Flight Training.
Learning to fly with Maine Instrument Flight offers expert instruction, modern aircraft, and breathtaking Maine scenery. Students gain confidence, skill, and passion through personalized training that transforms dreams of flight into reality.
FLY YOUR CHOICE, FLY YOUR WAY.
Maine Instrument Flight is one of the nation’s oldest continuously operating aviation organizations. We offer flight training, charter, FBO services, maintenance, and scenic flights. In addition to our partnership with the University of Maine at Augusta, we also welcome students who wish to pursue their training independently. Dedicated to safety, service, and community, we remain committed to fostering growth and opportunity in aviation.
INSTRUMENT
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
30 Hours of Ground Training $2,250
55 Hours of Dual Flight Training $16,500
Books $65
PSI Test $175
Check Ride $800
Total $19,790
* Add $2,750 for training in the Cirrus SR-20
Commercial Add-On
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
20 Hours of Ground Training $1,500
55 Hours of Dual Flight Training $16,500
Books $50
Check Ride $800
Total $18,850
* Add $2,750 for training in the Cirrus SR-20
Commercial
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
35 Hours of Ground Training $2,625
110 Hours of Dual Flight Training $33,000
10 Hours of Solo Flight $3,000
Books $50
PSI Testing $175
Check Ride $800
Total $39,650
* Add $8,250 for training in the Cirrus SR-20
Flight Instructor
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
40 Hours of Ground Training $3,000
25 Hours of Dual Flight Training $7,500
Books $40
PSI Testing $350
Check Ride $1400
Total $12,290
* Available Part 61. Typically completed in 10-15 Flight Hours
Combined Instrument & Commercial
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
65 Hours of Ground Training $4,875
110 Hours of Dual Flight Training $33,000
10 Hours of Solo Flight $3,000
Books $115
PSI Testing $300
Checkrides $1,600
Total $42,890
* Add $8,250 for training in the Cirrus SR-20
Flight Instructor Instrument
Part 141 Piper Pilot 100i
15 Hours of Ground Training $ 1,125
15 Hours of Dual Flight Training $4,500
Books $25
PSI Testing $150
Check Ride $700
Total $6,500
* Available Part 61. Typically completed in 5-10 Flight Hours
You Got Q’s?
How Do I Know That I Can Learn To Fly?
Somewhere there is someone just like you who recently became a pilot. Although the average student pilot is 32 years old, anyone can learn to fly an airplane; there are no minimum or maximum age requirements for taking flight lessons. People from every occupation and every geographic location in the nation are pilots.
How Difficult Is It?
As with any other skill you master, flying is learned step by step. It’s a fascinating experience, but it’s not particularly difficult. It can be learned by practically anyone who is willing to invest some time and effort.
Pilot training has two aspects: ground training and flight training. Ground training takes place on the ground. It covers flight rules and regulations, how an airplane flies, flight planning, navigation, radio procedures, and weather. Most of your training at Maine Instrument Flight is combined, with each lesson consisting of a little ground instruction with actual hands-on flight training under the supervision of a certified flight instructor. You will learn to fly by actually controlling the airplane yourself.
The goal at MIF is to train pilots at their own pace until completely proficient and thoroughly prepared for whichever certification or ratings sought.
What Special Skills Do I Need to Fly?
When learning any new skill, the main ingredient for success is motivation. Once you’re ready to invest your time and effort in learning to fly, then it’s time to take the first steps.
What is the First Step?
Deciding to learn to fly is obviously the first step and often the most difficult one. Before you make the big decision to take flying lessons, you may want to experience flying in a small plane. Once you’ve viewed your community from the perspective of a general aviation aircraft and felt the sensation of the flight you’ll know whether piloting is for you.
MIF offers a $140.00 introductory flight. This will allow you to experience the fun of flying and to see your community from the air.
What Are the Requirements?
As a pilot, you’ll be governed by regulations set by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration). The more responsibility you take as a pilot, the more stringent the FAA requirements become.
Private Pilot Requirements
To obtain a private pilot certificate, you must be at least 17 years old and have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time. You must also pass the private pilot knowledge test (a multiple-choice exam) and a flight test (check ride) with an FAA examiner.
Unlike a driver’s license, a pilot certificate is issued for life; it has no expiration date. As a private pilot, you can fly alone or with passengers. Special weather requirements pertaining to visibility and cloud conditions must be met, and you must continue to pass your third class medical exam every two years. You may not be paid for your services as a private pilot.
Instrument Rating Requirements
An instrument rating allows you to fly when the visibility is poor and the clouds are low in the sky. To obtain this rating, you must receive at least 40 hours of instrument flight training. You must then pass an FAA knowledge test and an FAA flight test (check ride).
