Minutes from Downtown Manhattan and Philadelphia
FAA Part 61 Certified • Two Locations • Affordable Rates
PPL, IFR, CPL, CFI, CFII. Structured single-engine training with experienced CFIs at $65/hr instruction. Flexible scheduling around your life.
Take the controls for the first time on a 45-min discovery flight,
Rent our C172N or Piper Warriors with fuel card included. Join our flying club for discounted rates. 24/7 availability via FlightCircle.
FlightCircle scheduling and a growing network of aviation partners to support your training journey from day one.
Three experienced FAA-certified instructors and co-owners invested in your success. Real training, real relationships, real results.
Professional aircraft ferry flights nationwide. Delivery, repositioning, and ferry permit assistance by FAA-certified pilots. Email or call 610-523-FLYS (610-523-3597).
Every instructor holds current FAA certificates. Structured, disciplined, real-world instruction.
Book at any hour that works for you. Our fleet and instructors are available around the clock.
All rental aircraft come with a fuel card. No separate fuel payments — included in your rate.
Built for pilots from all backgrounds — discipline, opportunity, and upward momentum.
Click a location to explore directions & details.
Located at Linden Airport (KLDJ), New Jersey. Professional instruction, competitive rates, and the closest location to New York City. Your aviation career starts here.
Located at Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE). Serving the greater Philadelphia metro area with the same professional instruction, competitive rates, and community.
Professional instruction from experienced CFIs. Flexible scheduling designed around your life. From first discovery flight through advanced certifications.
Take the controls for the first time. Experience real flight before committing to training.
Complete a brief FAA medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner. We can recommend local AMEs.
Start dual flight instruction and ground school. Schedule flights that fit your availability.
Pass your oral and practical exam with an FAA examiner. Receive your pilot certificate.
From your first flight to airline captain — here is a realistic roadmap of every certificate and rating, how long each takes, and what doors it opens.
Your entry ticket to solo flight. Issued by the FAA after a medical exam and a brief knowledge check by your CFI.
Typically issued within the first 1–2 weeks of training. The medical appointment is the main scheduling factor.
Your first full pilot certificate. Fly yourself, friends, and family anywhere in the U.S. — day or night, VFR conditions.
FAA minimum is 40 hours (20 dual, 10 solo). National average is 60–70 hours. Flying 2–3× per week, expect 3–6 months.
$9,000–$15,000 depending on aircraft and pace.
Fly through clouds, in low visibility, and into controlled airspace under IFR rules. The single biggest safety upgrade a pilot can make.
Requires 50 hours of cross-country PIC time and 40 hours actual/simulated instrument time. Typically 3–5 months after PPL.
$8,000–$14,000 added to PPL total.
The certificate that lets you be paid to fly. Charter, banner towing, aerial photography, pipeline patrol, and more.
250 total flight hours required (150 in airplanes). Most pilots reach this milestone 12–18 months after their PPL, flying consistently.
$15,000–$25,000 additional (building hours).
Become a CFI and teach the next generation of pilots while building the flight hours needed for the airlines. The most efficient and rewarding way to build time.
2–4 months of focused study and practice teaching after your Commercial certificate. Requires a written exam (FOI + FIA) and a demanding checkride.
Hummingbird Aviation Flight Group hires CFIs internally.
When our students earn their CFI certificate, we offer positions here — so you can build your hours in familiar aircraft, with a team you already know, in the NYC area. No cold calling, no relocation.
The highest pilot certificate issued by the FAA. Required to serve as captain of an air carrier aircraft. Your ticket to the majors — Delta, United, American, and beyond.
1,500 hours total time (reduced to 1,000–1,250 with certain aviation degrees). Most pilots reach ATP minimums 3–5 years after starting flight training, instructing along the way.
First officers at regional carriers typically start at $80–$120/hr. Captains at majors earn $200–$350+/hr.
Your first certificate. Learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, weather interpretation, and aircraft systems. Most students complete in 55–65 hours.
