if you're question is not answered below, please contact us at any time. Visit our contact page

Contact us if you have any other questions and our staff will be happy to answer them.

How much does flight training cost?

Contrary to popular belief, flight training is very affordable. We offer the most competitive rates on Long Island, and we do everything possible to keep the costs of flight training down. We are pilots and love to fly too, so we understand the importance of keeping prices low.

Our standard price structure aims to alleviate any large financial burden all at once. Every training curriculum at Nassau Flyers is on a pay-as-you-go basis. We do not require you to lay out a large sum of money for your training up front. Therefore, you may train at a pace that suits your needs and budget.

The total cost of your training is directly related to the type of airplane you fly, and the number of hours it takes you to complete the FAA requirements. Our newer, more advanced airplanes cost more money to fly. However, you will earn the same license if you decide to fly in a cheaper airplane. Airplane rental charges are incurred only while the engine is running, and an hourly rate is charged for the airplane and the instructor. Many students pay as they go, while others choose to finance their cost of learning to fly with pilot training loans.

The cost of becoming a pilot is a solid investment in your future. Check out our current rates for detailed information on prices.

Do you offer a discount program?

Absolutely. As stated above NFI is determined to help keep out of pocket costs as low as possible. As a result, we offer a flying club membership.

You can become a member of the club by paying a one-time only initiation fee of $100. After that dues are $50 per month. Each month you will earn 1 free hour of instruction with an instructor (a $50 value). Consider the monthly dues as an investment right back into your own training!

As a flight student, the club will allow you to save approximately $30-$40 per flight lesson. Over the course of your training, a club membership can reduce the total cost of your training by over $1000.

As a renter, you will take advantage of the discounted rates, and you will have the opportunity to receive 1 free hour of instruction per month to cover anything you want with a Nassau Flyers instructor.

Can I receive Instruction in my own aircraft?

Yes, you may receive flight instruction from Nassau Flyers in your private airplane. You would only pay for the hourly rate of an instructor. You are responsible for the costs of operating your airplane.

What type of airplane will I use for flight training?

You may fly in any of our airplanes to earn your license. No matter what airplane you train in, you will receive the same pilot certificate. Therefore, one of our staff members will be happy to give you a tour of all of our aircraft, and you can decide to train in whichever one you like best.

If you need help deciding, we recommend you try different airplanes for your first few lessons so you can get a better idea of what each airplane has to offer. Different airplanes rent for different prices. Therefore we're happy to sit down with you to decide which type of aircraft would best suit your training needs.

It makes no difference what airplane you choose for flight training. Once you receive your pilot certificate you are eligible to fly any single engine land aircraft up to 12,500 lbs. This covers 90% of general aviation aircraft.

Take a virtual tour of all of the airplanes at Nassau Flyers. Click here to see our fleet!

What Skills are required to fly an airplane?

Learning to fly, while challenging, does not require any special skills or ability other than a strong desire to do it. If you have the motivation to learn, then you are ready to begin flying. Flying does not involve math skills beyond basic high school math.

what are the FAA requirements to obtain a pilot's license?

Once you have completed a flight training program you will meet or exceed all FAA requirements for the certificate you are seeking. Although we encourage you to track your own progress, your progress is always a topic of discussion for each and every lesson you take. You will never be left wondering what's next or if you meet the minimum requirements.

The FAA requirements for a Private Pilot Certificate are below. If you are seeking information about an Instrument rating or other FAA rating, click here.

1. Be at least 17 years old.
2. Be able to read, write and converse fluently in English.
3. Hold a current FAA 3rd class medical and Student Pilot Certificate.
4. Minimum 40 Hours of Flight Time
5. Pass a written test
6. Pass a flight test

As long as you are a US citizen you do not need special clearance. We do however have an airport badge sign up process which will provide you with access to our airport ramp.

If you are not a US citizen there are special TSA requirements. Contact the office and we'll be happy to provide you with the necessary information you need in order to obtain clearance. Contact us here.

Does NFI offer rentals or flight training to non US citizens?

Yes however there are some special requirements. Contact us for more information.

To master the skills necessary to be a safe pilot, most students take longer than the 40 hours required by the FAA. With a reasonable effort, you could get your license in 60-to-70 hours of instruction. The national completion time average, however, is about 70 hours and 7-to-12 months all depending on how often you fly.

Although you can choose to fly as much or as little as you want every month, keep in mind that flying is a skill that needs to be worked at. Taking long breaks between lessons will not progress you as fast as flying twice a month. Keeping it all fresh in memory and muscle memory is key to training efficiently.

How do I sign up for an airport badge?

Republic Airport has implemented the National Air Transportation Association security identification system. All persons needing access to the air side of the airport MUST have a badge. This has been strictly enforced since November 1, 2007. The informational training and badging is done online. The cost from the National Air Transportation Association is $ 70.00. The badge will be good for two years.

Click here to begin the sign up process.

I Already Have my license. Can I rent an airplane?

Nassau Flyers requires a checkout to demonstrate safety and proficiency with one of our instructors before you may rent our aircraft. See our Aircraft Section for information regarding standard and special checkout requirements.

We just want to make sure everyone is flying safely and having fun!

I've never flown in a small plane before, will I like it? Is it Safe?

If you generally do not have an issue flying in a large airliner you probably will not have a problem with a small airplane.

Everything we do involves some level of risk and flying is no exception. When flown by well-trained competent pilots, light airplanes are a safe and efficient means of transportation and are a lot of fun. The mechanical reliability of light airplanes is excellent – the systems are simple and time-tested. We train every pilot to be a safe pilot.

The car ride to the airport is statistically more dangerous then the flight itself.

When do you offer ground school & how do I sign up?

We offer ground school on a rotating basis. Classes are offered at night so you can attend after work or school. To sign up and find out about when our next ground school starts up for the rating you're after, contact us!

Is Nassau Flyers an FAA certified computerized testing center?

Yes. You can take your written exams right here at Nassau Flyers. All exams are computerized and allow us to show and print your results immediately after you are finished taking the test.

Do I need renters insurance?

No. Nassau Flyers carries it's own commercial insurance however if you would like extra coverage you are always welcome to carry your own on top of the insurance Nassau Flyers offers.

What Can I Do After I Get My Private Pilot Certificate?

Your life will never be the same (in a good way)! You'll have access to a new world of freedom. You will have the ability to fly under visual meteorological conditions (VMC) also known as "Visual Flight Rules" (VFR). You will have the complete confidence to go where you please when you please as long as you fly in good weather conditions.

After the private license, you can work on your Instrument Rating, which allows you to fly in low visibility weather conditions. With this new skill you may fly in a greater variety of weather conditions, thereby increasing the usefulness of your private pilot license.

You can also earn a Multi-Engine rating, and fly airplanes with more than one engine. To pursue a career as a professional pilot, you can earn a Commercial or Airline Transport Pilot certificates. If you like to teach, the Certified Flight Instructor ratings allow you to teach others how to fly.