Private pilot
Start working toward your private pilot certificate, with flight and ground instruction.
Steamboat Springs, Colorado
Your next chapter.
Above it all.
Flight instruction in Steamboat Springs—from your first flight to your next rating.
BARRETT DORRIS / CFI, CFII
Based in Steamboat SpringsPrivate • Instrument • CommercialFlight reviews ↗Instrument proficiency checks ↗Your aircraft ↗
Find your direction
Wherever you are.
Whatever comes next.
Connect with your flight instructor to discuss your experience, your goals, and the right next step in your training.
Instrument rating
Build your instrument flying knowledge and skills as you work toward your next rating.
Commercial pilot
Take the next step in your pilot training with commercial pilot instruction.
Flight reviews
Refresh your knowledge and flying skills with a review tailored to your experience.
Our plane $450 · Your plane $225 ↗Instrument Proficiency Checks
Work with your flight instructor on instrument procedures, approach proficiency, and IFR decision-making. Discuss your recent instrument experience and arrange an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) tailored to your needs.
Request an IPC ↗Contact your instructor for pricing and scheduling.
Train in your aircraft
Build proficiency in the airplane you fly. Ask about personalized instruction, flight reviews, or instrument training in your own aircraft, with a plan focused on your goals and aircraft familiarity.
Discuss your aircraft ↗Share your aircraft make and model to confirm suitability, instructor availability, and pricing.
Two ways to take the next step
Choose your next flight.
New to flying or keeping your skills sharp? Explore both options below.
Your first taste of flight
Discover the joy of flight.
Experience an introduction to flying with your flight instructor in Steamboat Springs. Whether you are exploring pilot training, following a lifelong interest, or planning a memorable gift, a discovery flight is a place to begin.
Explore an interest
Find out what learning to fly could look like and ask your instructor about the path ahead.
Give an experience
Celebrate a birthday, graduation, or special occasion with an introduction to aviation. Contact your instructor to arrange a flight as a gift.
Try something new
Turn “I have always wondered” into a first step. Start with a conversation about your first flight.
Stay proficient. Keep progressing.
Refresh your skills. Fly with confidence.
A flight review tailored to your experience, aircraft familiarity, and flying goals. Choose our plane or yours. Both packages include 1 hour of flight training and 1.5 hours on the ground.
1-hour ground lesson
Review current Part 91 operating rules, flight planning, weather, aircraft performance, and risk management, including density altitude and mountain-weather considerations relevant to local operations.
1-hour flight lesson
Refresh maneuvers and procedures selected by your instructor for your needs, which may include takeoffs, landings, aircraft control, and emergency procedures.
30-minute debrief
Review your performance, ask questions, and identify areas to practice. A flight-review endorsement is provided upon satisfactory completion, as determined by your instructor.
Training rates
A clear starting point.
Plan your next lesson with straightforward hourly rates. Contact your flight instructor to discuss lesson details and availability.
Flight instruction
Includes fuel and instruction.
$330 / flight hr
Ground instruction
Dedicated ground training time.
$100 / hr
Discuss your training plan and confirm booking details before payment.
Plan ahead. Save on flight time.
Flight-hour blocks
Purchase flight hours together at a reduced rate. Fuel and flight instruction are included; ground instruction is billed separately.
Discounts are based on the $330 flight-hour rate and apply to these flight-hour blocks. Contact your flight instructor to arrange purchase and confirm block terms before payment.
Student FAQs
Good questions.
Clear answers.
A few helpful details before you begin flight training in Steamboat Springs.
Where do flight lessons take place?
Lessons are based at Steamboat Springs Airport / Bob Adams Field in Steamboat Springs, Colorado.
What does the $330 flight-hour rate include?
The rate includes the aircraft, fuel, and flight instruction. Flight time is billed using Hobbs hours. Ground instruction is $100 per hour.
Do I need any experience before starting?
No prior flight experience is needed to begin private pilot training. A discovery flight is a good way to see what flying is like before committing to lessons.
What training do you offer?
Training options include private pilot, instrument, and commercial pilot training, plus flight reviews and instrument proficiency checks.
Can I train in my own aircraft?
Training may be available in your aircraft, depending on the aircraft and the training requested. Contact your flight instructor to discuss the details.
What is a discovery flight?
A discovery flight is an introductory flight where you can experience flying with an instructor and learn what flight training involves. The price is $300.
What happens during a flight review?
Each review includes one flight hour, a one-hour ground lesson, and a 30-minute debrief. The flat rate is $450 in our plane or $225 in your plane. An endorsement is provided after satisfactory completion, as determined by your instructor.
Do I need an FAA medical certificate before my first lesson?
You can begin flight lessons without a medical certificate. For airplane training, the FAA requires a valid medical certificate before a student pilot’s first solo. It is strongly recommended that you arrange it early in training to identify possible eligibility issues before investing further. See FAA guidance ↗
How often should I fly?
Consistent lessons can help maintain progress, but the right schedule depends on your availability, weather, and training goals.
How do I request a discovery flight or a call?
Use the discovery flight request form to share the student’s name, requested date and time, and goals or background. You can also request a call. Your instructor will review the request and confirm availability; it is not booked until confirmed.
Let's get started
It starts with
a conversation.
Tell your flight instructor what you'd like to accomplish and where you are in your flying journey. Call, text, or email to ask about training and availability.
Barrett Dorris · CFI, CFII
Steamboat Springs, Colorado