Are you searching for flight training services in Minnesota? The first step to becoming a pilot is signing up for flying lessons at a reputable school. Spectrum Aviation, based in Rochester, Minnesota, offers a nice blend of experience and one-on-one instruction that you may find appealing. Let’s explore a little more about what it’s like to attend this flight school.
About Spectrum Aviation Flight School
Spectrum Aviation is owned and operated by Ronn DenOuden, a CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument) with over three decades of flying experience and 1,800 hours of instruction. He also serves as the company’s lead and only instructor of his company. DenOuden provides primary training, flight reviews, instrument proficiency and specialized training for high performance, tail wheel, light sport and twin engine aircraft. One of the best parts of this school is that classes can be conducted out of either Dodge Center Airport (KTOB) or Rochester International Airport (KRST). The company was founded 10 years ago with the original intent of serving a local student pilot population left out in the cold by a different, since shuttered, flight school operation. Today, it continues as a hobby business for DenOuden, offering flight training services and pilot supplies for based and transient aircraft. Their unique business model caters to individuals, rather than a corporate board, with the goal of promoting continued growth of general aviation in southeastern Minnesota.
Spectrum Aviation Contact Information
2119 Fox Valley Dr SW
Rochester, MN 55902
(507) 269-7315
rdenouden@hotmail.com
http://www.spectrumpilotservices.com
Flight Training Programs at Spectrum Flight Services
Spectrum Flight Services offers several different certifications and ratings, ranging in skill level from beginner to expert. Take a look at some of the options below:
Available Flight Certifications, Ratings & Endorsements
Certifications:
- Commercial Pilot
- Private Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Multi-engine Flight Instructor (MEI)
- Sport Pilot
- Recreational Pilot
Ratings:
- Multi-Engine
- Instrument
Other:
- Tail wheel
- “Glass” panels
Costs of Spectrum Flight School
The cost of flight lessons at Spectrum Aviation are customized based on student needs. Most services at this flight school are based on an hourly rate. Approximate training costs are as follows:
| Flight School Item | Cost | Notes |
| Aircraft Rental | $85 per hour | tach dry plus 10 gph at current pump price. |
| Flight Instruction | $140 to 175 per hour | The average length of the private pilot certification process in the U.S. is about 50 hours |
| Written Test Prep & Test | $350 | Other tests are available |
| FAA Checkride | $650 | Fees vary |
Types of Trainer Aircraft
Students learn in a Piper Archer PA28-180. Aircraft fees can be charged as wet tach hour, meaning fuel and oil are included, if requested.
- Rental rates are $85 tach dry plus 10 gph at current pump price.
Other Information about this Flight School in Rochester
As of 2021, Spectrum Aviation suspended dual flight instruction and has instead moved to mentoring services through digital means due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Help is available for the written portion of the FAA exam; additionally, some night proficiency, instrument proficiency check (IPC) and flight review training may be conducted on a case-by-case basis. The company also offers sightseeing tours that take participants to any location within a 25 nautical-mile radius of Rochester International Airport. Learn about the history of the area, the process of flight and what it’s like to fly in a small aircraft.
Are you searching for the best full-service flight school in Minnesota?
Get in touch with Inflight Pilot Training today. We’re the top flight school in the Twin Cities metro and will help you achieve your goal of learning to fly, just as we’ve done for countless others. Whether you’re searching for basic private pilot instruction or a more advanced commercial certification, our diverse team of CFIs has the experience to elevate your education. Find out what it’s like to take the controls of an airplane — partner with us and we’ll show you how. If you’re interested in learning more about Inflight training programs, contact us today or call (952) 698-3000.