Des Moines Flight School · Des Moines International Airport (DSM)
Self-Paced Flight Training
Train around your schedule with experienced instructors and modern aircraft. Aircraft rental runs from $180/hour wet (fuel included), your instructor is $65/hour, so a typical lesson is about $245 all-in.
Book My $195 Discovery FlightOr call (515) 650-5558
No fuel surcharges, ever. Full itemized pricing on every program page below.
The Fleet You'll Train In
Maintained on-site by our own 4-person shop: 3 A&P mechanics, 2 with IA authority, plus a certified light-sport repairman. You fly on schedule instead of waiting on someone else's.
Pipistrel Alpha Trainers
Light, modern, efficient, with a glass cockpit. The affordable way to learn and build hours. $180/hour.
Cessna 172s, Steam and Glass
The world's most proven trainer, in both traditional and glass panels so you're ready for any cockpit. $190-$205/hour.
Travel Air Twin
Our multi-engine trainer for your commercial multi and MEI, with honest engine-out handling. $395/hour.
AATD Simulator
Log approved time at a fraction of aircraft cost and fly instrument procedures in any weather. $60/hour.
Certificates & Ratings
Choose your path to the skies
Pilot Certificates
Ratings
Looking to Make Flying Your Career?
Our Fast Track Airline Program takes you from zero to career-ready in 9-12 months
130+ Five-Star Reviews Tell the Story
See Why Pilots Choose Us Over Other Schools
"As parents of a son graduating high-school, we didn't know the first thing about Flight School. We couldn't be happier with our son's experience in the Fast Track Program at US Flight Co. The process was seamless, the instructors were excellent, and he was able to complete his training in a year without sacrificing quality. At 19 years old, he is now a CFII at US Flight Co. A proud moment for our family. Highly recommend!"
"Pursuing a passion for flying is a significant investment of time and money. I did a lot of research before choosing US Flight Co. and I'm really satisfied with my decision. I was pleased to find great facilities, well maintained aircraft, kind and professional staff, and flexible and efficient scheduling. I started with no experience and was able to pass my private pilot check ride with no problem. The instructors are patient and professional and built my knowledge, skills, and confidence in a way that kept it light and fun the whole time."
"After having talked with several different flight schools and also several discovery flights, I chose US Flight Co because they were able to answer my questions and address my concerns with a unique approach rather than cookie cutter answers. They actually listened to me and adapted their training to fit my schedule. Whether you are going all the way to the airlines or just looking into a new hobby, US flight Co and the CFIs are genuinely interested in working with you as an individual."
"I started my aviation journey with US Flight Co last October and have been really pleased with the company as a whole, the administrative team, the instructors (S/O to Josh!!) and the pace of the program. About 8 months in, I'm preparing for my commercial check ride and hope to complete my CFI rating by next month."
"I am currently in the process of obtaining my private pilot's license at US Flight Co, and I couldn't be more impressed. The instructors are incredibly knowledgeable and supportive, making each lesson both informative and enjoyable. The training facilities are top-notch, and the aircraft are well-maintained and modern. I've felt a real sense of progress with every flight, and the team has created a welcoming atmosphere that fosters learning and confidence."
"Us Flight Co is a top flight school in Des Moines. I have been pursuing my private pilots license while finishing my senior year of high school. Because of navigating high school classes I was matched one on one with an instructor. This has been a great match and I appreciate the one on one learning I am receiving. US Flight CO's fleet of aircraft is diverse and expanding. As a student you have plenty of hours for flying and ground instruction. There is also flexibility to work with your school classes or employment hours."
"US Flight Co has been amazing with my aviation journey so far! Started flying at the end of 2024, currently working towards my instrument rating. They have been super flexible and easy to work with, considering I'm in the fast track program with a full time job. Instructors are safe, knowledgeable and fun to fly with. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey with them!"
"I Joined US flight Co about 10 hours into my PPL and have been with them since. My experience has been nothing but positive and they have far exceeded my expectations. They have great Instructors, reliable aircraft, great availability, and most importantly it's all at a very reasonable price. The instructor cadre are very clearly experts in their field and are passionate about ensuring their students are safe pilots and well prepared for their checkride. Aircraft rentals at US flight Co are well priced and well maintained. TLDR: Great people, fantastic instructors all at a reasonable price!"
