Ready to start your training? Here’s what you need to know…

Understanding the Process

Everyone has a different reason for becoming a pilot. Some dream of flying for the pure fun. Others dream of the places they will go and the community they will become a part of. Some wish to fly for a career.

Regardless of your reason for wanting to fly, you will enjoy a very rewarding sense of accomplishment during your training, after you earn your certificate and when you accomplish your personal aviation goals beyond your certificate.

  1. Eligibility and Prerequisites:
    • Be 17 years old (you can start training earlier than this but in order to solo you must be at least 17)
    • Understand English proficiently
    • Hold a U.S. student pilot certificate, sport pilot certificate, or recreational pilot certificate
      • You’ll get a student pilot certificate as part of orientation
    • Meet the aeronautical experience requirements for the aircraft rating sought
    • Pass a practical test for the aircraft rating sought
    • If you are not a US citizen, you will have to register with the DHS’s Flight Training Security Program (FTSP). You may not begin flight training until it has been approved by the TSA.
  2. How much will it cost?
    • Flight training involves a handful of expenses. The expenses include airplane rental, instructor time in the air, instructor time on the ground, and equipment that you choose to supply for yourself.
    • You can find our current rates for aircraft here.
    • In all, obtaining a private pilot’s license will cost (on average) between $18,000 and $22,000.
    • If you plan to fly strictly recreationally, consider sport pilot certification. We are one of the only flight schools in New Jersey that offer it.
    • We are currently running a promotion where you can save 5% on your expenditure if you put $2,000 on account via cash or check
  3. How it works
    • You schedule 2.5 hour blocks. Generally we recommend scheduling 2-3 weeks in advance.
    • You pay as you go and sessions are 1 on 1
    • We offer an enrollment package which includes a training application, some FAA textbooks, instructor time, an E6B, and more
    • Some textbook material will be covered in ground-only sessions
    • In the case of poor weather a flight can be rescheduled or it can be modified to simulator usage
  4. After you get your license
    • You can get your ratings at AST as well
    • You can try different planes
    • Our planes can be rented