Your Mentor at Aviator.NYC Is an Airline Pilot
Kids don't just "try flying" here — they're mentored by airline pilots.
Young students need more than excitement — they need structure and a clear way to improve.
We teach focus, discipline, and good habits early — so progress feels fun and steady.
The goal isn't a cool experience. It's building a young aviator who thinks clearly.
Is This Real Potential?
Your kid doesn't just like airplanes—they live them.
They know liveries. Memorize callouts. Run checklists. Fly home simulators for hours.
They brief you like a first officer—and frankly, they're better than most adults.
And you're proud… just a little unsure:
- "Is this going anywhere real?"
- "What if I'm not a pilot—can I still help?"
- "Am I pushing too hard—or not supporting enough?"
Is This Real Potential?
Your kid doesn't just like airplanes—they live them.
They know liveries. Memorize callouts. Run checklists. Fly home simulators for hours.
They brief you like a first officer—and frankly, they're better than most adults.
And you're proud… just a little unsure:
- "Is this going anywhere real?"
- "What if I'm not a pilot—can I still help?"
- "Am I pushing too hard—or not supporting enough?"
The Moment It Clicks
Then they step into our FAA-Certified Simulator. Sit next to a real pilot. And they fly.
No make-believe. No commercial airliner fantasies. Actual training—briefings, checklist drills, real instruction.
And suddenly… it clicks.
Passion Meets Purpose
This isn't a game. It's a certified flight deck used by professional pilots—and reimagined for young aviators.
Your child will train with airline instructors who once obsessed over airplanes just like them.
Choose Your Lesson
Select the duration that fits your young aviator
Choose Your Lesson
A one-hour simulator lesson designed just for kids under 13.
- ✓Learn what the controls do and how an airplane turns, climbs, and descends
- ✓Fly a simple route from takeoff to landing with hands on the controls
- ✓Get a short, age-appropriate briefing and end-of-lesson recap
The Smartest Way to Build Confidence (6 Hours)
If your young aviator is coming back for more than one session, the 6-hour bundle keeps it affordable and consistent. It gives them enough time to learn the basics, repeat key skills, and track real progress—at the lowest hourly rate.
Bundle valid for 180 days. Perfect for 1-hour lessons for younger aviators.
Need a Pilot's Perspective?
Active airline pilots, not a call center. Share your situation and we'll point you to the best next step.
Need Help Navigating All This?
There's a lot of information here. Two simple ways to get unstuck and move forward.
Try Our AI Assistant
- Share your goals once
- Get instant recommendations
- Strong questions unlock consultations
Talk to a Real Pilot
- Message goes directly to pilots
- We respond on our days off
- Free consultation when it helps
Why the form? We're airline pilots, not a call center. Detailed messages help us give you specific guidance.
New York City
STEPS FROM 6 SUBWAY LINES
Tap any station for live arrival times
Loading map...
Office
BikesHow Long Should Their First Lesson Be?
We walk through how different lesson durations work—from first-time "just curious" flyers to highly motivated young aviators who already spend hours in home simulators. See when a shorter lesson is perfect and when a longer session gives enough time to really dive deep.
Why Aviator.NYC is Different for Young Aviators
A Real Path to Pilot
Your child gets more than a cool simulator ride. At Aviator.NYC, airline pilots use a certified flight deck to give kids a safe first step into real aviation—with training that feels fun now and builds a real path for later.
Your sim-obsessed kid finally has a place to train for real. Airline pilots, a certified simulator, and kid-sized lessons turn screen time into confidence, real skills, and future flight hours.
Airline Pilots Who Love Teaching Kids
Your child trains one-on-one with active airline pilots who remember being "sim-obsessed" kids too, and know how to turn that passion into focus and confidence.
Active airline pilots who remember being "sim-obsessed" kids—and know how to turn passion into confidence.
Professional Simulator, Zero-Risk Practice
Our FAA-certified simulator feels like a real cockpit, but kids can pause, ask questions, and try again while practicing the same procedures pilots use—long before there's pressure in a real airplane.
FAA-certified cockpit where kids can pause, ask questions, and practice real procedures safely.
