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LaValley Aviation
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Potsdam Municipal Airport · Since 2006 · $99 Discovery Flights

Yes, you can learn to fly.

Professional flight instruction in Potsdam, NY, led by a Chief Flight Instructor who is also an airline pilot. From recreational Sunday flyer to professional airline pilot, we'll guide you every step of the way.

Book a $99 Discovery Flight Schedule a Flight
450+Pilots trained since 2006
AllRatings available, Student Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot
C172Cessna Skyhawk trainers & rentals
24/7Online scheduling
Professional Flight Instruction

Your journey starts here

Our team of professional flight instructors is led by Chief Flight Instructor Kurt Thomas, an airline pilot with over a decade of experience. Whether you're just starting your aviation journey or working toward a commercial pilot career, we're here to guide you every step of the way.

Student pilot, private, instrument, commercial and CFI training, plus flight reviews, IPCs, Cirrus transition training and a 7- or 10-day accelerated instrument course.

Explore Training ProgramsMeet the Team
Instructor and student in front of a Cessna
Student success

Recent achievements

First solos, new certificates and ratings, as celebrated on our Facebook page. Congratulations to all!

Garrett after his first solo, in front of a Cessna 172
Garrett · first solo
Nicholas B. after his first solo, in front of a Cessna
Nicholas B. · first solo
  • EvanCheckrideOct 2026
  • KylePrivate Pilot CertificateJul 2026
  • Brandon W.CFIIJul 2026
  • Garrett S.Private Pilot · CFI Cody NicholsOct 2025
  • Josh K.Private Pilot · CFI Cody NicholsJun 2025
  • GarrettFirst soloMay 2025
  • Daniel S.Private Pilot, trained in our Cessna 172May 2025
  • JohnInstrument checkrideDec 2024
  • Nicholas B.First soloNov 2024
  • Gavin G.Instrument Rating · CFI Cody NicholsOct 2024
  • Matthew B.Private Pilot
What students have to say

“Take it from a rusty pilot! I highly recommend the great group of instructors along with their well maintained C172s! Thanks to Will and even Phil for getting me up to speed and flying again!”

Adrian P., Facebook review

“…He gave great instruction and feedback and I whole-heartedly recommend him for your flight training!”

Ted P., Student Pilot

100% recommend on Facebook

From our ramp

Life at LaValley Aviation

Cody on checkride day
Cody on checkride day
Piper Cub on snow
Cessnas in the hangar
Flying above the clouds
Student pilot in the cockpit
Cessna on the runway
Aircraft on the ramp at sunset
Cirrus on the ramp under a red sunset sky
Aircraft on the ramp at sunset
Cirrus parked on the ramp
Cessna wing beside the hangar at sunset
Cirrus on the ramp at dusk
From the left seat

Views from the flight deck

Every season looks different from the air.

Northern lights over town lights at night, seen from the cockpit
Wing strut over a field and fall foliage
Fall foliage and a winding creek from the air
Wing strut over fall forest and ponds
Wing strut above a layer of clouds
Sun over a deck of clouds
City lights from the air at dusk
Sunset above the clouds over the cowling
Winter approach over snowy forest
Wing strut over snowy fields at sunset
Cirrus glass cockpit above the clouds
Cirrus cockpit
Pink sunset clouds over the cowling
City skyline below the wing
Sunset through the propeller
Cloud tops seen from the cockpit
Towering clouds ahead of the wing
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Learn to FLY right here in Potsdam, NY!

Professional flight instruction and aircraft rental. Follow along on our Facebook page.

Yellow Cub flying over the forest
Fall foliage from the air
Flying above the clouds
Winter landscape from the air
Wing over fall foliage
Cessna instrument panel
View through the windshield in flight
Pilot with a Cessna on the ramp
Pilot with a Cessna by the hangar
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Ready to take the controls?

$99 Discovery Flight — your introductory flight lesson

A $99 discovery flight is 30 minutes in the air plus ground time with an instructor to answer questions and go over training options. No experience needed.

Book a $99 Discovery Flight Call (315) 514-2359