The medical is one step in the Private Pilot License process.
What Are the Three Classes of FAA Medical Certificates?
The FAA issues three classes of medical certificates. Each class corresponds to the type of flying you plan to do. Higher classes have stricter health requirements and shorter validity periods. All three involve the same basic exam — the difference is in the standards the examiner applies and how often you need to renew.
| Class | Who Needs It | Valid Under 40 | Valid 40+ | Typical Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| First-Class | Airline transport pilots | 12 months | 6 months | $300+ |
| Second-Class | Commercial pilots (non-airline) | 12 months | 12 months | $250–$300 |
| Third-Class | Private, recreational, and student pilots | 60 months | 24 months | $250 |
A key detail: when a higher-class medical expires, it automatically downgrades. A First-Class medical that expires after 6 or 12 months still functions as a Third-Class medical for private flying until that validity period runs out. So if you get a First-Class now, you do not need a separate Third-Class later — it covers everything below it until each tier expires.
For a full breakdown of pilot training costs in NYC, including the medical exam fee, see our cost guide.
Which Medical Certificate Class Do You Need?
Your medical class depends on what kind of flying you want to do. Most people starting flight training need only a Third-Class medical. Here is a simple decision framework:
- Hobby or recreational flying: Third-Class medical. This is the least stringent exam and lasts up to 5 years if you are under 40. It covers everything a private pilot needs.
- Career path toward the airlines: First-Class medical. If your goal is to become a career pilot, get a First-Class early. It confirms you meet the strictest health standards before you invest years of training. If something disqualifying shows up, you want to know now.
- Commercial flying (not airlines): Second-Class medical. This covers commercial pilot privileges like aerial photography, banner towing, or cargo operations that do not require an airline transport pilot certificate.
SELECT YOUR PATH
NYC / AVIATOR.NYCNEW PILOTS: WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?
LICENSED PILOTS: SELECT TRAINING
FLY AS A HOBBY
Learn safely, step-by-step, and at your own pace.
A private pilot license in NYC typically costs $12,000–$18,000. Most students need 60–80 flight hours to reach checkride proficiency. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft rental at each stage — and over 60% with a $780 training bundle ($130/hr). Pay-as-you-go pricing with no membership fees or upfront commitment.
See the full private pilot license cost breakdown →Yes. You need at least a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate before you can fly solo. Most healthy adults pass without issues — the exam covers basic vision, hearing, and general health. Schedule your exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) early in training. Important: if you have ever been prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, or ADHD — even as a child — talk to an AME before investing heavily in training to avoid surprises.
How to get your FAA medical certificate for flight training →Yes. Aviator.NYC's FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics logs hours that count directly toward your private pilot certificate. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft rental — and over 60% with a training bundle — with no weather cancellations or maintenance delays. Train on 20+ aircraft configurations from Cessna 172 to Beechcraft Bonanza, all in Lower Manhattan.
FAA-approved flight simulator training in NYC →Most students earn their private pilot license in 4–12 months depending on training frequency. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but most students need 60–80 hours to reach checkride proficiency. A typical path: Weeks 1–2 in the simulator building foundations, Weeks 3–12 flying dual and solo at a local airport, then Months 3–12 completing cross-country flights and checkride prep. You control the pace — train around your work schedule.
Private pilot training timeline and milestones →Start with a 2-hour discovery session ($380) in Aviator.NYC's Manhattan simulator. No experience needed — your airline pilot instructor walks you through takeoff, flight, and landing. After your first session, you'll know if flight training is right for you. From there, a structured path takes you from simulator foundations to your first solo flight at a local airport.
Book your first flight lesson in Manhattan →Part 61 defines requirements for pilot certification. Part 141 defines requirements for school approval. Both use the same commercially available lesson plans and lead to the same FAA certificate. The key difference: under Part 61, every flight you take counts toward your certificate requirements. Under Part 141, off-syllabus flights don't count toward the 141 program. Part 61 dominates in NYC because the off-syllabus flexibility better serves students who train infrequently and want every flight hour to always count. Aviator.NYC operates under Part 61 — by design.
Part 61 vs Part 141 flight training — which is right for you →The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test is a 60-question multiple-choice exam covering aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and flight planning. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. Most students use online prep courses like Sheppard Air or Sporty's and pass within 2–4 weeks of focused study. Pass the written test early in your training — it builds confidence and lets you focus on flying skills.
Private pilot training steps and written exam prep →Instructor quality matters more than price. Look for instructors with airline or professional experience who teach part-time because they love it — not because they're building hours. Visit 1–2 schools in person. Ask about cancellation rates, aircraft availability, and whether they use FAA-approved simulators to reduce cost. For NYC-area students, the closest GA airports are Republic Airport (KFRG), Morristown Airport (KMMU), Essex County Airport (KCDW), Westchester Airport (KHPN), and Lincoln Park Airport (N07).
