Welcome to Nicholl Aviation

MID-MICHIGAN’S HOME FOR FLIGHT TRAINING

A man and a young boy sitting inside a small aircraft cockpit, with the man leaning towards the boy, possibly explaining flight instruments, on a sunny day.

DISCOVERY FLIGHTS

Inside the cockpit of a small airplane, showing various instruments and controls. The pilot's hand is visible on the control yoke, and a view of the sky and landscape can be seen through the windshield.

FLIGHT INSTRUCTION

A presenter speaking in front of a large audience during a conference or workshop in a well-lit room with high windows and blinds, while attendees listen and take notes.

AVIATION CLASSES & GROUND INSTRUCTION

Inside the cockpit of an aircraft, showing the control panel with various gauges, switches, and instruments. Through the windshield, blue sky with clouds and another aircraft flying in the distance are visible.

MULTI-ENGINE TIME BUILDING

Photo of an airplane cockpit at night with illuminated instrument panels and screens showing navigational and system data.

PILOT SERVICES

WONDERING IF FLYING IS RIGHT FOR YOU?

Download this free guide to learn exactly what it takes to earn your Private Pilot Certificate. You'll discover the training process, typical costs, FAA requirements, and what to expect from your very first lesson through your checkride.

Inside You'll Learn

  • The first steps to becoming a pilot

  • How much flight training typically costs

  • How long it usually takes

  • FAA medical requirements

  • Common myths about learning to fly

  • What happens after your first Discovery Flight

News and Events

Blog
Flight Training Just Became More Accessible: Financing Now Available Through Frankenmuth Credit Union
Flight Training Just Became More Accessible: Financing Now Available Through Frankenmuth Credit Union
When it comes to ground school…
When it comes to ground school…
Build Multi-Engine Time in Mid-Michigan with Nicholl Aviation
Build Multi-Engine Time in Mid-Michigan with Nicholl Aviation
Private Pilot Ground School Announced
Private Pilot Ground School Announced

Your Aviation Journey Starts Here

Discovery Flights – Only $195

Experience what it's like to fly a real airplane with a certificated flight instructor by your side. You'll help with the preflight inspection, learn the basics of flight, and take the controls while enjoying spectacular views of Mid-Michigan.

Your Discovery Flight Includes:

✓ Fly a Cessna 172 with a certified instructor

✓ Take the controls during flight

✓ Learn the fundamentals of flying

✓ No experience necessary

✓ Perfect for birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, and Christmas gifts

Ready to experience flight for yourself?

Learn more

Contact Nicholl Aviation

@cfi_joe

Flight Training Is More Than Learning to Fly—It's About the Adventures Along the Way. One of the most rewarding parts of being a flight instructor is watching students realize that flying opens doors to experiences most people only dream about
✈️ A Gift He'll Never Forget This Father's Day, Anthony's wife surprised him with a Discovery Flight—and before long, he was sitting in the left seat, taking the controls of a real airplane. One of the highlights of the flight? Flying over hi
Some people have always dreamed of flying. Others decide it's finally time to see what all the excitement is about. Paul, a local business owner, recently decided to give a Discovery Flight a try—and it didn't take long to catch the aviation b
Why train at Saginaw H.W. Browne Airport? Because the best pilots are built through variety. Learning to fly isn't just about mastering the airplane—it's about becoming a confident, well-rounded pilot. That's exactly why Saginaw H.W. Browne A
📚✈️ Learning aviation should go beyond the classroom. At Nicholl Aviation, I believe the best way to learn is to experience it firsthand. One of the unique parts of our Private Pilot Ground School comes after we cover airspace, airport operations,
🚀 Thinking about becoming a professional pilot? There's still a great opportunity ahead. If you begin flight training in 2026, you'll likely be entering the professional pilot job market around 2028–2030—and the long-term outlook contin
Some gifts create memories that last a lifetime. For Father's Day, Paul's son surprised him with a Discovery Flight Gift Certificate—something Paul had always wanted to do. This week, he finally took to the skies! From seeing Mid-Michigan fr
If you spend enough time around pilots, you'll quickly learn there's one emoji that gets used far more than any other... ✈️ > 💩 One represents adventure, freedom, and another great day at the airport. The other... usually means your instructor
✈️ Build Multi-Engine Time Starting This August! ✈️ Looking to build valuable multi-engine experience? Beginning August 2026, Nicholl Aviation will be offering multi-engine time building in our 1957 Piper Apache (N3057P) based at Saginaw County H.W.
📚✈️ This is why ground school matters. Recently, our students spent time learning about aircraft electrical systems in ground school. Not long after, they encountered an actual electrical issue during a training flight. Because they understood the
The Smith family drove all the way across the state so Mr. Smith could experience something he'd wanted to do for a lifetime. As a surprise gift from his daughter, he received a Discovery Flight, and the smile on his face said it all. He came expect
🎁 Give the Gift of Flight! ✈️ Looking for a gift that's unforgettable? A Discovery Flight Gift Certificate is an experience they'll be talking about long after the day is over. Whether they're someone who's always looked up when an airplane flies o

Gift Cards

Three decorative gift certificates with a flight theme, wrapped with festive holiday decorations and balloons, featuring a scenic landscape with a river and sunset.
Discovery Flight Gift Certificate Discovery Flight Gift Certificate Discovery Flight Gift Certificate Discovery Flight Gift Certificate Discovery Flight Gift Certificate
Discovery Flight Gift Certificate
$195.00

Give the gift of flight—an unforgettable experience they'll remember for a lifetime. Nicholl Aviation Discovery Flight Gift Certificates are perfect for any special occasion, including Christmas, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, Father's Day, Mother's Day, or simply checking an item off someone's bucket list.

Recipients will fly with a certificated flight instructor, learn the basics of flying, and even have the opportunity to take the controls of the aircraft. Whether they're considering becoming a pilot or just want to experience the thrill of aviation, a Discovery Flight is a unique gift that creates lasting memories.

Looking for something seasonal? Gift certificates are also a fantastic way to experience Michigan's spectacular fall colors from above, offering breathtaking views that can only be appreciated from the air.

Available year-round and beautifully presented, Discovery Flight Gift Certificates make the perfect gift for the aviation enthusiast, adventure seeker, or anyone who's ever dreamed of flying.

Gift Certificates Do Not Expire. To schedule recipient Discovery Flight, contact Nicholl Aviation via phone or email.