Our Fleet
Vertical Vision Flight Academy trains in a modern Piper fleet equipped with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM). Students train single-engine in the Piper Archer and multi-engine in our 2025 Piper Seminole, from first solo through CFI, CFII, and MEI.
Piper Archer
The foundation of flight training in Des Moines
From first solo through Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI ratings, the Piper Archer takes you there. Stable, predictable handling and a Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit that mirrors modern airline flight decks make it one of the most trusted training aircraft in the world.
- Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- IFR certified for instrument training
- Private Pilot through CFI and CFII
- Based at Des Moines International Airport
Avionics
G1000 NXi
Full glass suite
Engine
180 hp
Lycoming O-360
Seats
4
Low-wing trainer
Ratings supported
PPL, IR, CPL
CFI and CFII
Piper Archer Flight Training in Des Moines, Iowa
Vertical Vision Flight Academy offers Piper Archer flight training at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM). The Archer is a four-seat, low-wing, single-engine aircraft powered by a 180 hp Lycoming engine and equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit.
At Vertical Vision, the Piper Archer is used for Private Pilot training, Instrument Rating training, Commercial Pilot training, and CFI and CFII certification in Des Moines and across Iowa.
Piper Seminole
Your path to a multi-engine rating and airline career
Our factory-new 2025 Piper Seminole is one of the most capable twin-engine trainers available. Twin Lycoming engines, counter-rotating propellers, and a full Garmin G1000 NXi suite make it the ideal platform for engine-out procedures, Vmc control, and the complex operations airlines expect.
- Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit
- Counter-rotating propellers
- Retractable gear and constant-speed props
- Multi-engine hours count toward ATP minimums
Year
2025
Factory new
Avionics
G1000 NXi
Full glass suite
Engines
2 × 180 hp
Lycoming O-360
Ratings supported
MEL, CPL
CFI and MEI
Piper Seminole Multi-Engine Training in Des Moines, Iowa
Vertical Vision Flight Academy offers Piper Seminole multi-engine flight training at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM). The Seminole is a four-seat, low-wing twin powered by two 180 hp Lycoming O-360 engines with counter-rotating propellers.
Students use the Seminole for the multi-engine rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate requirements, and CFI and MEI certification. Every multi-engine hour logged counts toward ATP minimums.
Fleet FAQs
What aircraft does Vertical Vision Flight Academy use for training?
Vertical Vision uses the Piper Archer for single-engine training and the Piper Seminole for multi-engine training.
Does Vertical Vision have glass cockpit aircraft?
Yes. Our Piper Archer fleet and our 2025 Piper Seminole are equipped with the Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit.
Which aircraft is used for the multi-engine rating?
The multi-engine rating is trained in our 2025 Piper Seminole, which is also used for MEI certification and multi-engine time building.
Where is Vertical Vision Flight Academy located?
Vertical Vision Flight Academy is located at Des Moines International Airport (KDSM), 6214 SW 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50321.