Best flight training airports near New York City →FLY AS A CAREER
From first lesson to professional pilot — one clear path.
The career path follows six stages: Private Pilot License → Instrument Rating → Commercial Certificate → Multi-Engine Rating → CFI Certification → Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Each rating builds on the previous one. You need 1,500 total flight hours for an ATP certificate, which most pilots build by instructing after earning their CFI. The entire pathway from zero experience to airline-eligible typically takes 4–6 years part-time or 18–24 months full-time.
See the complete career pilot roadmap — PPL through ATP →The complete career pathway costs roughly $80,000–$150,000+ spread across multiple ratings: Private Pilot ($22,250–$32,250), Instrument Rating ($9,250–$21,000), Commercial ($15,000–$50,000), Multi-Engine ($6,000–$8,000), and CFI ($3,000–$5,000). You don't pay this all at once — each rating is a separate phase. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% at every stage compared to aircraft time, and over 60% with training bundles. Once you earn your CFI, you earn $30–$60/hour while building the hours you need for airlines.
Full pilot license cost breakdown by rating →With consistent training, 18–24 months is realistic for the accelerated path. Most part-time students take 4–6 years. The bottleneck is building 1,500 total hours for an ATP certificate. After earning your CFI, instructing is the most common way to build hours while getting paid. Regional airlines are currently hiring pilots at 1,500 hours with competitive first-year pay.
Airline Transport Pilot requirements and timeline →The instrument rating is your next step. It teaches you to fly in clouds and low visibility using only your instruments — a requirement for every professional pilot path. The instrument rating requires 40 hours of instrument training (up to 20 hours can be in an FAA-approved simulator) and 50 hours of cross-country PIC time. Most working professionals complete it in 3–6 months.
Instrument rating — step 2 in the career pilot roadmap →Yes, for most career pilots. The CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certificate lets you earn $30–$60/hour teaching other pilots while building the 1,500 hours you need for airlines. It also deepens your own flying knowledge — teaching forces mastery. Requirements: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, 250+ total hours, and passing the CFI practical test. The training typically takes 20–30 additional flight hours.
CFI certification — step 5 in the career pilot roadmap →Airlines require a First Class FAA Medical Certificate. This is a more thorough exam than the Third Class medical used for private flying. It includes detailed vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and neurological screening. Most healthy adults pass. Get your First Class medical early — before investing in career training — to catch any potential issues. The exam is done by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and is valid for 12 months.
FAA medical certificate requirements for career pilots →Yes, extensively. The FAA allows up to 20 hours of simulator time toward your instrument rating, up to 50 hours toward your commercial certificate, and up to 25 hours toward your ATP. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft at the standard rate — and over 60% with training bundles — across every stage of the career path. Aviator.NYC's AATD features the Garmin G1000 NXi and GFC 700 autopilot used in modern training aircraft, so skills transfer directly to the airplane.
How FAA-approved simulator training reduces career pilot costs →The multi-engine rating is required for most airline jobs. There is no FAA minimum flight time required, but most students need 10–15 hours of training. Cost is typically $6,000–$8,000. Training covers VMC demonstrations, single-engine operations, and asymmetric thrust management. Most pilots complete it in 1–2 weeks of intensive training.
Multi-engine rating — step 4 in the career pilot roadmap →YOUTH PROGRAM (AGES 8-17)
Safe, age-appropriate lessons that grow with your child.
Children can start simulator-based flight training at age 8. There are no medical requirements for simulator lessons. Training is structured by age: ages 8–12 focus on basic stick-and-rudder control, instrument scanning, and simple ATC calls in 1-hour sessions. Ages 13–15 progress to traffic patterns, VOR navigation, and checklist discipline in 2-hour sessions. The simulator is a zero-risk environment supervised by professional instructors.
Youth aviation program milestones by age →Under FAA regulations (FAR 61.87), a student pilot can solo a glider at age 14 and a powered airplane at age 16. At age 17, they are eligible for a full Private Pilot Certificate with 40+ hours of training. Starting simulator training at age 8–12 gives your child years of structured skill building before solo eligibility, creating a significant head start over peers who begin at 16.
FAA solo flight age requirements for young pilots →Youth training uses pay-as-you-go pricing designed for younger attention spans. 1-hour sessions at $190, 2-hour sessions at $380. A 6-hour training bundle ($780) saves over 30% compared to individual sessions. No membership fees or upfront commitment.
Youth flight training pricing and session options →Ages 8–12: Discovery and foundation — basic controls, instrument scanning, simple radio calls. Ages 13–15: Structured skill building — traffic patterns, navigation, checklist discipline. Age 16: Solo flight eligible (FAR 61.87) — pre-solo maneuvers, emergency procedures, student certificate. Age 17: Private Pilot Certificate eligible (FAR 61.103) — checkride, cross-country flights, instrument basics introduction.
