Flight Training in Cape Girardeau, Missouri

Cape Air Charter provides professional flight training for new student pilots and experienced pilots who want to stay current. We offer aircraft rental and instruction for the Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), plus flight reviews and proficiency training. If you’re curious about flying but not ready to commit to a full program, start with a Discovery Flight—a low-pressure introductory lesson where you meet your instructor, review safety and the day’s plan, then fly and try the controls in the air.

Book a Discovery Flight

Call 573-335-6631


Who This Training Is For

  • First-time flyers exploring aviation through a Discovery Flight.
  • Future private pilots pursuing personal travel and recreational flying.
  • Career-track pilots building hours toward Commercial and CFI certification.
  • Licensed pilots completing flight reviews and proficiency training.

Training Programs

Private Pilot Certificate

Learn core aeronautical decision-making, airspace, weather, navigation, takeoffs and landings, and emergency procedures. This certificate is the primary entry point into aviation and allows you to fly as pilot in command under applicable regulations.

Instrument Rating

Instrument training builds precision and confidence when flying solely by reference to instruments. You’ll learn IFR procedures, approaches, holding patterns, enroute navigation, and real-world cockpit workflow.

Commercial Pilot

Commercial pilot training raises performance standards and introduces advanced maneuvers, professional planning, and structured hour building for pilots pursuing aviation careers.

Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

CFI training focuses on teaching fundamentals, lesson planning, demonstrations, and evaluating student performance to practical test standards.

Flight Reviews & Proficiency Training

Already licensed? We offer flight reviews, currency checks, and scenario-based proficiency training tailored to your needs and experience level.


What to Expect

  1. Discovery Flight — experience instruction and cockpit fundamentals.
  2. Training plan — define goals, schedule, and certificate path.
  3. Consistent flying — regular lessons reduce total cost and time.
  4. Checkride preparation — structured ground and flight review.

Training timelines vary based on availability, weather, and individual proficiency. Flying more frequently typically shortens total training time.


Discovery Flight

A Discovery Flight is an introductory lesson designed for anyone interested in learning to fly. You’ll review basic safety concepts and then take the controls in flight under instructor guidance.

Discovery Flight: $250

Schedule Your Discovery Flight


Aircraft Rental Rates

All aircraft rental rates are wet (fuel included). Applicable taxes apply.

Aircraft Avionics Hourly Rate
Cessna 172N (N9829J) Dual GI 275, GTN 650, GFC 500 Autopilot $165.00 + Tax
Cessna 172N (N5202J) G3X, GTN 650, GFC 500 Autopilot $165.00 + Tax

Instructor Rate: $50/hr ($60/hr in owner aircraft)


Pilot License & Rating Cost Estimates

The following examples provide planning guidance. Actual costs vary based on proficiency and training frequency.

Private Pilot Certificate

Aircraft & Instruction $9,878.00
Ground Instruction $500.00
Total $10,378.00

Instrument Rating

Aircraft & Instruction $11,031.00
Ground Instruction $500.00
Total $11,531.00

Examiner fees and FAA written exam fees are not included.


Flight Training FAQs

How do I get started?

Most students begin with a Discovery Flight to experience training before committing to a program.

Can I train in my own aircraft?

Yes, depending on aircraft suitability and training goals. Instructor rates differ when using owner-provided aircraft.


Ready to Begin?

Whether you are brand new to aviation or returning after time away, Cape Air Charter offers structured, professional flight training with clear next steps.

Book a Discovery Flight
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