Flight School Options in New York

Discover what it takes to become a pilot, the associated costs, and which flight schools in the Empire State are ideal for you. While there are many good programs in New York from which to choose, we highlighted seven for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots. 

Continue reading to learn specific details about each of the top flight schools in New York and the support available for aspiring aviators.

Best for: All-around New York flight school

Farmingdale State College boasts the largest flight school in New York’s northeast region, featuring a fleet of 17 aircraft. Flight operations are conducted at the Republic Airport (KFRG), less than a 10-minute drive from the main campus. At Farmingdale State College, students can earn a four-year bachelor’s degree while obtaining their flight certifications and preparing to be some of the most qualified pilots upon graduation. In fact, the institution’s statistics show that 94 percent of alums secure employment immediately after graduating.

READ MORE: Flight Schools in New Jersey

Explore Farmingdale State College’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Workforce-ready New York flight school

Vaughn College offers arguably the best flight training environment in the country. Flight training is conducted at Vaughn College’s contract partner, Heritage Flight Academy, located at MacArthur Airport (KLSP) on Long Island. The flight training at Vaughn College is adjacent to New York’s LaGuardia (KLGA) and John F. Kennedy International (KJFK) airports, which are among the busiest airspaces in the world. This equips students to be workforce-ready as they begin their professional aviation careers.

READ MORE: Flight Schools in the Northeast

Explore Vaughn College’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Affordable New York flight school

Recognized as one of the top flight schools on the East Coast, the Academy of Aviation offers two New York locations at Westchester County Airport (KHPN) and Republic Airport (KFRG). The flight school’s Airline Career Pilot Training Program allows students to launch a path to a professional aviation career in just over a year at an affordable price. The Academy of Aviation has several partnerships that set the students up for success after they earn their certificates.

Explore the Academy of Aviation’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Accelerated New York flight school

ATP Flight School is the largest flight training establishment in the U.S. ATP’s nationwide network of 81 training centers in 33 states allows for more efficient scheduling and instructor and examiner availability. The flight school’s Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest professional pilot programs in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months, depending on prior experience. ATP has one location in New York at Long Island MacArthur Airport (KISP).

Explore ATP Flight School’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Innovative New York flight school

Performance Flight is a leading training, rental, and aircraft management company located at Westchester County Airport (KHPN). It is also recognized as a Cirrus Platinum Training partner, featuring an all-Cirrus fleet. Its various training programs, including a jet transition course, are designed to meet the goals of aspiring pilots. At Performance Flight, technology and innovation significantly extend from the cockpit to the classroom, where smartboards, simulators, and professional flight instructors enhance the overall training experience.

Best for: Established New York flight school

Founded in 1952, East Hill Flying Club is a well-established flying club featuring a fleet of nine aircraft and a team of experienced flight instructors. The club provides training, aircraft rentals, and various activities throughout the year, enabling students to network and engage with the local aviation community. East Hill Flying Club operates within a structured Part 141 training environment at Ithaca Tompkins International Airport (KITH).

Best for: Flexible New York flight school

Take Flight Aviation is situated at Orange County Airport (KMGJ), an uncontrolled airfield located northwest of New York City. This flight school operates the largest private fleet of Diamond Aircraft on the East Coast. Students can get behind the controls of one of these well-maintained Diamond Aircraft and immerse themselves in the challenging airspace around New York City. The pay-as-you-go structure creates a flexible and relaxed training environment.

New York has over 60 flight schools, primarily located near Farmington and New York City. Several institutions offer aviation programs, including Farmingdale State College and Vaughn College.

While training at New York flight schools takes place in one-on-one settings, some locations offer ground school curriculums in classrooms with an average of 15-20 students per instructor. However, as virtual classrooms grow in popularity, the number of students per class in New York continues to fluctuate.

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in New York. For example, obtaining all available licenses and ratings from a dedicated flight school like the Academy of Aviation can cost around $75,000. In contrast, a four-year aviation degree with similar licenses and ratings from an institution like Farmingdale State College can total approximately $210,000.

Federal and private student loans are available for students enrolled in accredited aviation programs at universities such as Vaughn College. For those who choose to attend a dedicated flight school that is not affiliated with a university or college, like ATP Flight School, only private loans are available to cover the costs of flight school expenses.

Many New York-based and national organizations offer scholarships to help students finance their flight training. While scholarships usually come with specific application requirements, they can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending flight school.

Most accredited institutions in New York have high employment rates for graduates, particularly with airlines from across the country.

Now that you understand the requirements, criteria, and schools to become a licensed pilot, the next step is to choose which New York flight school is right for you. If you’re ready to embark on your flying journey, FLYING has partnered with Flycore to offer a flight school matching service. Visit their website today and take your training to the next level.

How much does it cost to get a pilot's license in New York?

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in New York. For example, obtaining all available licenses and ratings from a dedicated flight school like the Academy of Aviation can cost around $75,000. In contrast, a four-year aviation degree with similar licenses and ratings from an institution like Farmingdale State College can total approximately $210,000.

Is it financially worth it to become a pilot?

Yes, it is financially worth it to become a pilot. Although the immediate cost of obtaining licenses and ratings can be costly, the long-term benefits of a pilot’s salary can help individuals promptly repay their flight training debt. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for airline and commercial pilots in 2023 was $171,210 per year.

How to become a pilot in New York?

Becoming a pilot in New York is like anywhere else in the country since flight schools must follow the same FAA regulations. The FAA website outlines the steps to becoming a pilot. Additionally, scheduling a discovery flight with a potential flight school can be a fantastic way to explore the skies for the first time.

Are any airlines paying for flight school?

Generally, airlines do not cover flight school costs upfront. However, several airlines partner with specific flight schools to offer tuition reimbursement programs that partially subsidize training expenses after students complete their education and meet specific employment requirements.

What is the average total cost of flight school?

Many factors affect the average total cost of flight schools; however, obtaining all available licenses and ratings can cost around $100,000.

Where do most airline pilots go to college?

Most airline pilots attend accredited colleges and universities with specialized aviation programs. However, in recent years, many airlines have dropped their requirement for a college degree, allowing pilots to secure airline jobs by simply attending dedicated flight schools without needing a bachelor’s or associate degree.