Great River Aviation LLC

Why Learn at Great River Aviation?
As a FAA-approved Part 141 Pilot School and a designated Cessna Pilot Center, we use the best ground school curriculum in combination with your flight training. Our Computer-Based Instruction kits, offered exclusively at Cessna Pilot Centers, which are the latest trend in ground school instruction using the advanced technologies of computers. This integrated system, based on building blocks of learning, provides for faster flight training and better retention of knowledge and skills.

In addition to an on-site Designated Pilot Examiner, we have state-of-the-art Cessna aircraft available to conduct your flight training in, and we offer CATS computerized written exam testing that has the convenience of instant results. Our maintenance facility provides us with exceptionally maintained aircraft and quick service. Therefore, you can complete all of your training right here at the Quincy Airport.

Is there an age limit?
No. We have had children come in with their parents to experience the wonder of flight. However you must be 16 years of age to hold a student pilot certificate, which will enable you to fly solo (without your instructor). You must be 17 years of age in order to receive your private pilot certificate.

How long does it take?
The more you can fly each week; the sooner you will be done. Typically, if you can fly 2-3 times each week, your training can be completed in 3 to 4 months, or choose to fly at your own convenience. How long it takes depends on how much time you are willing to invest. The more times per week you fly the quicker it goes. The FAA minimum is 40 hours to receive a private pilot certificate. Most people through Great River Aviation complete their private pilot certificate in about 55 hours. We will work completely around your schedule to maximize your training efficiency.

What opportunities are available?
With your private pilot certificate you will be able to rent an airplane anytime you want. This means taking friends and family on vacations for the day or the week, to thousands of destinations. There are however just a few limitations such as you may no be compensated for your flying. Also you are limited in the weather conditions you may fly; mainly you can’t fly in the clouds. Other than that the choice is yours. Be it business or pleasure you can do it all.

Do I have to buy an airplane?
No. We know that everyone who becomes a pilot cannot afford an airplane. This is why Great River Aviation has an extensive fleet of new, state-of-the-art airplanes available for rent. Whether you want it for a few hours or a few days, they are available to you just as if you owned it. However if you are interested in purchasing an airplane there are some great tax benefits to owning and leasing back and airplane.

How do I get started?
The first step is to come and take a Discovery Flight. Take the controls of a Cessna 172 on a Discovery Flight for just $59 and see how easy it is for you to learn to fly! Under the supervision of a FAA certificated flight instructor, you'll experience the sights, sounds, and thrill of piloting an airplane high above the spectacular view of the mid-west. Then we'll introduce you to the unique Cessna Pilot Center system of integrated flight and ground training. Discover the many benefits of being a licensed general aviation pilot. Stop by Great River Aviation’s Flight School today, or call us at (217) 885-3353 and learn to fly!

Is there financing available?
Yes. Since we are an authorized Cessna Pilot Center we are entitled to offer financing through Sallie Mae. With Sallie Mae you can finance all or part of your training. Then it’s as easy as making a small monthly payment. You can fly as low as $75 per month with a Sallie Mae educational loan.

Who maintains the aircraft?
Great River Aviation has a proven safety record for many years. All training aircraft are maintained by our FAA approved Repair Station to standards more demanding than the required FAA regulations. Our fleet is inspected every 50 hours to ensure our commitment to the highest quality of safety.

How much will it cost to get my Private Pilot Certificate?
According to the FAA minimums you are required to obtain a certificate of 40 hours, the cost would be approximately $4,400. Is this a realistic figure? - No. Our professional students who fly twice a day, six days a week and have no other distractions have a strong possibility of completing the program close to these hours. However, a majority of students are flying for recreational purposes and have other life commitments such as family and employment that do not allow them to dedicate themselves fully to their flight training. This type of student will usually obtain their certificate for $5,500 to $7,000. The simple equation to figure where you will lie in those amounts will be determined how often you can fly per week. The more you fly, 3 times a week is recommended, the less dollars out of your pocket.

How do I schedule lessons?
Scheduling lessons is very simple. We are here to accommodate your schedule. All you need to do is contact your Flight Instructor and tell him/her when you would like to have a lesson. You can schedule several lessons in advance, or one at time - whatever is convenient for you.

Do I have to attend a ground school?
No. It's all about convenience. Instead of the old school teaching of watching test-prep videos, studying test books, or going to a ground school class twice every week, you can use Great River Aviation and Cessna's Computer-Based Instruction Program – an interactive CD-ROM ground school that includes all the material for the written exam, required knowledge, and then some. You can complete all of the necessary labs at home, work, Great River Aviation’s CPC Center, or on the road in a hotel room - where ever you have access to a computer.

What happens during bad weather?
In the event the weather has low visibility, low ceilings, stormy weather, high winds, the instructor will contact you. They will either reschedule the lesson or still keep the current lesson if other items that need to be accomplished can still be conducted that day.

After I get my private pilot certificate, can I rent the airplane on my own?
Yes. Great River Aviation rental fleet allows you to rent aircraft after receiving your Private Pilot Certificate. This means you can take an aircraft out for the day to visit relatives located out of town, or to eat lunch or dinner somewhere different, or just enjoy flying around the local area.