Getting Started
How do I get started?
Getting started is easy:
Book a discovery flight. Meet an instructor and fly the airplane yourself.
Get your FAA medical certificate. Schedule an exam with an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner. You'll need it before your first solo, but we recommend getting it early.
Apply for your student pilot certificate. Your instructor will help you set it up through the FAA's IACRA system.
From there, we'll build a training schedule that fits your life. Message us to book your first flight.
Can I take a discovery flight first?
Absolutely, and we recommend it! A discovery flight puts you in the left seat with one of our instructors for a real introductory lesson, including takeoff, flying over the Pittsburgh area, and a look at what training is like. It's the best way to find out if flying is for you.
What are the basic requirements?
You can begin flight training at any age. To earn your Private Pilot Certificate, you must:
Be at least 16 years old to fly solo and 17 to earn your certificate
Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
Hold at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate (required before your first solo)
Complete the required flight and ground training
Pass the FAA knowledge exam and practical test (checkride)
Do I need my own airplane or supplies?
No airplane needed! Cloud 9 Aviation provides access to a well-maintained fleet, and our instructors will guide you on everything else. Most students purchase a headset, logbook, and training course materials. Ask us for recommendations before you buy.
Part 141 & CCBC
Is Cloud 9 Aviation a Part 141 or Part 61 flight school?
Both! Cloud 9 Aviation is an FAA-certificated Part 141 Pilot School, and we continue to offer Part 61 training. Both lead to the same FAA pilot certificates. The difference is how the training is structured:
Part 141 follows an FAA-approved syllabus with stage checks at each milestone. It has lower minimum flight hours (35 hours for Private Pilot) and FAA oversight of our curriculum and instructors. It's ideal for CCBC students and career-track pilots.
Part 61 offers flexible training tailored to your schedule and pace. It's great for recreational pilots, busy professionals, and students adding ratings on their own timeline.
Not sure which is right for you? Message us and an instructor will help you choose.
Can I earn a college degree while I train?
Yes. Through our partnership with the Community College of Beaver County (CCBC), you can complete all program academic courses virtually and do your flight training close to home with Cloud 9 at Allegheny County (AGC) and Washington County (AFJ) airports. The program puts you on a structured path from Private Pilot through Commercial and CFI, and it supports earning a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (R-ATP) Certificate. Learn more about the CCBC Pilot Program
Time & Cost
How long does it take to become a Private Pilot?
Most students complete their Private Pilot Certificate in 2–6 months, depending on availability, scheduling, and weather. Students who fly two to three times per week progress fastest, because frequent lessons mean less time reviewing and more time learning.
How much does training cost?
Costs vary based on the aircraft you train in and how often you fly. Here is an estimate for Private Pilot training in our Cessna 152 and 172 trainers:
Aircraft rental: $155–$205/hour (fleet rates range from $155–$550/hour)
Flight instruction: $55/hour ($85/hour in the Cirrus)
Ground instruction: $55/hour
Average hours: 60–70 total
Estimated total: $12,000–$15,000
Additional costs not included above: the FAA knowledge test fee, checkride examiner fee, FAA medical exam, and a headset and training materials.
Financing options are available. See Financing
Is financing available? Can I use VA benefits?
Yes, we offer financing options to help make training affordable. See Financing Veterans may be eligible to use GI Bill® benefits for flight training through our CCBC partnership. Contact CCBC's Veterans Affairs office for eligibility details.
What happens if weather cancels my lesson?
Safety always comes first. If weather isn't suitable for flying, your instructor may switch to a ground lesson or reschedule at no charge. Cancellations for other reasons require at least 24 hours' notice. Late cancellations may be billed one hour of instruction and one hour of aircraft rental, or half the scheduled lesson, whichever is greater.
After Your Certificate
Can I rent an aircraft after getting my certificate?
Yes! Once you're certified and complete a short checkout with one of our instructors, you can rent our aircraft for personal use.
Do you offer training beyond Private Pilot?
Yes. Cloud 9 Aviation offers Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Multi-Engine training, plus transition training in our Cirrus SR20 and SR22. See our Multi-Engine Program View our Fleet
Why Cloud 9
Why choose Cloud 9 Aviation?
FAA-certificated Part 141 Pilot School, also offering flexible Part 61 training
Experienced, dedicated flight instructors
A diverse fleet, from Cessna and Piper trainers to Cirrus SR20 and SR22 aircraft
Flexible scheduling, open 8:00am–8:00pm daily
Personalized training built around your goals
Two convenient locations: Allegheny County Airport (AGC) and Washington County Airport (AFJ)
College degree pathway through our CCBC partnership
Ready to fly? Book a Discovery Flight or call us at 724-554-9332.