What do Graham Aviation students say?

"If I’ve learned one thing from my association with Graham Aviation, it’s that they care about their students and want to know them more than only as a source of revenue. They approach their business with a spot-on customer service attitude, willing to fit their availability to the student’s schedule as much as possible, and with a genuine desire to ensure every student’s success."

“Graham is the best, plain and simple.”

“Great instruction meshed with family feel. I’m happy to have found Graham Aviation.”

“The whole of the class, material and instructors made for a great learning experience.”

“Jim & Gwen Graham of Graham Aviation Services were so easy to work with. Their knowledge and professionalism in flight instruction made it possible for them to take complicated material and present it in an organized and fun way. I highly recommend them if you ever thought of flying.”

Graham Aviation teaches you to fly!

How Do I Begin?

Call Graham Aviation today to schedule a free, informal appointment with one of our flight instructors. There’s no obligation and you’ll get answers to all your questions.

Our introductory flight lessons begin at only $99. You’ll receive a short ground school in basic aerodynamics, as well as a preflight of the aircraft. Once airborne, YOU will take the controls and your instructor will talk you through the basic maneuvers of climbs, descents and turns. Thirty glorious minutes later, you will have completed your first lesson – and flown the aircraft yourself!

We have options to select longer lessons and various aircraft that may allow a passenger accompany you. Go to our Introductory Flight lesson page to see your options.

You will climb out of the aircraft with a smile that will last a lifetime.

Call us at 503-581-4139

What does it take to become a private pilot?

• You must be at least 17 years of age
• Be able to read, speak, write and converse fluently in English
• Obtain a third class medical certificate
• Pass the FAA pilot knowledge test with a score of 70% or better
• Receive a minimum of 40 hours flight time (national average is 60 hours before you’re ready for the practical flight test)
• Successfully complete a practical flight test given by an FAA-designated pilot examiner

Other pilot ratings, such as the sport pilot rating have differences in some portions of the required aeronautical knowledge. When you stop by to talk to an instructor at Graham Aviation, we can answer your questions.

What does it cost?

Everyone learns at their own pace which affects the total cost. For planning purposes, we suggest you budget a minimum of $9,000, but your final cost depends on you.

• How often do you fly?
• How much studying do you do between lessons?
• How much do you apply yourself to the process of learning?

But the good news is that learning to fly is pay-as-go endeavor. Figure each lesson will cost approximately $170 (one hour in the airplane with the instructor plus pre- and post-flight “chalk-talk” on the ground.) Keep in mind, for budgeting purposes, that the cost of the lesson will increase as you begin your cross-country planning and flying.

There are options to finance your flight instruction and training costs.

Is it difficult to learn to fly?

Yes and no. Flying is not something you pick up over a weekend. It takes time, patience and persistence to master the skills necessary to be safe and pass the FAA requirements. But no, it’s not something so difficult that’s beyond the average person’s ability. The key is having the passion to fly and a good instructor.

Do I have to finish ground school before I start to fly with an instructor?

You can do your flight training and your ground school in any order. We recommend you try to do them as simultaneously as possible as what you learn in ground school will make more sense if you are flying. Yet realistically, you can get in the airplane today and start your training. It’s that easy.

What do I bring with me for my first lesson?

Bring your enthusiasm! It’s an exciting adventure you’re about to embark on.

In addition, due to Transportation Security Administration rules, we must take a copy of proof of citizenship and a government-issued ID (i.e., driver’s license). If you are not a U.S. citizen, please call us as to the procedures.

Why should I come to Graham Aviation to learn to fly?

Graham Aviation Services was formed to teach people to fly because of our own love of flying. Our philosophy is a total commitment to flight safety and wise aviation decision-making provided by high quality, professional instructors. We also make sure it’s fun.

Schedule your introductory lesson today.

Call Graham Aviation Services

503-581-4139