Commercial Pilot Requirements
Commercial pilots can “fly for hire”. To exercise the full rights of a commercial pilot, you must have an instrument rating, be at least 18 years old, hold a second class medical certificate and have a minimum of 250 hours of flying time. You must also pass an FAA knowledge test and an FAA flight test (check ride). A commercial pilot certification can be achieved without an instrument rating but your privileges as a commercial pilot would be restricted.
We Got A’s.
Certified Flight Instructor Requirements
To become a certified flight instructor, you must be 18 years old and hold a commercial certificate with an instrument rating or an airline transport pilot certificate. You must also pass two FAA knowledge tests and an FAA flight test. As a certified flight instructor, you may instruct private or commercial students. You may also obtain additional instructor ratings to teach instrument or multi-engine students. (If the instructor applicant wishes to expand his certificates and training, a separate ground instructor certificate can be obtained after passing the appropriate knowledge tests. A ground instructor certificate is not a requirement.)
Multi-Engine Rating Requirements
To earn a multi-engine rating, you must receive instruction from an appropriately certificated instructor. A knowledge test is not required, and the FAA does not specify a minimum number of flight training hours required, but there is an FAA flight test, after which you’ll be certified to fly airplanes with two or more engines. Most students need about 10 hours of flight training to prepare for the flight test. You may hold either a private, commercial or airline transport pilot certificate.
How Long Will My Training Take?
Most people receive their private pilot certificate after about 65 hours of flight time, which includes time spent with an instructor (dual time) and time spent flying alone (solo time).
How long it takes to accumulate this flight time is largely up to you. We recommend that a student fly at least two hours per week in order to progress through the program in a minimum amount of time, so as to avoid costly reviews caused by the excessive time between lessons. MIF has flight instructors on duty seven (7) days a week. All flying is done on your schedule and payment is made for each lesson after the lesson has been completed (no advance payment necessary).
What Will My First Flight Be Like?
First, a pre-flight briefing will be conducted to familiarize you with the training aircraft. This will include inspecting the airplane, a discussion of how the airplane is controlled, and the proper use of instruments and equipment.
After the pre-flight briefing, you and your flight instructor will take off. Once airborne, your instructor will let you take the controls. With your instructor’s guidance, you will control the airplane through turns, climbs, and descents. Soon you’ll feel the exhilaration of flying and become impatient for your next lesson.
How Much Does It Cost?
Compared to the costs of training in other skills, becoming a certified (licensed) private pilot is a good value. Prorated over a lifetime, it is probably one of the best bargains you’ll ever find. The cost of becoming a pilot is a solid investment in your future.
MIF Is an FAA Part 141 Approved Flight School
MIF is one of only a few FAA Part 141 approved flight schools in the Northeast. In order to maintain this approval, a flight school must comply with certain quality standards such as accurate and stringent student records and employ instructors that meet strict FAA qualification requirements. Additionally, each training course given by the school must obtain the FAA’s approval. This designation allows our school to follow an additional set of flight training rules which can benefit the student with better training programs that offer a tighter, more outlined learning platform and the potential for reduced training costs. Please contact us for more information regarding the requirements and benefits of training under part 141 rules.
MIF Also Offers V.A. Training
Qualified veterans and active duty personnel can receive advanced training (after the private certificate). For flight students with Montgomery G. I. benefits, the V.A. (Veterans Administration) will pay for 60% of your training. Post 9-11 benefits will cover up to 100%. This training includes ground as well as dual and solo flight time. If you qualify, the savings can be enormous. A flight school must be FAA Part 141 approved in order to offer these V.A. benefits. Please call for more details. Note: The VA will NOT pay for Private Pilot training unless associated with a degree program. Ask for more details about our partnership with UMA.
What Learning to Fly Can Do For Me?
Learning to fly opens the door to a wide variety of career, business and travel opportunities.
A career pilot has many different types of flying opportunities. Flight activities are divided into the following categories: (1) general aviation (2) airline (3) military (4) aerospace. Within the general aviation field a commercial pilot may be involved in air charter, aerial patrol, aircraft sales, ferrying aircraft, aerial survey and photography, agricultural support, cargo handling, corporate pilot, flight instruction and a multitude of other uses.
Flying may also complement your career path in business or sales or a profession that you haven’t chosen yet.
When it comes to personal travel, renting or flying your own airplane will give you a whole new freedom not experienced by most people.
