How long should I book for a lesson?

Most lessons are scheduled for about one hour of flight time but often take closer to two hours, because your instructor briefs you before and after each flight. Specialized instruction like a flight review may take longer. If a lesson runs long or short, instructors on Skyfarer can make a Post-Lesson Adjustment through the platform.

How should I compare instructor pricing and value?

Look beyond the hourly rate: a cheaper rate that takes twice as long to reach your goals costs more overall. Check what's included (some rates include aircraft access and fuel), and weigh instructor quality — a well-qualified instructor makes training safer, more efficient, and more rewarding.

How long does learning to fly take?

FAA Part 61 requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight training for a Private Pilot Certificate — at least 20 with an instructor and 20 solo — but most students finish in 60 to 80 hours depending on lesson frequency, study habits, aircraft type, weather, and airport. Discuss a training plan with your instructor to keep progress steady.

How do I choose a flight instructor?

Each Skyfarer listing shows the instructor's background, certifications, specialties, and student reviews. Ask plenty of questions — finding the right fit matters.

Can I carry passengers?

Student pilots may not carry passengers on solo flights, though friends or family may join dual lessons with instructor approval. Recreational and sport pilots may carry one passenger; private pilots and above may carry as many passengers as the aircraft legally seats within performance and weight-and-balance limits.

What kinds of aircraft can I fly?

Most Private, Sport, Instrument, and Multi-Engine training happens in two- or four-seat single-engine airplanes with fixed gear, cruising around 100 mph. If you don't have access to an airplane, choose an instructor who does — listings show available aircraft types.

How often should I plan to fly?

For Private Pilot training, plan 2-5 training sessions per week to stay on track despite weather or maintenance cancellations. Many instructors offer off-peak early-morning or evening availability for extra flight time.

Is it okay if I can’t train full-time?

Yes. Tell your instructor your availability and they can build a schedule around it. Consistency matters more than intensity — regular, steady training leads to better retention and smoother advancement.

If I trained under another instructor or school, do I have to start over?

No — all of your previous flight hours and experience still count. Your new instructor reviews your logbook and current proficiency and picks up where you left off; what matters is flying to FAA standards.

How do I book and what does it cost?

Select a time and click Request to book — you aren't charged until the instructor accepts. Instructors on Skyfarer set transparent, competitive pricing, and payments are by credit or debit card.

What happens after booking?

Once your booking is accepted you get an email confirmation and can message your instructor directly through Skyfarer. After the session you can leave feedback and book your next lesson. Bookings are backed by secure payment protection and support from the Skyfarer team, with all messages kept in your Skyfarer inbox.

Flight Instructors & Schools > Flight Instructors > Flight and Ground Instruction or Checkride Prep with a CFI

Flight and Ground Instruction or Checkride Prep with a CFI

Work with a certificated flight instructor for flight training, ground instruction, written test prep, oral exam prep, checkride prep, flight reviews, ForeFlight help, and aviation knowledge support. Available online or in person when location and aircraft availability allow.

Hi, I’m Michael. I’m a certificated flight instructor offering personalized flight instruction, ground instruction, and checkride prep for student pilots and certificated pilots.

I can help whether you’re just starting private pilot training, preparing for a written exam, getting ready for a checkride, brushing up for a flight review, struggling with ground knowledge, or looking for extra instruction outside your normal flight school.

Instruction can be online, in person, or in the airplane when location, aircraft availability, weather, and scheduling allow.

I can help with:

Private pilot training

Ground instruction

Written test prep

Oral exam/checkride prep

Flight reviews

Commercial pilot ground topics

Commercial oral/checkride prep

Commercial privileges and limitations

ACS review

Weather and aviation forecasts

Airspace and sectional charts

Cross-country planning

Performance and weight & balance

FAR/AIM regulations

Aircraft systems

Risk management and ADM

ForeFlight help

Sporty’s, ASA, or other ground school support

MSFS/X-Plane flight simulator training support

Commercial maneuver discussion and study support

Pre-lesson and post-lesson review

Confidence building before lessons or checkrides

Sessions are relaxed, practical, and built around what you need. Bring your questions, ACS, practice test results, lesson struggles, checkride concerns, ForeFlight questions, or confusing topics, and we’ll work through them together.

