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 Director of Operations 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
Director of Operations
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Kurt has been passionate about aviation for more than three decades. His love of flying began at just 10 years old after experiencing his first scenic flight in a Cessna 172—a flight that sparked a lifelong passion for aviation.
With more than a decade as a major airline pilot, Kurt brings a wealth of real-world aviation knowledge and experience to LaValley Aviation. As Director of Operations, he oversees day-to-day operations and is committed to ensuring every customer has an exceptional experience, whether they’re a flight student working toward their pilot certificate or a customer trusting the team with their aircraft maintenance.
Kurt believes that a strong safety culture is the foundation of a successful aviation operation. He is committed to fostering an environment where safety is everyone’s responsibility, communication is encouraged, and attention to detail is never compromised. From flight training and scenic flights to aircraft maintenance, he believes every decision should reflect a commitment to operating safely and maintaining the highest standards.
Kurt takes pride in building relationships, providing personalized service, and making aviation accessible to more people throughout the North Country. His goal is simple: to make sure every customer feels valued, receives the highest level of service, and leaves LaValley Aviation confident in the people and operation they trust.
Certifications
- Airline Transport Pilot
- Commercial Multi Engine Land
- Commercial Single Engine Land & Sea
- CFI, CFII & MEI
Cody
Lead Flight Instructor
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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
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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
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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
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 on a Student Pilot Certificate you must be at least 16 and able to read, speak, and understand English. You’ll also need a pre-solo knowledge test and the appropriate medical path. To take the Private Pilot Checkride you must be at least 17. Sport Pilot has its own age rules — ask us if that path fits you better.
What medical do I need, and where can I get one?
For Private Pilot training you’ll need an FAA medical certificate before soloing — usually a third-class medical from an Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Sport Pilot follows different medical rules (often a valid U.S. driver’s license under Sport Pilot privileges). BasicMed is an option for some pilots who already hold a qualifying FAA medical history — it is not the usual path for a brand-new student working toward first solo. Ask us if you think BasicMed applies.
The FAA AME locator currently lists no AMEs 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 names and 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. Most students need more than the minimum — how many depends on how often you fly, weather, and how quickly skills stick. On the calendar, students who train regularly often finish in a matter of months; stretching lessons out, or losing winter weather days in the North Country, can push a Private Pilot Certificate toward a year or more. See Training Programs and the training roadmap.
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.
Do I need to bring a headset?
No — you don’t need a headset for your first lesson. If you already own one you’re welcome to bring it; otherwise we’ll get you set up. See the first-lesson checklist.
What about winter and North Country weather?
We fly year-round when conditions allow, but North Country winters mean cold temperatures, snow, and more weather cancellations. Dress in layers, wear proper shoes, and always check the KPTD weather banner on our home page or Student Portal before you drive. If it looks marginal, call or text (315) 514-2359. More on weather & cancellations.
What ground school do you recommend?
We recommend Sporty’s for knowledge-test prep — purchase through us on our booking page. We teach to the ACS in the airplane; Sporty’s is a strong supplement, not a replacement for dual instruction. Details on the ground school section.
How much does it cost to learn to fly?
A Private Pilot Certificate starts from about $8,000. Your total depends on several factors, including:
- How often you fly (students who train regularly usually finish for less)
- How many hours you need beyond the FAA minimum of 40
- Which aircraft you train in
- Weather and seasonal flying conditions in the North Country
- Extra costs such as an FAA medical, knowledge test, checkride examiner fee, books, and headset
Aircraft and instructor rates are on our Fleet & Rates page. Financing options are listed under Training. Call or text (315) 514-2359 and we’ll help you map out a realistic plan.