I took a long break from flight training. Do my previous logbook hours still count?
Yes! FAA flight hours never expire. Every hour you previously logged with an authorized flight instructor—whether it was last year or ten years ago—still counts toward your total aeronautical experience requirements. During your finish-up program, we audit your logbook to identify exactly what FAA requirements you have already met and what remains to be completed.
How do I know where to restart after a break from flying?
We start with an initial evaluation flight and logbook review at Cape May County Airport. Your instructor will assess your current stick-and-rudder feel, radio work, and aviation knowledge in a low-pressure environment. From there, we build a customized syllabus focused only on polishing rusty skills and completing your missing FAA requirements.
Do I need to retake the FAA Written Knowledge Exam if it expired?
FAA written exam results are valid for 24 calendar months. If you passed your Private Pilot Written Exam within the last two years, it remains valid for your checkride. If more than 24 months have passed, you will need to retake the written test. 609 Aviation provides ground support and test prep resources to help you pass it quickly.
How long does a Finish-Up Program typically take to complete?
Because you aren't starting from scratch, most finish-up students earn their Private Pilot License in as little as 1 to 3 weeks, depending on how many hours you previously logged and how frequently you fly. We tailor the scheduling frequency to get you checkride-ready as efficiently as possible.
What if I trained at another flight school or in a different type of aircraft?
That is completely fine and very common. Whether you previously trained in a Cessna 172, Cherokee, or light sport aircraft, our instructors will transition you seamlessly into 609 Aviation’s modern fleet (including our glass-cockpit Sling 2 or classic Piper Cherokee 140). Flight principles translate directly between aircraft types.
How does 609 Aviation help me finish my checkride without further delays?
Life changes and instructor availability are common reasons training gets paused. At 609 Aviation, we prioritize finish-up students with dedicated instructor availability, priority aircraft block scheduling, and accelerated access to Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) through our checkride scheduling service so you don't stall out again.
How much does the Finish-Up Program cost?
Because every returning student has a unique number of existing hours, there is no one-size-fits-all cost. You only pay for the specific flight and ground instruction hours you need to achieve proficiency and meet FAA minimums. You can also utilize our Deposit Match Program to save on training costs when funding your account upfront.
