Your Path to Becoming a Pilot
Whether you're brand new to aviation or returning to training, Astoria Aviation offers personalized one-on-one instruction to help you reach your goals. You’ll learn at your own pace with an experienced instructor, following a structured training plan designed to build confidence, skill, and safety from day one.
How Flight Training Works
At Astoria Aviation, training is structured into manageable steps so you always know what comes next.
Step 1 — Intro Flight
Experience flying firsthand and learn the basics of aircraft control.
Step 2 — Flight Lessons
Begin regular lessons covering takeoff, landing, climbs, descents, straight-and-level flight, and more.
Step 3 — First Solo
When you're ready, your instructor signs you off for your first solo flight — a major milestone in becoming a pilot.
Step 4 — Private Pilot License (PPL)
Complete required hours, cross-country flights, and training to earn your FAA Private Pilot certificate.
Flight Lessons Options
Lessons are tailored individually and include both pre-flight briefing and in-flight instruction. You’ll learn on well-maintained aircraft with an instructor who supports your learning style.
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Private Flight Lessons
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Checkout / Refresher Lessons
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Bring Your Own Aircraft — Instruction available at $65/hr
Why Train With Us?
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One-on-one training with certified instructors
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Flexible scheduling for busy students
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Learn at Astoria Regional Airport (KAST) — a diverse coastal training environment
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Well-maintained aircraft
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Supportive, encouraging atmosphere
What You’ll Learn in Fight Training
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Aircraft controls and basic maneuvers
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Takeoffs and landings
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Emergency procedures
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Navigation and cross-country skills
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Weather and aeronautical knowledge
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Radio communication
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FAA test preparation
Flight Training FAQs
How long does it take to get a Private Pilot License?
Most students finish in 3–6 months depending on schedule and frequency of lessons.
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How often should I fly?
Two or more lessons per week is ideal for consistency and progress.
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Do I need perfect vision?
Not at all — corrective lenses are allowed.
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How old do I need to be?
You can start training at any age, and solo at 16.
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Do I need to pass a medical exam?
Yes — your instructor will guide you through the simple process.
Meet Your Instructors
Thaddeus Fickel
Thaddeus Fickel is a Certified Flight Instructor with extensive experience training student pilots on the North Oregon Coast. His supportive teaching style helps students build strong, safe habits from the beginning.
Ryan Brosig is the newest instructor at Astoria Aviation, but his connection to aviation goes back a lifetime. Growing up surrounded by airplanes, he knew from an early age that flying was the path he wanted to pursue.
Ryan was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, spending much of his life exploring Astoria and the Oregon Coast. Before joining our team, he flew into Astoria Regional Airport several times—and the view of the coastline from above remains one of his favorite sights.
Flying, for Ryan, never loses its magic: “Watching the ground get smaller and the sky get bigger is something I don’t think will ever get old.”
Although he hopes to fly larger aircraft in the future, he has a deep love for the kind of flying we do here—hands-on, meaningful, and rooted in the Piper Cherokees and Cessnas that define so much of general aviation.
Ryan brings enthusiasm, local knowledge, and a lifelong passion for flight to every lesson he teaches.