"I have gone through other schools where I couldn't keep an instructor or the school didn't have their stuff together. US Flight Co has been the complete opposite - professional, organized, and committed to student success."
"Absolutely amazing crew of people. Great instructors who are all willing to help, even if they are not your primary instructor. Very relaxed environment and very personable people to train with. If you are looking for quality instruction look no further."
"Went on a discovery Flight here. Super nice facilities and Jaden my instructor was AMAZING! Would highly recommend. You can tell the instructors care and love their jobs! I wouldn't go anywhere else!"
"Having tried both flight schools based in Des Moines, I can honestly say this is the better of the two"
"I'm working to overcome a fear of flying! Jared has been more than helpful and patient with me. I highly recommend US Flight Co for anyone looking to overcome their fears or learn to fly!"
"I took part in the airline fast track program. It has been an incredibly fun and rewarding experience. I have worked with several CFIs and they are all top notch."
"Flight co has been super flexible with my schedule and has a great team of instructors who are very capable and knowledgeable. I had a great experience obtaining my private pilots license with them!"
Train Confidently. Zero Risk.
Self-paced training starts with just a $1,000 refundable deposit that goes straight toward your training. From there, you pay as you fly.
How It Works
Your $1,000 refundable deposit is applied directly to your training, and from there you pay lesson by lesson. Pause or discontinue whenever you choose. Any unused funds are refunded in full, and every hour in your logbook is yours forever and transfers to most other flight schools.
Discontinue Anytime
No long-term contracts. Pause or stop your training whenever you choose. No penalties.
Pay As You Fly
Your refundable $1,000 deposit goes toward training, then you're only charged for the lessons you actually fly.
Logged Hours Are Yours
Your logbook, endorsements, and certificates go with you and transfer to other flight schools.
Questions about how payment works? Talk to admissions, real answers, no pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common questions about flight training
How much does flight training cost?
It depends on where you're headed. Most people start with the Private Pilot certificate: our published, itemized estimates run $11,900-$16,700, and your $195 discovery flight counts toward it. Already hold certificates? Add-on ratings typically run $5,000-$15,000. And if your goal is the airlines as fast as possible, our Fast Track Airline Program is a fixed $94,995 + tax with every certificate from Private Pilot through CFI/CFII/MEI included. No surprise fees on any path; the only extras are checkride and testing fees paid directly to third-party examiners. Financing is available if cost is the thing standing between you and the cockpit.
How long does it take to become a commercial pilot?
Great question, and an important distinction. A Commercial Pilot Certificate (which allows you to fly for hire) can be earned in as little as 7 months through our Fast Track program starting from zero experience. However, flying for an airline requires an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate, which has a minimum of 1,500 flight hours. Here's the good news: once you graduate and start instructing at a busy flight school, you can realistically reach those 1,500 hours and be sitting in an airline cockpit within 2-3 years of starting from zero. Our Fast Track program is built to get you there, earning a paycheck as a CFI while you build the hours that put you in the captain's seat.
What are the requirements to start flight training?
Less than you might think. There's no age limit to start training, but you must be 16 to solo and 17 to take the Private Pilot checkride. You'll need to be able to read, speak, write, and understand English. You'll also need to be a US citizen or have approval through the FTSP foreign student program. If you're pursuing a career, you'll need to pass an FAA medical exam. No prior flight experience required. We walk every student through the process from day one so nothing catches you off guard.
Do you offer financing or payment plans?
Yes, and we've built multiple ways to make it work. Fast Track students split tuition into 3 payments spread across the program. Self-paced students pay as they go, lesson by lesson. We also created our own financing company, US Flight Finance, because frankly the existing options in this industry weren't good enough. Financing spots are limited by available capital, so if that's the route you're considering, reach out early to secure your spot.
Can I train part-time while working?
Absolutely! Many of our students train part-time around their work schedules. We have instructors available 7 days a week with flexible scheduling. While part-time training takes longer than full-time programs, we'll create a training plan that works for your availability and goals.
Still have questions?
Start With a $195 Discovery Flight
Take the controls with an instructor beside you and know in an hour if this is your path. It counts toward your training if you continue.
Book My $195 Discovery FlightRather talk it through first? (515) 650-5558