Quality Score
Fair
Base (15) + components above = 55
About
Aqua Aero was started in 2020, by David Lackey, former airline pilot, certificated flight instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. David has a love of the outdoors and aviation. The natural combination of those two activities lead to David earning his seaplane pilot certificate and purchasing a Maule M-7-260 Amphibious aircraft. David eventually purchased a riverfront home on the North East Cape Fear and turned it into the perfect place for pilots to come, relax, and earn their new seaplane pilot certificate! The home features two rooms available for transient students with all inclusive amenities planned for your stay at the property. The location offers great peaceful views and of course an ideal training environment with the training aircraft parked just at the edge of the back yard! Even if you aren't staying at the riverfront home, or if you are local to the area and driving in for training; the seaplane training center location makes it the ideal spot to earn your rating quickly, safely and efficiently. The docks are less than 8 Nautical Miles from Wilmington International Airport and we can even arrange for you to be picked up if you happen to be flying in. A windy river bed that flows in several wide and long, unobstructed directions also means that shifting winds will not likely delay your training. The climate in South Eastern North Carolina affords us the ability to train virtually all year round. ? Along with David, you will find Jonathan Groner a friend and fellow CFI teaching alongside David and maybe even cooking your lunch and dinner., Old friends, and past students are always dropping by to say "Hello" and as much as this is a business, it is also a place where you will come as a stranger, leave as a friend, and know you are always welcome back
Estimated PPL Training Cost
| Line item | Hours | Rate (range) | Subtotal (range) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Maule M-7 260 (cheapest in fleet) | 70h | $215 – $850/hr | $14,900 – $59,500 |
| Flight instruction (dual) | 42h | $215 – $850/hr | $8,900 – $35,700 |
| Ground instruction | 20h | $30 – $110/hr | $550 – $2,200 |
| Estimated Total Range | $24,400 – $97,400 | ||