Fly in clouds and low visibility. Dramatically expands where and when you can fly. Essential for serious pilots and career aviators.
Get paid to fly. Opens doors to charter work, aerial photography, pipeline patrol, and airline career paths. Requires 250 total hours.
Teach others to fly while building flight hours toward ATP minimums. The most efficient path to 1,500 hours.
Become a dual-rated CFI/CFII and dramatically expand your earning potential and marketability as an instructor.
Get checked out in our fleet to rent our aircraft. Typically 1–2 hours with one of our instructors covering aircraft-specific procedures.
Regain or maintain your instrument currency. Required if your instrument privileges have lapsed beyond the 6-month window.
Stay current and proficient. Every certificated pilot needs a BFR every 24 months to exercise pilot-in-command privileges.
Specialized training for operating in and around the Hudson River corridor, Class B airspace transitions, and NYC-area navigation.
The fastest way to know if flying is for you. Three structured flights with a dedicated CFI — from first takeoff to confident turns, climbs, and landings.
Access our well-maintained fleet of training aircraft. All scheduling done through FlightCircle for your convenience.
Significantly Below NYC Metro Average Rates — Same Airspace Access at Better Value — All Scheduling via FlightCircle
Valid FAA Student or Private Pilot Certificate, current medical certificate, and completion of our aircraft checkout.
One-time checkout flight with our CFI for each aircraft type. Typically 1—2 hours. Schedule via FlightCircle.
Renters must carry renter's insurance. Available through AOPA or Avemco at affordable annual rates.
New to our fleet? Select your aircraft, fill in your details, and submit. A CFI will confirm your session within 6 hours. Typically 1–2 hours per aircraft type.
Select Aircraft
Straightforward pricing with no hidden fees. Significantly below NYC metro average.
Book aircraft and instructor time directly through our FlightCircle platform. Real-time availability, automated invoicing, and seamless scheduling.
Give the gift of flight. Purchase a discovery flight for yourself, a friend, or family — and experience aviation the way real pilots do.
Your CFI walks you through weather, aircraft systems, and the pre-flight inspection — the same routine every real pilot follows before engine start.
You take the controls in the air — real flight, not a simulator. Bank, climb, and feel exactly what it is to pilot an aircraft.
Departing from Linden Airport (KLDJ), you’ll see the Manhattan skyline from altitude — one of the most iconic views in the world.
Every discovery flight comes with a complimentary pilot logbook. Your flight time counts toward FAA certification hours — a real head start on the journey.
Submit your request and a Hummingbird CFI will confirm your flight within 6 hours of purchase.
Working toward your commercial certificate, building cross-country hours, or padding your logbook before an airline interview? Our aircraft and instructors are here to help you get there efficiently and affordably.
Certificated pilots can rent our Cessna 172 or Piper Warriors solo to log PIC time. Wet rates mean no fuel surprises — just fly.
Our New York metro location puts you minutes from Class B, Class C, and uncontrolled airports — ideal for XC time toward commercial or ATP minimums.
Planning a multi-leg cross-country? We support extended rentals for pilots building substantial hours. Coordinate directly with our scheduling team.
Flying with one of our instructors also counts. Add dual instruction hours to your logbook while sharpening your skills — every hour invested pays forward.
Schedule through FlightCircle or reach out directly. We’ll match you with the right aircraft and instructor for your goals.
Pre-purchase flight hours and save. The more you commit, the more you save — ideal for students building logbook hours toward certification.
Pre-purchase ground instruction hours and save. Lock in your rate and get a head start on the knowledge required for every FAA written exam and checkride.
Pre-purchase flight hours and save. The more you commit, the more you save — ideal for students building logbook hours toward certification.
Pre-purchase ground instruction hours and save. Lock in your rate and get a head start on the knowledge required for every FAA written exam and checkride.
Fly over Manhattan, the Statue of Liberty, and the Hudson River. Unforgettable discovery flights over New York City.
