Great River Aviation LLC

Great River Aviation is a FAA Approved Flight School under Federal Air Regulations Part 141, which means that we have an approved flight training syllabus for each course, instructor standardization, supervision and stage checks by the Chief Flight Instructor, and regular FAA inspections of school facilities, aircraft, simulators and training devices, as well as student training records, and instructor records.

We utilize Cessna’s Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) program because it is the only integrated flight-training system in existence. Integrated means that both the ground and flight training segments are “paired” so that retention rates are higher and learning is faster. In the end, you'll learn quickly and efficiently – while having fun!

Great River Aviation is committed to providing our students with the best learning experience possible. At our flight school you will find...

A safe, friendly, comfortable, dynamic atmosphere in which to learn.

A knowledgeable flight instructor to mentor you, motivate your learning and accommodate your requirements.

Training in clean, new, dependable Cessna aircraft.

At Great River Aviation, you will enjoy our state-of-the-art training facilities with personal computer-based instruction and testing, clean, quiet study areas and classrooms, and new aircraft with strict maintenance requirements and modern avionics and flight instruments.

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. This integrated system, provides for faster flight training and better retention of knowledge and skills.

Additional advantages training with Great River Aviation:

Cessna's Computer-Based Instruction (CBI) - aviation's only standardized, integrated curriculum that delivers training consistency worldwide - with private, instrument and commercial courses available.

Exclusive access to the only computer-based student record management system that tracks progress of pilots every step of the way.

Instruction in new and well-maintained Cessna aircraft.

Faster completion times and high success rates.

What is a Cessna Pilot Center?

A Cessna Pilot Center (CPC) is a specially selected flight school that represents top-quality, professional flight training. Each CPC is hand picked by Cessna to ensure that they maintain Cessna’s high standards for flight training.

As a CPC, Great River Aviation maintains modern training facilities with clean, quiet study areas and classrooms as well as a fleet of modern aircraft with strict maintenance requirements.

Computer-Based Instruction

Cessna has made becoming a pilot more accessible and fun, thanks to top-quality training tools. The Cessna Computer-Based Instruction Program (CBI) is the only integrated flight training program in existence – flight and ground school lessons are designed by education experts to work together for maximum retention. According to Cessna research, these higher retention rates and faster learning may lead to lower course completion times.

You’ll learn everything you need to know – not only to pass your exam, but also to be a knowledgeable, competent pilot. And thanks to CBI’s CD-ROM format, you’ll do it without ever opening a book or stepping into a classroom. Study wherever you go; at home, the office, or even while traveling.

You’ll watch presentations by aviation’s top educators, see dramatic, enlightening in-flight footage, take interactive quizzes, learn interesting trivia, and prepare for upcoming lessons before you ever climb into an airplane. You’ll learn quickly and efficiently – while having fun.

Click here to view a Demo

Flight Training

Flying is the fun part. After all, that is why you are doing this. Over the next few months, you’ll learn an array of skills to make you a safe pilot. First you’ll learn to take-off. Next, you’ll learn to handle the airplane in a variety of situations – turns, climbs, and descents. Then, you’ll master your landings and fly by yourself for the first time.

Soon, you’ll navigate to other airports, both with your instructor (who, by now, will rarely take the controls) and yourself. You’ll fly at night. And you’ll try instrument flying, where you’ll use the cockpit gauges to control the airplane.

Flying will be second nature. A little polishing, a good score on your written exam and you’re ready for your practical test. Just show the examiner what you know and you’re a pilot.

Private Pilot

Instrument Rating

Commercial Pilot

Multi-Engine

Flight Instructor

Flight Instructor – Instrument

Multi-Engine Instructor

ATP

Other Courses Offered

Biennial Flight Review

Instrument Proficiency Check

Complex Aircraft Training

"Pinch-Hitter" Course

Intended for the non-pilot, this course is intended for a person frequently traveling in the right seat with a pilot. Special emphasis is placed on operation of and communication using the aircraft's radio, as well as landing the aircraft from the right seat in the event the pilot is unable to do so.

IFR Refresher

The instrument course is a great refresher for those who want to re-familiarize themselves with instrument procedure. The course consists of ground school and flying on the simulator. The course also includes reviews of regulations, approach plates, instrument charts and IFR Procedures.

VFR Refresher

This course is aimed at those pilots who want to re-familiarize themselves on the details of visual flight. The course includes a review of airspace classifications and rules, VFR sectionals, regulations, and VFR Procedures.