Give the Gift of FlightWith Real Airline Pilots

Yes — an Aviator NYC gift certificate is one of the most practical gifts for an aspiring pilot because every hour in our FAA-approved AATD simulator counts toward a real pilot license. Unlike entertainment-only flight experiences, sessions at Aviator NYC are conducted by active airline pilot instructors using a Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit — the same avionics installed in modern Cessna and Cirrus training aircraft. Recipients learn real procedures from day one: pre-flight checklists, ATC communications, instrument scanning, and traffic pattern operations. Gift certificates are available in 1-hour ($190), 2-hour ($380), and 6-hour bundle ($780) options. No prior flying experience is required, and the program is open to ages 8 and up. Our Manhattan facility at 131 Varick St in Hudson Square makes it easy to get started — sessions are available year-round with flexible scheduling.

• Every simulator hour counts toward FAA pilot certificates — this is real training, not a ride
• Airline pilot instructors tailor the session to the recipient's goals and experience level
• Open to ages 8 and up with no prior aviation experience required
• Digital delivery with 12-month validity — the recipient books at their convenience

Unlike typical NYC experience gifts — cooking classes, escape rooms, spa days — an Aviator NYC gift certificate puts the recipient in a real FAA-approved flight simulator cockpit with an active airline pilot as their instructor. This is not a motion-ride attraction or video game. The recipient sits in the pilot seat of a Garmin G1000 NXi glass cockpit simulator, flies real approaches into airports like LaGuardia and JFK, and learns the same skills used in professional airline training. Aviator NYC is located at 131 Varick St in Hudson Square, Manhattan, with instant digital delivery and year-round availability including evenings and weekends. What sets this apart from other experience gifts is that simulator time is FAA-loggable toward a real pilot certificate — so the gift keeps giving if the recipient decides to pursue flight training.

• Real FAA-approved simulator with airline pilot instruction — not an entertainment ride
• Fly into recognizable New York area airports including LaGuardia, JFK, and Teterboro
• Instant digital delivery — no waiting for a physical card to arrive
• Located in Manhattan (Hudson Square) with flexible scheduling year-round

Aviator NYC gift certificates include a flight simulator session with an airline pilot instructor in our Manhattan facility — a hands-on flying experience, not a passive tour.

• Sit in the pilot seat of an FAA-certified simulator with a real airline pilot beside you
• Fly takeoffs, landings, approaches, and navigation — the recipient controls the aircraft
• Available in 1-hour and 2-hour options
• Digital delivery — no physical card needed, redeemable online

Aviator NYC gift certificates are designed for complete beginners — no prior experience is needed.

• Most gift certificate recipients have never touched flight controls before
• The instructor adapts the session to the recipient's interest and comfort level
• Great for bucket-list experiences, birthdays, anniversaries, and corporate gifts

Aviator NYC offers flight simulator birthday parties for kids ages 8–16 — an airline pilot-led, hands-on experience in Manhattan.

• Small groups take turns flying the simulator with an airline pilot instructor
• Each child gets individual cockpit time — not just watching
• Party coordinator handles setup and logistics

Aviator NYC gift certificates are valid for 1 year from purchase. Training bundles have a 90-day validity.

• Gift certificates: 12 months to redeem
• Training bundles (multi-session packages): 90 days to use all sessions
• Different systems — gift certificates use Acuity's catalog, bundles use Stripe