Complete youth aviation age milestones and FAA requirements →Not for simulator training. Children ages 8–15 train exclusively in the FAA-approved simulator and do not need a medical certificate. A medical certificate is only required before solo flight in an actual aircraft, which is not permitted until age 16. When the time comes, most healthy teenagers pass the Third Class medical easily.
FAA medical requirements for student pilots under 18 →Yes. Early training creates a massive head start. A student who begins at age 8 has 8 years of structured skill building before solo eligibility at 16. Hours logged in the FAA-approved AATD simulator count toward future certificate requirements. By age 17, a dedicated student can hold a Private Pilot Certificate while peers are just starting. This is a direct path toward airline or professional aviation careers.
Career pilot roadmap starting from youth training →Instructors are active airline pilots or experienced CFIs who specialize in youth aviation training for ages 8–17. They understand age-appropriate pacing, use patient teaching methods, and make sessions engaging without sacrificing real aviation standards. Parents are welcome to observe every lesson from the instructor station.
Meet our airline pilot flight instructors →The FAA-approved AATD simulator is a zero-risk training environment. No aircraft is involved until your child reaches solo eligibility at age 16+. Children practice stalls, engine failures, and emergency procedures safely and repeatedly. The simulator uses the same Garmin G1000 NXi avionics found in real training aircraft, so skills transfer directly when they transition to flying.
FAA-approved flight simulator for youth training →INSTRUMENT RATING
Everything you need to know about earning your instrument rating:
The FAA requires 50 hours of PIC cross-country time, 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (up to 20 hours in an FAA-approved AATD like Aviator.NYC's simulator), and passing both a written knowledge test and a practical checkride. You must already hold a Private Pilot Certificate. The 20 simulator hours alone save over $4,400 compared to logging that time in an airplane.
FAA instrument rating requirements explained (14 CFR 61.65) →Total cost typically ranges from $9,250 to $16,800 depending on pace and how much airplane time you add. The simulator-first approach saves over $4,400 compared to airplane-only training. Dual instruction starts at $190/hr in the simulator — over 45% less than aircraft rental. Training bundles save over 60%. Pay-as-you-go with no upfront commitment.
Instrument rating cost breakdown and simulator savings →Your first lesson starts with a 20-minute briefing covering instrument scan fundamentals and the G1000 NXi layout. Then 90 minutes of hands-on simulator time: straight-and-level flight by instruments only, basic attitude control, and an introduction to the instrument scan pattern. Your instructor is an airline pilot who flies IFR professionally — not someone learning alongside you. No experience with instruments required.
What to expect in your first IFR simulator lesson →Most working professionals complete their instrument rating in 3–6 months training 1–2 sessions per week. The 10-lesson simulator curriculum covers fundamentals through mock checkride. After the simulator phase, you transition to the airplane for cross-country time and real-world IFR experience. Consistent weekly sessions are more effective than sporadic blocks — instrument skills decay fast without regular practice.
Instrument rating training timeline and milestones →A structured 10-lesson progression: Lessons 1–2 build instrument scan and basic attitude flying. Lessons 3–5 introduce VOR navigation, holding patterns, and your first approach. Lessons 6–7 cover precision approaches (ILS, GPS). Lessons 8–9 add STARs, complex arrivals, and lost communications. Lesson 10 is a full mock checkride. Each session: 20-min briefing, 90-min simulator, 10-min debrief.
See the full 10-lesson IFR training plan →After building proficiency in the simulator, you take your instrument skills to the airplane at a local airport. The G1000 NXi in the simulator matches the avionics in common training aircraft (Cessna 172S, Cessna 182T), so the cockpit layout transfers directly. Cross-country flights build the PIC time required for your rating while practicing real ATC communications, weather decision-making, and approach procedures in actual conditions.
IFR simulator-to-airplane transition guide →The instrument rating checkride has two parts: an oral exam (~1.5 hours) covering regulations, weather theory, approach procedures, and decision-making scenarios; and a flight test (~2 hours) where you fly approaches, holds, intercepting and tracking courses, and demonstrate partial panel skills. The DPE will test unusual attitudes and recovery, and at least one missed approach. Lesson 10 in the curriculum is a full mock checkride that mirrors the real exam.
Instrument rating checkride preparation →IFR CURRENCY OPTIONS
Choose your IFR currency training option:
The FAA WINGS (Pilot Proficiency Program) lets you earn safety credit while rebuilding IFR proficiency. Aviator.NYC's LOFT scenarios are structured as WINGS activities — you get IFR currency practice and FAA safety credit simultaneously. Each scenario is a realistic cross-country flight with approaches, holds, and decision-making challenges designed by active airline pilots.
