10 | 270 | $5,485 |
| Estimated Total | $78,825 | ||
Except for the final "total" row, these figures are NOT cumulative. Some fees will be paid to third parties.