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FAA Part 61 flight training

Training programs

One-on-one instruction from your first lesson to your professional certificates. You train at your pace, on your schedule, out of Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

How training works

Built around you, not a class calendar

We train under FAA Part 61. That means your instructor builds a plan around your goals, your availability and how quickly you learn. Package prices are published up front, and before you start we confirm in writing what your package includes and how any extra time is billed.

Consistency is the secret. Students who fly two or three times a week retain more between lessons, need fewer total hours and finish sooner.

Every GQ student gets

  • One-on-one instruction and a written training plan
  • A pre-flight briefing and post-flight debrief every lesson
  • Ground instruction matched to what you are flying next
  • Guidance and endorsement for the FAA knowledge test
  • A practice checkride, then sign-off led by our FAA Gold Seal flight instructor

Programs

Choose your next certificate

Each program has its own page with FAA requirements, what you'll learn, the aircraft you'll fly and answers to common questions.

Start here

Private Pilot

Your license to fly. Carry passengers and fly cross-country in good weather, day or night.

  • FAA minimum 40 hours, including 20 with an instructor and 10 solo
  • Solo at 16, certificate at 17
  • Train in our Cessna 150 or Piper Cherokee

GQ training package

$13,999
Next step

Instrument Rating

Fly in clouds and low visibility by reference to your instruments. It makes you a sharper, safer pilot.

  • Requires a Private Pilot certificate
  • 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time, 15 with a CFII
  • Package includes 20 hours of flight time and 10 hours in our simulator

GQ training package

$7,999
Go pro

Commercial Pilot

The certificate that lets you be paid to fly, and the foundation for a professional career.

  • 250 hours total flight time
  • Minimum age 18
  • Commercial maneuvers and checkride preparation

GQ training package

$9,999
Add-on

Multi-Engine Rating

Add twin-engine privileges in our Piper Seneca. Multi-engine time matters for airline hiring.

  • No minimum hours and no knowledge test for the add-on
  • 10 hours of dual in the Seneca and 3 hours of ground
  • Checkride-ready in as few as 3 days, weather and scheduling permitting

GQ training package

$4,999

FAA requirements per 14 CFR Part 61. Before you start, we confirm in writing what your package includes and any separate costs, such as FAA test and examiner fees. Packages can't be refunded once training has started.

Free ground school

Learn from our classroom

Our instructors record ground classes and post them free on YouTube. Start with these, then browse the full list.

Lesson 1: Start here

The first class of our private pilot ground course.

The short-field takeoff

Filmed in the cockpit, with a step-by-step breakdown of the takeoff.

Holding patterns

An instrument class on flying holds.

All ground school videos

Your flight path

From first flight to the flight deck

  1. 01

    Discovery flight

    Take the controls with a CFI beside you.

  2. 02

    First solo

    Fly the airplane on your own at 16 or older.

  3. 03

    Private pilot

    Fly friends and family in good weather.

  4. 04

    Instrument

    Fly safely in clouds and low visibility.

  5. 05

    Commercial

    Earn the certificate that lets you fly for pay.

  6. 06

    Multi-engine

    Step up to twins and the airline path.

Starting young? See flight lessons for teens.

Cost & scheduling

What will it cost?

We publish our package prices up front, so you can plan before you start.

Every student learns at a different pace. Our guide walks through the FAA minimums, typical hours, outside fees like the knowledge test and checkride, and how to keep your total down.

Ways to keep costs down

  • Fly two or three times a week so skills don't fade between lessons
  • Study ahead so flight time is spent flying, not explaining
  • Pass your knowledge test early in training
  • Get your FAA medical before you start

Not sure where to start?

A discovery flight is your first lesson, and it can count toward your certificate.

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