Learn to Fly Withan Instructor Who'sInvested in You
Personalized flight training from an independent CFI. No assembly lines. No quotas. Just you, the aircraft, and a focused path to your certificate.
Training Built Around the Student
I am a Commercial Pilot and Certificated Flight Instructor based in Charleston, South Carolina. With zero checkride failures and experience across everything from Diamond turbodiesels to aerobatic aircraft, I bring a modern approach to flight training.
When I am not in the cockpit, you will find me paramotoring over the Lowcountry, kiteboarding on the coast, or out on the golf course. I am also working toward a BS in Computer Science, which means I actually understand the technology behind modern glass cockpits.
Flight training should feel exciting, not intimidating. Whether you are chasing a career in aviation or just want to experience the freedom of flight, I make the process clear, structured, and genuinely fun.
Off Duty
FAA Certificates & Ratings
What I Teach
From your first time in the cockpit to earning your instrument rating, here's what we can work on together.
Discovery Flight
Your first time at the controls. A 30-minute introductory flight over Charleston where you'll experience takeoff, basic maneuvers, and see the city from above. No experience needed.
Applies toward your first lesson if you continue
Private Pilot Certificate
The full Private Pilot License (PPL) curriculum. Learn to fly single-engine aircraft, navigate cross-country, and earn the certificate that opens the door to aviation. Aircraft rental billed separately.
Instructor rate only. Aircraft rental billed separately by the FBO.
Instrument Rating
Learn to fly in clouds, low visibility, and challenging weather using only your instruments. Train on the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. Available for rated private pilots. Aircraft rental billed separately.
Instructor rate only. Aircraft rental billed separately by the FBO.
Flight Review (BFR)
Stay current with a comprehensive flight review. Required every 24 calendar months for all pilots.
Instructor rate only. Aircraft rental billed separately by the FBO.
Ground School
One-on-one ground instruction covering aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and test prep. Available in person or online.
One-on-one ground instruction. No aircraft rental required.
Pre-purchase instructor hours at a reduced rate. Commit to your training, save on the total cost. Ask me about current package options when you reach out.
Every Pilot Certificate, Explained
From your first solo to the airlines. I actively teach the highlighted stages.
Student Pilot
TaughtGet your medical, fly solo after demonstrating basic aircraft control.
No minimum hours
Instrument Rating
TaughtFly through clouds using instruments alone. A serious step up in capability.
50 hours instrument time
Commercial Pilot
TaughtGet paid to fly. Precision, complex aircraft, and superior judgment.
250 hours minimum
Minimums are FAA regulatory requirements. Most pilots require additional time to meet practical test standards.
Aircraft I Fly
Experience across multiple platforms means I can meet you where you are and tailor training to the aircraft you'll actually fly.
Primary Trainer
Piper PA-28
Cherokee / Warrior
Engine
Lycoming O-320
Cruise
~115 KTAS
Avionics
Steam + GPS
Seats
4
Cross-Country / G1000
Diamond DA40 NG
Diamond Star
Engine
Austro AE300 Diesel
Cruise
~152 KTAS
Avionics
Garmin G1000
Seats
4
Already own an aircraft or have access to one? We can train in your airplane. Whether you are building hours in a family plane or just bought your first aircraft, instruction is available on your machine.
Train in Your Aircraft
Bring Your Own Plane
Owner / Lessee Aircraft
Aircraft
Your choice
Avionics
Your panel
Familiarity
Built-in
Flexibility
High
DA40NG: Austro AE300 Turbo Diesel
The DA40NG is a modern, four-seat training aircraft powered by the Austro Engine AE300 turbo diesel. It burns jet fuel (Jet-A), runs quieter than traditional engines, and delivers exceptional fuel efficiency. Equipped with the Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, it's the same technology platform used by regional airlines. Carbon fiber composite airframe, low wing, outstanding visibility.
Train on the Same Tech as Modern Airlines
The Garmin G1000 replaces traditional “steam gauge” instruments with two large digital screens that integrate everything a pilot needs. Airlines use glass cockpits, so training on the G1000 from day one means building habits that transfer directly to a professional career.
SIMULATED DISPLAY / FOR ILLUSTRATION
Ready to Start Flying?
Book your discovery flight today and see Charleston from above. No experience needed. Just curiosity.
BASED AT KCHS · CHARLESTON, SC · FAA CERTIFICATED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
Why Train With Me
There are a lot of flight instructors out there. Here's what makes working with an independent instructor different.
Perfect Record
Zero checkride failures. Every student prepared, every time.
Glass Cockpit Expert
G1000 proficient from day one. Train the way airlines fly.
Modern Fleet
DA40NG with turbo diesel and glass cockpit. Not your grandfather's Cessna.
Flexible Schedule
Fly mornings, evenings, weekends. Training fits your life.
Aerobatic Background
Extra 300 and Citabria time means deep understanding of aircraft behavior.
Charleston Local
Born and raised. Know every landmark, every approach, every local nuance.
Still on the fence? Let's do a $199 discovery flight and see if it clicks.
Book a Discovery FlightCommon Questions
Everything you need to know before your first lesson.
Most students complete their PPL in 3 to 6 months with consistent training. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but the national average is closer to 60 to 70 hours. Flying 2 to 3 times per week is the sweet spot for steady progress.
Total cost depends on how quickly you learn, but a typical PPL runs between $10,000 and $15,000 including aircraft rental, instruction, books, and exam fees. Instruction starts at $30/hr and aircraft rental is billed separately by the FBO.
You will need at least a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate to fly solo, but you do not need one for your first few lessons. We recommend scheduling your medical exam early so there are no surprises. A First Class medical is required if you plan to fly professionally.
Safety always comes first. If conditions are not suitable for flying, we reschedule at no charge. Bad weather days are a great opportunity for ground school sessions instead, so your training keeps moving forward.
Yes. The FAA allows corrective lenses. You just need to meet the vision standards during your medical exam, which most people pass without issue.
The Garmin G1000 is a modern digital instrument system that replaces traditional round gauges with two large screens. It integrates your flight instruments, GPS navigation, moving map, engine data, and weather information into one system. Training on glass from day one prepares you for modern airline and corporate cockpits.
Absolutely. A discovery flight is a 30 minute introductory session where you take the controls and fly over Charleston. No experience needed. It is the best way to find out if flying is for you. Book one for $199.
Primary training is in a Piper PA-28 or Diamond DA40NG. The DA40NG features the Austro Engine AE300 turbo diesel and a full Garmin G1000 glass cockpit. Both aircraft are well maintained, modern, and perfect for learning.
Use the contact form on this site or email me at me@parkerh.com. I offer flexible scheduling including mornings, evenings, and weekends.
Please give at least 24 hours notice for cancellations. Weather cancellations are always free with no penalty.
Still have questions? Send me a message and I will get back to you same day.
Ready to Get Started?
Reach out and I'll get back to you within 24 hours. Tell me a little about where you are in your training and what you're going for.
Send me a message with a little background: where you are in your training, what certificate or rating you're going for, and the best way to reach you. We'll set up a quick call to make sure we're a good fit before booking anything.
Location
Charleston, SC (KCHS)