Why Fly with Friends?
A unique NYC experience that combines professional aviation training with social flying
Realistic Flight Scenarios
Fly approaches, practice procedures, or explore complex airspace—all without aircraft rental costs or weather delays. Perfect for pilots and curious friends alike.
Collaborative Flying
Work together on navigation, approach procedures, or advanced maneuvers. Share the experience whether you're certificated or just aviation-curious.
Memorable Group Experience
An engaging NYC activity that's more meaningful than typical entertainment. Share the cockpit with friends and create lasting aviation memories.
How It Works
From briefing to debrief, here's what to expect
Customize Your Session
Tell us your group's experience level and interests. We'll tailor scenarios to match—from beginner-friendly to advanced IFR practice.
Hands-On Flying
Each participant takes turns at the controls while others assist with navigation, checklists, and radio calls. Everyone stays engaged.
Debrief & Discussion
After flying, discuss techniques, decisions, and lessons learned as a group. Ask the instructor anything about aviation.
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.
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- Share your goals once
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- Message goes directly to pilots
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Why the form? We're airline pilots, not a call center. Detailed messages help us give you specific guidance.
Group Flying Session Pricing
Perfect for pilots and aviation enthusiasts
3-4 People
3-hour session with great flying time for everyone
- Ideal group size
- ~45-60 min flying time per person
- One airline pilot instructor
- Loggable time for certificated pilots
- Beginner-friendly and IFR-capable
5-6 People
Same 3-hour session with more participants
- Great for larger groups
- ~30 min flying time per person
- One airline pilot instructor
- Everyone stays engaged
- All experience levels welcome
Certificated pilots can log this time. Non-pilots get a fantastic introduction to flying. Everyone learns something new.
Planning a kids birthday party? See our kids birthday party experience
Why Fly with Friends
at Aviator.NYC?
Professional instruction in Manhattan. Build skills here, fly at the airport.
Airline Pilot Instructors
Learn from professionals who fly professionally.
Manhattan Location
Train in Hudson Square, minutes from any subway line.
FAA-Certified Simulator
Realistic training that counts toward your certificate.
Flexible Scheduling
Book sessions when it works for you. Evenings and weekends available.
FAA-Approved G1000 NXi Simulator
Built by Precision Flight Controls • Model GTX G1000 • FAA AATD Certified
Private Pilot Training
Most pilots earn their private certificate between 80-100 hours, often re-flying lessons due to weather or scheduling gaps. At Aviator.NYC, you can train during the week—rain or shine—on the same G1000 NXi system found in modern trainers. Use the simulator as your weekday flight lab to practice procedures, polish radio work, and stay ahead of your next real flight.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about group flight sessions
Can I bring friends who aren't pilots?
Absolutely! This experience is perfect for pilots who want to share their passion with curious friends. Our instructors make it engaging and accessible for all experience levels, from complete beginners to certificated pilots.
Do you offer kids birthday parties?
Yes! We have a dedicated kids birthday party experience for ages 8-16. Up to 6 kids fly with an airline pilot instructor. Visit aviator.nyc/flight-simulator-birthday-party/ for pricing and booking.
Can I log this time in my pilot logbook?
Yes! If you're a certificated pilot (student pilot or higher), you can log this time in an FAA-certified simulator. Our instructors will sign your logbook. This is particularly valuable for instrument currency or practicing procedures.
What can we practice in the simulator?
Almost anything! IFR approaches (ILS, RNAV, VOR), cross-country navigation, emergency procedures, unusual attitudes, challenging airports (Teterboro, JFK, Hudson River corridor), or just exploring how aircraft systems work. We'll tailor it to your group's interests.
Do we need to be at the same experience level?
Not at all. We regularly have groups with mixed experience—private pilots bringing non-pilot partners, student pilots with aviation enthusiast friends, or flying club members with varying certificates. Our instructors adapt the session to keep everyone engaged.
Is the G1000 the same as in real aircraft?
Our simulator uses the Garmin G1000 NXi, which is the same system found in modern training aircraft like Cessna 172s and Diamond DA40s. The procedures, button presses, and displays are identical to the real thing.
Can we practice for an instrument rating checkride?
Yes! Many pilots use our simulator to practice specific approaches or procedures before checkrides. While this isn't a formal instrument rating ground school, it's excellent for hands-on practice and building confidence with IFR procedures.
What if no one in our group is a pilot?
Perfect! Many groups are all non-pilots—friends looking for a unique NYC activity, couples wanting something different, or aviation enthusiasts curious about flying. Our instructors make it fun and educational regardless of experience.
Can we fly approaches from specific airports?
Yes! We can load approaches from airports around the world. Want to practice the ILS 13R at JFK, the RNAV 6 at Teterboro, or the tricky approach into Jackson Hole? Just let us know what you'd like to experience.
How do we split the cost?
The $570 session fee is per group, not per person. For 4 people, that's $142.50 each. For 3 people, it's $190 each. Many groups split it evenly, though some pilots cover more if they're bringing non-pilot friends.
How do we book a group session?
Use the contact form on this page to tell us your group size and what you're interested in practicing or experiencing. We'll confirm availability and send booking details. You can also book directly through our online system for standard 3-hour sessions.
Book Your Group Session
Perfect for pilots bringing curious friends or groups of aviation enthusiasts. Certificated pilots can log time in our FAA-approved simulator.