Fly More. Spend Less. Train Smarter.
Rent a glass-cockpit LSA for $140/hr wet — up to $40/hr less than a Cessna 172 in the Twin Cities.
Liquid Aviation operates out of KLVN (Airlake, Lakeville) and KSYN (Stanton, MN), offering affordable flight training and aircraft rental in a Pipistrel Alpha Trainer — a state-of-the-art Light Sport Aircraft with a Garmin glass cockpit, autopilot, and FAA-certified ballistic parachute recovery system.
The Smartest Way to Build Hours in Minnesota
The Alpha Trainer isn’t just the most affordable airplane we could find — it’s genuinely one of the best training aircraft available anywhere.
💰 Save $15–$40 Every Hour
At $140/hr wet, you’ll spend significantly less than renting a C172 at $155–$180/hr. Split with a buddy and pay just $70/hr each. Over 50 hours, that’s $750–$2,000 back in your pocket.
🏥 No Medical Required
Under Sport Pilot rules, a valid driver’s license is sufficient. A game-changer for pilots whose medical has lapsed, or who simply don’t want the hassle and expense.
🪂 Ballistic Parachute Recovery
The Alpha Trainer is equipped with a whole-aircraft ballistic parachute — FAA-certified. In an emergency, the entire aircraft descends safely under canopy. Train with confidence.
📊 Garmin Glass Cockpit + TAA Hours
Fully qualified as a Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA). Hours here count toward your Commercial certificate TAA requirement. Real technology, real skills.
⛽ 3.5 GPH Fuel Burn
The Rotax 912 engine burns a fraction of what a Lycoming in a C172 burns. Lower fuel burn = lower rental rates passed directly to you.
👥 Side-by-Side Seating
The side-by-side cockpit mirrors modern aircraft. More natural for instruction — easier communication, shared instrument scan, and a realistic crew environment.
Simple, Transparent Pricing
| Service | Rate |
|---|---|
| Solo rental (wet — fuel included) | $140 / hr |
| Split rental (two rated pilots, each pays half) | $70 / hr each |
| Flight instruction (CFI fee) | $70 / hr |
| Solo + instruction combined | $210 / hr total |
Mankato State University Discount: MSU students, staff, and alumni receive a $5/hour discount on all services. MSU-affiliated pilots with a Commercial certificate pay no CFI fee on checkout flights.
Current Students: Students currently enrolled with Stuart are grandfathered at their existing rates.
Rates are wet — fuel is included in the hourly price.
Your Instructor: Stuart Lieber, ATP
Delta Air Lines Captain · 7 Type Ratings · 8,000+ Hours · Embry-Riddle Magna Cum Laude
When you train at Liquid Aviation, you train with one of the most credentialed flight instructors in Minnesota. Stuart holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with 7 type ratings — including the Airbus A320, A350, Boeing 737, 747, 757, 767, Beechcraft 1900, and DC-9. He is a current Delta Air Lines Captain with over 8,000 flight hours and has served as a Line Check Airman, Part 121 Full Flight Simulator Instructor, and Ground School Instructor.
Before his airline career, Stuart earned a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, graduating Magna Cum Laude in just three years with a 3.85 GPA. With over 26 years of CFI experience and the advanced qualifications required under 14 CFR 61.195(h), Stuart has instructed at the Part 142 level for Northwest Airlines and Pan Am International Flight Academy — the highest level of aviation training certification.
Stuart has served on the board of the Society of Aviation Educators (SAFE / Safepilots.org) as Treasurer, is a MSP FAAST Team Member, and has served as a Wings Pro for the MSP FSDO.
Most flight schools hire low-time instructors building hours to the airlines. At Liquid Aviation, your instructor is the airline captain — and he still loves teaching.
See What Our Pilots Are Saying
Ready to Fly? Let’s Talk.
Whether you’re a brand-new renter, a time-builder, or an airline pilot looking to get your CFI back — we’d love to hear from you. Stuart personally responds to every inquiry.