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One-on-one flight lessons at Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Start with a discovery flight and fly the airplane yourself.
Discovery flight
Regular price $249FREEwith a 10-hour block purchase
You pay $249 for the flight. Buy a 10-hour block ($2,600) and we credit the $249 back to your account.
Learn more about flight training and get a free plan. About 2 minutes.
FAA sectional chart. Not for navigation.
Pilot logbook
Three entries take you from your first flight to your private pilot certificate.
Regular price $249FREEwith a 10-hour block purchase
$100 to book, $149 at the airport, and we credit the $249 back when you buy the block. About 90 minutes with your briefing and debrief. No experience needed.
Book a discovery flightFill out the application for flight training. It’s free and takes about 10 minutes. Then place your $1,000 training deposit and pay as you fly.
Or start with a 10-hour block ($2,600), and we credit your discovery flight back.
Apply for flight trainingInstructor $75 an hour, airplane $185 an hour. A private pilot certificate usually runs about $16,625 to $21,414.
What you can do with it
Rent an airplane
Take friends and family flying
Fly somewhere new for lunch
Keep training
A commercial certificate is what lets you earn money flying
A private pilot certificate lets you fly yourself and passengers for fun or travel. Most schools and clubs will rent to you after a checkout flight. It isn’t a license to fly for pay. Getting paid to fly takes a commercial pilot certificate and more training.
See training and pricing
Isaac Prestwich
CFII, Founder and Chief Flight Instructor
Dillon Strietzel
CFII, Flight Instructor
Merlin Flight Training is an independent Part 61 flight school. One instructor, one student, every lesson.
My name is Isaac Prestwich and I'm the creator of Merlin Flight Training. I started my training in October 2022 and was taught by an instructor who now flies for the airlines. That mentorship shaped my safety-first philosophy, which I bring to every single lesson.
I train in your aircraft or mine—making personalized instruction accessible whether you own a plane or prefer to rent. My teaching method challenges every student to be not just a licensed pilot, but a safer one.
Pick and choose the help you need to make learning to fly easier.
Something else on your mind? Book a free 15-minute call
Payment options through Klarna are subject to approval and aren't available in every state. See payment terms. A higher initial payment may be required for some consumers. Monthly financing through Klarna issued by WebBank. Other CA resident loans made or arranged pursuant to a California Financing Law license. NMLS # 1353190.
Northeast Philadelphia Airport (KPNE)
9800 Ashton Rd, Hangar E3, Philadelphia, PA 19114
A towered airport beneath part of Philadelphia's Class B airspace, so you learn real radio calls from your first lessons. We also train students from Bucks County and South Jersey.
Get directionsNo. A discovery flight is your first lesson, and you fly the airplane with your instructor right beside you.
With at least two lessons a week and regular study between them, about seven months is realistic. Every student progresses at a different pace, so we can't promise a date.
A private pilot certificate usually runs about $16,625 to $21,414 all-in: the airplane, your instructor, FAA tests and gear. See the itemized estimate
Learn more about flight training. Free, about 2 minutes, no commitment.
Take the free pilot quiz