PRIVATE PILOT LICENSE
Get Ready to Fly: Start Your Private Pilot License Program
Earning your private pilot certificate starts here, at Smyrna Airport (KMQY), 25 minutes from Nashville. You train in Garmin G1000 Diamond DA40s or Garmin equipped Cessna 172s, hangared every night and maintained by our own A&P and IA team, so the airplane is ready when you are.
Whether you are working toward a lifelong goal or an airline career, our instructors teach one on one and build the plan around your schedule. Hourly aircraft and instructor rates are on our fleet page, financing is available, and you pay as you train, one lesson at a time, with no large deposit. Students who fly two to three times a week usually finish in three to four months, and your checkride is with our in house FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE).
Explore the Benefits of Our Private Pilot License Program
-
One-on-One Instruction
Train with FAA-certified instructors who guide you through every step of your private pilot certificate. -
Modern Aircraft
Fly Garmin G1000 Diamond DA40s or Garmin equipped Cessna 172s, hangared every night and maintained by our in house team. -
Flexible Scheduling
We work around your availability so you can complete your private pilot training at your pace. -
Tailored Flight Plans
Whether you're flying for fun or aiming for a career, we design your training to meet your goals. -
Confidence from Day One
Gain the skills and experience to fly safely and independently — from your first takeoff to your final checkride.
.webp)
What You’ll Need to Begin
-
Must be under 300 lbs
-
3rd class (or higher) FAA medical certificate
-
Passport OR birth certificate
-
Driver’s license
-
TSA approval if not a US citizen
-
Affordable housing is available.
-
A simulator is available for additional training on procedures, systems, and maneuvers at your convenience.
Questions we get about private pilot training
How long does it take to get a private pilot license at Flying High Again?
Students who fly two to three times a week usually finish in three to four months. Flying less often is fine, it just takes longer and usually a few more hours. We train to proficiency, not just to the FAA minimum hours.
What aircraft will I train in?
Cessna 172s with Garmin avionics and ADS-B, or Diamond DA40 XLS and NG aircraft with Garmin G1000 glass cockpits. Hourly rates for every aircraft are on our fleet page.
What do I need to start private pilot training?
An FAA third class or higher medical certificate, a passport or birth certificate and a driver's license, and TSA approval if you are not a US citizen. No prior experience is needed. A discovery flight is the usual first step.
Where do you train?
Smyrna Airport (KMQY), 621 Fitzhugh Boulevard in Smyrna, Tennessee, about 25 minutes from downtown Nashville and 20 minutes from Murfreesboro.
Who does my checkride?
Our chief flight instructor Phil Kuitems is an FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE), so checkrides are scheduled in house.
What comes after the private pilot certificate?
Instrument rating, commercial certificate, multi engine, CFI, CFII and MEI, all taught here at Smyrna Airport with the same instructors, so you can go from your first lesson to flight instructor without changing schools. Financing is available for every step.
When You Arrive at Smyrna Airport
Flying High Again is at 621 Fitzhugh Boulevard, Smyrna, TN 37167, on Smyrna Airport (KMQY). Once you are on Fitzhugh Boulevard, park in the lot on your left before you reach the stop sign and the National Guard gate. Look for our blue sign above the door, then call (615) 323-3123 when you get to the door and we will let you in.