Be the Pilot, Not the Passenger
Become a pilot and fly yourself with personalized, safety‑first instruction that turns aspiring aviators into confident pilots.
Book your discovery flight and start your path to the pilots seat today!
Serving
-North East Tennessee-
-Southeast Kentucky-
-Southwest Virginia-
John Rubio, CFI
I discovered aviation at age six after taking a ride in a family friends Cessna 172 and earned my private pilot certificate while in high school. After years of recreational flying, I advanced my qualifications in 2021 by earning Instrument and Commercial ratings and becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. I’ve logged several hundred hours across a wide range of aircraft and bring that hands‑on experience to every lesson.
I provide personalized, safety‑first instruction focused on practical skills, sound aeronautical decision‑making, and building confident, competent pilots prepared for real‑world flying.
Instructional aircraft (FAR Part 61):
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 182
- Piper PA‑28 (140; 151; 161; 180; 181; 235)
- Cirrus SR22
Soaring through the skies:My flight journey
Frequently Asked Questions
Please reach out to johnthecfi@gmail.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
To become a private pilot, you must be at least 17, proficient in English, and pass an FAA medical exam. Training requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, including at least 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours of solo time.
Most students finish in 2–6 months. This assumes flying 2–3 times per week, steady progress, and good weather.
What factors affect the timeline?
- Training frequency — Flying more often shortens the learning curve.
- Weather — Bad weather can delay lessons, especially solo and cross‑country flights.
- Aircraft availability — Scheduling consistency matters.
- Student proficiency — Everyone learns at a different pace.
- Ground school progress — Completing your written exam early keeps training moving smoothly.
FAA Minimum vs. Realistic Timeline
- FAA minimum: 40 flight hours
- Typical completion: 60–75 hours
- Realistic timeframe: 2–6 months with regular flying
Part 61 vs. Part 141 — What’s the Difference?
There are two primary training paths for earning pilot certifications, each defined by the Federal
Aviation Regulations:
Part 61
- Flexible, instructor‑driven training.
- Students learn at their own pace with individually tailored lessons.
- Pilots who complete all ratings under Part 61 must meet the 1,500‑hour requirement for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP).
Part 141
- Structured, school‑based programs typically offered by colleges and universities.
- Uses an FAA‑approved syllabus with more formal progression.
- Graduates may qualify for a Restricted ATP at 1,000 hours if all ratings beyond Private Pilot are earned under Part 141.
Cost Differences
Training costs vary by school, location, and program structure.
If You Train With Me All instruction is conducted under Part 61, offering maximum flexibility and personalized pacing.
Currently I am able to provide Private and Commercial student instruction.
As a Private Pilot, you can fly family and friends, travel to your favorite destinations, go sightseeing, or enjoy the classic “$100 hamburger” flight. However, you cannot be compensated for your time, nor can you require passengers to pay more than their pro rata share of operating expenses. Under FAR 61.113, cost‑sharing is limited to fuel, oil, airport fees, and aircraft rental.
As a Commercial Pilot, you can do everything a private pilot can—plus you may legally earn money once you meet the required experience. Commercial privileges open doors to jobs such as skydiver operations, aerial photography, charter flying, and, if properly certified, flight instruction. Commercial certification is the gateway to many professional aviation opportunities.
Contact Me
Ready to start your Aviation Journey?
If you have questions, please feel free to send me a message. I will get back to you as soon as possible.
Hours
Today | By Appointment |
Please reach out for availability. I currently only have Evening and Weekend Availability
