Flight School 2024 - AV8 Flight School

AV8 Flight School

Learn with a school that shares your passion

AV8 Flight School is the only flight school in the state of Minnesota to offer airplane and helicopter pilot training! We are dedicated and passionate about aviation and we’re committed to helping you achieve your aviation dreams. Our goal is to turn out superior, proficient and safe pilots. Learning with a team of instructors that shares your passion for flight will inspire you toward reaching your highest goals. Our team combines years of experience to bring you the best possible options as you move forward in your path, whether for Airplane, Helicopter or both.

Flight school training can be approached in two possible pathways, Part 141 and Part 61. At AV8 Flight, we are unique in that we offer both possibilities to our pilot students. Depending on learning styles and career goals, one of these options may be a better fit.

Part 141 Training Program: A structured, FAA-approved training curriculum with a predetermined lesson plan. With the potential to offer a reduction in required flight hours, this is the most common choice among those with professional aspirations. It is the required pathway if enrolled with a flight training affiliate such as Liberty University. Learn more on the Part 141 page

Part 61 Training Program: A less structured flight training program offering flexibility for the student pilot. This method is most popular with private students and hobbyists, and is a pathway offered by Purdue University. Learn more on the Part 61 page

Learn about the possibilities with AV8 Flight!

Pilot’s Timeline

Private Pilot License

A Private Pilot License PPL is the first step towards reaching the airlines. With a PPL, pilots can fly aircraft for non-commercial purposes while carrying passengers. To obtain a private pilot’s license, individuals must undergo both ground school instruction and practical flight training. To qualify for licensure, student pilots must obtain a minimum of 40 flight hours and have passed the written knowledge test. Once this criteria is met, the student may take the practical exam, or checkride, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA. While some limitations do exist with a private license, it opens a world of freedom to hobbyists and marks the first checkpoint in a career with airlines. Learn more page link

Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating is an add-on qualification that allows pilots to fly aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules IFR. Unlike flying under Visual Flight Rules VFR, where pilots primarily navigate and operate the aircraft by visual reference to the ground and landmarks, flying under IFR relies heavily on the use of aircraft instruments and navigation aids for guidance, particularly in adverse weather conditions or low visibility. The Instrument Rating is particularly valuable for pilots who intend to fly professionally, as many commercial operations require pilots to hold an Instrument Rating. Additionally, even for private pilots, having an Instrument Rating can greatly increase safety and flexibility to fly when weather conditions are less than ideal. Learn more page link

Commercial Pilot License

A Commercial Pilot License CPL is a certification that allows individuals to be compensated for flying aircraft. The training for a CPL goes beyond that of a PPL and often includes advanced flight maneuvers, navigation techniques, emergency procedures, instrument flying, multi-engine aircraft operation, and commercial flight planning. Once licensed, commercial pilots with the intention of going to the airlines will build more time in flight hours to reach the requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot ATP. While flight instruction is among the most popular ways to build flight hours, there are several other opportunities such as aerial photography and banner towing that will accept low-time pilots. Depending on the specific job role, additional certifications, ratings, or endorsements may be required. While financially intensive, the CPL rating enhances previous skills and unlocks the world of commercial operations. Learn more page link

Private Pilot License

A Private Pilot License PPL is the first step towards reaching the airlines. With a PPL, pilots can fly aircraft for non-commercial purposes while carrying passengers. To obtain a private pilot’s license, individuals must undergo both ground school instruction and practical flight training. To qualify for licensure, student pilots must obtain a minimum of 40 flight hours and have passed the written knowledge test. Once this criteria is met, the student may take the practical exam, or checkride, administered by the Federal Aviation Administration FAA. While some limitations do exist with a private license, it opens a world of freedom to hobbyists and marks the first checkpoint in a career with airlines. Learn more page link

Instrument Rating

An Instrument Rating is an add-on qualification that allows pilots to fly aircraft under Instrument Flight Rules IFR. Unlike flying under Visual Flight Rules VFR, where pilots primarily navigate and operate the aircraft by visual reference to the ground and landmarks, flying under IFR relies heavily on the use of aircraft instruments and navigation aids for guidance, particularly in adverse weather conditions or low visibility. The Instrument Rating is particularly valuable for pilots who intend to fly professionally, as many commercial operations require pilots to hold an Instrument Rating. Additionally, even for private pilots, having an Instrument Rating can greatly increase safety and flexibility to fly when weather conditions are less than ideal. Learn more page link

Commercial Pilot License

A Commercial Pilot License CPL is a certification that allows individuals to be compensated for flying aircraft. The training for a CPL goes beyond that of a PPL and often includes advanced flight maneuvers, navigation techniques, emergency procedures, instrument flying, multi-engine aircraft operation, and commercial flight planning. Once licensed, commercial pilots with the intention of going to the airlines will build more time in flight hours to reach the requirements for an Airline Transport Pilot ATP. While flight instruction is among the most popular ways to build flight hours, there are several other opportunities such as aerial photography and banner towing that will accept low-time pilots. Depending on the specific job role, additional certifications, ratings, or endorsements may be required. While financially intensive, the CPL rating enhances previous skills and unlocks the world of commercial operations. Learn more page link

I’m ready! What’s the next step? Link to prework page (written exam, medical, financing, FAQ)

Flight School & Services

Airplane

Helicopter

Simulator

International

See What Our Customers Say…

First Class!

This is a first class Pilot School!

Robb Hook

5 Stars!!

5 Star rating for this flight school.

Logan Noess

Call Us

Call 952-944-2628 to speak with a team member or schedule a time to stop by and meet with an instructor in person. Alternatively, email us any questions and we will reply as quickly as possible. We look forward to being a part of your next big adventure.

Meet Us

Contact us to set up a time to meet with an instructor in person at our flight school offices. Alternatively, email us with a question and we will reply as quickly as possible. We look forward to being a part of your next big adventure.

Ask Us

Got a question? Call in, email or message us and we will reply as quickly as possible. Alternatively, set up a time to meet with a flight instructor in person. We look forward to assisting you in planning your path forward and being a part of your next big adventure.