First flight
Discovery Flight
Meet an instructor and experience a first lesson at Willow Run.
Flight Training
Choose the training that moves you forward.
Start with your first flight, work toward a new qualification, or explore a structured professional path. Valor trains under 14 CFR Part 61. FAA minimums are eligibility thresholds, not package inclusions or completion guarantees.
Start with your goal
Your goal. Your path.
Choose what brings you to aviation and see where to begin.
Choose your goal
Personal flying
Personal flying is a goal, not a separate certificate. Most people start with a discovery flight, then earn a private pilot certificate.
Professional pilot
A structured plan that builds each certificate and rating in order, with professional habits at every stage.
I already have a certificate
Add the next qualification. We review your logbook and current qualifications during follow up.
Flight instructor
Turn your experience into teaching. Instructor training builds on commercial level flying and instrument qualifications.
All training
Seven programs. One clear progression.
Certificate
Private Pilot
Build the foundation for personal flying and further training.
Rating
Instrument Rating
Develop precision, procedures and decision making for instrument flight.
Certificate
Commercial Pilot
Refine your flying to commercial standards.
Instructor
Flight Instructor (CFI) and CFII
Learn to explain, demonstrate, assess and adapt, then teach the discipline of instrument flight.
Pathway
Professional Pilot Program
Progress from private pilot through CFI and CFII in one structured plan.
First flight
Discovery Flight
Experience the work behind the dream.
Meet an instructor, get to know the aircraft and experience an introductory lesson at Willow Run Airport.
- Who it is for
- Prospective students exploring personal or professional flying. No prior flying experience is needed.
- What to expect
- A preflight briefing, an introduction to the aircraft controls, supervised hands on flying when conditions permit, and a debrief about your questions and next steps.
- Before you fly
- The team confirms scheduling, documentation, suitability and aircraft loading requirements. An FAA medical is generally not needed for a dual introductory lesson when you are not acting as pilot in command. Flight arrangements remain subject to conditions and instructor judgment.
- Outcome
- An introduction to flight training, not a certificate. Qualifying instruction can be logged by your instructor.
Private Pilot
Private Pilot
A foundation for every flight.
Learn to plan, prepare and fly with confidence. Private Pilot training develops the essential skills and judgment for personal flying and future ratings.
- Who it is for
- New students pursuing airplane single engine land certification.
- You will learn
- Aircraft control, takeoffs and landings, navigation, weather, night operations, emergency procedures and practical decision making.
- Outcome
- A private pilot certificate with the applicable rating after successful testing. Flying privileges remain subject to medical eligibility, currency and operating limitations; this is generally not a certificate for paid flying.
Instrument Rating
Instrument Rating
Precision when outside references are limited.
Strengthen your scan, planning and procedural discipline. Learn how to manage an IFR flight from clearance to approach.
- Who it is for
- Pilots seeking an airplane instrument rating.
- You will learn
- Instrument control, IFR navigation, holds, departures, approaches, weather analysis and abnormal situations.
- Outcome
- Instrument rating privileges after successful testing, within aircraft authorization, proficiency, currency and weather limitations.
Commercial Pilot
Commercial Pilot
Fly with precision. Make decisions with purpose.
Develop the proficiency, planning and judgment expected at the commercial level. Build on your existing experience with focused training toward the airplane single engine land commercial certificate.
- Who it is for
- Pilots ready to progress beyond private certification and work toward professional flying qualifications.
- Prerequisites
- At least age 18, English proficiency and at least a private pilot certificate or another qualifying certificate under the rule. We assess your logbook, instrument qualification and medical pathway before recommending a training plan. An instrument rating is important for an unrestricted airplane commercial path; limitations apply without it.
- You will learn
- Advanced maneuvers, precision landings, aircraft systems, performance planning, navigation, risk management and commercial operating responsibilities. Ground preparation and flight lessons connect knowledge with practical decisions.
- What to expect at Valor
- We begin by reviewing the experience you already have. Your training plan then identifies the proficiency, knowledge and flight experience still needed. Progress depends on preparation, scheduling, weather, aircraft availability and demonstrated readiness.