General aviation is a unique industry, combining the romance and enthusiasm of our heritage with the high-tech equipment and modern proficiency skills of today. It is a superb tool of business and a personal time-saving machine. It is a partner in our nation’s productivity. Learning to fly can lead to your discovery of rewarding career opportunities.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Aviation
In the Fall of 2013, the University of Maine at Augusta (UMA), in conjunction with Maine Instrument Flight, introduced a new four-year bachelor’s degree program. The new course of study allows students to obtain a bachelor’s degree in aviation and obtain their commercial pilot certificate, instrument & multi-engine ratings, and become a flight instructor.
Because of UMA’s low public tuition rates, our BS in Aviation is significantly less expensive than comparable programs. Plus, financial aid is available to most students to help offset the costs. Maine Instrument Flight is also a VA approved FAA Part 141 flight school for all flight training programs, excluding the Private Pilot Course; so, if you’ve served in the armed forces, your military education benefits may pay 100% of your tuition and fees.
The Bachelor’s in Aviation degree program is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).
These are just a few of the many reasons why you should choose MIF & UMA to complete your flight training! For more information on the program and applying, contact UMA Admissions at 1-877-UMA-1234 or go to https://www.uma.edu/academics/programs/aviation/.
A clear, unrestricted class 1 or 2 Medical Certificate issued by a FAA-certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) is a requirement for admission into this degree program.
To locate an AME closest to you, please visit the FAA’s website or click this link.
THE CIRRUS SR-20
The Cirrus SR-20 gives our students early access to the same advanced avionics found in today’s professional aircraft. Its Garmin Perspective+ glass cockpit helps future pilots master situational awareness, automation management, and digital navigation—skills that carry directly into airline and corporate flying.
The SR-20 offers outstanding short-runway performance, making operations in and out of Augusta State Airport (KAUG) seamless.
Available for Private, Instrument, and Commercial ratings.
$275 per hour
$75 per hour instructor rate
THE PIPER PILOT 100i
Piper developed the Pilot 100i from the ground up as a dedicated trainer for flight schools (not just a repurposed private model). It’s optimized for predictable flight behavior, easy maintenance, and straightforward systems — ideal for student pilots and instructors alike.
Equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch flight display and Garmin G5 backup — similar to glass cockpits in modern aircraft, including those used in commercial operations.
Available for Instrument, Commercial, CFI, and CFII
$225 per hour
$75 per hour instructor rate
REDBIRD FLIGHT SIMULATOR
The Redbird flight simulator gives flight students a realistic, hands-on way to build skills before taking to the air. With wrap-around visuals, full cockpit controls, and FAA-approved training capability, students can safely practice maneuvers, instrument procedures, and emergency scenarios in a controlled, affordable environment. It’s the perfect bridge between classroom lessons and real-world flying—helping students gain confidence, precision, and proficiency faster.
Full Motion Part 141 approved, able to replicate a Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, and the Beechcraft Duchess.
$140 per hour with instructor
NOBLE FLIGHT SIMULATOR
The Noble Flight Simulator gives students the chance to train in a true-to-life Cirrus SR-20 environment without ever leaving the ground. Featuring authentic Garmin Perspective avionics, tactile flight controls, and high-fidelity visuals, it replicates the look and feel of the real aircraft for safer, more efficient learning. Students can practice normal, instrument, and emergency procedures in a realistic, stress-free setting—building confidence, muscle memory, and situational awareness before stepping into the actual SR-20.
Part 141 approved, used for flight training in the Cirrus SR-20
$140 per hour with instructor
BEECHCRAFT SUNDOWNER C23
The Beechcraft C23 Sundowner is a dependable, easy-handling trainer built to help students master the fundamentals of flight. Its stable, low-wing design and forgiving flight characteristics make it ideal for new pilots learning everything from basic maneuvers to cross-country navigation. Powered by a proven 180-horsepower Lycoming engine and equipped with fixed tricycle landing gear, the Sundowner offers reliable performance without unnecessary complexity.
Available for Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, and Rental.
$205 per hour without GPS
$225 per hour with GPS
$75 per hour instructor rate
THE BEECHCRAFT SPORT
The Beechcraft Sport is a responsive, well-balanced trainer designed to make learning to fly both safe and enjoyable. With its reliable 150-horsepower Lycoming engine, fixed tricycle landing gear, and simple systems, it’s an ideal aircraft for students mastering takeoffs, landings, and flight fundamentals.
Compact, efficient, and forgiving, the Beechcraft Sport delivers an excellent balance of performance and simplicity—perfect for students taking their first steps toward becoming confident, capable pilots.
