Frequently Asked Questions

We offer comprehensive training for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certifications. Whether you're starting from scratch or advancing your skills, our programs are tailored to meet your goals.

To begin flight training at Dobbs Flight Service, you must be at least 16 years old to solo (17 for a Private Pilot License), possess adequate English proficiency for clear communication with air traffic control, and obtain an appropriate FAA medical certificate. No prior flight experience is necessary—we welcome complete beginners as well as those with some experience. A passion for aviation and commitment to consistent training are the most important qualities for success in our programs.

Flight training is a significant investment in your future. Our programs range from approximately $12,000-$17,000 for Private Pilot License to $55,000-$65,000 for a complete zero-to-hero program through Commercial Pilot with CFI certification. We pride ourselves on transparent pricing that accounts for all aspects of training, including realistic flight hours based on national averages rather than minimum requirements. Visit our Cost of Training page for detailed pricing information on each certification level.

The duration depends on the program and your commitment level. The Traditional Program is designed to get you from zero to hero in 1–1.5 years. Your progress is tracked weekly by a lead instructor to ensure steady advancement.

Yes, we welcome transfer students! Previous flight hours and experience can be credited toward your training at Dobbs Flight Service after an evaluation flight with one of our instructors. This assessment helps us understand your skill level and determine where to continue your training. We work with students to develop a customized syllabus that builds on existing knowledge while ensuring no gaps in critical skills or knowledge. Bring your logbook and training records to your initial consultation for a thorough review.

Bring a logbook, headset, navigation tools (like an E6B flight computer), a flight bag, and any textbooks or materials recommended by your instructor. Personal essentials like sunglasses, water, snacks, and comfortable clothing with closed-toe shoes are also recommended for long training days.

Yes! We offer a discovery flight that includes 30 minutes of ground instruction and 60 minutes of flight time with a certified instructor. You'll even get to take the controls! Contact us to schedule your experience.

Part 61 offers flexible training with fewer structured requirements, ideal for students with varied schedules. In contrast, Part 141 training follows a rigid, FAA-approved curriculum that offers less flexibility to adapt to individual learning styles. We specialize in structured training programs that are thoughtfully tailored to each student's individual needs, ensuring consistent progress through customized syllabi designed to match your learning style and goals.

A typical day in our Accelerator Program includes 2-3 hours of combined ground and flight instruction. You'll begin with a pre-flight briefing where you discuss the day's objectives, review relevant concepts, and prepare for your flight. After completing the flight portion, you'll have a thorough post-flight debrief to discuss performance, areas for improvement, and assignments for next time. In our Traditional Program, sessions are similarly structured but scheduled less frequently throughout the week. Both programs include regular progress checks and knowledge assessments to ensure steady advancement toward your goals.

At Dobbs Flight Service, we do all the ground training first, allowing you to devote all of your focus on one thing at a time. Then we begin flight training and throughout the course of training we work on applying and correlating what you've learned by giving the why and very thought out scenario-based training. This is the process the airlines and the military have successfully used to train some of the most elite pilots, and we recognize its effectiveness and efficiency. This approach ensures you build a solid knowledge foundation before applying concepts in the aircraft, making your flight training more productive and focused.

We provide comprehensive learning resources to support your training, including FAA-approved textbooks, digital materials, and access to industry-standard flight simulation software. Our students receive detailed lesson plans, study guides, and practice tests for each phase of training. We also maintain a resource library with supplemental materials, aviation publications, and test prep resources.

Expect a 1:2 ratio of study to flight time. For example, if you train 6 hours per week, plan for 6 hours of homework, including textbook reading, quizzes, and exam prep. Accelerator Program students may have more intensive study due to the full-time schedule, while Traditional Program students can pace their studies over the week.

We maintain an optimal student-to-instructor ratio to guarantee consistent scheduling and instructor availability. You submit your availability the week before, and your instructor schedules your sessions based on their deep understanding of your progress and training needs, ensuring efficient and tailored scheduling without intermediaries.

