The Pilot Pathway

Flight Instruction and Pilot Training With Leading Edge Flight Training

Learn to fly in our plane or yours! Leading Edge’s aviation program is dedicated to giving you the very best flight instruction in Northern Colorado so you can get your pilot certification — all while keeping the cost of training within industry standards.


Our superior instruction, first rate aircraft maintenance, and reasonable rental rates combine to give you the safest and most comprehensive flight training experience in the region. It is our goal to fulfill your flying dreams while providing a fun adventure. Get in touch with us now to enroll in our courses and take the next step into becoming a successful private or commercial pilot!

Learn To Fly With US

If you are looking for the right flight training in the Fort Collins/Loveland area, then your search is at an end. Leading Edge is here to help you achieve your chosen pilot certifications. The best way to get started in aviation is to schedule your Introductory Flight Lesson for just $99.99 with our professional team!

Our Introductory Flying Lessons
This basic introductory Flight Lesson typically lasts between 90 minutes and two hours. After helping perform the pre-flight inspection, your Leading Edge Flight Training instructor will take off and allow you to take control of the airplane for a demonstration of flight training in the Loveland area (the approximate flight time is 30 minutes). During the post flight debrief, we will discuss how to make your dreams of flying fit into your budget and timeline. Learn more about how you can move beyond this first flight by reading our FAQs and speaking to our instructors directly.

Explore the Leading Edge Flight Training Overview

In the course of your flight training, you will need at least 40 hours of training. This will include:

  • Our local flights include take-off and landing at the Fort Collins-Loveland airport.

  • When you are ready, you will fly the aircraft without the instructor on board, locally and on cross-country flights. A minimum of 10 hours is required.

  • Flying cross-country includes take-off from Fort Collins-Loveland airport with landing at other airports in Colorado and surrounding states. A minimum of 10 hours is required.

  • Night flights will take place at Fort Collins-Loveland airport after sunset. A minimum of three hours is required.

  • Learn to fly your plane in FAA-controlled airspace and learn the rules for the controlled areas.

  • Learn to fly a plane and be responsible for your own flight space.

  • Learn how to handle emergencies and most importantly, how to prevent emergencies.

  • Control an airplane and learn maneuvers such as touch-and-go, stall, steep turns, and more.

The process of achieving your chosen pilot certification and acquiring the expertise to safely operate an aircraft is easy with our aviation program. Below is a brief overview of the steps in your journey to being a full-fledged pilot:

  1. Schedule an Intro Flight

  2. Purchase an Online Ground School

  3. Study!

  4. Schedule flight lessons (generally in two hour blocks)

  5. Get FAA Class 3 Medical (FAA Approved Physical)

  6. Work with an instructor towards your solo flight (usually between 15 to 20 hours)

  7. Solo when ready

  8. Log flight hours (a minimum of 40 hours is required)

  9. Study for the written exam

  10. Fulfill minimum FAA requirements

  11. Take the practical exam with an FAA designated examiner (also called a “Checkride”)

  • Attain additional certifications

  • Become a commercial pilot

  • Become an instructor

Class Requirements