Flight lessons for Bradenton, just across the Skyway.

Closer than you think. About 35 minutes from downtown Bradenton to your own instructor, or ask about an airport nearer to home.

Book a $140 discovery flight Call 727-276-4971

The short answer

Where can I take flying lessons near Bradenton, FL?

Bradenton students take flying lessons with November Foxtrot Aviation, a St. Petersburg based instructor about 27 miles and 35 minutes north of downtown Bradenton across the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. Stefan trains at airports across the Tampa Bay area, so Manatee County students should ask about the closest option. Lessons are one on one at $40 an hour of instruction, seven days a week. The 1.5 hour discovery flight is $140.

Based in: St. Petersburg, FL
Where you train: Airports across the Tampa Bay area
Drive from Bradenton: About 35 min (about 27 miles)
Instruction: $40 per hour, flight or ground
Discovery flight: $140 for 1.5 hours
Aircraft: Cessna 172, rental arranged separately
Training type: One on one, FAA Part 61
Instructor: Stefan Iltchev, CFI, CFII, MEI
Schedule: Seven days a week
Call or text: 727-276-4971

Directions

Getting here from Bradenton

From Bradenton or Palmetto take US 19 or I-275 north over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge (a small toll) into St. Petersburg. It is about 35 minutes from downtown Bradenton, 30 from Palmetto, and 45 from Parrish or Anna Maria Island. The drive over the Skyway is a good preview of the view you will have from the airplane. Stefan confirms the airport and meeting spot when you book.

Ask about training closer to Bradenton

The Cessna 172 training airplane in St. Petersburg

Why here

Why Bradenton students head north

For much of Manatee County, the drive north runs against most commuter traffic and takes no longer than reaching the airports to the south. What you get at the other end is personal: a single instructor, a plan built around you, and straightforward pricing.

A short, scenic drive. Mostly open highway and one spectacular bridge.
One on one from the first flight. Stefan teaches every lesson, so nothing gets repeated or lost between instructors.
$40 an hour instruction. The same rate for flight and ground, with no membership or minimums.

In the air

Home, from a thousand feet

The practice area covers the mouth of Tampa Bay, so Bradenton students spend their lessons looking at home: the Skyway, Egmont Key, Anna Maria Island, and the Manatee River winding inland toward downtown Bradenton.

See every program and rate

Programs

What Bradenton students train for

Discovery flightYour first time at the controls. 1.5 hours, $140.

Private pilotFly yourself, friends, and family. About three months at two to three lessons a week.

Instrument ratingFly in clouds and weather with a CFII.

Commercial and CFIIThe ratings that lead to a flying career.

Questions from Bradenton students

Flight training near Bradenton, answered

How far is the drive from Bradenton?

About 27 miles from downtown Bradenton to St. Petersburg, roughly 35 minutes by car over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, which has a small toll. Ask Stefan whether an airport closer to Manatee County works for your training.

Can I see Anna Maria Island on a discovery flight?

Usually, yes. Discovery flights cover the Gulf beaches and the mouth of Tampa Bay, and Anna Maria Island is in view to the south on a clear day. Ask Stefan when you book and he will plan the route around what you want to see.

How much do flying lessons cost near Bradenton?

Instruction is $40 an hour for both flight and ground lessons. Aircraft rental is arranged separately, and Stefan provides a realistic total for your goal before you start.

Do you offer weekend lessons for Manatee County students?

Yes. Lessons are available seven days a week, including early mornings, evenings, and weekends. Most students book about a week ahead.

Get started

Book your first flight from Bradenton

Send your details and Stefan will call or text to set up a time. Most flights are scheduled about a week out.

Or call or text 727-276-4971