Career Pilot Program

Take Your Aviation Career from Zero Experience to CFII and gain over 250 hours of flight experience!

Sunrise Aviation’s Career Pilot Program is a structured, accelerated pathway program designed to take students from zero experience to certified flight instructor with instrument privileges (CFII). The program bundles training blocks for Private Pilot (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot (CPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII), along with organized time-building and optimizing schedule to produce safe and proficient pilots.

Program Components

  • Private Pilot (PPL)

    • FAA minimum 40 hours; The national average is around 55–70 hours.

  • Instrument Rating (IR)

    • FAA minimum 40 instrument training hours and 50 hours XC PIC; program tailored to individual needs.

  • Commercial Pilot (CPL)

    • Ensure students meet the 250-hour total time requirement (combined with time-building as needed).

  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

    • FAA minimum 3 hours in the proceeding 2 months with authorized instructor. Expect about 10-15 hours getting right seat proficient.

    • Includes: Lesson-planning, instructional methods, maneuvers teaching techniques, pre/post-briefing skills, and CFI checkride preparation.

  • Certified Flight Instructor — Instrument (CFII)

    • FAA minimum 3 hours in the proceeding 2 months with authorized instructor. Expect about 10 hours getting right seat proficient with teaching instrument.

    • Includes: Advanced IFR teaching techniques, IPC development, and CFII checkride preparation.

  • Time Building Blocks

    • AATD Simulator Available for Time building for PPL (2.5 hours), IR (20 hours), and CPL (50 hours)

    • Options: Dual cross-country packages, supervised PIC time, night hours, partner cross-country packages, solo time building packages

Program Structure & Progression

  • Milestone reviews: Regular progress checks with personalized training plans and remedial training as needed.

  • Variety of Pacing: Intensive scheduling options (daily flights) for students who prefer faster completion or can paced hourly options for those balancing other commitments.

  • Standardization: Training follows FAA practical and knowledge test standards with additional Sunrise Aviation proficiency benchmarks.

Aircraft, Instructors & Equipment

  • Fleet: Modern single-engine trainers for primary through advanced training; glass cockpit aircraft available for Instrument training.

  • Instructors: CFI/CFII/MEI-qualified instructors with experience in accelerated training and hourly flight instruction training.

  • Ground resources: Classroom instruction, scenario-based training, AATD flight simulator

  • Checkride support: Focused oral exam preparation, mock checkrides, and documentation support to ensure readiness.

Typical Timeline & Sample Progression (accelerated)

  • Private Pilot: 1-2 months (intensive) ending with 45 - 60 hours

  • Instrument Rating: 1–2 months after PPL ending with 100 - 110 hours

  • Commercial + Time Building to 250 hours: 2-4 months ending with 250 hours

  • CFI/CFII: 2-3 weeks (CFI) + 1 week (CFII) ending with 280 hours

  • Total accelerated completion: 8 - 14 months (varies by prior experience, scheduling availability, weather, and student aptitude).

Other Costs Outside of Flight Training

Here are some other costs outside of Flight Training to factor into your overall costs.

Checkride Fees to the Examiner

Range from $900 - $2000 depending on Examiner and type of certificate or rating that is being examined.

Headset and Other training materials

Range from $500 - $2000

See our FAQ page for more information on Training Material Costs

Airmen Medical Test (1st, 2nd or 3rd Class)

https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator

$200 - $500

Knowledge Exam Fees - $175

https://faa.psiexams.com/faa/login

Required Exams for PPL (PAR), IR (IR), CPL (CAX), CFI (FOI & FIA), CFII (FII)

Frequently Asked Questions

Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime. If you’re feeling ready, go ahead and apply.

Get Started Today!

  • Accelerated flight training is an intensive, condensed pilot training program designed to complete flight training within a significantly shorter timeframe compared to traditional training methods such as University or Hourly options. This approach typically involves longer daily training sessions, a highly focused curriculum, and a carefully structured schedule that minimizes downtime between lessons, ensuring continuous learning and practice.

    We combine a thoughtful, efficient approach with a clear training plan and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.

    Click Here to Learn More!

  • Training in Minnesota exposes students to a wide range of real-world weather conditions—wind, turbulence, cold weather operations, and fast-changing forecasts. Students don’t just learn how to fly on perfect days; they learn how to make sound go/no-go decisions like professional pilots.

    When weather limits flight operations, students shift seamlessly into simulator training, ground instruction, scenario-based planning, and safety decision making. Progress continues without wasted time, reinforcing a safety-first mindset from day one.

  • Start by getting an Airmen Medical License, Student Pilot License and Non-Owner Rental Insurance!

    Airmen's Medical License - (AME Doctor - 1st, 2nd, or 3rd Class Medical) https://designee.faa.gov/designeeLocator

    Student Pilot's Cert - Create an account on https://iacra.faa.gov/IACRA/Default.aspx

    Create a student pilot application and then contact us for next steps!

    Non-owner Renters Insurance

    Our flight school requires that all flight students carry non-owned aircraft liability insurance of a minimum of $15,000. This will be a personal policy that students will buy for a one-time fee for the year with the aircraft insurance company of their choice. The policy will stay with them regardless of the flight school they are at and is typically required to rent or receive training in an airplane. Prices for the policy will normally range from $200 - $350 per year or $20 - $30 per month depending on the company.

    To find options, search: 'Non-Owned Aircraft Liability Insurance or Student Renters Insurance'

    Listed below are some links for options on Renters Liability Insurance:

    EAA

    SkyWatch

    BWI Fly

    Global Airspace

  • Zero Time to CFII – Approximately $75,550*
    This comprehensive program takes students from zero flight experience through Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII). Cost includes training from Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, through CFII certificates, checkride scheduling and time-building blocks. Pricing reflects structured training, DPE costs, and Knowledge exam costs.

    *total cost may vary by prior experience, scheduling availability, weather, and student aptitude.

    Check out our Scholarship and Financing Page to see if you are eligible.

    Invoices will be sent out every 15 days. They are due on the date of invoice and could be subject to a 5% late fee.

  • Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.

    Call us at 507-383-7434 or email us at info@sunriseaviationllc.com