IFR currency through FAA WINGS simulator scenarios →Short, focused simulator sessions built around airports you actually fly to. Practice ILS, RNAV, and LOC approaches at local airports like Teterboro Airport (KTEB), Republic Airport (KFRG), Westchester Airport (KHPN), and Morristown Airport (KMMU). Complete your 6 approaches, holding, and tracking requirements in one or two sessions. No travel to an airport, no weather delays, no Hobbs time running while you brief approaches.
IFR currency approaches at NYC-area airports →Custom sessions built around your experience level, aircraft type, and specific currency needs. If you fly a Bonanza, we configure the G1000 NXi to match. If you need RNAV (GPS) approaches specifically, we build a profile focused on those. Your airline pilot instructor tailors the session to what you actually need — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Custom IFR currency training sessions →Guided IFR currency practice with an airline-experienced CFII. Includes structured approach profiles, real-time feedback on instrument scan and procedures, and FAA WINGS credit. Ideal if you've been out of the IFR system for a while and want professional guidance rebuilding precision. If your currency has lapsed beyond 6 months, you'll need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) — available as part of dual sessions. Dual sessions start at $380 for 2 hours.
Dual IFR currency training with instrument proficiency check →Independent simulator access for current IFR pilots at $170 for 2 hours. No checkout required — if you're familiar with G1000 NXi operations and know how to log approaches for currency, you can practice the required 6 approaches, holding, and tracking on your own. Solo practice saves roughly 75% compared to aircraft rental time. Available in bulk bundles for even greater savings.
Solo IFR currency simulator practice →How Do You Apply for an FAA Medical Certificate?
The application process has two parts: an online form and an in-person exam. Plan to complete both within 2–3 weeks. You can also apply for your student pilot certificate at the same time through the same system, which saves a step.
FAA Medical Certificate Application Steps
Complete MedXPress Online
Go to FAA MedXPress and create an account. Fill out FAA Form 8500-8 with your medical history, medications, and personal information. Be thorough and honest — the FAA cross-references records, and omitting information can lead to certificate denial or revocation later. After submitting, you will receive a confirmation number to bring to your exam.
Schedule an AME Appointment
Find an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) near you. AMEs are physicians authorized by the FAA to conduct pilot medical exams. You can search the FAA Designee Locator or use the NYC recommendations below. Call to schedule and ask about pricing and what to bring.
Disclose Medications and Conditions
If you take any medications or have a diagnosed medical condition, inform your AME before the appointment. This is especially important for ADHD medications, antidepressants, and other psychotropic drugs. The AME can tell you what documentation to prepare and whether additional evaluations are required. Do not stop taking prescribed medication without consulting your doctor.
Complete the In-Person Exam
The exam takes about 30–45 minutes. It includes vision testing (near and far), hearing, blood pressure, urinalysis, and a general physical evaluation. For First-Class applicants over 35, an EKG is also required. Most healthy applicants receive their medical certificate the same day.
Start Training While You Wait
You do not need a medical certificate to begin simulator training. Book a lesson with our airline pilot instructors today.
Where Can You Get an FAA Medical Exam in NYC?
Two AMEs are popular with NYC-area student pilots. Both handle all three classes of medical certificates and can process your student pilot certificate application at the same visit.
Manhattan: Dr. Glenn Dangelman
- Location: Wall Street area, Lower Manhattan
- Phone: 212-233-3040
- Pricing: $250 for Third-Class or Second-Class, $300 for First-Class, +$25 for EKG
- Note: Credit card processing fees may apply
New Jersey: Dr. Raymond Basri
- Locations: Morristown, NJ and Middletown, NY
- Scheduling: myflightmd.com
- Note: Convenient if you plan to train at Morristown Airport (KMMU) or other New Jersey fields
After your medical, the next step is choosing where to train. See our guide to the best flight training airports near NYC for a detailed comparison.
What Should You Know About ADHD and Mental Health Medications?
ADHD, depression, and anxiety medications are among the most common complications in the FAA medical process. This does not mean you cannot get a medical certificate — but it does mean the process takes longer and requires more documentation. The FAA has specific guidelines for psychotropic medications, and many pilots successfully obtain their medical after providing the right records.
Here is what to know:
- ADHD medications (stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse) are not approved for use while flying. However, if you were previously diagnosed with ADHD and are no longer on medication, the FAA may issue your medical after a waiting period and cognitive evaluation.
- Antidepressants: The FAA allows four specific SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, citalopram, escitalopram) under a special authorization program called SSRI Decision Path. Other antidepressants generally require you to be off medication and symptom-free for a period before applying.
- Do not hide anything. The FAA cross-references pharmacy records, VA records, and insurance claims. Omitting a condition or medication can result in permanent certificate denial — far worse than a temporary delay while you work through the process honestly.
