View Our Fleet

Our diverse and well-equipped aircraft fleet can accommodate a wide variety of flight training and rental missions. Our dedicated internal maintenance team ensures aircraft are kept in top mechanical condition. Regardless of the destination on your next aviation adventure, our fleet is ready to take you there!

Liberty University

Rochester Air Center is a Liberty University Flight Training Affiliate! Get a Bachelor of Science degree online and be eligible for a Restricted ATP certificate in as little as 1000 hours! Financial aid may be available for those who qualify.

Our Instructors

We challenge you to find a more personable, dedicated, and knowledgeable group of aviation educators anywhere. Every member of our instructional staff has a strong personal commitment to mentorship of all aviators, guiding you toward becoming more proficient, capable, and safety-focused pilots.

Welcome to
Rochester Air Center!

Fall in Love with Aviation!

Rochester Air Center is the premier location for flight training and aircraft rental in central and western New York. We have been providing safe, professional, and affordable flight training for more than 15 years!

Our Pilot Training Programs

Rochester Air Center is Western New York’s leader in flight instruction and aviation services. Located at the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport, we offer aircraft rentals and work with a team of independent instructors to provide extensive Part 61 and Part 141 flight instruction for all levels of skill and experience, both single and multi-engine. Additionally, we offer seaplane training, TAA in a variety of aircraft including a Cirrus SR20 with G1000 Perspective, tailwheel instruction, spin training, and other pilot services.

Come fly our full motion AATD Redbird FMX – used to compliment private pilot & instrument training. Our Cygnus package transports your Foreflight app to the simulator’s position, enhances situational awareness and brings your flight to life. Maintain instrument currency and proficiency by flying the Redbird!

Private Pilot

Whether you want to fly as a hobby, travel for business, or lay the foundation of knowledge and skills to make aviation your career- the private pilot rating is where your flight training journey begins!

Multi-Engine Rating

Are you ready to fly larger, faster, and more complex aircraft? Multiple engines can provide a safety net in case of engine trouble. This rating is a must to increase marketability for an airline or corporate job.

INstrument Rating

Fly with precision, expand acceptable weather minimums for travel, and become a safer pilot by earning your instrument rating. This is typically the next step for most aviators after becoming a private pilot.

Commercial Pilot

Do you want to get paid to fly? Earning your commercial pilot rating is an essential step toward your dream job in aviation, but it’s not necessarily just for those who want to fly for a living.

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Testimonials

7/12/2017 was my special date, the day I went on my intro flight, my first ever experience behind the controls of an aircraft. Fast forward a few more flights, and years. January of 2021, I became the Rochester Air Center’s first ever Liberty student. By March 23rd I was able to do my first solo, then by 5/12, I became a private. On 8/20 I passed my instrument rating checkride, and since, I have been having a great deal of fun working on my commercial pilot license. My experience at the Air Center has been nothing short of great. My instructors, Connor, Martha Anne, and Sam (who has moved onto the airlines since). The continuous support and flexibility of my instructors at the RAC has made my flight training experience much more enjoyable. They have invested a great deal of time in preparation for me to be as successful as possible. The aircraft at the RAC are well looked after considering that they have a maintenance center in Canandaigua. With the constant upgrades being done to the airplanes along with the maintenance, it is quite the deal.

Ali

Whether you’re an aviation enthusiast like me who has yet to take it to another level, or someone aiming for a career in the airlines, you should immediately reach out to the amazing staff at Rochester Air Center! From the well-equipped aircraft and amazing instructors (like Mr. Kuper) to the incredible owners and office staff who are so encouraging and patient, you will not be disappointed! I encourage you to contact RAC today and get behind the yoke. In no time you’ll be experiencing the foliage of the southern tier and the beauty of Niagara Falls from a whole new vantage point!

Anthony

My time flying at RAC has been nothing less than an excellent experience! All the instructors and staff I have met and worked with are super nice and dedicated to their craft (pun intended;). The air center has a great atmosphere as soon as you walk in the door that gives off positive aviation vibes. When I showed up at RAC for a discovery flight, I knew nothing about aviation. Afterwards, I understood why it was called a “discovery flight” because I had discovered a newfound passion for aviation! Soon later, I signed up for lessons and started the Liberty University program. Now I am on the journey to pursue my dream to become an airline pilot and RAC has monumentally contributed to making my journey such a great experience so far!

Emma

The Rochester Air Center provides amazing skilled and supportive instructors and exceptionally maintained and equipped aircraft. The RAC is the place to be for flight training and aircraft rental in upstate NY!

Issac

I have always wanted to be that person I saw flying around in the sky! I started my own aviation adventure in July of 2020 by taking a discovery flight. I will tell you the moment I touched that aircraft I was hooked. My dream was attainable. EVERY staff member at Rochester Air Center was available to me on my learning adventure, whether it was for a technical question or to sit and talk about how great my flight was. I was able to earn my private pilot license in less than a year. I am now that “guy” flying around in the sky and there is no greater feeling than that! Still today when I walk into RAC I’m greeted with a warm hello or where are you headed today! Rochester Air Center not only has the best staff, but they also have the greatest selection of upgraded aircraft that I’ve seen.

Jason

Have you ever flown out of a sunset? This very unique experience over Oklahoma was a result of a lot of hard work and even more support and encouragement from the instructors, staff, owners, and other customers at the Rochester Air Center. At the RAC, the result is more than just learning to ‘fly the airplane’. You will obtain the rating you seek and have a great network of people to rely upon as you continue your journey in aviation. Thank you RAC!

Jen

RAC planes are kept in top notch mechanical running order. The staff and instructors are helpful, and it is a friendly environment to be around. They are there to help you improve your skills and get you to where you would like to be in your aviation quest.

John

The instructors at the RAC are very supportive and when you fly often it feels like you are part of the RAC family! I completed my private and instrument training in eight short months while also working a full-time job. Everyone at the RAC was very supportive of my goals and did what they could to help me accomplish them. I was not just taught how to pass a check ride, I was trained to utilize exceptional aeronautical decision making on every flight. I am continuing my commercial training at the RAC as well. It truly is the best place in the area for flight training!

Leslie

The Rochester Air Center is the best around! I have earned my private pilot’s license and instrument rating so far. The instructors are patient and knowledgeable. I’ve gained awesome friendships along the way. Truly a top-notch organization. Excited to continue this journey.

Matt

My experience at the Rochester Air Center has been phenomenal. I’ve flown in several of their aircraft with several different instructors and each time I come away learning something new. I am a Part 141 student utilizing my GI bill through Liberty University and the process to get payments processed went seamlessly. I would highly recommend the RAC to anyone interested in flight training!

Sean