Ground, Flight Reviews, Checkout Flights & Student Training
Providing affordable flight instruction out of Crookston, MN, including ground instruction, flight reviews, checkout flights, and student pilot training. Whether you're just starting out, getting current, or checking out a new aircraft, I'm here to help you reach your goals in an environment that's safe, comfortable, and enjoyable.
Details
StateMinnesota
CFI InsuranceYes
Aircraft Access for Pilot TrainingYes
Open to traveling across the countryYes
Aircraft Category
Single Engine Land
Held Pilot Certifications*
CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor)
Training Stages (Can offer)
Private Pilot License (Certificate) - PPL
Commercial Pilot License (Certificate) - CPL
Complex-Airplane-Endorsement
Specific Aircraft Access
Aircraft available to students include two Piper Warriors, one with a mix of glass and six-pack instruments and one with a traditional six-pack, depending on whatever the student feels most comfortable with or would like to try.
Rate: $145/hour for either aircraft
Aircraft Experience (Instructed in)
Experienced providing instruction out of the PA-28-161.
Aircraft Experience (Piloted)
I have over 300 hours of time piloting
Home Airport(s)
KCKN
Pilot Training Provided
Certificates/Ratings Flight Lessons
Ground School
Intro/ Discovery Flight
Flight Reviews - Biennial Flight Reviews (BFRs)
Checkride Prep
Safety Pilot
Time Building
Mountain/Backcountry Flying
Cross-Country Flying
Flight Planning (VFR, IFR)
Currency Training
Night Currency/Proficiency
Aircraft/Insurance Checkout
Type Ratings Held
Certificates & Ratings
Commercial Pilot Certificate — Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL), Airplane Multi Engine Land (AMEL)
Instrument Rating
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate
Complex Endorsement
High Altitude Training (Altitude Chamber)
Ground School Programs Experience
King Schools
Pilot Institute
Sporty's
Jeppesen
Pricing - Hourly Rate
35
Additional Notes
In terms of availability, just reach out and we'll find a time that works. Let me know what kind of service you're looking for and we'll go from there. I'm pretty flexible and happy to work with a variety of schedules. I look forward to flying with you!
I'm a flight instructor based out of Crookston, MN, originally from Riverside, California, though I've called Minnesota home since I was fifteen. I played high school hockey in Stillwater and it's stayed a big part of my life ever since. I'm also a dual U.S.-Belgian citizen, which has given me a great appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Outside of flying, I enjoy hiking national parks, kayaking, lifting, and catching as much hockey as I can, on the ice or in the stands.
I studied aviation at the University of North Dakota, and as an instructor, my priority is creating an environment that's calm, open, and comfortable, a place where students feel relaxed, accepted, and above all, safe. I genuinely care about each student's experience and want flying to be something they enjoy from day one.
I'm a flight instructor based out of Crookston, MN, originally from Riverside, California, though I've called Minnesota home since I was fifteen. I played high school hockey in Stillwater and it's stayed a big part of my life ever since. I'm also a dual U.S.-Belgian citizen, which has given me a great appreciation for different cultures and perspectives.
Outside of flying, I enjoy hiking national parks, kayaking, lifting, and catching as much hockey as I can, on the ice or in the stands.
I studied aviation at the University of North Dakota, and as an instructor, my priority is creating an environment that's calm, open, and comfortable, a place where students feel relaxed, accepted, and above all, safe. I genuinely care about each student's experience and want flying to be something they enjoy from day one.
Most lessons are scheduled for around one hour of flight time, but they often take closer to two hours. That’s because your flight instructor will spend time before and after each flight briefing you on what to expect, reviewing your performance, and setting goals for the next lesson.
For specialized instruction, such as a flight review or an endorsement the session may take longer. You can always discuss the estimated duration with your instructor in advance.
If your lesson runs longer or shorter than planned, instructors on Skyfarer can make a Post-Lesson Adjustment through the platform to reflect the actual time spent.
When choosing a flight instructor (CFI), it’s easy to focus on the hourly rate—but that’s often only part of the picture. Flight training isn’t just about cost; it’s about value, progress, and quality of instruction. A “cheaper” rate may sound appealing at first, but if it takes twice as long to reach your goals, you could end up spending more in the long run.
It’s also important to understand what’s included in that rate. It may also include aircraft access and fuel. A well-qualified instructor with a thoughtful training approach can make your learning experience safer, more efficient, and far more rewarding—especially when you’re flying with friends or family down the line.
It depends on your pace and schedule! Under FAA Part 61, you’ll need a minimum of 40 hours of flight training to earn your Private Pilot Certificate — at least 20 hours with an instructor and 20 hours of solo practice. However, most students complete their Private Pilot training in 60 to 80 hours, depending on lesson frequency, study habits, the type of training aircraft used, weather, and the airport.
You should discuss this with your flight instructor to set up a training plan and keep your progress steady and efficient.
Each listing shows an instructor’s background, certifications, specialties, and student reviews. Don’t hesitate to ask plenty of questions — finding the right fit matters. We also have a blog article that provides specific tips and expert advice for students and pilots.
Student pilots are not permitted to carry passengers during solo flights. However, friends or family members may join you on dual lessons (when your instructor is in the plane), if your instructor approves.
Recreational and sport pilots may carry only one passenger at a time. Private pilots and above may carry as many passengers as the aircraft is legally approved to seat, as long as the flight remains within all performance and weight-and-balance limitations.
If you’re training for a Private, Sport/Recreational, Instrument, or Multi-Engine Certificate, you’ll most likely learn in a two- or four-seat airplane with a single engine and fixed landing gear. Most training aircraft carry two to four hours of fuel and cruise at around 100 mph.
If you don’t have access to an airplane, be sure to choose an instructor who does. You may see available aircraft types on each instructor’s listing page and use the filters on the search results page to find instructors with the right equipment for your training needs.
For Private Pilot training, we recommend scheduling 2–5 training sessions per week. This pace helps you stay on track to complete your program efficiently, even with occasional cancellations due to weather or maintenance.
If you’d like to train more frequently, many instructors offer off-peak availability in the early morning or evening—great opportunities to build additional flight time and maintain consistent progress.
Yes. Just let your instructor know your availability, and they can help create a schedule for you. One of the most common pilot training challenges is irregular or infrequent lessons. While full-immersion programs can accelerate progress, what matters most is consistency. Regular, steady training leads to better retention and smoother advancement—and your instructor will work with you to make that happen.
Not at all! All of your previous flight hours and experience still count. When you continue training, your flight instructor will review your logbook and current proficiency to pick up right where you left off. What matters most is your proficiency and flying to FAA standards.
Booking flying lessons is quick and easy: Select your preferred time and click "Request to book" to instantly send a booking request, you won’t be charged until the instructor accepts the booking request.
Training costs: Instructors on Skyfarer offer transparent, competitive pricing tailored to different budgets and needs.
Payments: We accept credit/debit cards.
Once your booking is accepted, you’ll receive an email confirmation and can message your instructor directly through Skyfarer to finalize details. After the session, you can leave feedback and book your next lesson anytime.
By booking on Skyfarer, your training is backed by our secure payment protection, and support from the Skyfarer team — we’re here to help if you ever need assistance. Booking on Skyfarer also keeps a record of all messages between you and your instructor in your Skyfarer inbox. We actively review and take action in response to any conduct that is inappropriate, unsafe, or dishonest.
Ground, Flight Reviews, Checkout Flights & Student Training
Ground, Flight Reviews, Checkout Flights & Student Training