![Student pilot examines the prop during preflight check. [Credit: Meg Godlewski]](https://tbh.express/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/How-Long-Should-a-Flight-Lesson-Be-for-a-Student-scaled.jpg "How Long Should a Flight Lesson Be for a Student Pilot?")
Question: How long should a flight lesson be for a pre-solo student pilot? I just started flying at a Part 61 flight school, and my CFI has me on the ground for about 15 minutes at the beginning and end of each lesson, and then we’re in the air for about an hour, sometimes a bit more. That doesn’t seem like enough time to make good progress since I am only flying twice a week.
My CFI showed me the syllabus and explained that each flight we do gets a bit longer, and I have to build up my endurance to get the most out of the lessons. Is that true or is he trying to stretch the training?
