Build Flight Time in Minnesota — Cheaper, Smarter, Safer
Starting at $70/hr. No club. No minimum hours. No medical required.
The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer is the most cost-effective way to build logged flight hours in the Twin Cities — with a glass cockpit, TAA qualification, no medical requirement, and a ballistic parachute recovery system.
Why Smart Time-Builders Choose the Alpha Trainer
If your goal is to log quality hours efficiently — for a commercial certificate, ATP minimums, or maintaining currency — the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer outperforms a Cessna 172 in almost every category.
| Factor | Pipistrel Alpha Trainer | Cessna 172 (typical TC rental) |
|---|---|---|
| Hourly wet rate | $140 | $155–$180 |
| Split-time option (each pilot) | $70 | Usually not available |
| Glass cockpit / TAA qualified | Yes | Varies |
| Commercial TAA requirement | Yes | Only if glass-equipped |
| FAA medical required | No (Sport Pilot rules) | Yes |
| Ballistic parachute | Yes | No |
| Fuel burn | ~3.5 gph | ~8–9 gph |
The Alpha Trainer allows two rated pilots to share a flight — each logging PIC or SIC time as appropriate, each paying only half. At $70/hr each, there is no more affordable way to log TAA glass cockpit hours in Minnesota.
No FAA Medical? No Problem.
Under Sport Pilot rules (14 CFR Part 61.303), a valid U.S. driver’s license serves as the medical requirement to act as PIC of a Light Sport Aircraft like the Pipistrel Alpha Trainer.
- Your third-class medical has lapsed and you haven’t renewed it
- You have never had an FAA medical denied, revoked, or suspended — a past FAA medical denial disqualifies you from this exemption
- You simply don’t want the expense and inconvenience of a flight physical
- You hold a BasicMed authorization (also valid)
How Much Will It Cost to Build Your Hours?
| Hours to Build | Solo ($140/hr) | Split ($70/hr each) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 hours | $1,400 | $700 |
| 25 hours | $3,500 | $1,750 |
| 50 hours | $7,000 | $3,500 |
| 100 hours | $14,000 | $7,000 |
| 250 hours | $35,000 | $17,500 |
Understanding the TAA Requirement for Your Commercial Certificate
Under 14 CFR 61.129, pilots applying for a commercial pilot certificate must log at least 10 hours in a technically advanced aircraft (TAA). A TAA requires: an electronic PFD (glass cockpit), an MFD with moving map, and a two-axis autopilot.
The Pipistrel Alpha Trainer meets all three criteria. Log your TAA hours here concurrently with your time-building — you’ll complete the 10-hour requirement naturally while flying an aircraft you’re already renting affordably.
Who Can Rent the Alpha Trainer
Minimum Requirements
- Valid Private Pilot Certificate or higher (Sport Pilot also accepted)
- Valid U.S. driver’s license in lieu of medical, or current FAA medical
- Completion of a checkout flight with Stuart Lieber
The Checkout Process
- Brief conversation about your background and goals
- Ground review of aircraft systems, Rotax engine operations, and Garmin avionics
- Flight checkout with Stuart — typically 1–2 hours
- Airport familiarization for KLVN or KSYN
- You’re approved to rent solo
Ready to Start Building Hours?
Send Stuart a quick message with your background and goals. He’ll personally respond with availability, checkout logistics, and answers to your questions.