About US
Mike Lacy founded Advance Aviation in 2021 to share his passion for flying and to provide high quality, personalized flight training. Our mission is to provide a supportive training environment allowing students to reach their goals on their schedule.
Advance Aviation provides FAA Part 61 flight training at the Monticello Regional Airport in Monticello, Iowa. The airport is centrally located in eastern Iowa off Highway 151 midway between Cedar Rapids and Dubuque.
Contact us to see how we can help you reach your aviation goals.
01. Experienced
Our FAA Certified Flight Instructors have trained students through the completion of their Private and Commercial Pilot Certificates and Instrument, Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument ratings.
02. Professional
We are dedicated to creating the next generation of pilots and helping experienced pilots improve their flying skills.
We believe in providing ample time in our lesson scheduling to allow pre and post flight briefings, and answer any student questions.
Each student has specific skill sets and life experiences. Our experienced instructors tailor their instruction to meet your individual learning style.
3. Convenient
You will benefit from training at our non-towered airport. It provides short taxis to the runway and short hold times for landing traffic resulting in more flying time and less waiting.
KMXO offers several low-traffic practice areas and close proximity to two towered airports for plenty of air traffic control communications experience. The atmosphere at the airport is welcoming and friendly. Your success is our goal.
Proven Success
The Numbers Don’t Lie
Advance Aviation Flight Instructors are committed to your success. We are focused on helping you reach your aviation goals.
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CheckRide First-Time Pass Rate
Pilot Checkrides Passed since 2022
Instructors
Our Team
Mike Lacy
Owner and Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Hello. I’m Mike Lacy, flight instructor and owner of Advance Aviation. I began flying later in life after being introduced to aviation by my brother in law, a Boeing 777 Captain and life-long general aviation pilot.
Prior to retiring from a 40 year career in Information Technology, I completed my Commercial Pilot Certificate and Flight Instructor ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI) and began instructing several students. I now enjoy flying and flight instructing as a second career.
Macy Arbuckle
Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
Hello! I’m Macy, a flight instructor with Advance Aviation. My journey into flying began in 2020 when a family friend took me for a flight in a Citabria. The moment those wheels left the ground, I was hooked for life! I’m both a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and an Instrument Instructor (CFII), and I’m passionate about teaching and helping others discover the joy of flying.
When I’m not instructing, you can find me happily working in the maintenance shop at Monticello Airport, where I get to combine my love for aviation with hands-on maintenance experience. I look forward to sharing my enthusiasm for flying with my students!