FAQ
Getting started
What is the best first step if I want to learn to fly?
Book a Discovery Flight. You will meet an instructor, experience flying a Cirrus, and explore whether training fits your goals. No experience is needed. Already a pilot? Contact us about Cirrus transition training or a rental checkout.
Why choose Independence Aviation?
We are a Platinum Cirrus Training Center and the Cirrus Aircraft Training Center of the Year, with locations on both sides of Denver. Our fleet is the largest, newest, and most diverse Cirrus fleet in Denver, with SR20 and SR22T aircraft spanning G5, G6, G7, and G7+ generations. We provide premium flight instruction tailored to your schedule, goals, and needs, along with a white glove experience for both training and aircraft rentals.
Where can I take flight lessons in Denver?
Choose Centennial Airport (APA) at 12780 E Control Tower Road, Englewood, CO 80112, or Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport (BJC) at 9110 Rocky Road, Suite C, Broomfield, CO 80021. Ask about instructor and aircraft availability at your preferred location.
Can I learn to fly with no experience or aircraft of my own?
Yes. You can begin as a complete beginner and train in our rental aircraft. Your instructor will introduce each skill step by step, so you can build knowledge and confidence as you progress.
Am I too old to learn to fly?
There is no FAA maximum age for a private pilot certificate. Adults can start at many stages of life. Your ability to meet the training and applicable medical requirements matters more than when you begin.
What if I am interested but nervous about flying?
Tell your instructor what concerns you before your first flight. A Discovery Flight gives you a chance to ask questions and experience the cockpit with an instructor beside you before deciding whether to pursue training.
Discovery Flights
Experience the pilot seat before choosing your training path.
What happens on a Discovery Flight?
You sit in the pilot seat of a Cirrus with an instructor beside you. After an introduction, you can try the controls under their guidance. Your instructor will guide you through the flight as you take the controls during takeoff, cruise, and landing.
How much does a Discovery Flight cost?
An introductory flight in a Cirrus SR20 G6 or SR20 G7 is $399 and includes one Hobbs hour, measured by the aircraft time meter. The $599 option adds a two-hour ground lesson with simulator time. Both offers apply to SR20 G6 and SR20 G7 aircraft; other services are priced separately.
Do I need a medical certificate before my Discovery Flight?
No. An FAA medical certificate is generally not needed for an introductory lesson with an instructor. If you plan to earn a private pilot certificate, discuss medical requirements early, before making a substantial training commitment.
Can I bring a guest or give a Discovery Flight as a gift?
Gift certificates are available. Additional Discovery Flight passengers are listed at $200; ask us to confirm the charge and whether your guest can be accommodated before booking. Passenger acceptance depends on aircraft loading and operational considerations.
What happens if weather affects my Discovery Flight?
Your safety and comfort are our priority. If bad weather prevents your Discovery Flight, we will reschedule it for a different time that day or move it to another day. Discovery Flight purchases are non-refundable, so review the terms before purchasing and contact us if you need to change your plans.
What happens after my Discovery Flight?
After your flight, you will meet with our Membership team to discuss the next steps toward earning your private pilot certificate. Together, you will discuss your preferred training airport, schedule, and goals to develop a personalized training plan for you.
Prefer to talk first? Call 303-858-1600 or email fly@flywithia.com.
Private pilot training
Become a private pilot with the Cirrus training center of the year
How much does it cost to earn a private pilot certificate?
Your total depends on the aircraft, instruction, study materials, membership, and hours needed to reach proficiency. Under Part 61, the FAA requires a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, including instructor-led and solo flying. Some students need additional hours to be ready for certification. Our 2026 SR20 G6 wet rental rate is $420 per hour, with standard SR20 instruction at $105 per hour. Ground instruction, tests, medical exams, insurance, taxes, and other charges also affect your budget. Contact us for a personalized estimate.
How long does private pilot training take?
Train on your schedule. We will build a personalized training plan that fits your availability, goals, and needs. Our typical guidance is three to six months, depending on how often you fly and your progress. Need your license sooner? We also offer accelerated training programs designed to shorten your training time. Contact us to explore the right pace for you.
Can I train around a full-time job?
Yes. We offer flight training 24/7, including before and after normal business hours and on weekends. We will work with you to build a consistent lesson schedule around your job and other commitments, with time for study between flights. Coordinate your preferred times with us so we can match aircraft and instructor availability.
What are the requirements to become a private pilot?
For a private airplane certificate, you must be at least 17, meet FAA English-language requirements, complete the required training and experience, and pass the knowledge and practical tests. You must also meet the applicable medical requirements. Your instructor will explain the steps and paperwork.
Can teenagers start flight training?
Yes. Many of our students began training at 14 or 15 and earned their private pilot certificate as soon as they turned 17. For airplanes, the minimum age to solo is 16 and to earn a private pilot certificate is 17. Solo flight also requires the appropriate certificates, training, and instructor endorsements. Contact us to plan a path that fits your teenager’s readiness and goals.
When should I get my FAA medical certificate?
You can start flight lessons now without waiting for your medical certificate. Most first-time private airplane students need a third-class FAA medical before their first solo flight; some pilots qualify through BasicMed. Address medical eligibility early while you begin training. If you have medical questions, consult an FAA Aviation Medical Examiner so you understand your path before making a substantial training investment.
