Flight Training FAQ: Pilot Certificate, Cost, and Enrollment Questions

Can I go on an introductory flight prior to enrolling in a course?

For many people, learning to fly is a goal they have dreamed about for years. If you have never experienced flying in a small aircraft, an introductory flight is available; however, we recommend beginning with a personal flight training consultation. Century Air is a professional flight school focused on students who are serious about learning to fly, so rather than simply promoting introductory flights, we take the time to explain the training process, discuss your goals, and help you understand the best path toward earning your pilot certificate. Once enrolled, you can begin logging hours toward your certificate or rating. Century Air offers personal consultations at our facility at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Fairfield, New Jersey, seven days a week. Call (800) 486-2368 to schedule your consultation and take the first step toward becoming a pilot.

How long does it take to get a pilot certificate?

Most people will achieve their private pilot’s certificate between 70-80 hours of flight time. This includes time spent with a flight instructor (dual) and time spent flying alone (solo). How long the course will take is up to you. Century Air offers one-on-one instruction so you are able to schedule classes and flights at your convenience and availability. Usually three to four hours of flying time per week is a good learning rate and should average a six-month program for the private pilot applicant. Full time students should be able to complete the private pilot program in 8-10 weeks and/or the professional program (private, instrument, commercial and multi-engine) in 6-8 months. At Century Air in Fairfield, New Jersey, most students earn their Private Pilot Certificate in approximately six months. Students training in the New York and New Jersey area should account for occasional weather delays, which are factored into the schedule. Contact us to discuss a training timeline based on your specific availability.

How much does it cost?

Flight training costs vary based on the program pursued and the number of flight hours individually required. At Century Air in Fairfield, New Jersey, a Private Pilot Certificate under our FAA Part 141 program typically runs between $ 24,000-28,000 depending on hours flown. A full Professional Pilot Program from zero hours through Commercial and/or Multi-Engine rating typically ranges from $75,000 to $100,000 or more, depending on the specific program and hours logged. These figures reflect current 2026 pricing in the New York and New Jersey flight training market. To request a brochure with detailed course pricing, click on the “Request A Brochure” button above. Financing options are available through Flight Training Finance, Stratus Finance and other aviation lending sources.

Should I attend an aviation university if I want to be a career pilot?

Contrary to popular belief, it is not necessary to go to an aviation university to become a career pilot. . If you desire to obtain a 4-year college degree, it is important to know that it is not a requirement to obtain your degree in aviation to become a career pilot. In most situations it may be more beneficial to obtain your college degree in another field of aviation such as business or management, or another concentration all together as this offers you an alternate or secondary career choice. If you would like to attend a college offering an aviation program, Century Air is affiliated with the Utah Valley University (UVU) which offers on-line degree programs in aviation. Century Air has many graduates who have attended UVU’s aviation degree programs and have been successful in earning their degree while training for their pilot certificates and ratings. For pilots who want both flight training and an accredited college degree, Century Air’s affiliation with Utah Valley University (UVU) allows students to earn FAA pilot certificates and an aviation degree simultaneously from our base at Essex County Airport, Fairfield, New Jersey.

Do you have student loan programs?

Century is approved to offer students loans through Pilot Finance Corporation. You may contact us for additional information and applications, or you can go to www.pilotfinance.com to obtain more information or fill out the application on-line.

Stratus Financial offers a conventional loan structure allowing students to borrow up to $130,000 for their pilot education. They also allow students to defer the loan until training is completed. This is an excellent choice for most students enrolling in the Professional Pilot Program and who also want to earn the Flight Instructor Certificate, CFI and MEI.

Flight Training Finance offers a less conventional type of lending, and students are given a line of credit that they essentially borrow from as they attend training. This is more geared toward a student enrolling in the Private Pilot Course only or has not decided whether he/she will be pursuing a full career program in aviation.

AOPA is also good option that offers financing for flight training. However, their current maximum loan amount is $20,000, and AOPA membership is required to apply.

Can veterans use GI Bill benefits for flight training at Century Air?

Yes. Century Air is approved for veterans using GI Bill education benefits for flight training. Eligible veterans may apply Chapter 33 (Post-9/11 GI Bill) or Chapter 30 (Montgomery GI Bill) benefits toward pilot certificate programs at our Essex County Airport facility in Fairfield, New Jersey. Century Air is also approved for New Jersey State Workforce Programs. Contact us at (800) 486-2368 or visit our Veterans Benefits page for details on how to use your benefits at Century Air.

Where is Century Air located and how do I get there from New York City?

