Why Choose Vertical?

Your Path to Success in Aviation

Vertical Vision Flight Academy was founded by a team of aviation enthusiasts with a shared passion for flying and a commitment to providing high-quality flight training. The founders recognized the need for a flight school that would not only train pilots to meet industry standards, but also provide a personalized and supportive learning environment. Drawing on their own experiences in the aviation industry, they established Vertical Vision Flight Academy with the mission to offer innovative training programs that prepare students to become safe and competent pilots.

Since its founding, Vertical Vision Flight Academy has continued to grow and evolve, expanding its programs and facilities to meet the needs of the aviation industry. Today, the academy is recognized as a leader in flight training, with a reputation for excellence in aviation education. The academy's history of innovation and dedication to quality continues to inspire and guide its students as they embark on their own careers in aviation.

Best in Class Aircraft
Single & Multi-Engine

15+ Years Experience
Hands on

Standardized Instruction
Learn the basics

Personalized Classes
Catered to your needs

5 Star Ratings
150+ Students

Full Motion Simulation
Real life scenarios

Formal Ground Classes
8 maximum per class

Newest Technology
Best in class

Full Motion Flight Simulator

We are proud to offer one of Iowa's few full-motion flight simulators. Not only does it have a G1000 cockpit, 240° view, and the ability to experience diverse weather conditions, but it does so in a manner so realistic that you’ll forget that you are in a simulator at all! The experience is so good, in fact, that the FAA has approved its use in place of some of the flight hours required for licensure!

Experienced Instructors

The Vertical Vision Flight Academy team is made up of extraordinary, unique people that share the passion of flying with a specific energy and enthusiasm that isn't seen anywhere else.

Premium Planes

Vertical Vision Flight Academy uses a fleet of the Archer line of planes from Piper, Tecnam P-Mentors (New Fleet for 2024/2025) for our single-engine training, a Tecnam P2006T for the multi-engine and a Tecnam P2010 for high-performance endorsements. These fuel-sipping aircraft are the perfect training platform combining the glass cockpit experience found in the airlines to the more advanced features like auto-pilot and even the basics like air conditioning to ensure the best training experience possible.

Life Experiences

The experience with Vertical Vision Flight Academy doesn’t stop with your flight training. We regularly incorporate amazing trips to places like Sedona, Key West, Nashville, Dallas, New Orleans, and, even annual trips to Oshkosh and Sun n’ Fun! These trips will introduce you to not only more of what aviation life is, but also allow you to gain valuable experience with trip planning and what it is like to fly into new airports - all lessons that are an invaluable part of your safety.

Tour Our School

Come visit us and see the wonder of our program for yourself! From our structured classes to our latest technologically advanced aircraft and full motion flight simulator, to our TWO flight training locations and more, we’ve got what it takes to get you the premium flight training experience you deserve without breaking the bank! We look forward to showing you around. Schedule a tour to take a test flight in the simulator, tour our fleet, and learn more about our programs.

Student Testimonials

Hear why we're the Best Flight School in the Midwest

  • Troy Johnson

    “Wow! What a incredible experience! I had the greatest of opportunities to have a chance to fly back seat with Jason at Vertical Vision Flight Academy. I'm more on the nervous side and small aircrafts aren't the first to mark off my bucket list. But I found comfort with the performance of our Pilot, for Jason created a safe flying atmosphere, very little turbulence on his watch! My discovery flight with Jason was very informative and set me up for assurance that I too will be just as great of a pilot someday and hopefully soon. Thanks for making me not feel like another inconvenience tour, like some of the other flight schools.”

  • Ashley Myers

    “As a mother of 4 deciding to make a career change I could not have picked a better flight school! They are extremely family-friendly and very accommodating! The instructors are very helpful and ensure you understand the topics and if you are struggling they are willing to have one on one lessons to help where needed. They have 2 beautiful aircraft’s with another one on the way!! If you are ready to make a change this this is the place to do it!!”

  • Jovan Gonzalez

    “5 out of 5 stars, I’ve recently started taking my private pilot lesson and I have to say this place is a second home!! From all the instructors making it known that they want us all to succeed and become the safest pilot’s out in the sky! To them, just wanting us to succeed and become great. Really great school for anyone to go to, really recommend. I can’t wait for me and Felipe to get into the sky! So excited to see what the future holds. All thanks to the people at Vertical Vision!!!”

  • Hany Ahmed

    “Vertical Vision is an amazing flight school for people who don’t know a thing about flying or anything about airplanes. Vertical Vision staff are very nice people and help you all the way till you become a professional. If you don’t know something, the instructor and helpers will help you with things you don’t understand and they’re very helpful. I’m so happy I’m going to achieve my dream in becoming a pilot.”

  • Rob Tomas

    “Excellent flight school with instructors that deeply care about teaching students to be great pilots. The planes have awesome, modern equipment and extremely well maintained. The ground classes are personal and in-depth. I really can’t say enough good things about the culture and the instructors. Some of the nicest people that you’ll ever meet and they make it a fun place to be.”

  • Christopher Smith

    I've really enjoyed my experience at Vertical Vision thus far. The staff seems to take pride in their work while providing a friendly and safe environment in which to learn to fly. They also seem to make a serious effort to obtain and use cutting edge technology to assist in the training! Definitely recommend!

  • Sherry Lueders

    My experience with the Vertical Vision flight school was completely exemplary. I was on a discovery flight and the pilot, Jason, was top notch. He was professional, very knowledgable and very safe! This should be your only choice when considering a journey of such caliber. Every detail was taken in to consideration from the beautiful brand new plane to the amazing school facilities. After looking around in Des Moines for a flight school, this place has it all and at the lowest price. I am excited to go up again! Thanks to everyone at Vertical Vision for making me feel welcome! You are awesome!

Ready to begin your flight journey?

Send us a message and we'll set up a consultation to discuss your aviation goals and the opportunities available to you!