Flight training questions, answered.
From getting started to cost and scheduling,
here’s what most new students want to know.
What are your current rates?
- Cherokee 140 – $168/hour
- Cherokee 180 – $184/hour
- Instruction – $79/hour
- Instruction in own aircraft – $90/hour
How do I get started?
What are the requirements to become a pilot in the U.S.?
How long does it take to get my license?
A student often takes about 40-50 lessons. Most lessons are 1.0–1.5 hours. If you fly three times per week, many students finish in 3–4 months. If you fly once per week, it can take 9–12 months. Your timeline is flexible and depends on your schedule.
What licenses and ratings do you offer?
Most students start with the Private Pilot Certificate. From there we offer training for Instrument, Commercial, CFI and CFII.
What can I do with a private pilot certificate?
Think of it as a license to learn. You can rent an aircraft and fly yourself (with passengers) in VFR conditions. Many pilots use it for day trips, weekend travel, and exploring places like Block Island or Nantucket as their experience grows.
Can I rent an aircraft or do I have to own one?
Where can I sign up?
Call (860) 445‑7315 or visit our contact page. We’ll help you choose the best next step based on your goals and schedule.
Will I be able to fly the airplane on my first lesson?
Yes! under your instructor’s supervision you’ll be flying during your very first lesson. Depending on conditions and your comfort level, you may even be able to take off on that first flight. As you build hours, you’ll quickly add communications, navigation, taxiing, takeoffs, and landings.
How much does it cost to get my license?
Learning to fly is an investment, but you pay as you go. The FAA minimum for a private pilot is 40 flight hours, though many students take more. Nationally, the average is over 75 hours. Many Coastal Air students finish in about 55-75 hours, often landing around $14,000–$20,000 depending on training frequency and preparedness.
What kind of aircraft do you have?
We operate four‑seat, low‑wing, single‑engine Piper Cherokee aircraft. 2 Cherokee 140s and 3 Cherokee 180s. The Cherokee is a great training airplane and relatively inexpensive to operate, which helps to keep your hourly costs down.
What’s next after I earn my private pilot certificate?
Many pilots continue to the Instrument Rating, which lets you fly through clouds under IFR and makes travel more reliable. From there, pilots choose paths based on goals such as recreational flying, advanced proficiency, or professional training.
When can I schedule lessons?
We train 7 days a week, year‑round. Standard lessons are typically scheduled between 8:00am and 6:00pm, with evening training available when lessons require it. We’ll do our best to accommodate your availability.
Will I always have the same instructor?
We’ll match you with an instructor who fits your schedule and learning style. You’ll fly most lessons with your primary instructor, and if a conflict comes up, other instructors may be available if you’d like.
Is Groton/New London Airport good for flight training?
Yes. Groton/New London Airport has a control tower, so you’ll get real‑world radio communications and procedures from day one without the heavy congestion common at busier towered airports. That often means fewer delays and more productive training time.
What you’ll see up here
Training out of Groton/New London Airport means you’ll practice real‑world towered operations while enjoying some of the best scenery in the Northeast—shoreline flying, the Sound, and nearby islands on cross‑country days.
- Southeastern Connecticut shoreline
- Long Island Sound and nearby islands
- Day trips (training-appropriate) as you progress: e.g., Block Island and Nantucket
Still have questions?
Send us a message or call and we’ll point you to the right next step.