This is a good fit if you:

Feel overwhelmed by ground school

Need extra help outside your regular instructor

Are preparing for a written test

Are preparing for an oral exam or checkride

Want help connecting book knowledge to real flying

Need a patient CFI to explain things in plain language

Want in-person or online instruction depending on availability

Are preparing for private, instrument, commercial, or a flight review

I also offer a free 15-minute intro session so we can talk about your goals, where you are in training, and what would help you most.

Book a session or send me a message with what certificate, rating, exam, or training goal you’re working on, and I’ll help you figure out the best next step.

Details

CFI InsuranceNo
Aircraft Access for Pilot TrainingYes
Open to traveling across the countryYes

Aircraft Category

Single Engine Land

Held Pilot Certifications

CFI (Certificated Flight Instructor)
AGI (Advanced Ground Instructor)
Commercial ASEL (Airplane Single Engine Land)
Commercial AMEL (Airplane Multi Engine Land)
Complex Endorsement

Training Stages (Can offer)

Private Pilot License (Certificate) - PPL
Commercial Pilot License (Certificate) - CPL
Certified Flight Instructor - CFI
Sport Pilot License (Certificate)
Seaplane Rating
Unmanned Aerial System - UAS (/Drone)
Glider Ratings
Helicopter Ratings
Complex-Airplane-Endorsement

Specific Aircraft Access

PA28

Aircraft Experience (Instructed in)

PA28-181

Aircraft Experience (Piloted)

PA28
C172
BE76

Airport(s)

KOTM – Ottumwa Regional Airport (OTM), Ottumwa, Iowa
KOOA – Oskaloosa Municipal Airport (OOA), Oskaloosa, Iowa
KPEA – Pella Municipal Airport (PEA), Pella, Iowa

Pilot Training Provided

Certificates/Ratings Flight Lessons
Ground School
Intro/ Discovery Flight
Flight Reviews - Biennial Flight Reviews (BFRs)
Checkride Prep
Safety Pilot
Time Building
Spins, Upset Recovery
Aircraft/Avionics-Specific Training
Cross-Country Flying
Flight Planning (VFR, IFR)
Night Currency/Proficiency
Aircraft/Insurance Checkout

Ground School Programs Experience

King Schools
Gleim Aviation
Sporty's
ASA

Location

Reviews (0)

About

Hello, I'm Michael.ID VerifiedEmail Verified

I’m a certificated flight instructor offering personalized flight instruction, ground instruction, and checkride prep for student pilots and certificated pilots. I help pilots who are preparing for written exams, oral exams, checkrides, flight reviews, or who simply want extra help understanding aviation topics in a clear and practical way. My goal is to make confusing material easier to understand and help you feel more prepared, confident, and organized in your training. I hold a Certificated Flight Instructor certificate, Advanced Ground Instructor certificate, and Commercial Single-Engine and Multi-Engine certificates. I have experience in aircraft including the C172, PA-28, and BE76. I can help with private pilot training, ground school, written test prep, checkride oral prep, flight reviews, commercial pilot ground topics, weather, flight planning, performance calculations, regulations, airspace, cross-country planning, aircraft systems, ForeFlight, flight simulator setup, and general aviation questions. Instruction can be online, in person, or in the airplane when location, aircraft availability, weather, and scheduling allow. Sessions are relaxed, practical, and built around what you need. Bring your questions, ACS topics, practice test results, lesson struggles, ForeFlight questions, or checkride concerns, and we’ll work through them together. Best for: Student pilots preparing for a written exam Students getting ready for an oral exam or checkride Pilots who feel behind in ground knowledge Pilots who want extra help outside their normal flight school Pilots preparing for a flight review Students needing help with weather, airspace, regulations, or flight planning Pilots using Sporty’s, ASA, ForeFlight, MSFS, or X-Plane Anyone who wants patient, practical aviation instruction without pressure I also offer a free 15-minute intro session so we can talk about your goals, where you are in training, and how I can help.

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