how to get started with flight training

You don’t need prior experience or a perfect plan to start flight training. My job is to help you understand the process, answer your questions, and build a clear path to your goals—whether that’s flying for fun or flying professionally.
isaac kala
independent cfi, flying with isaac
Isaac Kala, certified flight instructor in Tucson, Arizona, smiling in the cockpit of a cessna 172

Step-by-Step: How to Start

1. set up a meeting

Schedule a virtual or in-person meeting to determine your eligibility for flight training and outline a personalized plan based on your goals, schedule, and experience.

2. book a discovery flight

Book a discovery flight to experience your first flight lesson, sit in the left seat, take the controls, and see if pilot training is right for you.

3. Obtain an FAA medical certificate

Obtain an FAA medical certificate to confirm you meet the medical requirements needed to begin pilot training and fly safely.

4. purchase pilot supplies

Purchase essential pilot supplies such as a headset, logbook, and training materials to set yourself up for success from day one of flight training.

5. start ground school

Begin ground school to build the aeronautical knowledge required for safe flight and passing your FAA written exam.

6. start flight training

Start flight training with structured, one-on-one instruction focused on real proficiency—not just passing a checkride.

schedule an faa medical exam

Below is a list of aviation medical examiners in Pima County who are authorized to perform first, second, and third-class exams. For the most up-to-date information, please visit the FAA designee locator search below.

John Quentin Harris

Aviation medical examiner

3535 S 12th Ave

Tucson, AZ 85713

(520) 622-8384

Dennis L Thrasher

aviation medical examiner

3681 S Palo Verde Rd

Tucson, AZ 85713

(520) 750-8855

Douglas William Little

aviation medical examiner

6450 N. Swan Rd, Suite 120

Tucson, AZ 85718

(520) 240-9130

pricing & aircraft

An Investment in Quality Training

My instructional rate is $65 per hour for all flight and ground training, from private pilot through commercial. As an independent instructor, aircraft rental is not included in my fee. Students either provide an aircraft or rent one through a trusted flight school or owner. I’m happy to help you evaluate options and make thoughtful decisions so your training investment supports your goals and long-term success as a pilot.

Recommended ground school

For Private Pilot training, I recommend Sporty’s Ground School. It’s one of the clearest and most user-friendly programs available, designed to help you understand the material—not just pass the written exam. Pairing Sporty’s with your flight training allows us to focus on real-world flying and decision-making from day one.

After private pilot, I recommend the Sheppard Air written exam test prep software to help you prepare for your FAA written exam.

Frequently Asked Questions

No prior flying experience is required. Flight training is designed for beginners, and everything from ground knowledge to flight skills is taught step by step.

Training timelines vary based on your schedule, weather, and goals, but most students earn a Private Pilot Certificate in 3–6 months with consistent training. With accelerated training, getting your certificate can be much quicker.

The cost of flight training depends on aircraft rental, instructor time, and how often you fly. Private pilot training can cost between $14,000 – 18,000. A personalized estimate is discussed during your initial meeting so there are no surprises.

You must be at least 16 years old to obtain a Student Pilot Certificate, 17 for a Private Pilot Certificate, and 18 for a Commercial Pilot Certificate. Students must be a U.S. citizen or obtain TSA approval and be able to read, write, speak, and understand English.

An FAA medical certificate is not required to begin ground school or a discovery flight, but it is required before solo flight. We’ll discuss which medical level you need based on your training goals.

Ground school can be completed before or during flight training and is required to pass the FAA written exam. In most cases, finishing ground school early allows you to focus more fully on flight training and progress faster in the aircraft.

are you a veteran or servicemember?

If you’re a veteran, I can help you understand how to use your VA education benefits and other resources to reduce the cost of flight training. As a fellow veteran, I’m happy to walk you through your options.


interested?
the sky is yours!

Email

fly@flyingwithisaac.com