- Consult your AME first. Before filling out MedXPress, call an AME and describe your situation. An experienced AME can tell you what documentation to gather, what waiting periods apply, and whether to defer your application until everything is in order.
What Is BasicMed and Who Qualifies?
BasicMed is an alternative to the traditional Third-Class medical certificate. It allows certain pilots to fly without holding a current FAA medical, using a regular doctor (not an AME) for a physical exam every 48 months instead. Congress created BasicMed in 2017 to reduce the burden on recreational pilots who fly small aircraft.
To use BasicMed, you must:
- Have held a valid FAA medical certificate at any point after July 15, 2006
- Never have had a medical certificate revoked, suspended, or withdrawn
- Complete a medical education course online every 24 months
- Get a physical exam from any state-licensed physician every 48 months
BasicMed is not for student pilots. You need to have held a prior medical certificate to qualify. If you are just starting flight training, you still need a standard Third-Class (or higher) medical. BasicMed becomes an option later in your flying career — particularly useful for hobbyist pilots who want to avoid the AME process for renewals.
BasicMed also comes with limitations: you cannot fly above 18,000 feet, faster than 250 knots, or with more than 5 passengers, and the aircraft must weigh under 6,000 pounds. For private recreational flying, these limits rarely matter.
Can You Start Flight Training Before Getting Your Medical?
Yes. You do not need a medical certificate to begin flight training. You can fly with an instructor (dual instruction) and use a flight simulator without any medical certificate at all. The medical is only required before your first solo flight — the point where you fly the airplane alone.
That said, we recommend getting your medical early in training for a practical reason: if a medical condition creates complications, you want to know before you have spent thousands of dollars on flight hours. Most students can get their medical within the first few weeks of training with no issues.
See our guide on how to get your student pilot certificate — you can apply for both the student certificate and medical through the same MedXPress system.
SELECT YOUR PATH
NYC / AVIATOR.NYCNEW PILOTS: WHAT'S YOUR GOAL?
LICENSED PILOTS: SELECT TRAINING
FLY AS A HOBBY
Learn safely, step-by-step, and at your own pace.
A private pilot license in NYC typically costs $12,000–$18,000. Most students need 60–80 flight hours to reach checkride proficiency. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft rental at each stage — and over 60% with a $780 training bundle ($130/hr). Pay-as-you-go pricing with no membership fees or upfront commitment.
See the full private pilot license cost breakdown →Yes. You need at least a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate before you can fly solo. Most healthy adults pass without issues — the exam covers basic vision, hearing, and general health. Schedule your exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) early in training. Important: if you have ever been prescribed medication for anxiety, depression, or ADHD — even as a child — talk to an AME before investing heavily in training to avoid surprises.
How to get your FAA medical certificate for flight training →Yes. Aviator.NYC's FAA-certified Advanced Aviation Training Device (AATD) with Garmin G1000 NXi avionics logs hours that count directly toward your private pilot certificate. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft rental — and over 60% with a training bundle — with no weather cancellations or maintenance delays. Train on 20+ aircraft configurations from Cessna 172 to Beechcraft Bonanza, all in Lower Manhattan.
FAA-approved flight simulator training in NYC →Most students earn their private pilot license in 4–12 months depending on training frequency. The FAA requires a minimum of 40 flight hours, but most students need 60–80 hours to reach checkride proficiency. A typical path: Weeks 1–2 in the simulator building foundations, Weeks 3–12 flying dual and solo at a local airport, then Months 3–12 completing cross-country flights and checkride prep. You control the pace — train around your work schedule.
Private pilot training timeline and milestones →Start with a 2-hour discovery session ($380) in Aviator.NYC's Manhattan simulator. No experience needed — your airline pilot instructor walks you through takeoff, flight, and landing. After your first session, you'll know if flight training is right for you. From there, a structured path takes you from simulator foundations to your first solo flight at a local airport.
Book your first flight lesson in Manhattan →Part 61 defines requirements for pilot certification. Part 141 defines requirements for school approval. Both use the same commercially available lesson plans and lead to the same FAA certificate. The key difference: under Part 61, every flight you take counts toward your certificate requirements. Under Part 141, off-syllabus flights don't count toward the 141 program. Part 61 dominates in NYC because the off-syllabus flexibility better serves students who train infrequently and want every flight hour to always count. Aviator.NYC operates under Part 61 — by design.
Part 61 vs Part 141 flight training — which is right for you →The FAA Private Pilot Knowledge Test is a 60-question multiple-choice exam covering aerodynamics, weather, navigation, regulations, and flight planning. You need a score of 70% or higher to pass. Most students use online prep courses like Sheppard Air or Sporty's and pass within 2–4 weeks of focused study. Pass the written test early in your training — it builds confidence and lets you focus on flying skills.
