If you’re interested in taking flying lessons, you may find it difficult to choose the right flight school in Twin Cities, with so many options available — so we’re here to help you out. Those who are interested in undertaking a new, exciting hobby or career, the path of becoming a certified pilot is an ideal option. But, it’s important to find an instructor that’s committed to your success. As such, you may be considering teaming up with an organization like Great Planes Aviation, based out of Rochester, MN. But first, you should better understand things like pricing structure, curriculum, timelines at this school. This way, you can be more confident in the education you’re receiving.
With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at this flight school to provide you with some insight as to what you can expect when you sign up for classes.
About Great Planes Aviation
Great Planes Aviation is an organization that strives to provide clean, updated aircraft that’s backed by experienced flight instructors and a solid supporting crew of mechanics and administrative personnel. Whether you have an interest in flight for personal reasons or want to make business travel easier, this flight school provides tailored flight training services that directly serve individual students’ interests.
Great Planes Aviation Contact Information
Located in: Rochester International Airport (KRST)
7300 Brataas Dr SW, Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 218-4700
info@flygreatplanes.com
Flight Training Programs at Great Planes Aviation
There are many great things you can do with a pilot license — and Great Planes Aviation provides curriculum for several different types of FAA certifications, ratings and endorsements:
- Private Pilot License
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor / Instrument (CFI)
- Multi-Engine Rating (MEI)
- High Performance Endorsement
- Tailwheel Endorsement
How Much Does Great Planes Flight School Cost?
There are certain fees that you’ll have to pay in order to partake in flight training. Below are some of the rates you can expect at Great Planes Aviation. Note, prices do not include plane rental costs which can be rented by the hour, half-day or full day, in some circumstances.
| Flight School Item | Cost |
| Piper & Cessna Instructor Rates | $140 per hour |
| Piper Dakota Instructor Rates | $189 per hour |
| Cirrus Instructor Rates | $90 per hour |
What Trainer Aircraft Models are Available?
Great Planes Aviation has a small but reliable fleet of various popular aircraft models. Students can expect to train in a mix of Pipers, Cessnas and Cirrus planes. Inquire for rates.
- Piper Archer III (three individual aircraft available)
- Cessna 172 (two individual aircraft available)
- Piper Dakota
- Cirrus SR20
How Many Flight Instructors Will You Work With?
There are eight certified flight instructors working at Great Planes Aviation, including the Chief Pilot Scott Coon. They’re certified at a variety of instruction levels, including CFI and MEI.
Other Information About this Rochester Flight School
This flight school also offers the opportunity to earn your two-year associates degree at Rochester Community & Technical College (RCTC) while simultaneously undergoing the flight training process at Great Planes Aviation. As partners, the two schools work together to provide the FAA Part 141 curriculum that’s designed to take you from novice pilot to professional pilot in 24 months. There are several pros and cons of attending an aviation school, so make sure you take into account extra costs and training length.
Additionally, like a select few others around Minnesota, this Rochester-based flight school is a Cirrus Certified Training organization, meaning you get access to a proprietary, global network of Cirrus Training Centers (CTCs) that are composed of elite flight schools specializing in the brand’s flight training methods and plane rentals.
Are you searching for an efficient, effective flight training program Minnesota?
Get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today if you’ve always wanted to fly an aircraft. We’re the top flight school in the Twin Cities metro and will help you achieve your goal of soaring the skies, just as we’ve done for countless others across Minnesota. We provide both traditional and accelerated programs for private, instrument and commercial purposes. Our modern fleet of aircraft is as fun to fly as it is well maintained, meaning a more enjoyable time in the air. In addition, we are a Cirrus partner, offering proprietary training programs and aircraft models for students of all types. Let our diverse team of CFIs elevate your flying experience.
If you’re interested in learning more about Inflight programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.