Shore Flight Academy is a modern flight school on the Jersey Shore. Fly a state-of-the-art aircraft with instructors who care as much about the experience as the outcome. Gain from a structured program where every lesson builds on the last. Start working toward your certificates and ratings, or take your first flight.
The Academy
Shore Flight Academy runs on structure. A clear and logical syllabus that makes every hour count. No guesswork. No surprises. You always know what you’re doing, why it matters, and what’s next, from your first lesson, to preparing for your checkride.
The Aircraft
The Van’s RV-12iS is a modern IFR-capable SLSA training aircraft with a glass panel including dual Garmin G3X Touch displays, a Garmin GTN 650Xi GPS/NAV/COMM, ADS-B In, and a GARMIN GFC 500 dual axis autopilot. It is responsive, smooth, and powered by a fuel-injected Rotax 912iS Sport engine, with a leather interior and panoramic canopy.
Cruise Speed: 105 kts
Engine: Rotax 912iS Sport (100hp)
Avionics: Garmin G3X Touch, Garmin GTN650
Built in 2026. Unlike anything else on the ramp.
Your Instructor
Programs
Whether you’re stepping into the cockpit for the first time or working towards additional certificates and ratings, SFA has a program for you. Start where you are and we’ll guide you through the rest.
FAQs
Do I need any experience to start?
Most students walk in for their first lesson having never touched a control yoke (or in our case, a stick). The syllabus assumes you're starting from zero, and we build from there.
How long does it take to get my Private Pilot certificate?
The FAA minimum is 40 flight hours, though most students nationally land somewhere between 60 and 70. At Shore Flight Academy, our goal is to have you ready for your checkride at 60 hours — our structured syllabus is designed to make that very achievable. Flying twice a week tends to be the sweet spot, and at that pace, you can realistically earn your certificate in a 4-6 months.
How much does training cost?
Costs vary based on how quickly each student progresses, but here's a general range:
Private Pilot: $15,000–$20,000
Instrument Rating: Comparable to Private Pilot
Commercial: $10,000
CFI (Certified Flight Instructor): $10,000
CFI-I (Instrument Instructor): $5,000
Every student learns at their own pace, so we're always happy to walk you through a personalized estimate based on your goals and timeline.
How old do I have to be to fly?
For discovery flights there's no real age minimum. Kids as young as 10 can come along for the ride and even take the controls in the air. To solo an airplane, one must be 16 (although training hours before 16 can be counted toward your license), and 17 to get a private or sport pilot certificate.
Are there any height or weight restrictions?
Yes. Due to aircraft limitations, students must be under 6'3" and 250 lbs to train with us. If you're close to either limit, give us a call — we're happy to talk it through.
Do I need a medical certificate?
For Private Pilot and above, yes — you'll need to pass an FAA medical exam with an Aviation Medical Examiner. For Sport Pilot or discovery flight, a current driver's license counts as your medical. We'll point you to local AMEs.
What's a Discovery Flight, exactly?
Roughly 40 minutes in the air. You'll handle the takeoff and most of the flying; we'll handle the landing. It counts toward your training hours if you decide to continue. It's also just a really good time.
Where are you based?
Lakewood Airport (N12) in Lakewood, New Jersey Right off the Garden State Parkway. 1900 Cedarbridge Ave Suite 570 Lakewood, NJ 08701
Can I train towards an airline career here?
Yes. We train through Commercial and CFI/CFII — every rating you need short of a multi-engine rating which you can pick up at other schools that offer multi-engine training programs.
