Student pilot guide

How to connect with an instructor

Finding a CFI on Vector61, what happens when you request training, and how to choose well.

A friendly guide to point you the right way — not legal, medical, or FAA advice, and not every situation. Regulations and local procedures vary; your instructor has the final word.

Everything on Vector61 — booking lessons, tracking your syllabus, getting endorsements — starts with being connected to an instructor.

Finding one

•In the app, open My Instructors and browse CFIs at your home airport (set your airport in your profile for the best matches).
•Instructors with the Certified badge have had their FAA credentials reviewed by our team.
•Check their rates, ratings, and availability right on their profile.

Requesting training

Hit "request training" and the CFI gets notified. Once they accept, you're connected: their schedule opens up for booking, they can see your training progress, sign your logbook, assign your pre-solo exam, and recommend materials.

Choosing well

•Fly a first lesson before committing — teaching styles vary and the fit matters more than the price.
•Ask how they structure training toward your goal (Private, Instrument, etc.).
•Availability is a real factor: flying twice a week finishes certificates dramatically faster than once a month.

Keep reading

What does the Vector61 logbook do?How the digital logbook works, what it automates, and what it is (and isn't).How is my payment info used?Where your card or bank details live, when you're charged, and what Vector61 can see.How to get renters insurance — and why you need itWhat non-owned aircraft insurance covers, what it costs, and how to get a policy this week.