Flight training that fits your schedule and your goals.
Train out of Groton/New London Airport (GON) with experienced, FAA-certified instructors and a proven syllabus designed to keep you progressing.
Why train at Coastal Air
You’ll learn in a calm, towered-airport environment with the shoreline right off the wing. Groton/New London Airport offers the structure and radio experience of a controlled field without the congestion (and cost) of larger metro airports.
- Towered airport experience (real‑world radio work from the start)
- Lower traffic compared to major hubs = less waiting and more flying
- Scenic training area: the CT shoreline, Long Island Sound, and nearby islands
- Training 7 days a week, year‑round
Your first lesson
From the moment you arrive, your instructor will walk you through the airplane, the plan for the day, and what to expect in the air.
On your very first flight, you’ll do a surprising amount of the flying, then debrief on the ground and set up your next step.
Our instructors.
Ryan Gauthier Owner | DPE, ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI
Jason Roberts Chief Flight Instructor | AGI, IGI, CFI, CFII
Austin Venturini CFI
Jon Willson CFI
Nolan O’Connor CFI, CFII
Darryl Wright CFI
Tom Seymour CFI, CFII, MEI
Harrison Bied CFI
Jackson Goulding CFI
Try flying before
you commit.
Our Introductory Flight Lesson is the easiest way to experience flight. You’ll meet one of our instructors, preflight the aircraft and fly with your hands on the controls.
Training programs
Whether you’re flying for fun, family travel, or a future career, we’ll map out a plan that matches your timeline and budget.
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL)
your license to fly friends and family in VFR conditions. - Commercial Pilot
build skills and hours toward professional flying. - Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII)
train others while building time. - Instrument Rating
fly more reliably and confidently by learning IFR procedures. - Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) prep (as applicable)
for advanced career pathways.
How training works
- A clear syllabus
each lesson has a purpose, so you always know what’s next. - Progress checks
regular milestones to keep you on track for solo, written exam, and checkride. - A mix of flight + ground
learn the why on the ground, then apply it in the air. - Flexible scheduling
mornings, afternoons, and some evenings when lessons require.
Requirements (Private Pilot)
Most people meet the requirements to start flight training in the U.S.
- You may start training at any age.
- You must be able to read and speak English (the language of Air Traffic Control).
- Non‑U.S. citizens must meet TSA training requirements (we’ll help you through the steps).
- You can solo at 16; you must be 17 to earn a Private Pilot Certificate.
- You’ll need proof of identity (valid passport or original birth certificate).
- A basic FAA medical exam is required prior to solo flight (from an FAA-authorized medical examiner).
Cost & timeline
Learning to fly is an investment, and you pay as you go. How quickly you finish depends on how often you fly and how much you study between lessons.
- FAA minimum for Private Pilot License: 40 flight hours. The national average is 75 flight hours and we typically produce pilots between 55 – 75 flight hours.
- Flying more frequently helps you retain skills and can reduce overall cost.
- Typical pace: flying 3x/week often takes ~3–4 months; 1x/week can take ~9–12 months.
- Depending on your scheduling and preparedness, a good cost estimate to receive your PPL is $14,000 – $20,000.
Ready to take the first step?
Book an Intro Flight or call us—either way, we’ll help you map the easiest path to your goals.