Century Air is located at Essex County Airport (KCDW), 19 Wright Way, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004. The school is approximately 25 miles from Manhattan (Lincoln Tunnel or GW Bridge), and just a 30-35-minute drive. Essex County Airport is accessible from all major New Jersey Transit rail and bus routes from Newark Penn Station and is a short Uber/Lyft trip into Northern New Jersey. We are open Monday through Friday 8 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM. Call us at (800) 486-2368 to schedule flight training consultation – no obligation.

What type of aircraft do you have?

Century Air operates a large fleet of Cessna (P, SP and G1000 models), Piper and Cirrus aircraft giving students experience in a variety of aircraft types from initial training through advanced professional and transition training. Safety and aircraft maintenance are among our highest priorities, and our fleet is maintained as part of a comprehensive, ongoing maintenance program designed to exceed FAA minimum requirements.

Students can train with confidence knowing that Century Air is committed to maintaining the airworthiness, reliability, and high standards of every aircraft used in our programs at Essex County Airport. Students may also train in their own aircraft, whether pursuing a certificate or rating, completing recurrent or proficiency training, or receiving aircraft-specific instruction. All aircraft used for training at Century Air must meet our standards for airworthiness and safety before being accepted into our training programs.

Can I fly during the winter months?

It is a misconception that flight training is a seasonal endeavor. On the contrary, flight training can, and should be, conducted year-round as well as into the evening hours. It is important for pilots to experience flying in all seasons and different types of weather environments. Training in the New York and New Jersey area offers exposure to Class B, C, and D airspace, real IFR weather conditions, and a range of seasonal flying environments that prepare pilots for real-world aviation careers far more effectively than year-round VFR-only training climates. Century Air students fly in and around some of the most complex airspace in the United States, which is an invaluable part of their professional development.

What are your business hours?

Century Air offers flight training seven days per week. One-on-one flight instruction allows a flexible training schedule which may include early morning, daytime and late evening hours. Century Air office and dispatch hours are Monday-Friday between the hours of 8AM-7PM and until 6PM on weekends. Consultations are available during office hours. Our facility at Essex County Airport (KCDW), 19 Wright Way, Fairfield, New Jersey, is accessible to students from New York City, Northern New Jersey, and the surrounding area throughout the week.

What is the enrollment process?

Students must first schedule and attend a consultation prior to beginning the enrollment process (International and out-of-state students may accomplish this step by a virtual ZOOM meeting). Each course has a minimum number of required hours (set by the FAA for approved schools), and an average number of hours for completion. Each course requires a tuition deposit towards training before beginning. During the enrollment, students will receive their books and materials for the course and will place the first training deposit on account. The amount of time it takes to complete a flight training course is solely up to you. There are guidelines for completion, however; all students will attend one-on-one training and will complete the course in their own time frame as discussed and scheduled during the enrollment.

Course brochures include more information on training and the costs for each course. You may request a brochure by contacting us (via phone or e-mail), and/or you may schedule a consultation to attend an on-site introduction at the flight training center. This is an opportunity to become educated on the entire process of learning to fly and/or earning advance ratings and certificates, but most importantly you will learn how Century Air can successfully help you obtain your goals. Call to make your appointment today!

When are classes starting?

At Century Air you will attend classes as determined by your personal schedule. All training sessions are conducted one-on-one with your instructor (whether ground or flight training) and can be scheduled to begin once you are enrolled in a specific course. Depending on whether you are a full or part time student, you will be expected to attend a certain number of sessions per week, as determined during your enrollment. Between classes, students will be required to complete a variety of self-study and Computer Based Training (CBT) lessons as well.

What if I own my own aircraft?

Century Air is one of the few insurance-approved training facilities in the USA for aircraft owners. We offer training in all single and multi-engine piston aircraft including Cessna, Piper, Beechcraft, Mooney and larger cabin class Cessna 340 and 421 series. We offer both Initial and Recurrent training programs for aircraft owners allowing them to train to proficiency in the MCX or G1000 simulators prior to transitioning into their personally owned aircraft. Pilots who complete the course are assured they are proficient to conduct safe and successful flight operations in their own aircraft. Completion of a recurrent or initial aircraft training program will receive a certificate of completion for their insurance company.

What makes Century Air different than other schools? Century Air offers a level of experience, professionalism, and in-house testing capability that sets us apart from other flight schools. The owner and Chief Pilot of the flight school are both FAA Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), bringing exceptional knowledge of FAA standards and experience directly into our training environment. All FAA practical (Flight) testing for pilot certificates and ratings, as well as FAA knowledge (written) testing can all be accomplished conveniently in-house at our training facility in New Jersey. With two FAA Designated Pilot Examiners on staff, and dedicated FAA written testing proctors available during office hours, Century Air will provide you with an invaluable aviation education (7 days a week) without leaving the training facilities at the Essex County Airport.