Flight Training In Bloomington
It’s time to takeoff.
Fly Synergy at Central Illinois Regional Airport is our company headquarters, and it offers the most robust roster of flight training lessons in Central Illinois. Learn more about available options, how to get started, and meet your instructors in Bloomington, Illinois.
Get Started with Fly Synergy
Whether you’re looking to become a pilot, or you already have your license but want to become proficient at flying Cirrus models, you can learn at your own pace.
Learn where to start and how much time to budget for lessons.
Meet your Bloomington-based instructors
See your state-of-the-art Cirrus SR20 & SR22 planes
Virtually tour the Bloomington facility at Central Illinois Regional Airport (KBMI)
Contact us to reserve your first (or next) flight.
Expert Instruction
You will receive expert instruction from a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) or Training Cirrus Instructor (TCI). These instructors are specially trained by Cirrus to conduct training in Cirrus aircraft. This includes factory-level knowledge of Cirrus aircraft as well as Cirrus’s structured flight training methodology.
High-Quality Content
The Cirrus Learning Catalog features educational content for students. These high-quality modules are designed to present everything you need to know in an engaging and fun format. From aircraft systems to takeoff and landing technique, you will enjoy these clear and effective presentations.
Fly As You Learn
From Day 1, our flight training method incorporates real world flying, which allows you to learn while simultaneously experiencing how personal aviation can transform your life. You’ll be learning from a Cirrus-trained instructor who will demonstrate how efficient travel can streamline your workdays and open up new weekend possibilities.
Flexible Courses
Whatever your interest in aviation, the Cirrus Approach to flight training balances well-structured lessons with the flexibility to tailor your training experience to your specific needs and goals. Whether just starting out in aviation, or are a seasoned aviator wanting to join the Cirrus family, there’s a path for you!
Learn to Fly
Step 1: Discovery Flight
Make sure Cirrus is the plane for you. That the instructor is right for you. That you’re not unknowingly afraid of heights or prone to getting motion sickness. And discover the beauty of agriculture from the sky.
Priced at $395, our Discovery Flight is a top-tier aviation experience designed to give you a preview of what becoming a Cirrus pilot has to offer; whether for business or personal travel or simply the joy of flying an aircraft for the first time. If you're considering becoming a private pilot, this relaxed and commitment-free experience is the perfect way to explore your interest in aviation.
Step 2: Earn Your Private Pilots License
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is a step to freedom and adventure in your aviation journey, introducing you to a new world beyond traditional air travel experiences at major airports.
Expect to spend 4-10 months with a Synergy flight instructor, about 2-3 times a week.
Using state-of-the-art Cirrus aircraft, alongside our RealSim AATD Simulator, learn the basics of safely flying while building confidence. Experience the benefits of private aviation from day one.
Ask us about our membership options.
A membership enhances your high-quality Fly Synergy aviation experience with access to reduced hourly rates, recurrent training, and priority access to aircraft and facilities.
Step 3: Keep Learning
The advanced training you need is available at our Bloomington, Illinois location at KBMI.
Expand your Current License with Cirrus
If you’ve already obtained your PPL but would like to expand your knowledge in a Cirrus, we’re here to guide you through with Cirrus Transition Courses.
Basic (VFR) Transition Training: These courses are designed for licensed pilots who would like to transition into flying a Cirrus. For pilots looking to continue their training in a Cirrus or to rent as part of our membership program, this 3-5 day transition course is your first step into the Cirrus life. Training includes subjects like aircraft control, engine management, avionics procedures, and abnormal situations. This course qualifies for flying in VFR conditions.
Advanced (IFR) Transition Training: This 5+ day course includes everything in the basic transition course and adds instrument procedures. Designed for pilots with an instrument rating, this course allows you to get the most out of flying the Cirrus by qualifying to operate in the IFR environment.
Advanced Training for Cirrus Pilots
If you’re already licensed to fly a Cirrus, remain proficient with regular and consistent flight training (it’s not like riding a bike). Expand your flight options with Instrument Ratings, Recurrent Training, Avionics Differences and Systems Differences Training.
Recurrent Training: Regular and consistent flight training is key to increasing your flying skills and ensuring safety as a pilot. Whether you’re interested in improving your takeoff and landing skills or expanding your IFR capabilities, these 1-2 day recurrent training courses will keep you sharp and ready to handle the challenges of aviation.
