Recurrent Training FAQ in New Jersey: Simulator, Aircraft and Insurance Questions

Why do I need aircraft recurrent training?

Airlines have long relied on recurrent training as an important part of maintaining their strong safety record. At Century Air, we believe the same professional training principles should apply to General Aviation. Our initial and recurrent training programs go beyond simply meeting minimum requirements. They are designed to help pilots maintain proficiency, sharpen their skills, and develop greater confidence and mastery of their aircraft.

If your goal is to become a safer, more proficient pilot—not simply “check the boxes”—Century Air provides the professional training and experience to help you achieve it. All training is conducted at our facility at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Fairfield, New Jersey, conveniently located approximately 30 minutes from New York City.

How long is the initial or recurrent training program?

Recurrent programs for aircraft owners are typically completed in 1-2 days, while initial programs will take an average of 3-4 days, depending on the type of aircraft. Initial programs will also require a number of hours of initial aircraft operating experience (IOE) to be conducted in the owner’s aircraft following the ground and simulator phase of the program.

Do you have a flight simulator?

Yes. Century Air operates a dedicated Simulator Training Center at Essex County Airport (KCDW) in Fairfield, New Jersey, featuring two FAA-approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AATDs) for both beginner and advanced training.

Our Garmin G1000 Mentor provides realistic glass-cockpit training for pilots flying G1000-equipped aircraft, including the Cessna 172SP, Cirrus SR20 and SR22, and other modern aircraft. It is an excellent platform for learning and mastering G1000 avionics before transitioning to the airplane. Our Redbird Full-Motion MCX provides an immersive training experience for both single- and multi-engine aircraft, including G1000 glass-panel operations. Pilots can safely practice instrument procedures, emergency scenarios, and challenging flight conditions that may be difficult or impractical to reproduce in an aircraft.

Both simulators can be utilized for IFR training, Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), pilot evaluations, and Century Air’s FAA Part 141-approved training programs. Together, they provide an efficient and effective way to build proficiency, confidence, and real-world flying skills in a safe, controlled environment.

What topics are covered during recurrent training?

To prepare pilots for real-world operations, recurrent and initial programs at Century Air begin with ground instruction covering airworthiness, aircraft-specific systems, and IFR procedures, then progress to the flight simulator. Normal VFR and IFR operations, along with a wide range of emergency scenarios, are covered in the simulator using CRM (Crew Resource Management) and LOFT (Line Oriented Flight Training) methodologies, the same techniques used in airline and corporate aviation training. All recurrent and initial training is conducted by Captain Richard Greene with assistance by our highly trained staff of professional flight instructors at our Essex County Airport training center in Fairfield, New Jersey.

Can you provide training in my own airplane?

Yes. Century Air provides initial and recurrent training in your own aircraft. Whenever possible, we recommend completing the aircraft portion of your training in the airplane you regularly fly, allowing you to develop greater proficiency and confidence with its specific systems, avionics, and handling characteristics.

Your aircraft may be used to complete an initial training program or the Flight Review (FR) following the simulator portion of recurrent training.

Where can I stay during my training?

The La Quinta Inn and Suites in Fairfield, New Jersey is located approximately 1 mile from our training facility at Essex County Airport (KCDW). A variety of restaurants are within walking distance of the hotel. Century Air can provide transportation to and from your hotel and will coordinate your logistics when you schedule your training. For pilots seeking additional accommodation options near Essex County Airport (aka Caldwell Airport), we recommend contacting us directly and we will assist with hotel arrangements based on availability.

What happens when I complete my training?

Upon completion of your training program, you will receive the appropriate endorsements in your log book, and Century Air will provide you with a certificate of completion to submit to your aircraft insurance company. It is recommended by most insurance companies that most aircraft owners attend a recurrent training program and renew currency on an annual basis.

How do I find out more about your aircraft specific courses?

Contact Century Air to learn more about the training available for your specific aircraft. We can provide course information, including training options, estimated costs, and the typical timeframe for completion. You may contact us by phone or email, or schedule a consultation at our Fairfield, New Jersey training center to discuss your aircraft, experience, and training goals with one of our aviation professionals.

What is the cost of recurrent training?

The cost of initial and recurrent training at Century Air varies depending on the aircraft type and the training required. For aircraft-specific course information and pricing, contact Century Air at (800) 486-2368 or info@centuryair.com, or submit a request through our Request Information page.

What services are available at Essex County Airport (KCDW)?

If you will be flying into Essex County Airport for training, we have a variety of services available for your stay. Fuel and overnight aircraft services are available at Air Bound Aviation. Please let us know your requirements when scheduling your training and we will reserve your rental car and hotel as well as coordinate your aircraft parking and fueling services as needed. Essex County Airport (KCDW) is located at 19 Wright Way, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004, approximately 30 minutes from Midtown Manhattan, making Century Air’s Simulator Training Center one of the most accessible recurrent training facilities in the New York area for pilots flying in from the East Coast.

Where is Century Air located and how do I get there?

Century Air’s Simulator Training Center and recurrent training facility is located at Essex County Airport (KCDW aka Caldwell Airport), 19 Wright Way, Fairfield, New Jersey 07004. The facility is approximately 25 to 30 miles from Midtown Manhattan, a 30-minute drive via I-280 West from the Lincoln Tunnel. It is accessible from throughout the New York and New Jersey metro area. Dispatch hours are Monday through Friday 8 AM to 7 PM and Saturday and Sunday 8 AM to 6 PM. Contact us at (800) 486-2368 or info@centuryair.com to schedule your training or arrange logistics for your visit.

What makes Century Air the best choice for my recurrent training? Century Air’s recurrent training is backed by the experience and leadership of Captain Richard Greene—a retired American Airlines Captain, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, and aviation professional with more than 50 years of experience. Our programs bring airline-level training standards to General Aviation, emphasizing aircraft mastery, emergency preparedness, and pilot proficiency. Combined with advanced simulator and aircraft-specific training, Century Air provides a level of knowledge, experience, expertise, and professional training that is rarely found in general aviation today.