So you’ve decided you want to learn to fly. For some people, it’s been a lifelong dream. For others, it starts with a discovery flight that changes everything the moment the wheels touch back down. And for many, the decision is practical too: the ability to reach clients faster, skip long airport lines, or access parts of the midwest that are hard to reach efficiently by car.
Whatever brought you here, welcome. Starting flight training in Minnesota is one of the most exciting decisions a person can make. It’s also one that comes with a lot of questions, and sometimes, a little anxiety about the unknown.
That’s exactly what this post is for. Here’s what we wish every new student knew before their first lesson.
You Don’t Need Any Experience to Start
Let’s get this one out of the way immediately, because it surprises more people than you’d think. You do not need any prior aviation experience to begin flight training. No background in engineering, no military history, and no need to understand every instrument on the panel.
Your first lesson, often called a discovery flight, is designed to introduce you to the aircraft, the feel of the controls, and the basics of how flight works. Your instructor will be right there with you every step of the way. Most first-time students are handling the controls within minutes of takeoff. To many people’s surprise, it’s more intuitive than it looks from the ground.
There Are Two Parts to Earning Your Certificate
A lot of people don’t realize that flight training has two parallel tracks running at the same time: flight training (the actual flying) and ground school (the book knowledge).
To earn your Private Pilot Certificate, you’ll need to pass a written knowledge test. This is a 60-question FAA exam covering topics like aerodynamics, weather, navigation, airspace, and regulations. That might sound intimidating, but ground school breaks it down in a way that makes sense, especially once you’re actually flying and seeing the concepts come to life in real time.
The flying portion has its own requirements too. FAA part 141 minimums call for at least 35 hours of flight time, including 20 hours with an instructor and 5 hours of solo flight. In practice, most students finish closer to 55–70 hours. Everyone learns at a different pace, and there’s no penalty for taking the time you need to build confidence.
Consistency Is Everything
This is the piece of advice we give every new student, and it’s the one that makes the biggest difference in how quickly and smoothly training goes: fly as regularly as you can.
Aviation is a skill that builds on itself. Each lesson reinforces the last. When students fly once a week or more, the progress is steady and the retention is strong. When life gets busy and lessons stretch to once every few weeks, it’s easy to feel like you’re starting over each time. In the long run, this approach can be more frustrating and expensive.
We’re not saying you need to quit your day job. But if you’re serious about earning your certificate in a reasonable timeframe, carving out a consistent weekly slot makes a real difference. Your instructor can help you build a training schedule that fits your life and keeps momentum going. Our training is designed to work around your schedule, not ours.
Why Lake Elmo Aero Is a Strong Place to Learn
Training with Lake Elmo Aero gives student pilots the benefit of learning in a setting that is both approachable and practical. Based at Lake Elmo Airport, students can build confidence in an environment that helps them develop essential flying skills without feeling overwhelmed from day one.
Because Lake Elmo Airport is an uncontrolled airport, there is no control tower directing traffic. For student pilots, that can be a valuable learning advantage. You’ll learn how to communicate clearly on the radio, self-announce your position, pay attention to nearby traffic, and build the situational awareness that every capable pilot needs.
At the same time, Lake Elmo Aero is close enough to the Twin Cities airspace to give students exposure to more complex flying environments as training progresses. You can start by building strong fundamentals, then gradually gain experience with controlled airspace and towered airports when you’re ready.
And of course, the location does not hurt. Flying over the St. Croix River Valley, the lakes of the east metro, and the wide-open Minnesota countryside on a clear day is the kind of experience that reminds many students why they wanted to learn to fly in the first place.
What to Bring to Your First Lesson
Keep it simple. Wear comfortable clothes, bring a notebook, and come with your questions ready. We love questions. The more curious you are, the faster you learn. We will also need a copy of your birth certificate or passport to verify your identity and US citizenship for TSA compliance.
If you’re ready to commit to training, you’ll eventually want to pick up a headset and a few study materials from us. Your instructor will point you in the right direction once you’ve had a chance to get your bearings.
The Honest Truth About Cost
We believe in being upfront about cost because surprises are never helpful. Flight training is an investment. Between aircraft rental, instructor fees, study materials, FAA exam fees, and your checkride, earning a Private Pilot Certificate typically costs around $12,000 to $15,000, depending on how many flight hours it takes you to complete your training.
Is it worth it? Ask anyone who has earned their wings. Most pilots will tell you the experience changes the way they see the world.
At Lake Elmo Aero, students are not required to pay one large program fee upfront. We offer pay-as-you-go flight training, which allows you to pay for lessons as you move through the process. That can make training feel more manageable and gives you the flexibility to work at a pace that fits your schedule and budget.
Your First Flight Starts Here
The best way to know if flight training is right for you is to get in the air. A discovery flight is a low-pressure way to experience flying, ask questions, and see what training with Lake Elmo Aero is really like. Located at Lake Elmo Airport (21D), we serve students throughout the Twin Cities metro and greater Minnesota. Contact us today to schedule your discovery flight or first lesson and take the first step toward becoming a pilot.