Learn how to fly at Northwoods Gateway Aviation. We prioritize safety and reliability to offer programs that prepare you for flying in the airlines, corporate, backcountry, or anything in between!
Flight Training Programs
Private Pilot
Begin your aviation journey with a private pilot certificate. This certification allows you to fly an aircraft for non-commercial purposes such as taking family and friends for flights. Learn to confidently take off, land, maneuver, and navigate to other airports with support from our knowledgable instructors.
Instrument Rating
An instrument rating gives you the ability to navigate through low visibility and clouds, relying solely on your aircraft's instruments. This rating unlocks many opportunities, increases the flying opportunities you have, and enhances your safety and proficiency as a pilot.
Commercial Pilot
A commercial certificate allows you to fly for compensation or hire. With guidance from our instructors, you'll acquire the mastery of operating advanced aircraft in various situations and configurations. With this certificate, you will be prepared and equipped to overcome any challenges in your aviation career.
Tailwheel Endorsment
A tailwheel endorsement does so much more than just teach you a new landing configuration. You learn to control the aircraft to the highest level and advance your stick and rudder skills. This endorsement is key to enhancing your safety and overall flying technique.
Meet our Instructors
Our flight instructors are dedicated to safety, efficiency, and professionalism in every flight they conduct.
Commercial ASEL, AMEL, CFI, CFII
Alan Horzewski
Commercial ASEL, ASES, CFI
Alex Stank
Commercial ASEL, CFI, CFII
Sydney Swartz
Frequently asked questions
All of our flight training is personalized and the timeline will depend entirely on individual circumstances. We offer both normal and accelerated training to meet your needs. Contact us today for a personalized timeline.
Depending on the individual, the cost of flight training will vary. Our estimates based on prior students is as follows:
Private Pilot: ≈ $10,000 - $12,000
Instrument Rating: ≈ $9,000 - $11,000
Commercial Pilot: ≈ $8,000 - $11,000
Tailwheel Endorsement: ≈ $1,500 - $2,500
Additional Hours for Instrument and Commercial (time building): ≈ $10,000 - $12,000
Our students have the opportunity to pick the airplane they wish to complete their training in based on multiple factors. Our fleet of Cessnas have a variety of Garmin avionics, offering some of the most technically advanced airplanes in the region.
The FAA has medical requirements that pilots must meet before operating an airplane by themselves. We will guide you towards the nearest AME (aviation medical examiner) to obtain your FAA medical exam. Contact us for more information regarding medical requirements.
Yes! No prior flight experience is required to take an introductory flight with us, called a "discovery flight." Taking this flight requires no long term commitment, just an hour of your day to experience flight and take the controls.
While there are no age requirements for when you can begin flight training, federal regulations require student pilots to be 16 to "solo" the airplane (fly it by yourself) and 17 to apply for a private pilot license. For these reasons, the very earliest we recommend beginning training is 15 years old.
Your instructor will give you reading assignments, videos, and other material to review for upcoming lessons. You can expect about a 1:1 ratio of flying to studying. Flying twice a week (resulting in 2-3 hours of flight time) you could expect approximately 2-3 hours of home study.