Private pilot training steps and written exam prep →Instructor quality matters more than price. Look for instructors with airline or professional experience who teach part-time because they love it — not because they're building hours. Visit 1–2 schools in person. Ask about cancellation rates, aircraft availability, and whether they use FAA-approved simulators to reduce cost. For NYC-area students, the closest GA airports are Republic Airport (KFRG), Morristown Airport (KMMU), Essex County Airport (KCDW), Westchester Airport (KHPN), and Lincoln Park Airport (N07).
Best flight training airports near New York City →FLY AS A CAREER
From first lesson to professional pilot — one clear path.
The career path follows six stages: Private Pilot License → Instrument Rating → Commercial Certificate → Multi-Engine Rating → CFI Certification → Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). Each rating builds on the previous one. You need 1,500 total flight hours for an ATP certificate, which most pilots build by instructing after earning their CFI. The entire pathway from zero experience to airline-eligible typically takes 4–6 years part-time or 18–24 months full-time.
See the complete career pilot roadmap — PPL through ATP →The complete career pathway costs roughly $80,000–$150,000+ spread across multiple ratings: Private Pilot ($22,250–$32,250), Instrument Rating ($9,250–$21,000), Commercial ($15,000–$50,000), Multi-Engine ($6,000–$8,000), and CFI ($3,000–$5,000). You don't pay this all at once — each rating is a separate phase. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% at every stage compared to aircraft time, and over 60% with training bundles. Once you earn your CFI, you earn $30–$60/hour while building the hours you need for airlines.
Full pilot license cost breakdown by rating →With consistent training, 18–24 months is realistic for the accelerated path. Most part-time students take 4–6 years. The bottleneck is building 1,500 total hours for an ATP certificate. After earning your CFI, instructing is the most common way to build hours while getting paid. Regional airlines are currently hiring pilots at 1,500 hours with competitive first-year pay.
Airline Transport Pilot requirements and timeline →The instrument rating is your next step. It teaches you to fly in clouds and low visibility using only your instruments — a requirement for every professional pilot path. The instrument rating requires 40 hours of instrument training (up to 20 hours can be in an FAA-approved simulator) and 50 hours of cross-country PIC time. Most working professionals complete it in 3–6 months.
Instrument rating — step 2 in the career pilot roadmap →Yes, for most career pilots. The CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) certificate lets you earn $30–$60/hour teaching other pilots while building the 1,500 hours you need for airlines. It also deepens your own flying knowledge — teaching forces mastery. Requirements: Commercial Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, 250+ total hours, and passing the CFI practical test. The training typically takes 20–30 additional flight hours.
CFI certification — step 5 in the career pilot roadmap →Airlines require a First Class FAA Medical Certificate. This is a more thorough exam than the Third Class medical used for private flying. It includes detailed vision, hearing, cardiovascular, and neurological screening. Most healthy adults pass. Get your First Class medical early — before investing in career training — to catch any potential issues. The exam is done by an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) and is valid for 12 months.
FAA medical certificate requirements for career pilots →Yes, extensively. The FAA allows up to 20 hours of simulator time toward your instrument rating, up to 50 hours toward your commercial certificate, and up to 25 hours toward your ATP. Simulator training at $190/hr saves over 45% compared to aircraft at the standard rate — and over 60% with training bundles — across every stage of the career path. Aviator.NYC's AATD features the Garmin G1000 NXi and GFC 700 autopilot used in modern training aircraft, so skills transfer directly to the airplane.
How FAA-approved simulator training reduces career pilot costs →The multi-engine rating is required for most airline jobs. There is no FAA minimum flight time required, but most students need 10–15 hours of training. Cost is typically $6,000–$8,000. Training covers VMC demonstrations, single-engine operations, and asymmetric thrust management. Most pilots complete it in 1–2 weeks of intensive training.
Multi-engine rating — step 4 in the career pilot roadmap →YOUTH PROGRAM (AGES 8-17)
Safe, age-appropriate lessons that grow with your child.
Children can start simulator-based flight training at age 8. There are no medical requirements for simulator lessons. Training is structured by age: ages 8–12 focus on basic stick-and-rudder control, instrument scanning, and simple ATC calls in 1-hour sessions. Ages 13–15 progress to traffic patterns, VOR navigation, and checklist discipline in 2-hour sessions. The simulator is a zero-risk environment supervised by professional instructors.
Youth aviation program milestones by age →Under FAA regulations (FAR 61.87), a student pilot can solo a glider at age 14 and a powered airplane at age 16. At age 17, they are eligible for a full Private Pilot Certificate with 40+ hours of training. Starting simulator training at age 8–12 gives your child years of structured skill building before solo eligibility, creating a significant head start over peers who begin at 16.
