Have you ever wondered whether you too could join the ranks of those who have flown themselves in an airplane?
It’s surprisingly affordable, both easier than you thought and more challenging than you’ve imagined. Becoming a Pilot will be one of the most rewarding things you can do for yourself.
A career in Aviation has many rewards and like anything worth doing will require commitment, effort, and self-sacrifice on your part. Poplar Grove Airport can start you on your way, we have the Aviation Education programs you need to take your career to the sky.
Basic Flight Training
Since the days of Icarus, man has dreamed of flight. In 1903, that dream became a reality as two brothers took to the skies over Kitty Hawk, North Carolina. Today, most everyone can enjoy the fun, excitement and sense of accomplishment that comes with earning a pilot’s license.
There are a lot of misconceptions about what is required to become a pilot. “Pilots must have above average intelligence,” “pilots must be in peak physical condition,” and “pilots must have incredible vision” are just some of the myths that have kept many people from pursuing their dream of flying. The fact is that most people in good health, with 20/40 vision (glasses or contacts are OK) can master the information and skills required to become a private pilot. The most important ingredients in learning to fly are desire and determination. By clicking on the following link, you can learn more about the FAA Private Pilot Requirements.
The first step for most people is to take an Introductory Flight Lesson. For about the cost of a nice dinner for two you can go up with one of our Certified Flight Instructors and actually fly the airplane. After seeing for yourself just how much fun it is to fly, we’re sure you’ll want to do it again.
Poplar Grove Airport has evening ground school courses for your Private, Instrument and Commercial certificate. The Airport also offers convenient computerized testing for the written exams.
During your flight training, you will use one of Poplar Grove’s rental aircraft (see below). These aircraft are maintained to exacting standards, by our own maintenance personnel, to insure they are safe and ready to provide you the very best learning platforms available. After you complete your training, they are also available to help you enjoy the fun and freedom of being a licensed Private Pilot.
Advanced Professional Training
Poplar Grove is more than a place to learn how to fly. We are the launching point for your aviation career. Our flight school can take you beyond a Private License to get your Commercial License, Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instructor Rating and even an Airline Transport Rating.
Aircraft / Instructor Rental Rates*
Poplar Grove Airport has a fleet of rental aircraft to satisfy almost any private pilot’s needs. Whether you need one of our modern trainers, or a vintage “taildragger,” you can be assured you are renting a safe, well maintained aircraft.
Poplar Grove rental rates are based on hourly usage of the aircraft. The usage is billed in 1/10th hour increments and is determined by the “Hobbs meter” (like a digital clock) located in each aircraft. The Dual rates include a Certified Flight Instructor. Unlike controlled fields that often require a long taxi or frequent traffic delays, your rental hour at Poplar Grove will be used doing what you are paying for: FLYING!
Piper J-3 Cub* – N6673H
Cessna 140* – N3527V
Cessna 152 – N69042
Mode C Transponder
Cessna 152 – N92140
Mode C Transponder
Cessna 152 – N68750
Mode C Transponder
Cessna 172 – N4811G
Cessna 172S – N723PG
(180 HP/IFR Equipped)
Cessna 172S – N725PG
(180 HP/IFR Equipped)
Piper Arrow III – N36804
GPS, Autopilot heading hold,
Intercom, Electric Trim
Instruction
*This aircraft requires a minimum of 10 hours dual before solo flight allowed
Tailwheel Aircraft
Commonly called “taildraggers,” these aircraft have one wheel in the rear and two main wheels in the front. This configuration is more prevalent on antique and vintage aircraft. This setup is better for rough or grass strips, and many people believe learning in a tailwheel aircraft produces better flying skills in student pilots.
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Our Fleet of Training / Rental Airplanes
Piper J-3 Cub – 85HP – N6673H
More than any other aircraft in history, the Cub symbolizes small airplanes to most people. The airplane’s bright yellow paint scheme and distinctive shape are known the world around. The Cub is truly a classic.
Number of Seats: 2
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 65 Knots / 75 mph
Stall Speed: 33 Knots / 38 mph
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Cessna 140 – 100HP – N3527V
The Cessna 140 was a forerunner of today’s 152. This 2 seat tail dragger was a popular trainer in it’s day and remains a favorite among vintage aircraft owners. The 140 is a great airplane for learning advanced tailwheel flying skills.
Number of Seats: 2
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 87 Knots / 100 mph
Stall Speed: 40 Knots / 45 mph
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Cessna 152 – 108HP – N69042
The Cessna 152 has probably been used to train more new pilots over the last 20 years than any other aircraft. The 152 is a stable, economical aircraft that is both forgiving and challenging for student pilots.
Number of Seats: 2
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 90 Knots / 104 Mph
Stall Speed: 35 Knots / 40 Mph
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Cessna 152 – 108HP – N92140
The Cessna 152 has probably been used to train more new pilots over the last 20 years than any other aircraft. The 152 is a stable, economical aircraft that is both forgiving and challenging for student pilots.
Number of Seats: 2
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 90 Knots / 104 Mph
Stall Speed: 35 Knots / 40 Mph
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Cessna 152 – 108HP – N68750
The Cessna 152 has probably been used to train more new pilots over the last 20 years than any other aircraft. The 152 is a stable, economical aircraft that is both forgiving and challenging for student pilots.
Number of Seats: 2
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 90 Knots / 104 Mph
Stall Speed: 35 Knots / 40 Mph
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Cessna 172 – 160HP – N4811G
The Cessna 172 shares many flight traits with the 152. The aircraft is larger, more powerful and faster than the 152, while offering more interior room. For those who want more room and comfort, the 172 is a perfect choice.
Number of Seats: 4
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 110 Knots / 127 Mph
Stall Speed: 41 Knots / 47 Mph
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Cessna 172s – 180HP – N723PG
The Cessna 172 shares many flight traits with the 152. The aircraft is larger, more powerful and faster than the 152, while offering more interior room. For those who want more room and comfort, the 172 is a perfect choice.
Number of Seats: 4
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 124 Knots / 143 Mph
Stall Speed: 47 Knots / 54 Mph
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Cessna 172s – 180HP – N725PG
The Cessna 172 shares many flight traits with the 152. The aircraft is larger, more powerful and faster than the 152, while offering more interior room. For those who want more room and comfort, the 172 is a perfect choice.
Number of Seats: 4
Configuration: High Wing
Cruise Speed: 124 Knots / 143 Mph
Stall Speed: 47 Knots / 54 Mph
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Piper Arrow III – 180HP – N36804
The 1978 Piper Arrow III is the latest addition to the Poplar Grove rental fleet. This retractable gear aircraft incorporates Garmin 430 Nav/Com, a KX155 Nav/Com, a Narco ADF. It also has a port on the panel for a handheld Nav/Com receiver.
Enhance your flying skills with a COMPLEX ENDORSEMENT in this Piper Arrow III! Enjoy the speed, range and utility of the Arrow, while mastering advanced systems of a complex aircraft.
Number of Seats: 4
Configuration: Low Wing
Cruise Speed: 135 Knots / 155 Mph
Stall Speed: 55 Knots / 63 Mph
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Pilot Supplies
We have what you need to fly. Log Books, Headsets, Books, Hats, T-Shirts, Jackets and hoodies. Stop by the flight office!
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For more information, please contact Tina or Jen at Poplar Grove Airmotive by calling (815) 544-3471 or by using their email addresses below:
Tina Thomas – Flight School
[email protected]
Jen Thomas – Flight Office Manager
[email protected]