Is This For Me?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundation of your flying journey. Here is who it is for and what you can do with it.
COMMON QUESTIONS
What can I do with a PPL?
Fly single-engine airplanes for personal travel, carry passengers, share operating costs, and fly day or night under VFR.
Do I need experience?
No. Most students start with zero time. We build your skills from scratch.
Is this realistic with a job?
Yes. Train in Manhattan before/after work, then pair with aircraft lessons on weekends.
Is This For Me?
A Private Pilot License (PPL) is the foundation of your flying journey. Here is who it is for and what you can do with it.
NYC Professionals
For busy professionals and parents who want to fly on their own schedule
Complete Beginners
Ages 16+ — no prior experience needed, we assume you are starting from scratch
Hobby Pilots
Family trips, personal travel, bucket-list goal
Career-Curious
PPL is step one on the path to ATP and airline flying
What can I do with a Private Pilot License?
Fly single-engine airplanes for personal travel, carry passengers (friends and family), share direct operating costs, and fly day or night under visual flight rules (VFR). You cannot get paid to fly — that requires advanced ratings.
Do I need prior flying experience?
No. Most new students start with zero experience. We use simulator sessions, structured lesson plans, and ground resources to build your foundation from day one.
Is this realistic for someone with a full-time job?
Yes — our entire model is built around NYC schedules. Train in our FAA-approved simulator in Lower Manhattan on your time (before work, evenings, weekends), then pair that with aircraft lessons at a flight school that fits your commute.
Is This For Me?
PPL is your foundation. Here's who it's for.
Who this is for
Quick answers
Explore the New Pilots Hub ›How to Get Started
Start with a Flight Simulator Lesson
Build foundational skills in our FAA-certified simulators before stepping into an actual airplane.
Book NowSchedule a Discovery Flight
Fly with a local instructor to get hands-on experience in a real airplane and see if flying is right for you.
Learn MoreMeet with a Mentor
Let us help you plan your training path and understand what comes next in your pilot journey.
Get StartedYour First 3 Steps
Start smart. Train efficiently. Pass your checkride.
Start with a Flight Simulator Lesson
Build foundational skills in our FAA-certified simulators before stepping into an actual airplane.
Book Now →Schedule a Discovery Flight
Fly with a local instructor to get hands-on experience in a real airplane and see if flying is right for you.
Learn More →Meet with a Mentor
Let us help you plan your training path and understand what comes next in your pilot journey.
Get Started →Your Path to a Private Pilot License
9 steps from zero experience to FAA-certified pilot. Click each step to explore.
Where Should I Train Near NYC?
NYC-area airports are spread across Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester. This step shows you realistic options that fit your schedule and commute.
Where People in NYC Actually Train
- Long Island (KFRG, KISP): Closest to Brooklyn/Queens, 45-90 min drive. LIRR accessible from Farmingdale.
- New Jersey (KCDW, KMMU): Closest to Manhattan via PATH/NJ Transit. Less congested airspace than Long Island.
- Westchester (KHPN): Closest to Upper Manhattan/Bronx. Metro-North accessible but busier airspace.
Lock In the Lowest Rate to Start Training
If you're planning to do more than one session, the 6-hour bundle is the smartest way to start. You'll pay the lowest hourly rate and get enough time to build real momentum—without the cost of doing every hour in an aircraft.
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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Why the form? We're airline pilots, not a call center. Detailed messages help us give you specific guidance.
Hobby First, Career Possible
Most of Our Students Fly for Personal Reasons
- Family trips and weekend getaways
- Personal freedom and a lifelong skill
- Bucket-list goal finally achieved
- A challenge that builds confidence
Past Anxiety, Depression, or ADHD Medications?
If you have ever been prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, ADHD, or other mental health conditions — even as a child — we recommend talking to an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) early in your journey. Getting your FAA medical sorted before you invest heavily in training avoids surprises later.
This page is a guide — not regulatory, legal, or medical advice. All information should be verified against current FAA regulations. Consult an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) for medical questions and a qualified CFI for training guidance.
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Trusted by 500+ NYC pilots and students
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.
Non-U.S. Citizen?
TSA approval is required before your second lesson. We do NOT sponsor visas.
We do NOT sponsor visas.
Learn about TSA requirements →Questions About Your Private Pilot License?
Get personalized guidance from our team of airline pilots.