Why Fly with Friends?
A unique NYC experience that combines professional aviation training with social flying
Realistic Flight Scenarios
Fly approaches, practice procedures, or explore complex airspace—all without aircraft rental costs or weather delays. Perfect for pilots and curious friends alike.
Collaborative Flying
Work together on navigation, approach procedures, or advanced maneuvers. Share the experience whether you're certificated or just aviation-curious.
Memorable Group Experience
An engaging NYC activity that's more meaningful than typical entertainment. Share the cockpit with friends and create lasting aviation memories.
How It Works
From briefing to debrief, here's what to expect
Customize Your Session
Tell us your group's experience level and interests. We'll tailor scenarios to match—from beginner-friendly to advanced IFR practice.
Hands-On Flying
Each participant takes turns at the controls while others assist with navigation, checklists, and radio calls. Everyone stays engaged.
Debrief & Discussion
After flying, discuss techniques, decisions, and lessons learned as a group. Ask the instructor anything about aviation.
Need a Pilot's Perspective?
Active airline pilots, not a call center. Share your situation and we'll point you to the best next step.
Need Help Navigating All This?
There's a lot of information here. Two simple ways to get unstuck and move forward.
Try Our AI Assistant
- Acts like our personal assistant
- You share your goals once
- Instant link recommendations to our content
- Strong questions may unlock a booking or free consultation
Talk to a Real Pilot
- Prefer to skip AI? Use the form
- Your message arrives as an email to our airline pilot team
- We review it ourselves on our days off
- When a call helps, we invite you to a free phone consultation
Why the form? We're usually in the cockpit, not at a call center. A detailed message gives us context so we can call you back with specific, useful guidance and make the most of everyone's time.
Group Flying Session Pricing
Perfect for pilots and aviation enthusiasts
3-4 People
3-hour session with great flying time for everyone
- Ideal group size
- ~45-60 min flying time per person
- One airline pilot instructor
- Loggable time for certificated pilots
- Beginner-friendly and IFR-capable
5-6 People
Same 3-hour session with more participants
- Great for larger groups
- ~30 min flying time per person
- One airline pilot instructor
- Everyone stays engaged
- All experience levels welcome
Certificated pilots can log this time. Non-pilots get a fantastic introduction to flying. Everyone learns something new.
Why Aviator.NYC for Group Flights?
Major Airline Pilot as Your Instructor
Your instructor is a major airline pilot who flies jets for a living—not a retired instructor or part-timer building hours. This is their career, not a stepping stone.
FAA-Approved AATD Simulator
Train in our PFC GTX G1000 NXi simulator with GFC 700 autopilot. FAA-certified for building flight hours and sharpening skills from day one.
NYC Location
No commute to the airport. Train in the simulator during the week in NYC, then fly on weekends. Save time and maximize progress.
Real Progress, No Filler
Structured training focused on results. NYC pilots train smart—master procedures in the sim, then apply them confidently in the aircraft without redoing lessons.
Fly WithExperienced Airline Pilots.
Julian
ATP
Peter
ATP
Charles
ATP
Elijah
ATP
William
ATP
Ethan
ATP
Liam
Jack
Flight Simulator Center in NYC
FAA-certified G1000 simulator in Lower Manhattan
FAA-approved G1000 simulator in New York City with one-on-one training in a quiet, professional office—easy to reach by subway or PATH.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about group flight sessions
Can I bring friends who aren't pilots?
Absolutely! This experience is perfect for pilots who want to share their passion with curious friends. Our instructors make it engaging and accessible for all experience levels, from complete beginners to certificated pilots.
Can I log this time in my pilot logbook?
Yes! If you're a certificated pilot (student pilot or higher), you can log this time in an FAA-certified simulator. Our instructors will sign your logbook. This is particularly valuable for instrument currency or practicing procedures.
What can we practice in the simulator?
Almost anything! IFR approaches (ILS, RNAV, VOR), cross-country navigation, emergency procedures, unusual attitudes, challenging airports (Teterboro, JFK, Hudson River corridor), or just exploring how aircraft systems work. We'll tailor it to your group's interests.
Do we need to be at the same experience level?
Not at all. We regularly have groups with mixed experience—private pilots bringing non-pilot partners, student pilots with aviation enthusiast friends, or flying club members with varying certificates. Our instructors adapt the session to keep everyone engaged.
Is the G1000 the same as in real aircraft?
Our simulator uses the Garmin G1000 NXi, which is the same system found in modern training aircraft like Cessna 172s and Diamond DA40s. The procedures, button presses, and displays are identical to the real thing.
Can we practice for an instrument rating checkride?
Yes! Many pilots use our simulator to practice specific approaches or procedures before checkrides. While this isn't a formal instrument rating ground school, it's excellent for hands-on practice and building confidence with IFR procedures.
What if no one in our group is a pilot?
Perfect! Many groups are all non-pilots—friends looking for a unique NYC activity, couples wanting something different, or aviation enthusiasts curious about flying. Our instructors make it fun and educational regardless of experience.
Can we fly approaches from specific airports?
Yes! We can load approaches from airports around the world. Want to practice the ILS 13R at JFK, the RNAV 6 at Teterboro, or the tricky approach into Jackson Hole? Just let us know what you'd like to experience.
How do we split the cost?
The $570 session fee is per group, not per person. For 4 people, that's $142.50 each. For 3 people, it's $190 each. Many groups split it evenly, though some pilots cover more if they're bringing non-pilot friends.
How do we book a group session?
Use the contact form on this page to tell us your group size and what you're interested in practicing or experiencing. We'll confirm availability and send booking details. You can also book directly through our online system for standard 3-hour sessions.
Book Your Group Session
Perfect for pilots bringing curious friends or groups of aviation enthusiasts. Certificated pilots can log time in our FAA-approved simulator.