Discuss a private pilot training plan
Prefer to talk first? Call 303-858-1600 or email fly@flywithia.com.
Training in a Cirrus
Train in our modern Cirrus fleet with advanced avionics and safety technology built into the aircraft.
Why learn to fly in a Cirrus?
Train in our modern Cirrus fleet with advanced avionics and safety technology built into the aircraft. Cirrus aircraft feature the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS), and our G7+ aircraft add Garmin-powered Safe Return Emergency Autoland. You will learn on the aircraft platform you can continue to rent after certification, pairing modern technology with premium instruction in aircraft control, planning, and sound decisions.
Which Cirrus aircraft can I train in or rent?
Our fleet includes SR20 and SR22T aircraft spanning G5, G6, G7, and G7+ generations. The right choice depends on your training goals, qualifications, membership, and availability. Browse the fleet and ask which aircraft are based at your preferred airport.
Do all Cirrus aircraft have Emergency Autoland?
No. Safe Return Emergency Autoland is a feature of the SR Series G7+, and should not be assumed on earlier generations. CAPS is a separate whole-aircraft parachute system. Ask about the equipment on the specific aircraft you will fly.
What does private pilot training include?
We provide the Cirrus Approach Private Pilot Program, developed by Cirrus for Cirrus pilots. Training combines ground study, flight lessons, knowledge-test preparation, and preparation for your practical test, commonly called a checkride. You will develop skills in navigation, communications, aircraft handling, and flight planning. Ask for a written breakdown of what your estimate includes and what is billed separately.
What if I do not pass my checkride the first time?
You can retake the checkride after addressing the areas that need more work and meeting the FAA retest requirements. Talk with your instructor about the next steps. Additional training, aircraft use, and examiner fees may add to your total cost.
Can I continue training after earning my private pilot certificate?
Yes. We offer instrument and commercial pilot training, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I) training, Cirrus transition and recurrent training, mountain flying instruction, and Vision Jet training. Tell us how you want to use your certificate so we can help you plan your next step and explain any prerequisites.
Do you offer mountain flying training in Colorado?
Yes. We are known throughout the Cirrus community for our mountain training expertise. Learn how to safely plan and fly into and out of Rocky Mountain airports such as Aspen, Telluride, Leadville, Eagle, Steamboat Springs, and Buena Vista. Our courses cover mountain weather, high-altitude performance, route selection, and airport operations. Our flight simulators let you practice mountain airport scenarios before flying the actual trip.
Talk with us about Cirrus training
Prefer to talk first? Call 303-858-1600 or email fly@flywithia.com.
Cirrus rentals and transition training
With Independence Aviation's white glove service, you just show up, load up, and fly.
Can I rent a Cirrus without owning one?
Yes! Our members rent our Cirrus aircraft as if they own one. With IA’s white glove service, you just show up, load up, and fly. Enjoy the freedom to rent for a long weekend, a week, or even a month at a time for your business and personal trips.
I already have a pilot certificate but have never flown a Cirrus. Where do I start?
Start with Cirrus transition training. We offer courses for pilots new to Cirrus and differences training for pilots moving between models or avionics. Your experience and intended flying help determine the appropriate course; rental approval also depends on meeting our requirements.
I already fly a Cirrus. Do I still need a checkout?
Yes. Existing Cirrus experience does not automatically provide rental approval. Send us your recent experience and transition-training records so we can review the requirements for the specific aircraft. Model or avionics differences may require additional training.
How much does it cost to rent a Cirrus?
Our 2026 wet rates range from $420 to $450 per hour for SR20 aircraft and $624 to $760 for SR22T aircraft, depending on model and access program. Wet rates include fuel, oil, and TKS fluid where applicable. Fuel purchased offsite is credited back to your invoice before taxes and fees. Instruction, membership, taxes, and applicable charges are additional. Credit card payments carry a 3% service fee. Review current rates before booking.
Do I need a membership and renters insurance?
Yes. Rental access is through membership, and independent renters insurance is required. Membership options differ in benefits and aircraft access. Ask us for current dues, insurance limits, and documentation requirements before selecting coverage or scheduling your checkout.
Can I rent for an overnight or multi-day trip?
Yes! Our members regularly rent our Cirrus aircraft for business and personal cross-country trips. Enjoy the freedom to use the airplane as if you own it and fly anywhere in the United States, whether you are planning a long weekend, a week away, or even a month-long trip. Tell us where you want to go and start planning your next flight.
What do I need to do to keep my rental privileges current?
Meet both FAA currency requirements and our aircraft-specific proficiency standards. Renters must complete a recurrent check with an instructor every six months, including 30 minutes of simulator training and one hour of flight training. Ask us to review your records before booking, especially after a break from flying or when changing aircraft.
How do I get started with a Cirrus rental?
Complete the Contact Us form on our website, email fly@flywithia.com, or call 303-858-1600. Share your preferred airport, certificate and ratings, recent flight experience, Cirrus training history, and desired aircraft or trip dates. Our team will help you take the next steps with membership, checkout requirements, and scheduling.
Prefer to talk first? Call 303-858-1600 or email fly@flywithia.com.