Accelerated Training
Our accelerated courses are not for everyone. However, if your schedule is such that you cannot accomplish your training taking two or three sessions a week, or you want to come to Colorado and focus on achieving your aviation objective, then an accelerated program might be just the thing! All certificates and ratings can be tailored in an accelerated form per the customer’s request, timeframe and budget.
Private Pilot Certificate – 30 Days
If you have passed your FAA written test, our accelerated program, which consists of two-a-day, 4 hour sessions, 5 or 6 days per week can enable you to achieve your Private Pilot certification in as little as one month. If you already have some flight training in your logbook, it is not wasted as all of it counts. Our focus is on helping you complete all of the specific requirements needed to earn a Private Pilot Certificate such has: cross-country instruction, solo flying, night and instrument training, airborne and ground reference maneuvers proficiency and so forth, along with building both the knowledge and airmanship skills necessary to become a competent and confident VFR pilot.
Instrument Rating – 15 Days
As with the accelerated private pilot program, the accelerated IFR program is designed for the pilot who has already completed the FAA written exam, accumulated the majority of the 50 hours of cross-country PIC time required and is both able and ready to focus full time on achieving an IFR rating. The program is built around two sessions per day. Each session is 4 hours, 5 or 6 days a week learning the ins and outs of the IFR system, the standards involved, and the rules & regulations along with all of the procedures IFR pilots must know and utilize. The objective of our IFR program (accelerated or normal) is to provide our clients with the knowledge, skills and experience necessary to confidently join the ranks of the IFR rated pilot group. Whether this is undertaken in a compressed time frame or spread out over whatever time it takes, shortcuts are not a part of the program. Skill, understanding, applied knowledge and flight proficiency are the true measures of success.
Technically-Advanced Aircraft Training
The general aviation cockpit had a major face-lift a few years ago, and it will never again look the same. The glass cockpits installed on commercial jetliners are now standard equipment on all newly-produced training and personal aircraft. These aren’t simply bells and whistles to dazzle youthful pilots, but represent the latest design and safety mechanisms available today. Pilots and students of all levels who want to fly this new generation of aircraft can do so at Colorado Flight Center. If you are heading down the professional flight path, or are considering purchasing a new Cessna aircraft, talk with us about these innovations, and log some training time in the newest airplane from the world’s oldest and most recognized name in general aviation aircraft.
In keeping with our commitment to educate according to the latest General Aviation standards, we specialize in training for all Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA), including the “Glass Cockpit” systems provided by Garmin, Avidyne, and Aspen, or any aircraft equipped with GPS navigations systems, multi-function displays, and autopilots. For those of you who own a TAA, we can help you get the most out of the new technology. Our instructors are familiar with most Honeywell Bendix/King, Garmin (including Apollo and UPS), Avidyne, and Aspen avionics and EFIS systems.
Several of our rental aircraft are capable of flying the GPS WAAS instrument approaches which provide both lateral and vertical guidance (glideslope) to near precision approach minimums. The Garmin 430 and 530 GPS receivers are upgradeable to WAAS capability. Give us a call if you’d like to try out the future of instrument approaches.
Recurrent Training
All pilots are required to complete a Flight Review according to FAR § 61.56 every two years. We are happy to provide the flight and ground instruction for you to meet this requirement. To facilitate the completion of a Flight Review, we have developed a written Flight Review Guide, which may help you and your instructor identify any deficiencies in either your aeronautical knowledge or flying skills. Another way to meet currency requirements is to participate in the FAA Safety Teams’ WINGS program. We encourage all pilots to participate in this program as a better way toward currency, as it will keep you on a “continuing education” program for your flying skills.
Instrument-rated pilots must also complete an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) according to FAR § 61.57 (d) if they have not maintained their instrument currency. Again, our flight instructors are trained and qualified in all instrument flying procedures, both the classical versions and those utilizing newer technology. If your instrument currency has lapsed, we’ll be happy to help you brush up on those skills and get the most out of the avionics in your aircraft. Prior to your IPC training, we recommend that you complete our Instrument Proficiency Written Evaluation. This series of questions will help both you and your instructor evaluate your current instrument flying knowledge level, and help both of you tailor the IPC training to your specific needs. Completing this evaluation will take about an hour, but will save that much time and more with your instructor, and will help you complete the IPC training in the least amount of time.
Colorado Flight Center has also developed model-specific initial and recurrent training programs. Several of these programs formally meet aircraft insurance company requirements for approved pilots. We, of course, have specific programs for our fleet of aircraft: Cessna 172, Cessna 172RG, Cessna 182, and Piper Seminole aircraft. We also have specific programs for the Cessna 210 Series of aircraft (210, T210 and P210), Cessna 206, Cirrus models SR-20 and SR-22, Cessna Corvalis (previously Columbia) aircraft and many others. If you don’t see your aircraft listed here, give us a call at 970-254-0444. If we don’t have an instructor with experience in your aircraft make and model, we’ll help you find one who does.
Mountain Flying Training
Colorado Flight Center provides several options for mountain flying training. Choose between a formal 3-day weekend clinic or an individual program tailored to your specific needs.
Each option includes both ground and flight training of the mountain flying environment, mountain weather trends, density altitude, preflight planning and preparation, takeoff and departure techniques, approach and landing considerations, and general mountain flying principles. Grand Junction is a perfectly-suited base for Colorado high-altitude training operations.
Multi-Engine Flight Training
Colorado Flight Center has several flight instructors with significant experience and training in multi-engine aircraft.
If you already have your Private or Commercial Pilot Certificate and an Instrument Rating, we offer a special multi-engine Add-On package.
Give us a call at 970-254-0444 if you would like to step up to a multi-engine rating!
Redbird Sim Training
Redbird TD-2 Incredibly Realistic Simulator Training!
The benefits of simulator training include:
- A classroom setting allows pausing to clarify things you don’t fully understand
- The TD-2 offers most the realistic and effective training on the market
- The TD-2 is designed with the yoke, switches, gauges and visuals in the correct and most realistic position for the pilot
- With the rubber petals, the Redbird TD is approved as a Basic Aviation Training Device (BATD) by the FAA (hours may be used towards private and instrument experience and currency)
- A great way to learn IFR procedures without the distractions generated when flying an aircraft
- Fly more approaches in a scheduled lesson than in an aircraft
- Experience failures that cannot be done in actual airplanes- life saving skills
Tail-wheel Training
Colorado Flight Center has several flight instructors with significant experience and training in conventional gear (tail-wheel) aircraft.
While we do not currently have a tail-wheel aircraft available for rent, we are happy to provide tail-wheel training in your aircraft.
Western Colorado’s
Premier Flight Training
Schedule your training today!