All discovery flights count toward FAA pilot certificate requirements • Logbook credit toward your PPL • FAA Part 61 Certified
Your first time at the controls. 1.0 hour with a CFI over the NJ/NYC area. Take the controls and experience real flight. Logbook credit applies toward your PPL.
Book on FlightCircleExperienced aviation professionals and FAA-certified flight instructors dedicated to your success.
Owner and founder of Hummingbird Aviation Flight Group and an active airline Captain. Ramone built HBA with a vision to make professional flight training accessible at KLDJ and KPNE, drawing on his airline experience to develop pilots who meet the highest industry standards.
Chief Flight Instructor at Hummingbird Aviation Flight Services, specializing in primary training and instrument instruction. Currently serving as a supporting crew member at CAE on the Challenger 350. Previously served in the Corporate Safety Department at United Airlines. Maxwell graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor’s in Public Policy, specialization in Legislative Leadership, concentration in Public Policy Analysis, and a minor in Political Science.
Certified Flight Instructor and CFII with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Vaughn College. Dennis Goncharov has experience in the Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Piper Warrior/Archer, and Diamond DA40. He focuses on safety, strong fundamentals, and helping students build confidence and good judgment.
Co-founder and CFO of Hummingbird Aviation Flight Group, Nicklaus brings over a decade of Big Four and multi-entity finance leadership. An ACCA and PMP, he oversees HBA's financial strategy and growth across KLDJ and KPNE. A student pilot himself, he trains alongside HBA's students every step of the way.
Celebrating the milestones of every HBA student — from first solos to checkride passes.
The moment every student pilot works toward — flying the aircraft alone for the very first time.
Students who have earned their certificates and ratings through the FAA practical exam.
Two convenient flight training bases serving New York City and Philadelphia metro areas.
Linden Airport (KLDJ) is 15 miles from Midtown Manhattan — closer than most NYC residents realize. With direct NJ Transit access from Penn Station, you can be at the airport in 35 minutes without needing a car.
NJ Transit Coast Line from Penn Station to Linden Station. Trains run every 30 minutes during peak hours. From Linden Station, the airport is a 5-minute Uber/Lyft ride away.
Holland Tunnel or Goethals Bridge to NJ. I-278 West to NJ Turnpike South. Exit 13 (Linden). Follow Route 1 & 9 South 2 miles, turn right on North Wood Ave. Free parking at the airport.
Linden Airport (KLDJ)
1101 W Edgar Road, Linden, NJ 07036
Phone: 610-523-FLYS (610-523-3597)
35 Minutes from Penn Station — Direct NJ Transit Access — Free Parking at the Airport
FAA Identifier: KLDJ
Elevation: 23 ft MSL
Runway 09/27: 3,994 ft
CTAF: 123.075 MHz
100LL Fuel Available
Monday—Friday: 7:00 AM to Sunset
Saturday: 7:00 AM to Sunset
Sunday: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Evening by appointment
Free parking (50+ spaces)
Pilot lounge and briefing room
Ground school classroom
Flight planning workstations
Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE) places you just 20 minutes from Center City Philadelphia. Convenient, accessible, and positioned within reach of the Philadelphia metro area’s millions of residents.
Take I-95 N from Center City Philadelphia toward the Northeast. Exit at Academy Rd / Woodhaven Rd. Follow signs to Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE) — 11301 Norcom Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154.
FAA Identifier: KPNE • Elevation: 120 ft MSL
Runway 06/24: 5,000 ft • Runway 15/33: 3,500 ft
CTAF/ATIS available • 100LL fuel on field
NE Philadelphia Airport (KPNE)
11301 Norcom Rd, Philadelphia, PA 19154
Phone: 610-523-FLYS (610-523-3597)
FAA Identifier: KPNE
Elevation: 120 ft MSL
Runway 06/24: 5,000 ft
CTAF: 119.975 MHz
100LL & Jet-A Fuel
Monday—Friday: 7:00 AM to Sunset
Saturday: 7:00 AM to Sunset
Sunday: 8:00 AM to Sunset
Evening by appointment
~20 min drive via I-95 N
Ample free parking on site
Pilot lounge available
Accessible from all Philly suburbs
Access our training materials, checklists, standard operating procedures, and reference documents.
