Currently not taking any new clients for full ratings. Thank you!

Independent Flight Instruction out of Deer Valley Airport!

Clear for Takeoff Flight Training is here to help you reach your aviation goals in a cost effective and convenient manor in the Phoenix Arizona area. Let us help you whether your just starting out or want to further your aviation journey

  • It all begins with your curiosity of flight. Lets go fly and let you see the joys of aviation and decide how and when you want to pursue it, or if you even want to do so. Great for seeing the Phoenix area from a different perspective

  • You’ve decided that your passion for aviation has gotten you to the point where you want to be a pilot. We can help you go from zero to having your private pilots license and everything that involves

  • So you’ve decided you want to pursue flying as a career. After completion of your Private Pilots Certification we can start to pursue the next level and keep you on track to pass your Commercial Checkride the first time

  • Flying is only a small part of what it takes to be a pilot. On top of hitting the books on your own, you will need sessions with a Certified Instructor to ensure your getting the knowledge you need

Meet your Instructor

Welcome to Clear for Takeoff! My name is Michael Carbonell and I’m an Independent Flight Instructor here in Phoenix Arizona! My passion for the aviation community started with my time in the Air Force as an Aerospace Propulsion Engineer and has culminated in me acquiring my PPL, CSEL, Instrument Rating, CFI and CFII. I have build a solid base of knowledge and flying skills that I like to share with anyone ready to pursue aviation as a career or a hobby.

I own a 1964 Piper Cherokee 140 that is pictured above with very low hours since new built by Lycon with 192 HP 0-320. Very stout and clean plane. Basic panel but it is IFR certified and we have plenty of power to climb anywhere in Arizona or to climb away from trouble in the hot summer months here in Phoenix. Interior is all new and so is the paint! Really a quality plane to do your training in!

I can offer a structured outline of how to reach your goals and help you plan how that can be achieved with your schedule and level of knowledge accounted for. Flight training should be fun and safe and I like to focus our interaction and training around those principles. I understand the value of your time and money and treat our time wisely to get the most benefit out of each session!

I can also offer my services as a Ferry Pilot in a multitude of planes! If you have a plane you need delivered I can put a quote together for you!

Discovery Flights

  • Typically 1.5 hours where we will get familiar with the plane and the area and enjoy the views!

  • $230 on average

    Price will include everything. Plane rental, instruction, and fuel

Private Pilot Certification

  • Minimum of 40 hours flight time that includes a multitude of very specific requirements. Detailed plans will be made and discussed on a case by case basis

  • Depends on if you have a plane to train in or if we use a rental.

    Range: $10,000-$15,000

    $235 per hour for plane/instructor/fuel

    $165/Hr Wet Rate $70/hr Instruction

Commercial Pilot Certification

  • A Commercial certificate requires a total of 250 hours flight time. Included in that 250 are stipulations and requirements that must be met which we can discuss in length to decide how to handle it

  • Custom quote has to be built. Keep in mind that you may need more training in some areas to be proficient so flexibility and planning for that will be our goal.

    Generally $235 per hour for fuel/instructor/plane

    ($165/hr Wet Rate $70/hr Instruction

Ground School

  • Typically 2 hour blocks but can be customized to your needs

  • $70/hr

    This can be in person or through zoom!

Individual lessons

  • This is customizable to what you need/want to learn and the duration for which we decide to work on that area of expertise

    Maybe we want to do a landing clinic or focus on other areas that need improvement. We can help hone in your skills that you need more attention in.

  • $235/hr

    ($165/hr Wet Rate $70/hr Instruction

Safety Resources

It all begins with a solid base of knowledge to ensure safe and fun flying. These AOPA Safety Advisor publications should be in every pilots Foreflight documents. Flying in and around the Phoenix Arizona area and the Western US presents it’s own set of challenges. Study hard and be prepared!