Highest Rated Flight School In The St. Louis Area

TRAIN WITH CONFIDENCE.

FLY WITH PURPOSE

WELCOME TO STL FLIGHT TRAINING!

Whether you’re taking your first flight or working toward becoming a pilot, you’re in the right place.

We make learning to fly safe, personal, and genuinely exciting—from discovery flights to full pilot certification.

With experienced instructors, modern aircraft, and a supportive community, we’re here to guide you every step of the way.

Your First Flight Experience

Discovery Flight

Take the Controls on Your First Flight — No Experience Required

This isn’t just a ride—it’s your first real flying lesson.

You’ll sit in the pilot seat, fly the aircraft with a certified instructor, and experience what it’s actually like to become a pilot.

You’ll take the controls on your very first flight

No experience required • No commitment to continue

Here’s what you’ll experience:

Pre-flight briefing with your instructor
Walkaround of the aircraft & safety overview
Take the controls and fly the airplane
Learn basic maneuvers like turns and climbs
See St. Louis or Chesterfield from a whole new perspective
Post-flight debrief + next steps

Total value: ~~$275~~

Today Just $198

Book Your First Flight

"Best purchase ever!"

“I had zero experience and actually flew the plane on my first lesson. This is where it all started for me.”

OUR PHILOSOPHY

Train on YOUR Terms

Flight training should be accessible—not overwhelming.

With pay-as-you-go pricing, flexible scheduling, and no long-term commitments, you can start when you're ready and invest in your training at a pace that works for you.

Training built around YOU—not a rigid program
No hidden costs or surprises
Flexible scheduling that works with your life
Real-world flying skills from day one

Start Your Training Journey

WHAT WE DO

Professional Flight Training Built For Every Stage of Your Journey

At STL Flight Training, we help students become confident, capable pilots through structured training, experienced instructors, and a strong focus on safety.

Whether you’re taking your first flight or working toward a professional aviation career, we’ll guide you step by step.

Start Here

Discovery Flights

Experience flying firsthand and see what pilot training is all about.

Book a Discovery Flight

Build Your Foundation

Private Pilot Training (PPL)

Learn core flight skills, safety, and decision-making as you earn your first pilot certificate.

Start Private Pilot Training

Expand Your Skills

Instrument Rating

Learn to fly safely and confidently in all weather conditions.

Start Instrument Rating

Fly Professionally

Commercial Pilot Training

Develop advanced skills required to fly for compensation.

Start Commercial Training

Career Pathway

Career Pilot Program

A structured path from zero experience to professional pilot.

Start Career Pilot Program

Stay Current

Flight Reviews & Recurrency

Keep your skills sharp and stay FAA current and confident.

Get Flight Review

What does it cost?

Clear, Honest Pricing for Every Stage of Training

At STL Flight Training, we believe flight training should be transparent, flexible, and easy to understand from day one.

We've provided is a simple breakdown of what each stage of training typically costs so you can plan your path with confidence.

Training costs are based on aircraft rental and instructor time, and will vary slightly depending on your pace and frequency of lessons.

If you have questions or want a more personalized estimate, our team is always happy to help.

Not sure which path is right for you? Book a discovery flight and we’ll walk you through it.

*Most students invest between $11,000–$15,000 for their Private Pilot License, depending on pace and frequency of training.

Private Pilot

~$11-$15,000

Required Flight Time: 40 total hours

Most students complete this in 60–75 flight hours

✔ Your first major milestone as a pilot

✔ Learn to fly safely and confidently on your own

✔ Foundation for all advanced ratings

Most students pay as they go throughout training—no upfront lump sum required.

Instrument Rating

~$7,000

Typically completed in ~40 hours of instrument training

✔ Learn to fly in clouds and low visibility

✔ Improve precision and safety as a pilot

✔ Required for advanced career paths

Can be completed in actual or simulated instrument conditions.

Commercial Pilot

~$7,000

Requires 250 total flight hours (FAA requirement)

✔ Fly for compensation
✔ Major step toward professional aviation careers
✔ Unlocks paid flying opportunities

Most students build time gradually through flight training and experience.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

~$6,000

Requires Commercial Pilot + Instrument Rating

✔ Teach new student pilots

✔ Build flight hours while earning income

✔ One of the most common next steps after Commercial

Instrument Instructor (CFII)

~$2,000

Requires CFI + Instrument Rating

✔ Teach instrument flying

✔ Expand instructional qualifications

✔ Advanced step for career instructors

Meet Our Fleet

Modern Fleet.

Classic Reliability.

1 Flight Simulator, 2 Cessna 172's, 4 Evektor Harmonies

Aircraft That Support Your Training—Your Way

Train in modern, well-maintained aircraft that make learning simple, safe, and enjoyable. Whether you're flying for the first time or building advanced skills, you’ll gain real experience in the same aircraft you’ll grow with throughout your journey—on a schedule and pace that works for you.

Book a Discovery Flight

Redbird MCX Flight Simulator

Cessna C172

Evektor Harmony

Cessna 172

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR

CLIENTS SAY

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had an amazing experience with my discovery flight here! From start to finish, everything was smooth and enjoyable. The instructor (Chris) was extremely welcoming and professional, making me feel comfortable even though it was my very first time flying. The instructor was patient, knowledgeable, and made the whole flight both fun and educational. I really appreciated how clearly everything was explained, and it gave me the confidence to enjoy the time in the sky. You can tell they truly care about their students and guests. I would highly recommend this place to anyone interested in aviation or just wanting to experience something unforgettable!

Evan

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

The discovery flight was worth every penny. Clear communication on what to do and where to go when it came to actually getting to the school. The aircraft was new and the instructor experienced and not once did I ever feel like I was in any kind of danger in the slightest. Josh was my instructor and seemed extremely proficient at his job and was very easy to get along with. Not once did I feel embarrassed for asking a potential “stupid” question and overall had a great time. If I was living in the St Louis area longer than the time I am right now then I would definitely choose this school to pursue my PPL and potentially beyond that. Strongly recommend.

Diego

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Get a discovery flight out here if you are interested in flying. Great staff and instructor, and overwhelming positive experience. Highly recommend. Will be flight training here for my PPL

Conrad

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Our discovery flight at STL Flight Training was money well spent - the instructor was super kind, and it was a super interesting experience to go up in the plane with my brother flying. A great value for a unforgettable experience.

Will

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I purchased a discovery/metro tour flight as a college graduation gift for my Nephew; STL Flight Training did not disappoint. A rusty private pilot myself I wanted my nephew to experience the excitement and joy of general aviation a piloting a Cessna 172 on his own while I observed and brought an element of familiarity from the back seat. We were paired with Josh a Certified Instructor, he was perfect. He tailored his instruction and presentation to a level my nephew could understand, Josh was a consummate professional, demonstrating fine airmanship, all the while being cognizant of the special instructional needs of his left seater. This was a first rate experience in a well maintain workhorse of a plane. Thanks to STL Flight Training for creating positive life long memory for my Nephew.

Cecil

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Great experience. Planes are in top condition. Instructors are knowledgeable . Uses online software for scheduling, billing, and resources that makes things clear and easy.

Randolph

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

This was one of the best Christmas presents I have ever got. The flight was amazing and Josh C was an awesome pilot, you could tell he really loves his job. I would do this again for sure. A MUST TRY.

Sheila