Download our training materials, checklists, standard operating procedures, and reference documents.
Renters Guide
Version 1.0
PPL Training Curriculum
Version 3.3c
IPC Checklist
Version 2.0
Flight Review Checklist
Version 2.0
Takeoff Briefing Card
Version 1.0
Flight Training SOP
Version 2.0
PPL Maneuver Cards
Version 1.0
PPL Code of Conduct
Version 2.2
— Checkout Sheets
— Letters of Authorization (LOA)
— Training Syllabi
— Ground School Materials
Hummingbird Aviation strives to provide flexible scheduling while ensuring aircraft and instructor availability for all students. Please review our refund and cancellation policies carefully before scheduling.
Any unused training funds remaining on account may be refunded upon written request.
Refunds will be calculated as follows:
For students financed through third-party lenders, any applicable refund shall be made directly to the lender in accordance with the financing agreement.
Students will not be charged cancellation fees if training is canceled due to:
Every active flight student is granted one (1) cancellation fee waiver per rolling 28-day period. This grace cancellation acknowledges that life happens and gives students flexibility without financial penalty.
All cancellations and rescheduling requests must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance of the scheduled lesson. Cancellations received within 24 hours of lesson time are subject to the charges below.
If the student’s grace cancellation for the current 28-day period has not yet been used, the fee will be automatically waived. If the grace session has already been used, the following charge applies:
Charge After Grace Session Is Used:
| Aircraft Rental (1 hr) | $180 |
| Instructor Time (1 hr) | $65 |
| Total Charge | $245 |
Note: The instructor is compensated for 2 hours of lost instructional time as a result of the cancellation. The student is charged for 1 hour of instructor time; the school absorbs the remaining hour to ensure fair instructor compensation.
All active flight students must maintain a minimum account balance of $200.00 at all times. Falling below this threshold will result in suspension of active status with the flight school until the balance is restored.
Hummingbird Aviation operates on a strict pre-payment basis. Payment must be on account and available before any flight training session begins.
✖ Students are NOT permitted to pay after a flight training session has ended.
| Scenario | Charge |
|---|---|
| Weather / maintenance cancellation | No Charge |
| Cancellation 24+ hours in advance | No Charge |
| Cancellation within 24 hrs — grace period available | Waived |
| Cancellation within 24 hrs — grace already used | $245 |
Join a community of passionate aviators. Access our fleet at exclusive club rates and fly with people who share your love of aviation.
Our academy students can join immediately — All others require a minimum PPL to join
$95/month membership. Members receive 10% off all aircraft rental and instruction rates, priority scheduling, and access to a community of pilots across the NYC and Philadelphia metro areas.
Two additional aircraft joining the fleet. More availability, more opportunity to build hours.
Submit your request below. A Hummingbird CFI will confirm within 6 hours.
Fill out the form below and we will match you with the next available slot. Response guaranteed within 6 hours of submission.
Get checked out in our fleet. A CFI will confirm your session within 6 hours.
Select your aircraft, pick a date and time, and submit. A CFI will confirm and brief you on aircraft-specific procedures before your first rental.
Real-time availability • Secure payment • Automated invoicing
Take the controls over the New York City skyline. The perfect first step — or the perfect gift.
KLDJ Linden, NJ — 35 Minutes from Penn Station — KPNE Northeast Philadelphia, PA — Includes Free Pilot Logbook
Every discovery flight follows the same path real pilots take — from the ground up.
Your CFI walks you through the aircraft systems, weather assessment, and the pre-flight inspection checklist — the exact same routine every real-world pilot follows before engine start. You’ll leave knowing how a flight is planned and why safety comes first.
