Discover the aircraft that make up our flight training fleet. Each one
is uniquely equipped and maintained pro a safe, modern flight training
experience.
N717G – Cessna 172N
Power: 160HP
Features: Dual G5 / Garmin GTN 650 Nav System
Aircraft Profile
Our most popular trainer featuring a modern Garmin GTN 650/G5 glass cockpit upgrade. Perfect for students transitioning to advanced avionics while maintaining the legendary 172 reliability. The 180HP engine offers excellent fuel efficiency for cross-country training.
Take your first step into the cockpit. A Discovery Flight is your opportunity to fly a plane with an expert instructor and discover the thrill of aviation pra ti.
At Blue Skies Above in Lanett, Alabama, we provide expert-led flight training for aspiring pilots across the Alabama–Georgia region.
We're based at Lanett Municipal Airport (7A3) in Lanett, Alabama, right on the Alabama–Georgia border. Our flight school is just 30 minutes from Auburn and about an hour from Columbus, making us a convenient option for students throughout the region.
Our school is led by Matthew Bourguignon, our founder and chief flight instructor. Matthew is an ATP-certified pilot and holds CFI, CFII, and MEI credentials. Since 2020, he's been dedicated to helping future pilots achieve their aviation goals with clarity and confidence.
We combine small-town hospitality with professional-grade aviation training. Our students benefit from low-traffic airspace, a supportive learning environment, experienced instructors, and community-focused events like youth flight days and holiday flyovers.
Our fleet includes several Cessna 172s. These aircraft are perfect for both primary flight training and advanced certifications, and they're maintained to the highest safety standards.
Absolutely! We offer discovery flights for anyone curious about flying. You'll get to sit in the pilot's seat with a certified instructor and experience what it's like to fly a real airplane — no prior experience required.
Be at least 16 years old to get a student pilot certificate. Be able to read, speak, write, and understand the English language. You do not need an FAA medical certificate from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for the first few lessons, but you will need to get your medical certificate prior to soloing.
A short introductory flight for anyone interested in learning about flying or taking the first step toward earning their pilot's license.
A headset and extra batteries, a logbook, and a pen and paper for notes. Rentals are available for headsets. As you progress, you'll build your own flight bag with necessary tools for the rating you're working on.
A typical lesson includes a short ground lesson and flight lesson brief, followed by the flight, and then a debrief. Your instructor will also help ensure your documents are uploaded and the aircraft is ready. Some lessons may consist solely of ground instruction depending on syllabus progress and weather.
Ground school is classroom learning focused on topics like aerodynamics, airport rules, aircraft instruments, and weather. It can be one-on-one with your instructor or offered as a group class if there are enough students.
We offer a full range of flight training programs including Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), and Spin Endorsement training.
It depends on your availability and flight frequency. The FAA minimum is 40 hours, but the national average is just over 65 hours.
Yes! We offer aircraft rentals to certificated pilots, giving you real-world flight experience — whether flying solo or with friends — without the cost of ownership.
Costs vary depending on the program and how frequently you fly. We encourage you to contact us for current rates on aircraft rental and instructor fees. Financing options are available through programs like Stratus Financial to help make training accessible.
Yes. We partner with Stratus Financial, which offers private student loans for flight training. Requirements include a signed loan application, proof of identification, 60 days of bank statements, and applicable pilot documents.
We believe in transparent pricing. All costs — including aircraft rental, instructor fees, and exam fees — are discussed upfront so you can plan your training budget with confidence.
Costs vary depending on the program and how frequently you fly. We encourage you to contact us for current rates on aircraft rental and instructor fees. Financing options are available through programs like Stratus Financial to help make training accessible.
