FLIGHT INSTRUCTION

A man wearing sunglasses, a headset with microphone, and a black shirt sitting in the cockpit of an airplane with a view of the sky, clouds, and landscape below through the windows.

Choosing the right flight instructor is one of the most important decisions you'll make on your journey to becoming a pilot. Whether you're pursuing your Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate, or simply looking to stay proficient, you deserve an instructor who is patient, professional, and committed to your success.

My goal is to provide a safe, enjoyable, and personalized learning experience tailored to your individual goals, learning style, and pace. Every lesson is designed to build confidence while helping you become a knowledgeable, skilled, and safe pilot.

Every pilot's journey begins with a dream. At first, aviation can seem overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. I'll break each lesson into manageable steps that build upon one another, making the learning process clear, enjoyable, and rewarding. Before long, you'll look back with pride at how far you've come—and you'll have earned far more than a certificate. You'll have developed the confidence and skills to enjoy a lifetime of flying.

Types of Flight Instruction

Rates begin at

$50

per hour

Training Aircraft

1973 Cessna 172M - N20452

Length: 26’11” | Wingspan: 36’1” | Horsepower: 160hp | Engine: Lycoming 0-320-E2D | Range: 4.7 hours, 615 miles | Seats: 3 passengers, 1 pilot

Pilot cockpit view showing various gauges, screens, and controls, with a view of a flat landscape with green fields and trees through the windshield.
Close-up of the front part of a white and blue SkyHawk aircraft, focusing on the wheel and landing gear, with a hangar and blue sky in the background.
Small private planes parked on an airport tarmac under a partly cloudy sky.

1976 Cessna 172M - N73370

Length: 26’11” | Wingspan: 36’1” | Horsepower: 150hp | Engine: Lycoming 0-320-E2D | Range: 6.5 hours, 630 miles | Seats: 3 passengers, 1 pilot

Small white and blue propeller airplane on a concrete tarmac with grass and some buildings in the distance, under a clear blue sky.
Interior cockpit of a small airplane with various gauges, a steering wheel, a radio, and a seat with a headrest.
Small white and blue Cessna airplane parked on a runway with some hangars and buildings in the background under a clear blue sky.

FAQs

  • This answer varies and is mostly controlled by the availability to fly. Of course, the weather needs to be above minimums for the day’s objective, however, the more you are able to schedule yourself, the more you’ll fly. See the estimated schedule below:

    Fly two times per week - 7-9 months
    Fly once per week - 15 months
    Fly twice per month - 30 months

  • This answer varies based upon how often you fly, how independent you are when it comes to studying the knowledge portion of the certificate, and skill acquisition.

    The FAA mandates a minimum of 40 hours to earn your private certificate, however, a more realistic number of hours may be closer to 60 hours.

    An estimated breakdown of costs is below:

    Third Class Medical Certificate: $150
    Pilot Supplies: $150
    FAA Written Test: $170
    Ground School (optional): $500-800

  • Some students choose to pay for lessons using credit cards and then pay the card balance over time. We do not offer in-house financing, however, educational loans are available. We have successfully partnered with Frankenmuth Credit Union to offer education loans. Visit a local branch for more information.

  • Throughout training you’ll be paying as you go unless you opt to buy 7-hour blocks of time.

    Types of payment accepted: cash, check, Venmo, Apple Cash, or Zelle

  • The FAA does not set a minimum age for flying lessons. However, one of the major milestones of any private pilot certificate is to fly solo. The FAA does mandate that students pilots be at least 16 years of age to solo and 17 years of age to receive a private pilot certificate.

  • The hours you log while you fly will never expire. Medical certificates and endorsements to solo do, though.

    It’s ideal to commit to lessons at least once per week, however, life can happen. You’ll simply review previous material and skills when you start back up and then work towards acquiring new skills.

  • Your first flight will be called a Discovery Flight and we will coordinate a day and time together to introduce you to the world of general aviation. Lessons following the Discovery Flight can be set up through Flight Circle, an online scheduling service or through me, directly.

  • The majority of my instruction is out of Saginaw Browne Airport (HYX) but I will travel a reasonable distance for lessons. Please contact me if you think I’d be a good fit for you!

Contact Joe

Email: joe@nichollaviation.com
Call/Text: (989) 341-3113

 

Saginaw H.W. Browne Airport (HYX)
4821 Janes Rd.
Saginaw, MI 48601