Training Programs at ACES Flight School
At ACES Flight School, we offer a full spectrum of flight training programs tailored to meet your individual goals and ambitions. Whether you’re just starting out or advancing your aviation career, our expert instructors are here to support you every step of the way. The Instructor Rate is $50 per hour for single engine training and $65 per hour for multi engine training.
Private Pilot License (PPL)
This is your foundational pilot certificate, allowing you to fly single-engine aircraft for personal and recreational purposes. Training covers basic flight maneuvers, navigation, weather, and safety procedures. It’s the perfect starting point for anyone dreaming of taking to the skies.
Instrument Rating
Flying solely by reference to instruments requires specialized training. Our Instrument Rating program teaches you how to navigate and operate safely in low-visibility weather or controlled airspace using advanced instruments and avionics. This rating greatly increases your flying capabilities and confidence.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Take your flying skills to the next level with our Commercial License training. This certification enables you to be compensated for flying and opens doors to various professional opportunities in aviation. You’ll build advanced knowledge in complex aircraft operations, precision flying, and decision-making under pressure.
High Performance & Complex Endorsements
These endorsements prepare you to fly more sophisticated aircraft. High performance refers to planes with engines over 200 horsepower, while complex aircraft have features like retractable landing gear, variable-pitch propellers, and flaps. Mastering these skills enhances your versatility and readiness for diverse flying conditions.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification
If you have a passion for teaching and flying, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor lets you share your knowledge with new students. The CFI program develops your instructional skills, communication techniques, and deepens your understanding of flight principles.
Multi-Engine Training
ACES Flight School provides expert Multi-Engine Training to prepare pilots for the added complexity and performance of twin-engine aircraft. You’ll learn critical skills like engine-out procedures, advanced systems management, and multi-engine maneuvers. This training is ideal for pilots looking to advance their careers or expand their flying capabilities.
CFII & MEI Instructor Training
Take your flight instruction career to the next level with ACES Flight School’s combined CFII and MEI training programs. As a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII), you’ll gain the expertise to teach instrument flying, helping students navigate and fly safely in all weather conditions. Our Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) course prepares you to train pilots in the complexities of multi-engine aircraft operations.
Flexible Training at Your Pace
We understand that every student learns differently and has a unique schedule. That’s why ACES Flight School offers flexible training options—you can fly as often as you like and progress at a pace that suits your lifestyle and budget. Our locations near Rock Hill and Lexington, SC, and Monroe, NC make it easy to access quality flight training wherever you are.

No matter your goals or experience level, ACES Flight School’s dedicated instructors are ready to help you succeed!
The Aces Flight School Difference
Here at Aces, we pride ourselves on being able to provide you with the resources you need while also taking a specific interest in your progress. Here, you are not just another renter or flying lesson for the day. Whether you are an experienced pilot working on advanced ratings or just beginning your journey in aviation, we will work with you directly to ensure that your needs are met. Here are just some of the unique benefits our school offers.
Affordability
Let us help you get financing for your training. You may be eligible for various discounts and financial assistance. We work with multiple entities to provide many different options, so regardless of your situation, a Flight Training Coordinator can work with you to find the best option to suit your circumstances.
Convenience
We are a short drive from anywhere in the Charlotte Metro and the Greater Columbia area. We are open every day with instructor availability 7 days a week. Speak with an A.C.E.S. Flight Training Coordinator to set up your access to our online scheduling.
Airplane Selection
Students have a choice of two types of aircraft: the Cessna 172 and the Piper Cherokee, both of which are known to be very reliable and student-friendly. For more information and photos of our aircraft, visit Aircraft Rental.
Already A Student or Interested in Becoming One? Call us!
FAQ'S:
1. How much does it cost to get my pilot’s license?
With financing it can be less than $191 per month. The cost can vary considerably from person to person because it is based on the number of hours an individual candidate needs in order to demonstrate the successful completion of the ‘Airman Certification Standards’. Some are able to complete it in the FAA required minimum of (40)forty hours, others may need more time. Based on plane rental and instructor rates as well as the cost for the medical exam, written exam, and checkride cost, the average budget is $11,000 to $13,000 for the Private Pilot Certificate (aka, Private Pilot’s License) Check with us to see if you qualify for a grant or apply for pilot training financing.
2. How long does it take to get my pilot’s license?
The short answer is that it takes as long as you need. We work at your pace. If you want to fly multiple flights per day multiple days per week, it can be done in a few weeks. However, if your schedule only allows for one flight per week it may take closer to a year. We do recommend that you fly at least one a week in order to keep the information you learn fresh in your mind so that your time and money is not wasted on review.
3. What type of Pilot’s License is right for me?
There are many types of Pilot Certificates (aka, Pilot’s Licenses) We specialize in the area of Private Pilot License and Commercial Pilot License. The biggest difference is the fact that with a private license you can not accept compensation for flying. In order to get paid as a professional pilot, you need to become a licensed Commercial Pilot.
4. What are the steps(process) to getting my pilot’s license?
The first step is contacting us to get on our schedule for your first flight. Getting your license requires a; Medical Certificate, Passing Score on the FAA written exam, completion of the Airman Certification Standards (with at least 40 hours of logged time in the airplane), and finally a checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner.
5. What kind of equipment and materials do I need to purchase?
You actually don’t need much in the way of equipment. We would advise that you do purchase a headset. Headsets can be simple and very inexpensive or complex and costly. We can help advise you on the newer advanced technology headsets or even help you find a used headset. Beyond the headset there are items that just make life in the cockpit a little easier. iPads and flight bags are very common items pilots carry. The iPad can be used to replace the folding paper charts(maps). Flight bags are simply great for organizing your headset, iPad, personal items.
6. Do you offer ground school classes to prepare for the FAA written exam?
Yes. You can sign up for a ground school sessions with us or buy an online ground school. The ground school sessions will be one on one with a certified flight instructor covering topics in the FAA Private Pilot Certificate written examination. Scheduling well in advance is advised. For more information contact us directly by calling (704)779-4856 or email info@acesflightschool.com
7. Where do the A.C.E.S. planes and instructors fly from?
(Our locations) We are primarily located at the Rock Hill / York County Airport Bryant Field (KUZA) 550 Airport Rd. Rock Hill SC 29730. We have other smaller locations in Lexington, SC and Monroe, NC
8. How open is the availability of your planes and instructors?
In Rock Hill we currently have six training aircraft and ten Certified Flight Instructors. We constantly monitor the usage of the planes and have been adding aircraft as the need increases. We have been thus far able to manage the demand for planes and instructors accordingly.
9. Where can I get an appointment to get my Medical Certificate?
There are many M.D.’s in the local area that would be able to complete your medical fitness exam. It could even be your current Doctor as long as they have the FAA designation of A.M.E.(Aviation Medical Examiner) For a list of FAA Aviation Medical Examiners near you visit: https://www.faa.gov/pilots/amelocator/
10. Does A.C.E.S. offer financing for pilot training?
Yes!...We absolutely do! In many cases you can get your Private Pilot Certificate (Pilot’s License) for $199.00/mo. Contact us directly by calling (704)779-4856 or email info@acesflightschool.com You can also click this link to go directly to our underwriting affiliate for more detailed info. https://www.flighttrainingfinancellc.com/flight-students