FAA solo flight age requirements for young pilots →Youth training uses pay-as-you-go pricing designed for younger attention spans. 1-hour sessions at $190, 2-hour sessions at $380. A 6-hour training bundle ($780) saves over 30% compared to individual sessions. No membership fees or upfront commitment.
Youth flight training pricing and session options →Ages 8–12: Discovery and foundation — basic controls, instrument scanning, simple radio calls. Ages 13–15: Structured skill building — traffic patterns, navigation, checklist discipline. Age 16: Solo flight eligible (FAR 61.87) — pre-solo maneuvers, emergency procedures, student certificate. Age 17: Private Pilot Certificate eligible (FAR 61.103) — checkride, cross-country flights, instrument basics introduction.
Complete youth aviation age milestones and FAA requirements →Not for simulator training. Children ages 8–15 train exclusively in the FAA-approved simulator and do not need a medical certificate. A medical certificate is only required before solo flight in an actual aircraft, which is not permitted until age 16. When the time comes, most healthy teenagers pass the Third Class medical easily.
FAA medical requirements for student pilots under 18 →Yes. Early training creates a massive head start. A student who begins at age 8 has 8 years of structured skill building before solo eligibility at 16. Hours logged in the FAA-approved AATD simulator count toward future certificate requirements. By age 17, a dedicated student can hold a Private Pilot Certificate while peers are just starting. This is a direct path toward airline or professional aviation careers.
Career pilot roadmap starting from youth training →Instructors are active airline pilots or experienced CFIs who specialize in youth aviation training for ages 8–17. They understand age-appropriate pacing, use patient teaching methods, and make sessions engaging without sacrificing real aviation standards. Parents are welcome to observe every lesson from the instructor station.
Meet our airline pilot flight instructors →The FAA-approved AATD simulator is a zero-risk training environment. No aircraft is involved until your child reaches solo eligibility at age 16+. Children practice stalls, engine failures, and emergency procedures safely and repeatedly. The simulator uses the same Garmin G1000 NXi avionics found in real training aircraft, so skills transfer directly when they transition to flying.
FAA-approved flight simulator for youth training →INSTRUMENT RATING
Everything you need to know about earning your instrument rating:
The FAA requires 50 hours of PIC cross-country time, 40 hours of actual or simulated instrument time (up to 20 hours in an FAA-approved AATD like Aviator.NYC's simulator), and passing both a written knowledge test and a practical checkride. You must already hold a Private Pilot Certificate. The 20 simulator hours alone save over $4,400 compared to logging that time in an airplane.
FAA instrument rating requirements explained (14 CFR 61.65) →Total cost typically ranges from $9,250 to $16,800 depending on pace and how much airplane time you add. The simulator-first approach saves over $4,400 compared to airplane-only training. Dual instruction starts at $190/hr in the simulator — over 45% less than aircraft rental. Training bundles save over 60%. Pay-as-you-go with no upfront commitment.
Instrument rating cost breakdown and simulator savings →Your first lesson starts with a 20-minute briefing covering instrument scan fundamentals and the G1000 NXi layout. Then 90 minutes of hands-on simulator time: straight-and-level flight by instruments only, basic attitude control, and an introduction to the instrument scan pattern. Your instructor is an airline pilot who flies IFR professionally — not someone learning alongside you. No experience with instruments required.
What to expect in your first IFR simulator lesson →Most working professionals complete their instrument rating in 3–6 months training 1–2 sessions per week. The 10-lesson simulator curriculum covers fundamentals through mock checkride. After the simulator phase, you transition to the airplane for cross-country time and real-world IFR experience. Consistent weekly sessions are more effective than sporadic blocks — instrument skills decay fast without regular practice.
Instrument rating training timeline and milestones →A structured 10-lesson progression: Lessons 1–2 build instrument scan and basic attitude flying. Lessons 3–5 introduce VOR navigation, holding patterns, and your first approach. Lessons 6–7 cover precision approaches (ILS, GPS). Lessons 8–9 add STARs, complex arrivals, and lost communications. Lesson 10 is a full mock checkride. Each session: 20-min briefing, 90-min simulator, 10-min debrief.
See the full 10-lesson IFR training plan →After building proficiency in the simulator, you take your instrument skills to the airplane at a local airport. The G1000 NXi in the simulator matches the avionics in common training aircraft (Cessna 172S, Cessna 182T), so the cockpit layout transfers directly. Cross-country flights build the PIC time required for your rating while practicing real ATC communications, weather decision-making, and approach procedures in actual conditions.
IFR simulator-to-airplane transition guide →The instrument rating checkride has two parts: an oral exam (~1.5 hours) covering regulations, weather theory, approach procedures, and decision-making scenarios; and a flight test (~2 hours) where you fly approaches, holds, intercepting and tracking courses, and demonstrate partial panel skills. The DPE will test unusual attitudes and recovery, and at least one missed approach. Lesson 10 in the curriculum is a full mock checkride that mirrors the real exam.
