Merritt Island Airport · KCOI · Space Coast, FL
Learn to fly at Merritt Island.
Personal, one-on-one flight instruction with William Knapp — built around your goals, your pace, and your schedule.
Independent CFI
FAA-certificated flight instructor offering one-on-one training at Merritt Island. Not a flight school — a single instructor focused on you.
Start where you are
One instructor for every stage of the journey
Whether you're brand-new to aviation or getting back into the cockpit, William can help you take the next practical step.
Brand-new to flying
Never touched the controls? Start with a low-pressure discovery flight and a clear first step.
Private pilot license
Build the skills, knowledge, and confidence to earn your PPL — one instructor, start to checkride.
Flight review & rusty pilots
Lapsed currency, or just need a flight review? Get back in the left seat at your own pace.
Checkride prep
Sharpen weak areas, maneuvers, and oral knowledge so you walk into the test ready.
Commercial & advanced skills
Working toward the next rating? Refine maneuvers and precision for commercial single-engine standards.
Ground & oral exam prep
Focused ground instruction for written prep, oral review, weather, and regulations.
Personal instruction
Direct access, without the big-school pressure
You get one instructor, consistent guidance, and a plan built around your goals.
One instructor, one plan
Work directly with William every lesson — no rotating instructors, no handoffs.
Clear next steps
You always know what you did, what's next, and how to get there.
Flexible, local training
Scheduling that works around real life, based right at Merritt Island.
Built for confidence
Lessons focused on safety, fundamentals, and steady decision-making.
Getting started is simple
Three steps to your first lesson
No applications, no commitment. Just a clear path from "curious" to "in the air."
Tell William your goal
Send a quick note — a license, a flight review, getting current, or just curious where to begin.
Get a simple training plan
You'll get a clear, no-pressure plan for your next step and how scheduling works.
Schedule your first lesson
Book a discovery flight, a ground session, or a focused training block.
Interested in a discovery lesson?
Start with a discovery flight
A discovery flight is the easiest way to begin. You'll actually fly the airplane — hands on the controls — with William beside you the whole time.
- Meet your instructor and talk through your goals
- Learn what flight training actually involves
- Review the aircraft and safety basics
- Fly a real introductory lesson
- Leave with a clear next step
A discovery flight is an introduction — you decide if you want to continue.
Meet your instructor
William Knapp, CFI
William is an independent Certified Flight Instructor at Merritt Island Airport. He works one-on-one with students who want a more personal training experience.
Whether you're taking your first lesson, returning after time away, or preparing for a checkride, his goal is to keep the path clear, practical, and approachable — with the same FAA standards you'd expect anywhere.
Where you'll train
On Florida's Space Coast
Merritt Island Airport (KCOI) sits between the Banana and Indian Rivers — minutes from Cocoa Beach, Cape Canaveral, and Kennedy Space Center.
Merritt Island Airport (KCOI) · 28.34°N, 80.69°W
Exact meeting details are provided after scheduling.
Request a lesson
Request a lesson or training plan
Send a quick note and William will follow up to help you figure out the right next step. Usually a reply within one business day. No obligation.
Request sent — you're cleared for takeoff.
Thanks for reaching out. William will get back to you shortly to talk through your next step.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Is this a flight school?
Do I need any experience to start?
Can I book a discovery flight?
Does William offer private pilot instruction?
Does William offer instrument-rating instruction?
Does William offer multi-engine instruction?
Can William help with a flight review?
Can William help if I'm already training somewhere else?
Where does instruction take place?
How much does flight training cost?
Ready to take the first step?
Whether you're ready for a discovery flight or just want to understand the path to becoming a pilot, reach out and William will help you figure out the next step.