One of the region's most respected flight schools
Operating since 2006 at Potsdam Municipal Airport in New York's North Country.
Professional instruction since 2006
Operating since 2006, LaValley Aviation is one of the region's most respected flight schools, and we have trained over 450 pilots since 2006. We strive to provide professional flight instruction.
We provide Part 61 flight training at Potsdam Municipal Airport (KPTD).
Our Chief Flight Instructor is also an airline pilot. He, along with our team, will help you learn the ins and outs of the aviation industry, from a recreational Sunday flyer to a professional airline pilot.
Today we are a full-service aviation business offering flight training, aircraft rental, maintenance, scenic flights, aerial photography, aircraft management, sales and consulting.
Kurt
Chief Flight Instructor
An airline pilot with over a decade of experience. Kurt leads our team of professional flight instructors, from learning to fly to becoming a commercial pilot.
Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot; Commercial Multi Engine Land; Commercial Single Engine Land & Sea; CFI, CFII & MEI.
Cody
Flight Instructor
Read bio
Originally from the Thousand Islands region, Cody got hooked on aviation in high school after family friends took him up in their seaplane. He soon started lessons and earned his Private Pilot certificate before heading to college in Syracuse. Cody loves sharing the adventure aviation has to offer and being part of each student’s journey toward their goals in aviation.
Certifications
- Commercial Pilot, Single & Multi-Engine
- Instrument Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
- Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI)
- Part 107 Remote Pilot
- High-Performance, Complex & Tailwheel Endorsements
Colby
Flight Instructor
Read bio
Originally from Waddington, NY, Colby’s passion for aviation began at just five years old, after a flight with his mother here at LaValley Aviation. That experience sparked a lifelong interest in flying, and he began his flight training in 2023. Colby looks forward to continuing to grow as a pilot and instructor while helping others discover the excitement and fulfillment of aviation.
Certifications
- Commercial Pilot, Single & Multi-Engine
- Instrument Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII)
- Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
- High-Performance, Complex & Tailwheel Endorsements
Robert
Flight Instructor
Read bio
Originally from Gouverneur, NY, Robert began flying in high school in 2016. He enjoys sharing his passion for aviation and is dedicated to helping students become safe, confident, and capable pilots.
Certifications
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- Multi-Engine
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- High-Performance & Complex Endorsements
Todd
Maintenance Technician
Kris
Maintenance Technician
Get in touch
- VisitLaValley Aviation, Inc.
Potsdam Municipal Airport
239 State Highway 11B
Potsdam, NY 13676
Get directions → - Phone(315) 514-2359CallText
- Email[email protected]
- Hours8am–5pm, 7 days a week
or by appointment - SocialFacebook
Instagram @lavalleyaviation
Image: Google Street View
Schedule a discovery flight
$99 Discovery Flight — your introductory flight lesson
Ready to take the controls and experience flight firsthand? A discovery flight is the perfect way to see what learning to fly is all about. No experience needed.
Each $99 discovery flight includes 30 minutes of flight plus ground time with an instructor.
No commitment required. Just get in the air with an instructor pilot, see how you like it, and decide from there. We're happy to answer your questions, walk you through your training options, and help plan the training that fits you.
Book and pay online, then we'll reach out to schedule your flight. You can also use the form or give us a call. We're excited to get you in the air!
Buying for someone else? Purchase a gift card.
Prefer to send a message?
Common questions
Do I need any experience for a discovery flight?
No experience needed. A discovery flight is the perfect way to see what learning to fly is all about. It's $99 for 30 minutes of flight plus ground time with an instructor.
How old do I have to be to solo?
You must be at least 16 years old and able to read, speak, and understand English to earn a Student Pilot Certificate and solo. You'll also need to pass a pre-solo knowledge test and obtain an FAA medical certificate.
Where can I get an FAA medical?
The FAA AME locator currently lists no Aviation Medical Examiners in the North Country. The nearest are in Ottawa, Ontario and the Burlington, Vermont area, with more in Rome, NY. See the Student Portal for the full list with phone numbers, or search the FAA AME locator. Please call ahead to confirm.
How many hours does a Private Pilot Certificate take?
The FAA minimum under Part 61.109 is 40 total flight hours, including 20 hours of instruction and 10 hours solo. See Training Programs for the full list.
Can I do the accelerated instrument course in my own plane?
Yes. We can do either a 7 or 10 day accelerated instrument course in your plane or ours.
How do I schedule lessons?
We use Flight Schedule Pro, so you can create, edit, or cancel lessons 24/7. Request access or log in here.
How much does it cost to learn to fly?
PLACEHOLDER: typical private pilot total cost estimate