- Outcome
- A commercial pilot certificate with the applicable airplane rating after the required tests. It permits compensated flying only within the applicable privileges and rules. Particular jobs can require additional ratings, experience, medical qualification and operator authorization.
Instructor training
Flight Instructor and CFII
Turn your experience into teaching. Initial flight instructor training and the instrument instructor add on share this section, and each has its own requirements and request.
Flight Instructor
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Learn to turn knowledge into understanding.
Develop the ability to explain, demonstrate, assess and adapt. Instructor training connects flying proficiency with effective teaching and professional responsibility.
- Who it is for
- Qualified pilots pursuing an initial airplane single engine flight instructor certificate.
- You will learn
- Learning principles, lesson planning, student evaluation, risk management, right seat demonstration and supervised teaching practice.
- Outcome
- Flight instructor privileges within your ratings, qualifications and regulatory limitations after successful testing.
Instrument Instructor
Instrument Instructor (CFII)
Teach the discipline of instrument flight.
Help pilots develop a systematic approach to instrument flying. Build your ability to teach procedures, diagnose errors and guide sound IFR decisions.
- Who it is for
- Certificated flight instructors seeking an instrument airplane instructor add on.
- You will learn
- Instrument lesson development, scan and control instruction, IFR navigation, approaches, weather decisions and student assessment.
- Outcome
- Instrument flight instruction privileges within your applicable ratings and limitations.
Professional Pilot Program
Professional Pilot Program
Train toward a professional future.
Bring your ambition into a structured training plan. Progress from foundational flying through advanced pilot and instructor qualifications, with preparation and professional habits at every stage.
- Who it is for
- Career focused students ready to commit to consistent training and independent study.
- Prerequisites
- Your entry point depends on prior experience. Each certificate or rating has its own age, knowledge, experience, medical and testing requirements. The team reviews these with you before enrollment.
- Pathway
- Private Pilot, then Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, CFI and CFII.
- You will learn
- Flight and ground subjects for each stage, practical preparation, disciplined study and decision making. Progress is based on demonstrated readiness.
- Outcome
- Preparation for the listed certificates and ratings, awarded only after the requirements and tests are met. Further experience and qualifications are needed for airline and many other professional roles.
- Student commitment
- Expect regular flight and ground sessions, preparation between lessons and flexibility for weather and maintenance. Ask the team to build a realistic plan around your availability. Completion time and employment are not guaranteed.
How training works
Part 61 training at Valor.
Valor Flight Academy trains under 14 CFR Part 61, the FAA rules that set the eligibility, knowledge, experience and testing requirements for each pilot certificate and rating.
FAA minimums are eligibility thresholds, not package inclusions or completion guarantees. Your instructor tracks the requirements for your certificate or rating with you, and endorsements come when you demonstrate the required proficiency.
Read 14 CFR Part 61 on eCFR (opens in a new tab)Your instructor's role
- Plans your lessons in a clear order
- Tracks your progress against the requirements
- Provides endorsements when you demonstrate proficiency
- Prepares you for the knowledge and practical tests
What to expect
From first conversation to first lesson.
A simple inquiry, an honest review of where you are starting, and a plan you can see before you commit.
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Start the conversation
Send a request, call us, or schedule a discovery flight. Tell us about your goals and any flying experience.
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Review your starting point
We look at your goals, prior experience and logbook, and talk through age, medical and other eligibility requirements at the right stage.
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See your plan in writing
Before you enroll, we explain your training plan in writing: what is included, what is not, and the third party fees to expect.
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Train with preparation and review
Lessons build in a clear order. Progress depends on preparation, scheduling, weather, aircraft availability and demonstrated readiness.
Your training, stage by stage.
The path most new students follow toward a private pilot certificate.
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Discovery flight
Meet an instructor, see the airplane up close and fly with guidance. It is the easiest first step.
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Ground knowledge
Aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations and aircraft systems, through study and ground lessons with your instructor.
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Flight lessons
Aircraft control, takeoffs and landings first, then navigation, emergency procedures and more advanced maneuvers.
