Your hand on the yoke.In about an hour.
A first-time intro flight in the Piper Archer II out of Falcon Field (KFFZ). You sit left seat, an instructor sits right, and after a preflight walk-through and a few radio calls the controls are yours. About 30 minutes in the air, then a paper logbook entry on the way out.
- $280Fuel + instructor
- 60–75 minDoor to door
- 0.5 hrLogged toward PPL
- +2 seatsFree passengers
Here's how it goes. About an hour.
You meet your instructor at Hangar 8.
A CFI walks you through the Archer II — what each instrument does, what a real preflight inspection looks like, how the airplane stays in the air. Questions are encouraged.
You taxi out to the runway.
You ride along through the radio calls, the runup, and the takeoff roll. Once we're climbing, the controls are yours.
You fly the airplane.
Straight-and-level, gentle turns, climbs, descents — at the pace you're comfortable with. The instructor handles the radios so you can focus on the airplane. Most of the time spent over the desert north of Falcon Field.
The instructor lands.
You ride along for the pattern entry and touchdown, then taxi back. Total time in the air is typically 30-45 minutes depending on traffic.
You leave with the logbook entry.
The 0.5 hours of flight time counts toward your private pilot certificate if you decide to keep going. We hand you a paper logbook entry and walk you to your car.
What people ask.
What's the cost?
$280 flat — fuel and instructor included. You pay when you book. No surprises, no upsells at the hangar.
How long does the whole visit take?
About 60-75 minutes door to door — that's preflight + flying + landing + debrief. Plan to be at the hangar a few minutes early.
Do I need any flying experience?
No. This is built for people who have never touched a yoke. You'll be ready by the time you climb in.
Can I bring a passenger?
Yes — there are two seats in the back of the Archer II. Bring one or two people to ride along. They don't pay extra and they don't get to fly, but they get the view.
What if there's weather?
Year-round VFR at Falcon Field, but if there's wind, rain, or low ceilings on your day, we reschedule at no charge. Safety first.
Does the time count toward my private certificate?
Yes. We log 0.5 hours of dual-received in your name. If you enroll for the full private pilot certificate, every hour you've already flown counts toward the FAA minimum.
Pick a morning.
Mornings are smoothest. Afternoons work too. Either way, $280 covers it — fuel, instructor, and the logbook entry.