5.0 on Google
Learn to fly in Philadelphia.
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.
How it starts
1 · Discovery flight
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.
2 · Your plan
We go over what training would look like around your schedule and budget.
3 · Train at your pace
Instructor $75 an hour, airplane $185 an hour. A private pilot certificate usually runs about $16,625 to $21,414.
Meet your instructors
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.
You can figure it out yourself, but you don’t have to
Pick and choose the help you need to make learning to fly easier.
- Planning,A free training plan in 2 minutes
- Discovery flight,FREE with a 10-hour block purchase
- Financing,Pay over time with Klarna
- Scheduling,Evenings and weekends
- Paperwork,Help with your FAA medical and forms
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.
Where we fly
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 directionsCommon questions
Do I need any experience?
No. A discovery flight is your first lesson, and you fly the airplane with your instructor right beside you.
How long does it take to get a license?
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.
How much does it cost?
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
Not ready to book yet?
Learn more about flight training. Free, about 2 minutes, no commitment.
Take the free pilot quiz