Training is conducted by our FAA approved flight instructors: CFI or CFII. Flight training programs at Meriden Aviation Center are custom tailored to the students’ timeline and availability using the Jeppesen training system. Below you can see the training programs we offer.

Training programs offered:

• Private Pilot License (PPL)
• Instrument Rating
• Commercial Pilot (CPL)
• Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
• Ground School Classes
• Complex Ratings/Endorsements/Proficiency Reviews

Introductory Flight

The first step in the process of learning to fly is the introductory flight, your first time at the controls learning the basics. Spend about an hour with an instructor learning about the aircraft and then flying for 1 hour. The intro flight can be logged as flight training in your logbook. The first step in your journey to become a licensed pilot. After your Intro Flight, your training is pay-as-you-go; for the training aircraft, it’s $198/hour (includes fuel) and $75/hour for CFI.
*Discounted rates are offered for 10-hour pre-pay packages (your Instructor will give you details).
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Private Pilot License

While there are no special requirements to start, there are a few things that must be met to accomplish all phases of your training. To solo an aircraft you must be at least 16 years old, pass a physical from a FAA approved doctor and be able to read, speak and understand English. FAA regulations require you to have a minimum of 40 hours of flight time to become a private pilot. However, the average for most people is between 60 - 70 hours. Flight training will include time with the instructor (dual) and without the instructor (solo). It will also include night training and flights to other airports in the surrounding area. How long it take to complete the required training is up to you.
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Advanced Training

At Meriden Aviation Center we offer the following Advanced Flight Training for any private pilot looking to improve their piloting skills. In our aircraft or yours. With the advent of the new Airman Certification Standards (ACS), make your training count with our knowledgeable instructors.

Instrument Instruction: A natural step after the Private Pilot Certificate. Whether you get the rating or not, instrument training will make you a safer and more confident pilot. Plus your insurance company will be able to offer lower premiums.
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Commercial Pilot Certificate: Once you build up the required time we can train you to obtain your commercial pilot certificate so that you can earn money while fulfilling your flying passion at the same time.
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CFI and CFII Training: For those with the desire to teach and give back to the aviation community and earn money at the same time, we can train you to become a Certified Flight Instructor and Instrument Flight Instructor.

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Instrument Proficiency Checks: Being Instrument rated and current is one thing but staying proficient is more difficult. If you have not flown under instrument conditions in a while an IPC check will give you the confidence to fly your aircraft in the challenging instrument environment.
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Flight Reviews: Every 2 years the FAA requires all pilots to complete a flight review in order to exercise the privilege of being pilot in command. At Meriden Aviation Center our certified flight instructors will work with you in the air and on the ground to make the review a positive and rewarding experience.
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Complex and High Performance Endorsements: Learn how to pilot an aircraft with more than 200 horsepower and/or variable speed propeller and landing gear systems. Our Meriden Aviation Center instructors can provide the necessary training that will allow you to fly aircraft you never dreamed about before. The Complex endorsement usually takes 5-10 hours of training. Once you have completed your training you'll have access to faster aircraft, great for longer trips! They take more weight so you can bring the whole family and still have room for the golf clubs!
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GPS Training

Better flight planning, greater situational awareness and simply more approach choices are some of the benefits provided by GPS or tablet-based navigators. For Advanced Pilots and Students these tools offer a new level of capability and utility--as well as enhanced safety--in flight. Meriden Aviation Center believes that knowing your avionics and mastering its "buttonology" are critical training points for optimal cockpit performance in an IFR environment. We can give you that training in our own WAAS-enabled GPS aircraft or in yours, to get you proficient, current and confident in our airspace system. Call and talk to one of our CFIIs to create a customized program for You!
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