Available for Private Pilot training and Rental
$185 per hour
$75 per hour instructor rate
BEECHCRAFT SIERRA
The Beechcraft Sierra is the perfect platform for students completing their Commercial Pilot or Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) requirements. With a 200-horsepower Lycoming engine, retractable landing gear, and a constant-speed propeller, it meets FAA standards for complex aircraft training while offering modern avionics options that qualify it as a TAA.
Its stable flight characteristics, smooth control response, and comfortable cabin make it ideal for mastering advanced maneuvers, systems management, and commercial-level precision.
Primarily used for Commercial TAA requirements.
$350 per hour with instructor
Solo and rentals not allowed
Experience That Flies With You.
At Maine Instrument Flight, our team of flight instructors brings decades of combined experience across all levels of aviation training—from private pilot to commercial and instrument instruction. Many hold advanced ratings and real-world flying experience in charter and corporate operations, giving students valuable, practical insight beyond the textbook. Dedicated to safety, professionalism, and personalized instruction, our instructors tailor each lesson to the student’s goals and learning style, ensuring every pilot graduates confident, competent, and prepared for real-world flying.
“I’m Chad Morris, part-owner and CEO of Maine Instrument Flight. After serving as a Navy Electronics Technician, I began flying in Caldwell, Idaho, earning helicopter and airplane ratings before becoming an instructor. When my company, SprintBach Aviation, acquired MIF in 2021, I focused on preserving its legacy while modernizing it for future aviators.”
CHAD MORRIS
CHEIF FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“I’ve been part of the MIF–University of Maine at Augusta program since its 2013 launch, first as a student, then instructor, and now Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. My aviation career began in 2006 as a U.S. Army crew chief. Outside work, I enjoy traveling, fishing, and time with my wife and daughter.”
TRAVIS HUGHES
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
“From Cherryfield, Maine, I discovered aviation through my mom, a flight medic. I earned my Aviation Science degree at UMA and have been instructing for over two years. I remind students to enjoy the journey—stop at an FBO, catch a sunset, and appreciate the ride. I also enjoy hiking, music, and the outdoors..”
SAVAGE BLOOMER
BANGOR LEAD INSTRUCTOR
“Originally from Rio de Janeiro, I’m a CFI-I and UMA graduate teaching Instrument Ground School and flight lessons. A discovery flight at 38 redirected my career toward aviation. I value MIF’s supportive community and enjoy Brazilian barbecue with friends when not flying.”
BRUNO MENDES
BRUNSWICK LEAD INSTRUCTOR
“Born in Germany and raised in Maine, I caught the aviation bug after an intro flight for my 13th birthday. A UMA Aviation Science graduate, I enjoy teaching systems and mentoring young pilots through programs like Maine Ace Camp. Off duty, I play tennis, hike, and explore Maine.”
PELLE ZIERVOGEL
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“From Falmouth, Maine, I teach Private, Commercial, and Instrument students. After training through UMA and MIF, I’ve loved helping pilots grow from zero time to confident aviators. Outside work, I hunt, fish, hike, and spend time with family.”
JOSH ALLEN
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“From Greene, Maine, I’m a CFII and Check Instructor providing flight and ground training at MIF. I started here at 14 and knew after one lesson this was my path. I love seeing students solo or pass checkrides. I spend free time hiking, biking, and golfing.”
McKenzie Lagerson
Flight Instructor
“Originally from Marshfield, MA, I began flying after a discovery flight gift and earned my ratings in Portland. Teaching since 2020, I value MIF’s community and enjoy meeting new pilots. Off duty, I’m outdoors or with family.”
ZACH FAIT
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“Introduced to aviation by my grandfather, I trained at MIF and UMA and now teach Private, Instrument, and Commercial students. I love seeing each student milestone. My favorite plane is my grandfather’s Twin Comanche; I also enjoy woodworking, Bible study, and time with my wife.”
ELIJAH ALLEN
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“From Oakland, Maine, I’m a CFII who trained entirely through MIF and UMA. I’ve taught for over a year and love guiding students to checkride success. My favorite aircraft is the Beechcraft Sundowner. I enjoy traveling, painting, and time with friends.”
CASSIE BATES
Flight Instructor
“I’m a CFII from Gorham, Maine. Encouraged to fly as a teen, I trained in Portsmouth and earned my degree at Purdue University. I love sharing aviation daily and flying the Vans RV-12. I stay active through lifting and time with family and friends.”
Noah Badeau
FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
“A CFII and MEI originally from Olympia, WA, I discovered aviation after my twins left for college, inspired by my pilot dad. I earned my Private at MIF and advanced ratings in Arizona. I enjoy helping students reach first solos and spend free time riding horses, hiking, and traveling.”