Instrument Ratings: An instrument rating unlocks privileges that allow you to fully utilize your aircraft's capabilities, enabling you to travel in a wider variety of weather, which is critical no matter where you fly across the country, but especially throughout the four seasons we experience in Illinois. For those who want the most flexibility to fly in nearly any conditions, adding this rating to your pilot’s license sharpens your piloting skill set and makes you a safer pilot whether you’re flying over the city, suburbs, or cornfields.
Avionics Differences: Designed for Cirrus pilots transitioning into new avionics, this 1-2 day course builds upon Cirrus-specific knowledge and focuses on mastering PFD and MFD interpretation, flight management systems, autopilot usage, navigation and more.
Systems Differences: This 1-2 day course covers the differences between Cirrus airframes and powerplants for pilots already familiar with Cirrus who are interested in flying different models of Cirrus.
Fly Synergy is a Cirrus-authorized flight training center in Illinois providing flight training from two locations: our satellite training facility in Wheeling, IL (KPWK) and our headquarters in Bloomington, IL (KBMI).
See Your Plane
As a Cirrus Training Center, you have access to the worldwide Cirrus family, from instructors, maintenance professionals, sales representatives, and fellow pilots. Utilizing Cirrus Approach, Cirrus' online training platform, you have access to the industry’s latest and greatest content created by experts at Cirrus.
This allows you to learn at your own pace. If you’ve never been in a Cirrus before, see some of our state-of-the-art Cirrus aircraft you can learn in, and view more about each plane on our Aircraft Rental Rates page.
Curious what the inside of a Cirrus looks like? Click and drag to look around.
Meet Your Flight InstructorS
Maxwell Foor | CFI, CFII, CSIP, ATP
Meet our Chief Flight Instructor and Flight School Manager, Maxwell Foor. He is a dedicated Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument at Synergy Flight Center in Bloomington, Illinois.
Born and raised right here in Central Illinois, he took his first flight at the age of 4 in a Cessna 195 off of a grass strip just north of BMI. Max grew up in Gridley and graduated from El Paso-Gridley High School, he then attended Illinois State University and earned a Bachelors of Science in Nursing. While in nursing school Max took an internship in Fort Lauderdale, Florida as a flight nurse. During that time, he realized his love for aviation.
Max dropped everything and attended ATP Flight school in Louisville, Kentucky. He worked as a flight instructor for a while in Kentucky before returning to his roots in Illinois and becoming a Cirrus Training Center Instructor.
Max looks forward to a long career in aviation, however he is focused on raising up a new generation of safe and knowledgeable pilots!
Jacob Randazzo | TCI, CFI, CFII
Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, his parents Claire and Emile took him on many commercial flights as a kid and occasionally took him to see the planes takeoff and land at the local airport where he developed his passion for aviation at an early age.
He completed his flight training in Lubbock, Texas where he also attended Texas Tech University as a 4.0 GPA student.
Jacob is a qualified CFI/CFII/TCI who loves teaching students and challenging them to become better pilots. He is a part-time instructor with Fly Synergy as he now flies the Phenom 300E for our sister company Synergy Flight Center as part of their Charter team, but still has a passion for providing lessons on request or as needed.
Joel Lindberg | TCI, CFI, CFII, CSEL
After securing his CSEL, CFI, CFII, and TCI, Joel joined the Fly Synergy team at our headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois.
This Roanoke local dreamed of pilot life from a young age and finally took the leap and started his training in 2021. His former experience in construction laid a foundation of meticulous precision that he now brings to all in-flight experiences.
When he finished up his private pilots license (PPL) in Peoria, Illinois, Joel moved to San Diego, California to attend Coast Flight Academy. After finishing up his training in San Diego, he moved back to Central Illinois and joined our team.
Joel desires to inspire and instruct the next generation of pilots to their full potential.
View our Headquarters
Fly Synergy headquarters and primary training facility are in Bloomington, Illinois, located inside of Synergy Flight Center at 2823 E Empire next to Central Illinois Regional Airport (KBMI).
Our entrance is off of Route 9 just west of Airport Road. Turn at the light by the Prairie Aviation Museum and then turn right onto the road after the car wash. Park in the private lot and enter the Synergy Flight Center lobby to check-in.
Your instructor will meet you in the waiting area. We highly recommend making an appointment in advance to ensure we’re not currently in the air and can meet with you.
Contact Our Team
Please complete the form to make an appointment, or request more information about flight training or rental in our Cirrus SR series aircraft.
Not sure where to start? Consider scheduling a Discovery Flight as your first step. And feel free to call us with any questions at (309)718-1234.
a step to freedom and adventure in your aviation journey