Kid-Sized Lessons, Real Progress
Lessons match your child's age and attention span. Younger kids get hands-on basics and quick wins; teens follow a structured syllabus that can build toward solo flight and a future private pilot certificate.
Age-matched lessons: quick wins for younger kids, structured training for teens building toward a license.
A Head Start That Actually Counts
Time in our simulator can be logged toward future pilot certificates. Parents see clear progress after every lesson, so it feels less like "another activity" and more like an investment in their future.
FAA-loggable hours toward future certificates. Not just screen time—an investment in their future.
Your Instructors Aren't Just CFIs.They're Active Airline Pilots.
Julian
ATP
Charles
ATP
Elijah
ATP
William
ATP
Ethan
ATP
Liam
Jack
Instructor Specialties
Active Airline Pilots, Not Hour-Builders
Your instructor isn't working toward an airline job—they're already flying 777s, A320s, and 737s. They teach because they love aviation, not because they need hours.
Same Mentor, First Lesson to Checkride
You won't rotate through different instructors. Train with one airline pilot who learns your learning style, tracks your progress, and stays in your corner throughout your journey.
Professional Skills for Personal Flying
Learn the same procedures, decision-making, and safety habits that airline pilots use every day. You're not just learning to fly—you're learning to fly well.
Kids & Teens Flight Sessions
Guided simulator lessons for ages 8+
Guided simulator sessions for ages 8+ where kids learn real flying basics in a safe, supervised environment. Parents can sit in and take photos.
Book a Lesson
Choose a session length for your young aviator
Airline pilot instruction for ages 8-17
Questions Parents Ask
Honest answers about youth aviation training
Is this just a fun activity or real flight training?
This is real flight training. We use an FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD), and every hour your child logs counts toward future pilot certificates. Our instructors include active airline pilots and experienced CFIs mentored by airline captains, teaching airline-standard fundamentals and procedures. This isn't a video game or entertainment—it's structured aviation education.
What age is appropriate to start?
We accept students as young as 8 years old, though the ideal starting age depends on your child's maturity and interest level. Younger students (8-12) focus on fundamentals and discovery. Teens (13-17) can begin working toward private pilot certificate requirements. We'll assess your child during the first lesson and recommend the right training path.
Can I observe my child during lessons?
Absolutely. Parents are welcome to observe from the instructor station during any lesson. You'll see exactly what your child is learning and how they're progressing. Many parents find it fascinating to watch their young aviator master skills like radio communications, emergency procedures, and flight planning.
How is simulator training different from video games?
Video games reward reflexes and entertainment. Simulator training builds real aviation skills. We use FAA-approved equipment with professional flight controls, accurate flight dynamics, and real-world scenarios. Your child learns checklists, procedures, regulations, and decision-making—not just how to move a joystick. The difference becomes obvious in the first lesson.
What happens when my child turns 16 or 17?
If your child has been training with us since age 8-15, they'll have a massive head start when they're eligible for solo flight (age 16) and private pilot certificate (age 17). They'll already understand aircraft systems, navigation, radio procedures, and emergency operations. Most importantly, they'll have logged hours in our FAA-approved simulator that count toward certificate requirements. Early training = less time and money spent later.
Is this safe for my child?
Simulator training is the safest form of flight training that exists. Your child practices stalls, engine failures, and emergency procedures in a zero-risk environment. They learn how to handle abnormal situations before they ever leave the ground. Plus, our Lower Manhattan office is a professional, supervised environment—not an aircraft hangar or airport ramp.
Must-Read Guides for New Pilots
Comprehensive guides and blog posts — from first lesson to airline career
Private Pilot License
Start here if you've never flown — we'll walk you through every step to your license.
Youth Aviation Program
Flying programs for ages 8-17 — clear milestones from first lesson to solo flight.
How to Start Flight Training in NYC
Practical first steps for aspiring pilots in Manhattan — from discovery flights to choosing a school.
Flight Training 101 in NYC
Overview of the full training process — certificates, milestones, and what to expect in New York.
Real Cost of Learning to Fly (2026)
Full cost breakdown for becoming a private pilot — realistic budgets, not just minimums.
Questions About Youth Aviation?
Get personalized guidance for your young aviator's journey.