Start Your Flying Journey
Learn to Fly with Northgate Aviation
Why Pick Northgate Aviation?
The Training Your Flight Plan Deserves
Structured pathways, flexible scheduling, and instructors genuinely invested in your success, not just your flight hours.
Full Training Pipeline
Whether you’re just trying out flying as a hobby or seeking a career behind the yoke, our school offers the programs and tools needed to help you on your journey.
Easily adjust your plans with us as life adjusts around you.
Top-Notch Instructors
We take every part of your flight plan seriously, starting at the foundation of it with one of Northern California’s most experienced instructor teams.
Learn from FAA certified instructors with real-life experience across business, commercial, and military aviation.
Flexible Scheduling
Our Instructors work to create a training program that matches your life. Fly as much as you want.
Don’t let the plane hold you back! Take advantage of our online ground school partners for 24/7 learning opportunities built around your schedule.
Full Suite Services
As the official flight training program of Northgate Aviation, Chico’s fixed-base operator, know you’re in good hands with full FBO services at a call away! Find all the equipment you need with the FBO store.
All aircraft rentals are “wet” and include fuel, full handling, and more.
Flight Training Programs & Options at Northgate
Planning Every Step of your Flight Journey
Whether you want to fly recreationally or build a professional career, we have a structured path for you.
Signature Programs
Private Pilot (PPL)
A Private Pilot’s License is the foundation of your flying journey. Completing your written, oral, & practical exams as well as the required flight hours set you up for success.
Though the FAA Minimum is 40 Flight Hours (FH), our students traditionally complete 60-80 before taking their practical exam with a DPE.
Instrument Rating (IR)
The next step that opens the doors to many more aircraft and destinations, your Instrument Rating training gives you the skills to operate your aircraft in nearly any conditions.
Expect to have 50 FH as Pilot-in-Command as well as 40 FH of Actual/Sim Instrument time, of which at least 15 must be completed with a CFII.
Commercial (CPL)
Earn your Commercial Pilot’s License once you’ve completed your PPL and IR, whether with Northgate or with another training program, as well as at least 250 FH.
Our CPL program gives you the tools needed to succeed in the flying workforce with guidance from instructors with real-life experience.
CFI/CFII Certification
Spread the lessons you’ve learnt with us by completing our CFI/CFII programs.
Built upon the industry-standard Jeppesen model with an emphasis on the Fundamentals of Education, our instructors are ready to prepare you to be the fount of knowledge for the next generation of student pilots.
All hours and information are average estimates that may vary from student-to-student. Please contact our Team for information tailored to your needs
Additional Offerings
Discovery Flights
Unsure of where to begin? Curious about how flying private really is like? Come try a discovery flight and get a taste for the thrill of flying!
Our Discovery Flights also make for great gifts for loved ones with a long-time interest or even a passing curiosity in flying. Contact our sales office to purchase one today!
Multi-Engine (MEI)
Our team is proud to support completion of your multi-engine rating.
Students seeking their MEI are required to provide their own multi-engine aircraft as Northgate Aviation does not currently offer an in-house aircraft for this rating.
BFR/IPC Checks
To meet the required 24-month proficiency checks for student and active pilots, our team offer Flight Review (BFR) Services.
Fallen out of currency for your instrument rating? Ask our instructors about our Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC) availability.
The Flight Training Process with Northgate Aviation
Making Your Flight Path Simple
From the first call to the day of your checkride, we offer you a clear, structured path with plenty of help along the way.
Meet Your Northgate Flight Instructors
Costs of Flight Training and Pricing with Northgate
Transparent costs, no surprises
Flight training is an investment. Here’s what to expect so you can plan accordingly.
Rental - C172 (Wet)
$159/hr
Inclusive of fuel & handling
Rental - C182 (Wet)
$235/hr
Inclusive of fuel & handling
Rental - PA-32 (Wet)
Inquire
Inclusive of fuel & handling
Instruction (Standard)
$60/hr
Private flight instruction
Instruction (Advanced)
$75/hr
CFI/CFII/CPL/IR
Simulator (MSFS equipped)
Inquire
Discovery Flight
$219/hr
Full Experience w/ Instructor
Outside these costs, students can expect to pay additional for exam fees, equipment, ground school (provided by an external partner), insurance, and your FAA-AME.
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Rate
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Still have questions? Take a look at the FAQ or reach out anytime.
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