Instrument rating checkride preparation →IFR CURRENCY OPTIONS
Choose your IFR currency training option:
The FAA WINGS (Pilot Proficiency Program) lets you earn safety credit while rebuilding IFR proficiency. Aviator.NYC's LOFT scenarios are structured as WINGS activities — you get IFR currency practice and FAA safety credit simultaneously. Each scenario is a realistic cross-country flight with approaches, holds, and decision-making challenges designed by active airline pilots.
IFR currency through FAA WINGS simulator scenarios →Short, focused simulator sessions built around airports you actually fly to. Practice ILS, RNAV, and LOC approaches at local airports like Teterboro Airport (KTEB), Republic Airport (KFRG), Westchester Airport (KHPN), and Morristown Airport (KMMU). Complete your 6 approaches, holding, and tracking requirements in one or two sessions. No travel to an airport, no weather delays, no Hobbs time running while you brief approaches.
IFR currency approaches at NYC-area airports →Custom sessions built around your experience level, aircraft type, and specific currency needs. If you fly a Bonanza, we configure the G1000 NXi to match. If you need RNAV (GPS) approaches specifically, we build a profile focused on those. Your airline pilot instructor tailors the session to what you actually need — not a one-size-fits-all curriculum.
Custom IFR currency training sessions →Guided IFR currency practice with an airline-experienced CFII. Includes structured approach profiles, real-time feedback on instrument scan and procedures, and FAA WINGS credit. Ideal if you've been out of the IFR system for a while and want professional guidance rebuilding precision. If your currency has lapsed beyond 6 months, you'll need an Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) — available as part of dual sessions. Dual sessions start at $380 for 2 hours.
Dual IFR currency training with instrument proficiency check →Independent simulator access for current IFR pilots at $170 for 2 hours. No checkout required — if you're familiar with G1000 NXi operations and know how to log approaches for currency, you can practice the required 6 approaches, holding, and tracking on your own. Solo practice saves roughly 75% compared to aircraft rental time. Available in bulk bundles for even greater savings.
Solo IFR currency simulator practice →Frequently Asked Questions
How much does an FAA medical certificate cost?
Expect to pay $200–$300 depending on the class and the AME. In the NYC area, a Third-Class or Second-Class medical typically costs around $250. A First-Class medical costs around $300. An EKG, if required, adds about $25. These are out-of-pocket costs — health insurance generally does not cover FAA medical exams.
How long does an FAA medical certificate last?
It depends on the class and your age. A Third-Class medical lasts 60 months (5 years) if you are under 40, or 24 months (2 years) if you are 40 or older. A Second-Class lasts 12 months regardless of age. A First-Class lasts 12 months if you are under 40, or 6 months if you are 40 or older. When a higher class expires, it downgrades to the next class automatically.
What happens if you fail your FAA medical exam?
Failing is not common, and it is rarely permanent. If the AME finds an issue, they may defer your application to the FAA Aerospace Medical Certification Division (AMCD) in Oklahoma City for further review. The FAA may request additional tests, medical records, or specialist evaluations. Many initially deferred applicants eventually receive their medical — it just takes longer. An experienced AME can help you navigate the process and avoid unnecessary deferrals.
Can you fly with glasses or contacts?
Yes. The FAA requires that your vision be correctable to 20/20 for distance and 20/40 for near vision. If you wear glasses or contact lenses to meet these standards, your medical certificate will include a limitation stating "must possess correcting lenses." You simply need to wear your corrective lenses every time you fly. This is one of the most common limitations and is not a barrier to any class of medical.
Do you need a medical certificate to use a flight simulator?
No. Flight simulators do not require any medical certificate, pilot certificate, or FAA authorization to use. Anyone can train in a simulator at any time. This makes simulator training an excellent way to start learning while your medical application is being processed — or simply to build skills before committing to the full expense of in-aircraft training.
Can you get a pilot medical with ADHD?
It depends on your situation. If you were diagnosed with ADHD but are no longer on medication, you may qualify after a waiting period (typically 90 days off medication) and a cognitive/psychological evaluation. If you are currently taking stimulant medication (Adderall, Ritalin, Vyvanse), you cannot hold an FAA medical while on those drugs. The FAA does not approve any stimulant medications for pilot use. However, many pilots with an ADHD history successfully obtain their medical — consult an AME before applying to understand your specific path.
Official Resources
- FAA MedXPress — Online medical application
- FAA Designee Locator — Find an AME near you
- Guide for Aviation Medical Examiners — FAA's official AME reference
- AOPA Medical Resources — Guidance on medications and special issuance