Private Pilot
Learn to Fly the Modern Way
Safety / Technology / Freedom
Experience the world’s most advanced flight training program
The Sky is Calling
Your Adventure Starts Here
The Modern Pilot Private Pilot Program is built on the official Cirrus Approach™ syllabus — designed to guide you from first flight to certified pilot with safety, precision, and confidence. As a Platinum Cirrus Training Center, Modern Pilot offers the highest standard of instruction available in general aviation, pairing Cirrus innovation with personalized coaching and advanced avionics training.
From your very first lesson, you’ll fly in the world’s most advanced aircraft — the Cirrus SR20 or SR22 G7+, featuring Perspective Touch+™ avionics, premium leather interiors, air conditioning, and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS).
Whether your goal is to fly for business, family, or the sheer joy of freedom, Modern Pilot will guide you every step of the way. You’ll partner directly with a Training Center Instructor (TCI) to ensure your experience matches the professionalism and precision of Cirrus Aircraft itself.
Join the Modern Pilot community and take your first step toward new horizons — where #FlyModern is more than just a hashtag; it's your new lifestyle.
Your Flight Path
Why Train at Modern Pilot
The Platinum Standard in Flight Training
Platinum Cirrus Training
All Modern Aircraft
ForeFlight Expertise
Program Details
Each pilot’s journey is unique—but every flight path at Modern Pilot follows the same proven foundation of safety, skill, and innovation.
Program Timeline
Flight Hours
Ground training
Investment
Curriculum
Your Training Journey
Each lesson builds on the last, balancing skill, confidence, and decision-making. Our Private Pilot syllabus follows Cirrus’s standardized modules:
- Foundations of Flight – Aircraft systems, aerodynamics, preflight, taxi, and communications.
- Takeoffs & Landings – Pattern work, radio procedures, and precision control.
- Navigation & Cross-Country – Learn flight planning, weather decision-making, and ForeFlight workflows.
- Solo Training – Experience the thrill of flying on your own for the first time
- Night Flight – Discover the beauty of night flying under the stars.
- Checkride Prep – Refine maneuvers, oral knowledge, and confidence with your instructor.
At every stage, your progress is tracked using Cirrus’s digital progress tracking and Modern Pilot’s in-house debrief tools.
Get familiar with the world you’re about to join.
- Learn aircraft systems, aerodynamics, and preflight checks.
- Master taxi, communications, and pattern procedures.
- Experience your first simulator session and first flight.
- Lays the foundation for every skill you’ll build as a pilot.
Precision starts here.
- Practice smooth, consistent takeoffs and landings.
- Learn crosswind, short-field, and soft-field techniques.
- Develop muscle memory and precision in the traffic pattern.
- Confidence grows with every circuit.
Your first taste of true freedom.
- Plan and fly cross-country routes using ForeFlight.
- Interpret weather, fuel, and airspace for safe go/no-go decisions.
- Learn to navigate to new airports — efficiently and independently.
- Every flight expands your world.
Prepared pilots are safe pilots.
- Train for real-world scenarios using Cirrus simulators.
- Practice CAPS deployment and system management.
- Learn to stay calm, make decisions, and take control.
- Safety becomes instinct.
Your defining moment.
- Complete Stage 1 validation with your instructor.
- Experience your first solo flight — just you and the sky.
- Debrief, reflect, and celebrate this milestone in your journey.
- From this point forward, you are truly a pilot in command.
Expand your precision and decision-making.
- Refine advanced takeoff and landing techniques.
- Explore intermediate aerodynamics and energy management.
- Understand aircraft performance in challenging environments.
- Every lesson adds a new layer of mastery.
Expand your confidence beyond the horizon.
- Learn the basics of instrument flying and attitude control.
- Discover the discipline and beauty of night flight.
- Gain a new perspective — flying under the stars, guided by technology.
- You’ll see flying in a whole new light.
Put it all together.
Plan, brief, and execute solo cross-country flights.
Manage fuel, weather, and alternates like a professional.
Validate your training in Stage 2 evaluation.
This phase cements your independence as a pilot.
Polish every maneuver to perfection.
- Review all key flight skills with precision and purpose.
- Complete your long solo cross-country — a true rite of passage.
- Prepare mentally and technically for your final checkride.
Proficiency meets confidence.
Bring it all together.
- Conduct a full mock oral and practice checkride with your instructor.
- Validate final proficiency in Stage 3 evaluation.
- Graduate as a Modern Pilot–trained Cirrus aviator.
Your certificate is just the beginning — the sky is now yours!
faq
Here are some common questions
Most students complete their training in 3–6 months, depending on schedule, weather, and frequency of lessons. We offer flexible full- or part-time pacing to fit your lifestyle and learning goals.
You’ll fly the Cirrus SR20 and SR22 G7+, equipped with Perspective Touch+™ avionics, air conditioning, and the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). We also offer training in G3 and G6 models with Perspective™ and Perspective+™ avionics.
No experience is needed! Your instructor will guide you from your first preflight inspection to your first solo flight and checkride. We use the official Cirrus Approach™ syllabus to ensure you build confidence step by step.
Training includes flight instruction, aircraft rental, and access to Cirrus Approach™ online courses. You’ll also receive ground instruction, simulator sessions, and detailed pre- and post-flight briefings with your instructor.
Yes — Modern Pilot offers 7-day-a-week availability. Our instructors work around your schedule, offering flexible daytime, evening, and weekend sessions to make training convenient.
Absolutely. Modern Pilot’s founder was ForeFlight’s first Employee and was known as the ForeFlight Evangelist, so you’ll receive advanced iPad, ForeFlight, and avionics integration training woven into your lessons — a skillset unique to Modern Pilot.
Ready to Take off?
Your first flight is where the dream becomes real.
Experience the freedom of flight with Modern Pilot. Sit left seat, take the controls, and see why Cirrus aircraft and our Platinum-standard training redefine what it means to fly.
happy PILOTS
Modern Journeys
Stephen B.
I’ve visited a few pilot schools around the Houston area and after visiting Modern Pilot I can honestly say that I hadn’t visited a pilot school that was so welcoming, considerate and supportive with accomplishing my goals to becoming a pilot as much as Modern Pilot.
John S.
I recently purchased a Cirrus and Eric not only went and picked it up, he also gave me instruction for the Embark training. I would use them again and again and couldn’t recommend this place enough! Very thorough training and good company!
Jeff B.
Just finished my Cirrus transition training here. It’s an incredible facility with an incredible staff. It’s a great environment to learn in. Eric, the owner, is super passionate about safety and also a wonderful instructor. I cannot suggest this facility enough.
Rated ★★★★★ 5.0 on Google
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