FLIGHT TRAINING
Learn to Fly in Hawaii
As a student pilot you will be introduced into the basics of flight training, maneuvers, and instruments. It can be one of the most memorable journeys of your life. The world of aviation is awaiting you.
Every pilot has to start out somewhere.
FLIGHT SCHOOL
It’s the perfect time to learn how to fly. Whether it’s for your own enjoyment or you are following your dreams of becoming a commercial pilot, Lani Lea Flight School can take you there. Flying around the Hawaiian islands will never disappoint. You can learn to fly in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Safety is our #1 priority and we offer our services at exceptional prices.
TRAINING FAQ’s
Please give our office a call at (808) 839-6000 or email info.lanilea@gmail.com. We will be able to schedule you with a Certified Flight Instructor at your convenience.
We currently offer training for the Private Pilot’s License. We are also able to provide Biennial Flight Reviews, Instrument Proficiency Checks, and minimal Instrument instruction.
If you are a US citizen, in order to get started we will need you to bring in a current passport or birth certificate and a photo ID. For non-US citizens, the TSA requires prior approval to begin flight training. If you have any questions, please contact our office. Information on the AFSP can be found here.
You will need to complete a total of at least 40 hours flight instruction. Additionally, you will have to pass an FAA written test and an oral and practical flight test with an FAA examiner.
An estimated range to complete your Private Pilot’s License certification is $8,000 – $10,000.
We offer 3 models of airplanes for training, the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, and Cessna 150. The Cessna 172 is the most popular model of airplane around the world. A general overview can be found here, but please contact our office for any questions regarding our specific models.
There are a wide array both online and hardcopy study material. Please take a look at the following links to get you started:
kingschools.com
jeppdirect.jeppesen.com
asa2fly.com
www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation
You will need to fill out a preliminary application through MedXPress. Information on how to complete this can be found at https://www.faa.gov/licenses_certificates/medical_certification/get
Next, the FAA has deemed that all potential pilots undergo an exam from a certified Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). We can provide you with a list of local AMEs or you can search for you own through the following link: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator
You will only require a Third Class Medical Certificate for your Private Pilot’s License. If you are over 40, the certificate is good for 2 years. If you are under 40, the certificate is good for 5 years.
You will need to complete at least 10 hours of training, the Biennial Flight Review can be included in this timeframe.
As long as you complete a Biennial Flight Review (every 2 years) and have a current Medical Certificate, your license will never expire.
OUR BEAUTIFUL FACILITY
We offer a comfortable and relaxing environment for our clients. Students can enjoy quite areas to study in.
AVIATION TRAINING COSTS

Lani Lea Flight School offers flights on an hourly basis plus an additional hourly instructor fee. We pride ourselves on offering our students the lowest prices on the island of Oahu.
*Effective April 1st: $5.50 fuel charge will be added to all rentals.
Block Rates | Non Block Rates | |
---|---|---|
Cessna 172 L |
$138/hr * | $158/hr * |
Cessna 172 P |
$140/hr * | $160/hr * |
Cessna 172 P GPS |
$150/hr * | $170/hr * |
Cessna 182(High Performance) |
$230/hr * | $250/hr * |
Block Rates: Individuals will make a $500 minimum payment to their account to be used at the student’s discretion. Any remaining balance left on block payments cannot be refunded. Block rates are only for Kamaina or local residents.
Instructors Fees Are Additional: Instructors are independent contractors, inquire with CFIs on the hourly rate.
GOOGLE REVIEWS
Good experience overall.
My instructor, before they ghosted me, said they didn't have time to sign my log book for the last lesson I took with them and would sign it when they have time next time. Still waiting on when that would be. That lesson was over $300, so I guess that money is down the drain.
For those of you who don't know getting a log book signed is proof that you flew those hours and is used towards earning a license. Anyways, don't expect help from the flight school either. In summary, if you care about not wasting time/money try a different school.
Service and amenities were outstanding. Round-trip transportation from our resort, fresh baked goods available on our arrival. Very professional flight instructor took the right seat and was very accommodating to a fellow pilot. (Pilots: Be ready for tricky maneuvering when reentering the HNL area, and don't be too proud to let the instructor handle it if you're not completely comfortable with busy airspace and tight quarters.)
I would happily fly with Lani Lea again, and recommend them without reservation for anyone who wants to fly or just take a tour.
The company absorbs 30-40% of the instructor fee that they charge. Also they charge $50/hr to the students while they solo to have an instructor on standby. The vast majority of the five star reviews are from students who haven't been elsewhere and don't know that this is not normal or acceptable in Aviation, nor do they see behind the scenes what goes on with maintenance, management, etc.
The only saving grace is that most of the instructors are genuinely good people who care about their students. If you are a student seeking instruction on the island, try Georges or Pacific Flight Academy. If you are looking for a Sky Tour, expect an over priced tour in a 50 year old rusty Cessna with inoperative equipment. But hey, at least the island is beautiful.
Lani Lea has recently undergone a change of management. The culture at Lani Lea has shifted greatly over the past year in are not so favorable direction. The instructors are under payed for the work that they do and have ended up letting some of their better instructors go over the past couple months. The aviation community can do and deserves better. On a positive note, I do recall their aircraft being fairly well maintained.
I would recommend looking elsewhere for flight training.
Original review below:
Long and short, I would highly recommend finding a different institution to pursue flight training.
Lani Lea Flight School is a fantastic organization and hands down the single best place to learn how to fly. The flight instructors are extremely proficient, professional, and eager to help you achieve your goals. It is especially worth noting that the instructors who are working with Lani Lea are there because aviation is their passion rather than simply building time for the next job. It is also worth noting that the small fleet of aircraft that Lani Lea possesses is by far the best maintained aircraft on the island. All the quality that Lani Lea has to offer comes at a very affordable price that simply cannot be beat.
5+ stars to Lani Lea and their amazing staff!! My daughter can’t wait to start her flight training here! Couldn’t ask for a better environment for my daughter to grow in, with such supportive, successful people!
Natalie was the instructor suggested for the intro flight, and we couldn't have asked for a better one! She was very patient and reassuring with my daughter, and was extremely friendly and knowledgeable throughout the entire experience. Both my daughter and son were all smiles the entire day. It was a truly memorable experience and I highly recommend Lani Lea. I will be going back!
YELP REVIEWS
