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Mastering the skies
one lessonat a time.

Engage in comprehensive flight lessons with an experienced instructor — perfect for beginners or those looking to hone their aviation skills.

Book a Flight View Services →
Kara, flight instructor
Currently Accepting StudentsKara
Flight Instructor

About Your Instructor

Hi, I'm Kara.

I'm a CFI with a deep love for aviation shaped by real-world experience and a spirit of adventure. I've flown my Cessna 205 across the country — Oshkosh, Catalina, Lake Tahoe — and I bring those stories, perspective, and hands-on insight into every lesson.

As a mom of three, teaching comes naturally to me. I've spent years guiding, encouraging, and supporting others, and I channel that same energy into helping aspiring pilots of every background reach their aviation goals — whether you're chasing a lifelong dream or building toward a professional career in the skies.

My approach is built around you. I tailor every lesson to your pace, your learning style, and your goals. Ground instruction is a cornerstone of my teaching — a pilot who understands the why behind every maneuver is a safer, more confident pilot in the air.

I believe flight training should go beyond the basics. Instead of staying in a small local area, I offer an individualized experience that introduces students to real flying adventures — exploring new places, trying new things, and building true pilot confidence along the way. Aviation should feel exciting and achievable, not overwhelming.

Private Pilot CFICommercial CFIGround InstructorCFII · Coming Soon

What I Offer

Services &
Pricing

Comprehensive flight lessons for beginners or those looking to hone their skills. Ground or flight instruction is $65 / hour. Aircraft rental and examiner fees billed separately.

Discovery Flight
Discovery Flight
Your first time in the cockpit. Take the controls, breathe in the view, and find out if aviation is your calling. No experience needed.
Ground Instruction
Ground Instruction
In-depth sessions on weather, regulations, navigation, aerodynamics, systems, and checkride prep. Available solo or paired with flight.
Remote sessions available via video call
Pilot Certificate Training
Pilot Certificate Training
From your first certificate to flying professionally — instruction tailored to your goals. Whether you're working toward a Private Pilot certificate or building toward a Commercial rating, every lesson is built around you.
Private (PPL) · Commercial (CPL) · Tailored to your certificate path
Flight Review
Flight Review (BFR)
Required every 24 months to keep your certificate active. Includes a ground review and flight evaluation to keep your skills sharp.
Coming Soon
Instrument Rating
Instrument Rating
Fly in the clouds, navigate IFR conditions, and unlock a new level of capability. CFII certification in progress.
Coming Soon
1957 Cessna 172
1957 Cessna 172

Aircraft

Fly With
Confidence

Need an aircraft? A well-maintained 1957 Cessna 172 may be available for rental through a separate provider, offering a reliable and classic platform for your training journey. You're also welcome to train in your own aircraft.

Meet Marlee — N7331A →

Aircraft rental is provided by a separate owner/operator. Flight instruction services are offered independently under 14 CFR Part 61.

Schedule a Session

Book Your
Flight

My calendar syncs with Google in real time so you always see accurate availability. Choose a service, pick a time, and confirm your session online.

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Choose a serviceDiscovery, flight review, ground instruction, or general booking
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Pick a date & timeLive availability from my Google Calendar
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Review the detailsMake sure the lesson type and time work for your schedule
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You're confirmedEmail confirmation with all the details
Select Your Session

Real-time booking — synced with Google Calendar

Need a different lesson type or a special request? Book a general session and include a note, or reach out directly through the contact section below.

Have Questions?

Frequently Asked
Questions

No experience is necessary. A Discovery Flight is the perfect way to get your first taste of flying — you'll take the controls with me right by your side. Many students begin their full training shortly after.

Primary flight operations are based out of KPLU (Thun Field) in Pierce County, WA. Other locations may be available on request — reach out to discuss your situation.

Safety is always the priority. If weather conditions aren't suitable for flight, we'll reschedule at no charge to you. We can often use the time for a productive ground session instead.

Absolutely. You're welcome to train in your own aircraft, provided it meets FAA requirements for the training being conducted. Contact me to discuss the details.

Flexibility in scheduling, a customizable training plan, and lower overhead and costs than a flight school. You work directly with one instructor who knows your goals — not whoever happens to be available that day.

Most students complete their private pilot certificate in 50–100 flight hours. The biggest factor is how often you can fly — consistent scheduling makes a huge difference. We'll build a plan that fits your availability and keeps your momentum going.

Flight instruction is $65/hour. On top of that, you'll have aircraft rental (typically around $140/hour) and fuel (roughly $40/hour). There are some materials you'll need to purchase as well, but we'll find ways to manage costs — ground study programs and focused preparation help you make the most of every hour in the air together.

Bring a valid photo ID, sunglasses, a light jacket, and closed-toe shoes. That's it — I'll take care of the rest. No special gear or preparation needed for your first time up.

Get in Touch

Let's Talk
Aviation

Not sure which course is right for you? Want to get on the instrument waitlist? Or just curious about flying? I'd love to chat.

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Service AreaKPLU (Thun Field) · Other locations available on request
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Email
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Phone