This is real flight, not a simulator. Shortly after takeoff your CFI will hand you the controls. You’ll bank left, climb, level off — and feel exactly what it means to fly. The aircraft responds to your inputs and your CFI is right beside you the entire time.
Departing from Linden Airport (KLDJ) you’ll fly the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River corridor — one of the most iconic views on earth. Flying from Northeast Philadelphia (KPNE)? We’ll take you over the Philly waterfront and Delaware River. Either way, you’ll have it from the left seat.
Every discovery flight comes with a complimentary pilot logbook. Your flight time is officially logged and counts toward FAA certification hours. It’s not just a memorable experience — it’s a real head start on your pilot certificate if you decide to continue.
Book instantly online through FlightCircle — real-time availability, secure payment, and instant confirmation.
Prefer to call? Contact us directly
Give the gift of flight. A discovery flight is an experience they will never forget — and it comes with hours that count toward their pilot certificate.
Three structured lessons designed to give you a real feel for flight training — each session includes dedicated ground time before and after your flight.
Contact us to schedule your first session
Submit an inquiry, ask a question, or schedule a consultation.
1101 W Edgar Road
Linden, NJ 07036
35 min from Penn Station
11301 Norcom Rd
Philadelphia, PA 19154
20 min from Center City
Choose your flight experience, pick a date, and complete your booking below.
Give the gift of flight. Purchase a discovery flight for yourself, a friend, or family — and experience aviation the way real pilots do.
Your CFI walks you through weather, aircraft systems, and the pre-flight inspection — the same routine every real pilot follows before engine start.
You take the controls in the air — real flight, not a simulator. Bank, climb, and feel exactly what it is to pilot an aircraft.
Departing from Linden Airport (KLDJ), you’ll see the Manhattan skyline from altitude — one of the most iconic views in the world.
Every discovery flight comes with a complimentary pilot logbook. Your flight time counts toward FAA certification hours — a real head start on the journey.
Submit your request and a Hummingbird CFI will confirm your flight within 6 hours of purchase.
| STATION | 3,000 ft | 6,000 ft | 9,000 ft | 12,000 ft | 18,000 ft |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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Flexible financing through Stratus Financial — designed specifically for student pilots.
Tap any image to view full size.
This is an example program. The Pro Pilot package includes everything needed for professional pilot certification. A loan fee (similar to all banks) is charged outside of the loan and is paid by the student, not the school. Loan payouts to the school are based on the student's total flight/sim hours accumulated.
| Milestone | Payout |
|---|---|
| First Payment | $18,000 |
| After 40 Hours | $14,000 |
| After 70 Hours | $12,500 |
| After 120 Hours | $12,500 |
| After 170 Hours | $12,500 |
| After 200 Hours | $12,500 |
| Total: $82,000 — Amounts are example only and vary by program and credit approval. | |
Part 61 Note: If you are a Part 61 school, hours may differ slightly — for example the 2nd payout may be triggered at 50 hours total time instead of 40.
Ready to get started? Contact us and we'll connect you with Stratus Financial to begin your application.
Professional aircraft ferry flights by FAA-certified pilots — safe, reliable, and fully insured delivery nationwide.
Whether you’ve purchased an aircraft across the country, need a plane repositioned between bases, or require a ferry after maintenance — Hummingbird Aviation’s experienced pilots handle it professionally.
Purchased an aircraft at another location? We’ll fly it home for you. Our pilots handle all preflight planning, weather routing, and fuel stops along the way.
Need your aircraft returned from an MRO or avionics shop? We coordinate pickup and delivery so you don’t lose a day of flying.
FBO operators and flight schools — we reposition fleet aircraft between bases, seasonal locations, or events quickly and cost-effectively.
Flying an aircraft with a lapsed annual or special airworthiness concern? We assist with obtaining FAA ferry permits to move aircraft legally and safely.
Ferry flying rates are quoted on a per-mission basis and depend on:
Contact us with your departure and destination airports, aircraft make/model, and desired dates for a custom quote.
Reach out with your mission details and we’ll get back to you within one business day.