Yes. VFA currently offers introductory flights, which we call Discovery Flights. Our basic Discovery Flight costs $159 and includes a brief ground lesson in addition to an hour of flight time. We also offer longer flights as requested. Our instructors are available every day of the week for Discovery Flights – call any time to check schedule options.

That depends on how often you can fly each week. Typically, if a student schedules 2 lessons each week, training can be completed in 5-6 months. However, we can tailor the program to fit your needs. Many of our students take several lessons a week, depending on their schedules. A typical lesson lasts 2 hours and includes both ground and flight instruction. Most students will obtain the Private Pilot Certificate after obtaining between 40 and 65 hours of flight training.

You will be assigned a primary CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), who will be responsible for your training program. Occasionally your instructor will schedule a lesson with another instructor to obtain another objective perspective of your progress. These are called “stage checks” and can be helpful during the training process. To learn more about our current flight instructors, click here.

Yes. A student pilot, to be eligible to solo, must obtain at least a “third class medical certificate” by undergoing a physical exam administered by an FAA-designated physician. These physicians are called Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs), and they are typically family or occupational health doctors who practice at area clinics and hospitals. If you are in good health, obtaining a medical is not difficult, and it’s fine if you wear glasses or contacts. Feel free to discuss any significant health history or current medical conditions with your instructor to determine if there will be an issue obtaining a medical.

3rd class medical certificates must be renewed every 60 calendar months if the pilot is under age 40 and every 24 calendar months thereafter. You flight instructor can provide a list of local AMEs upon request.

Yes. While you can take flying lessons at any age, a student pilot must be no younger than 16 to solo and at least 17 to be eligible for the Private Pilot certificate.  There is no upper limit for age, provided a pilot routinely renews his or her medical certificate.

VFA is a unique group of very highly skilled and experienced aviation professionals. We know how to maintain a fun and rewarding atmosphere while attaining the highest standards of excellence in flight training. Our number one goal is helping you achieve success. Check out our About Us page to learn more about our organization!

Yes. VFA accepts students who fulfill the visa and TSA requirements for flight training students in the United States. If you are a non-US citizen, you can find out more about your specific requirements for flight training here.

Yes! If you are properly rated, you simply need to receive brief instruction in the type of plane you wish to rent and take a “rental checkout quiz”. Typically the necessary instruction will consist of a brief ground session and a short flight with an instructor to verify that you are able to safely operate the new airplane.

Vermont Flight Academy’s normal operating hours are 9 to 5, 7 days a week. However, each student works with his or her flight instructor on an individual basis, so you can choose to fly with them as your two schedules permit (earlier than 9am or later than 5pm). The important thing is to schedule flights in advance to make sure there is an aircraft available for you.

The cost of flight training is highly variable and dependent on a number of factors. Please see our rate sheet.