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First solo
When you meet the requirements and your instructor is confident in your skills, you receive the endorsement to fly solo.
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Knowledge and practical tests
The FAA knowledge test, then a practical test with an examiner: an oral exam and a flight. Your instructor prepares you and signs you off first.
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Your next step
Fly for your own goals, or continue toward instrument, commercial and instructor training.
Training investment
A clear explanation before you commit.
Your training investment depends on your starting point, your goals, your schedule and how you progress. We explain it individually, in writing, before you enroll.
Your explanation covers what is included and what is not, along with third party fees such as FAA knowledge tests, practical tests and medical exams.
Talk it through with our team
Ask for program information, or book a free 30 minute video consultation at a time that suits you.
Questions
Concise answers.
The questions we hear most, from first flight to career plans.
Getting started
Do I need flying experience to start?
No. A discovery flight is designed for people with no flying experience. It is the easiest way to meet an instructor and see what training feels like.
How old do I need to be?
Normally 16 to fly solo in an airplane and 17 for a private pilot certificate. Commercial pilot and flight instructor applicants must be at least 18.
Where does training take place?
At Willow Run Airport (KYIP) in Belleville, Michigan, serving Metro Detroit.
Can I train part time?
Yes. Part 61 training can be scheduled around school or work. Regular lessons keep your skills fresh, so we help you plan a steady rhythm that fits your week.
Requirements
Do I need an FAA medical certificate?
Not for a dual discovery flight. Before solo flight, most new students obtain an FAA medical certificate, commonly third class. A second class medical is generally required for commercial pilot privileges. Medical requirements depend on the privileges you exercise, so talk with us about your situation before you commit.
What do I need before my first training lesson?
A government issued photo ID and proof of U.S. citizenship, such as a U.S. passport, or a birth certificate together with a photo ID. The TSA requires flight schools to verify citizenship before flight training begins.
Can non U.S. citizens train at Valor?
Non U.S. citizens must apply through the TSA Flight Training Security Program and receive approval before flight training begins. Contact us and we will walk you through the next steps.
Training and scheduling
How long does training take?
It depends on your schedule, preparation, weather, aircraft availability and demonstrated readiness. We help you build a realistic plan around your availability. Completion time is not guaranteed.
What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141?
Both are FAA training rules that lead to the same certificates and ratings. Part 61 allows a flexible syllabus and schedule built around each student. Part 141 schools follow an FAA approved curriculum with set stage checks, and some certificates have lower minimum hours there. Valor trains under Part 61.
What happens when the weather is not suitable?
Safety comes first. Lessons go ahead only when weather, aircraft status and instructor judgment allow, and your instructor works with you on a new time. Some days can still be used for ground lessons.
Can I learn to fly in a Michigan winter?
Yes. Cold, clear days often bring smooth air and good visibility. Lessons go ahead when weather and airport conditions allow.
Cost and careers
How do I learn what training will cost?
Request information or book a free program consultation. Before you enroll, we explain your training plan and investment in writing, including what is included, what is not, and third party fees.
Can I finance my training?
Valor does not offer or arrange loans. Some students use outside lenders, savings or scholarships. Ask us and we will explain how payment works for your plan before you enroll.
Can I use the GI Bill?
Not at this time. VA flight training benefits generally require an FAA Part 141 or Part 142 program approved for VA benefits, and Valor trains under Part 61.
How many hours does an airline pilot need?
Airline pilots need an airline transport pilot (ATP) certificate, which generally requires 1,500 hours of flight time. Some military pilots and graduates of approved degree programs can qualify for a restricted ATP with fewer hours.
How do new pilots build flight time?
Many new professional pilots become flight instructors and build experience while they teach. Work opportunities depend on qualifications, openings and hiring decisions.
Regulatory information is summarized for planning and is not a complete syllabus. Requirements can change; your instructor confirms the current rules for your route.
Your next step
Every Extraordinary Journey Begins With One Decision.
Tell us where you want aviation to take you. We'll help you understand the training, commitment and next steps.