Training

Flight training in DFW

Browse the training paths and certificates that we offer at Pekowski Flight. See the estimated price and timeline and decide which path is right for you.

1:1Instructor to Student
PPL + IR + CPLCertificates Offered
Part 61Certification Path
DFWBased & Flying
What You Can Train For

Learn to Fly Dallas: Choose Your Training Path

A look at all the training paths we offer at our DFW flight school. Whether you're starting from zero experience or want to build on to your Private Pilot License, Dallas-area students train with expert instruction built around them, with the same instructor the whole way.

Discovery Flight Private Pilot Instrument Rating Commercial Pilot Flight Review Instrument Proficiency Check
Cessna 172 climbing out after takeoff on a discovery flight near Dallas–Fort Worth
01 Start Here

Discovery Flight

A short, low-pressure flight with a CFI to get a feel for the aircraft, controls, and whether this is a right fit before committing to a training plan.

  • Meet your instructor
  • Go up in the airplane and see if you like flying
  • Briefly take the controls under supervision
  • No pressure, no commitment
  • Not required, but highly recommended
Duration30–60 minutes
PrerequisiteNone
AircraftSame one you'll train in
FocusControls, feel & your questions
Book Discovery Flight See Pricing
Pilot at the controls in flight over Dallas–Fort Worth farmland, seen from the back seat
02 First Certificate

Private Pilot

The first step every pilot takes. Learn to fly yourself and passengers under visual flight rules. We recommend taking a discovery flight before this.

  • Learn basic maneuvers, emergency procedures, and fly as pilot in command
  • Ground instruction covering airspace, weather, regulations & systems
  • Solo flight and cross-country navigation training
  • Full checkride preparation — oral & practical test
  • Every lesson with the same CFI
Estimated Cost$11,600–$12,325
Typical Timeline~55 flight hours
PrerequisiteNo prior certificate
IncludesGround, solo & checkride prep
Learn More See cost breakdown
FAA RNAV GPS instrument approach chart showing the approach course, holding pattern, profile view and landing minimums
03 Next Step

Instrument Rating

Learn to fly under instrument flight rules, allowing you to fly through severe weather and low visibility conditions. Requires a Private Pilot Certificate.

  • Instrument procedures & IFR flight planning
  • Simulated and actual instrument flight time
  • Cross-country flight hours
  • Ground instruction on IFR regulations & systems
  • Full checkride preparation — oral & practical test
Estimated Cost$9,050–$9,575
Typical Timeline~45 flight hours
PrerequisiteCurrent Private Pilot certificate
IncludesIFR procedures & checkride prep
Learn More See cost breakdown
Two pilots flying at night under red cabin lighting, city lights visible below over the Dallas–Fort Worth area
04 Fly Professionally

Commercial Pilot

Earn the certificate that unlocks paid flight opportunities. The FAA minimum for Part 61 schools is 250 hours. This is a plus because many jobs will only hire pilots with 250+ hours.

  • Learn to fly technically advanced aircraft
  • Master advanced systems and maneuvers
  • In-depth weather and navigation planning
  • 100 hours as pilot in command
  • Full checkride preparation — oral & practical test
Estimated CostCall for price
Typical Timeline~250 total flight hours
PrerequisitePrivate Pilot + Instrument Rating
IncludesCommercial maneuvers & checkride prep
Learn More
Certificates, Reviews & Endorsements

Other flight training available

If you're already a pilot, we offer proficiency checks based on your schedule.

Flight Review

Complete your FAA required evaluation to continue flying as pilot in command and sharpen your skills.

Starting PriceContact for rate
FAA Minimum1h ground + 1h flight
TimingTypically one visit
  • Plan more flight time if you have not flown recently
  • Review regulations and the aircraft handbook before arriving
Contact

Instrument Proficiency Check

Complete your FAA required evaluation when your instrument currency lapses. Sharpen your skills before a trip into low-visibility conditions.

Starting PriceContact for rate
FAA Basis61.57(d) proficiency check
TimingTypically one visit
  • Bring current approach plates and charts
  • Expect holds, approaches, and partial-panel work
Contact
The Process

From first flight to checkride

Once you've selected a course above, this is what you can expect your training path to look like. Your pace will differ based on how often you fly.

01

Ground fundamentals

Learn about aircraft systems, weather, and regulations in parallel with early flight lessons. Ground knowledge and flight time reinforce each other.

Ground + AirKnowledge test prep
02

Pattern work & maneuvers

Takeoffs, landings, stalls, and turns repeated until they're second nature. Every flying certificate is built on these core skills.

Dual instructionRepetition-based
03

Solo flight

Your first flight alone in the aircraft — a major milestone that proves you can handle takeoff, pattern work, and landing entirely on your own before building toward cross-country flying.

Solo endorsement
04

Cross country

Plan and navigate a full cross-country flight — plotting routes, managing fuel, and flying to unfamiliar airports. Learn how to communicate and make decisions when you're far from home.

Navigation
05

Checkride prep & test

Final polish on oral and practical exam topics and maneuvers, followed by your test with a Designated Pilot Examiner.

Ready When You Are

Your first flight starts with a call

Discovery flights are the easiest way to see if this is the right fit — no obligation, no pressure.

Book a Discovery Flight