St. Charles Flying Service
Part 61 & Part 141 FAA Certified

Training PilotsSince 1939

For over 85 years, we've been helping people achieve their dreams of flight at St. Charles County Airport - Smartt Field (KSET).

85+
Years in Operation
9
Aircraft in Fleet
30+
Flight Instructors
1000s
Pilots Trained
Our Story

A Legacy of Aviation Excellence

St. Charles Flying Service has been a cornerstone of aviation in the St. Louis metro area since 1939. What started as a small operation has grown into one of the premier flight training facilities in the Midwest.

Located at St. Charles County Airport (Smartt Field - KSET), we've trained thousands of pilots over the decades, from first-time students to career aviators who have gone on to fly for major airlines and corporations.

As a Part 61 and Part 141 certified flight school, we offer the best of both worlds: flexible training to fit your schedule or structured FAA-approved curricula with reduced hour requirements. Our experienced instructors and well-maintained fleet support every stage of your training.

Aircraft at KSET
AOPA Award
AOPA Award
Flight School Excellence

Our History

1939
St. Charles Flying Service founded
1950s
Expanded fleet and training operations
1970s
Part 141 certification achieved
1990s
Modern fleet additions
2000s
Glass cockpit training introduced
Today
85+ years of training excellence

Our Location

St. Charles County Airport
Smartt Field (KSET)
6016 Portage Rd
Portage Des Sioux, MO 63373

Smartt Field (KSET)

Our home base at KSET offers an ideal environment for flight training. With lighter traffic than larger airports, students can focus on learning to fly without the pressure of busy airspace.

  • 5,000 ft paved runway
  • Full-service FBO
  • Self-service fuel 24/7
  • Easy access from St. Louis metro
Sunset flight

Ready to Start Your Journey?

Join the thousands of pilots who have learned to fly with St. Charles Flying Service.