Naples, FL
Fogarty Flying Cessna 172P N54381 on the ramp at Marco Island Executive Airport

Marco Island Executive Airport · Naples, FL

The sky
is yours.

Learn to fly with personal instruction and a lifelong passion for aviation. Your journey starts right here in southwest Florida.

Personal instructionOne pilot at a time
Pilot proficiencyConfidence through preparation
Southwest FloridaNaples & Marco Island
Towing Cessna N54381 out of the hangar

The view from up here is different.

Meet your instructor

A love of flying
that lasts a lifetime.

Jim Fogarty’s passion for aviation began at eight years old, when he saw a Lockheed Constellation up close. That moment started a lifelong journey in the air—and a commitment to sharing the joy of flight with others.

Get to know Jim

Meet N54381

Your classroom has wings.

Modern Garmin panel
Modern Garmin panelTrain on glass avionics you'll use for years.
Hands-on pre-flight
Hands-on pre-flightLearn fueling, inspection and aircraft care.
Hangar to runway
Hangar to runwayEvery session starts on the ground with a briefing.
Our Cessna 172P
Our Cessna 172PN54381 — a trusted, beginner-friendly trainer.

What students say

Trusted by pilots
at every level.

From first lessons to airline cockpits — student reviews of training with Jim Fogarty.

“Jim is an amazing flight instructor with extensive knowledge. He is an amazing teacher and it seems like he lives and breathes flight instructing. Doing my checkride after my training felt super easy because I felt thoroughly prepared for anything — and I passed first try. I would absolutely recommend him to anyone looking to fly in an amazing plane and with someone who cares about your progress.”
Austen GuarinoPrivate Pilot · Passed checkride first try
“I can’t say enough great things about Jim and my experience going from zero experience to passing my PPL. Jim is an excellent instructor. He’s fair and honest. I highly recommend Fogarty Flying.”
Scott CarrollPrivate Pilot
“If you are looking for someone who has tons of experience and will challenge you to be the best pilot you can be, look no further! Jim has a lifetime of aviation knowledge and will guide you as far as you want to go in the aviation industry. If you are serious about getting your license and want a serious instructor, he’s your man. I came to Jim as a new student and left with a private pilot license, a mentor, and a new friend. Definitely recommend!”
J.T. OrrPrivate Pilot
“Jim is a great instructor. He is a wealth of knowledge and experience. I got my private pilot license with Jim in 2020 and my IFR rating in 2022. At over 1,000 hours, I still fly with Jim for recurring training. As a student, I most valued his attitude — always chilled, patient and dedicated to his student’s learning experience. As an additional bonus, Jim is an outstanding person and has become a lifetime friend.”
John HallePrivate & IFR · 1,000+ hours
“I’m a better pilot to have finished my instrument rating with Jim. If you want a professional, competent instructor who takes your training seriously and is going to make you a better pilot in the long run — go to Jim.”
Deni HoyInstrument Rating
“I did flight lessons and worked on multiple ratings with Jim Fogarty years ago, and he was hands down the best flight instructor I ever had. I’m currently an ATP flying professionally, and most of the things I learned from him still go through my head today. He is very instrumental in helping you excel and be the best pilot you can be while making it fun at the same time. Would recommend Fogarty Flying Service over and over again!”
Jim LoucyNow an ATP flying professionally
“I highly recommend Jim Fogarty and Fogarty Flying Services to anyone wanting to learn how to fly! Jim is an incredibly patient, knowledgeable, and thorough flight instructor. He makes safety the top priority while keeping the atmosphere relaxed and motivating. His Cessna 172 is spotlessly clean and equipped with fantastic modern technology, making the learning experience top-notch. If you are looking for high-quality, personalized flight training at Marco Island, Jim is the best!”
Elemir Koval
“Jim is a great instructor. He is very patient, knowledgeable and keeps his aircraft in tip-top shape. He wants you to exceed and do well. He works with you in any trouble areas you may have and explains it so that it clicks. He got me through all my certificates, and now I can enjoy flying for the airlines because of him. Checkrides were a breeze — he makes sure you are prepared for them. I would recommend him 100%.”
Ken CastroAll certificates · Now flying for the airlines
“Jim is a great flight instructor and truly one of the best! I started with no flying experience, and thanks to his knowledge, patience and encouragement, I earned my private pilot’s license and became a confident and safe pilot! He genuinely cares about his students and makes learning to fly enjoyable and rewarding. I am so grateful for everything he taught me and would definitely recommend him to anyone interested in flying.”
AshleyPrivate Pilot
“I completed my Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial certificates with Mr. Fogarty, and I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Jim is exceptionally knowledgeable, methodical, and patient. He holds you to high standards while creating an environment where you feel completely supported in the cockpit. Every checkride felt smooth because Jim’s preparation goes well beyond the minimum requirements. Five stars — an outstanding mentor and flight instructor.”
Antonio D’AmbrosiPrivate, Instrument & Commercial
“Great flight school. Jim is a good teacher and pushes you to be the best you can be. If you’re into smaller schools, this is the fit for you. Would recommend to anyone looking to earn their flying license.”
Ty Weldy
“Jim is a great instructor. Very knowledgeable and experienced — I always enjoy flying with him.”
Brendan Canavan
“One of the best instructors I have ever come into contact with. Truly a privilege working and flying with the school.”
Shaquille Moss
5.0 on Google · swipe to read more

Fogarty Flying FAQs

Questions, answered.

Friendly answers about learning to fly in Marco Island, Naples and Southwest Florida.

Your next chapter starts here

Ready to take flight?

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