Weather and maintenance are realities of aviation that occasionally affect scheduling. We minimize disruptions through proactive weather monitoring, canceling and rescheduling sessions as early as possible when necessary. While maintenance requirements may affect aircraft availability, our instructor-managed scheduling system provides the flexibility to adjust training sessions within the same week. This personalized approach ensures that despite inevitable aviation challenges, your training progression remains on track with minimal interruption.

Yes, we assign you a primary instructor to provide continuity and personalized guidance. Your instructor schedules your sessions based on your progress, ensuring a seamless training experience. Occasionally, you may have a stage check with another instructor to gain an objective assessment of your progress, which enhances your training experience.

We understand life happens. If you need to cancel or reschedule, contact us at least 24 hours in advance, and your instructor will work with you to find a new slot based on your updated availability. Our instructor-driven scheduling ensures minimal disruption, so you stay on track.

Completing our program opens numerous career paths in aviation. Many graduates begin as Certified Flight Instructors to build hours while teaching others, which provides excellent experience and income while advancing toward airline or corporate flying positions. Other opportunities include aerial survey, banner towing, pipeline patrol, charter pilot, corporate aviation, cargo operations, and eventually regional or major airlines. The Commercial Pilot License can also lead to specialized careers such as aerial firefighting, agriculture aviation, tour operations, or law enforcement flying.

We do our very best to prepare our CFI graduates not only for their checkride but their employment search as well. We don't stop at training the pilot but develop the whole person, considering companies look at all aspects of a candidate. Throughout your training, we provide resume writing assistance, interview preparation, and professional development guidance. Our instructors offer mentorship on career planning and industry networking. And of course, if we have connections at the time you're seeking employment, we will always leverage those relationships to help our graduates. Our goal is to set you up for long-term success in the aviation industry.

We do prefer to hire instructors from within; however, the standard at Dobbs Flight Service is to always hire the best. So, we will always stick to that policy no matter where the instructor comes from. Graduates who demonstrate exceptional flying skills, teaching ability, and a strong commitment to our values are welcome to apply for instructor positions. We look for CFIs who are not just technically proficient but also excel at communication, problem-solving, and creating a positive learning environment. Familiarity with our curriculum and culture gives our graduates an advantage, but all hiring decisions are based on finding the most qualified instructors for our students.

Our fleet includes modern, well-maintained Cessna 172 and Cessna 152 aircraft, equipped with reliable avionics to support your training needs.

Dobbs Flight Service operates from within Sheltair at Lakeland Linder International Airport (KLAL) in Lakeland, Florida. This location offers an ideal training environment with a mix of controlled airspace, multiple runways, and proximity to both Class B airspace (Tampa) and various uncontrolled fields for practice. The airport's facilities include modern terminals, maintenance services, and amenities for pilots and students. Lakeland's favorable weather conditions also allow for year-round training with minimal weather cancellations.

Yes, we welcome international students! We can accept international students on an M1 Visa, which is specifically designed for vocational or non-academic training programs like flight training. International applicants must meet TSA requirements, which include background checks and fingerprinting before beginning flight training. English proficiency is also required, as all instruction is conducted in English and pilots must communicate effectively with air traffic control. Our staff can guide you through the application process, visa requirements, and any additional steps needed for international students.

You'll need a third-class FAA medical certificate to solo and earn a Private Pilot certificate. If you plan to pursue a professional aviation career, you must obtain a first-class medical certificate before beginning flight training. We require you to obtain your medical before training starts from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Discuss any health concerns with your instructor to ensure a smooth process.

Safety is our top priority. Our Safety Management System (SMS), modeled after Part 135 charter operations and Part 121 airlines, mirrors the standards of professional aviation organizations to maintain an impeccable safety record. Combined with experienced instructors, regular stage checks, pre-flight briefings, and post-flight debriefs, we ensure you progress safely and confidently.

Yes, we do! Dobbs Flight Service has partnered with one of the leading flight training financing institutions in the industry. All of our training programs are fully approved for financing, giving our students peace of mind about their investment in aviation education.

Through our financing partner, students can:

This partnership allows you to focus on what matters most—becoming the best pilot you can be—rather than worrying about how to fund each stage of your training. Our staff can guide you through the application process and help you understand the options available to meet your specific needs