Learn to fly in Virginia's New River Valley
New Tech Aviation provides professional flight training at New River Valley Airport (KPSK) in Dublin, Virginia. From your first discovery flight to advanced ratings — we'll get you there.
Flight training built on experience, not shortcuts
New Tech Aviation is a flight training operation based at New River Valley Airport (KPSK) in Dublin, Virginia. We train pilots the right way — with structured lesson plans, clear progress milestones, and one-on-one instruction in every flight.
Nestled in the Blue Ridge mountains, KPSK offers a training environment with diverse terrain, varied weather conditions, and uncrowded airspace — giving students real-world experience from day one.
From first flight to career pilot
We offer training at every stage of your aviation journey. Each program is built around clear milestones so you always know where you stand.
Sport Pilot Certificate
The fastest path to flying solo. Fly Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in daytime VFR conditions. Fewer medical requirements, lower cost, and a shorter path to the cockpit — only 20 hours required.
Private Pilot (PPL)
Your foundation. Learn the fundamentals of flight, navigation, and airmanship. Earn your Private Pilot Certificate and unlock the freedom to fly.
Instrument Rating (IFR)
Fly in the clouds with confidence. Learn to navigate solely by instruments, shoot approaches, and operate in the IFR system safely.
Commercial Pilot (CPL)
Take your flying to a professional level. Refine your skills to commercial standards and earn the certificate that lets you get paid to fly.
Discovery Flights
Not sure if flying is for you? Take the controls on an introductory flight with one of our instructors. No commitment, no experience needed.
Flight Reviews (BFR)
Stay current and sharp. Complete your biennial flight review with a thorough ground and flight evaluation tailored to your experience level.
Aircraft Checkouts
New to our fleet? Complete an aircraft checkout to get familiar with our aircraft, their systems, and operating procedures before flying solo.
Initial CFI Training
Ready to teach? Our Initial CFI course prepares you for the FAA Certified Flight Instructor certificate — from lesson planning and teaching techniques to the fundamentals of instruction practical test.
CFII Training
Add an instrument instructor endorsement to your CFI certificate. Train students on IFR procedures, approaches, and cockpit resource management — one of the most valuable ratings you can hold.
Well-maintained aircraft you can trust
Our training fleet is kept to the highest maintenance standards. Every aircraft is equipped for the training you need.
Cessna 172S Skyhawk
The industry-standard training aircraft. Stable, forgiving, and perfect for building your foundational skills from first solo to Private Pilot checkride.
Additional Aircraft
We're actively expanding our fleet to serve more students and offer complex aircraft time. Contact us for the latest availability and aircraft options.
Experienced pilots who love to teach
Our CFIs are passionate aviators and educators. Every instructor at New Tech Aviation is committed to getting you to your goals safely and efficiently.
Chief Flight Instructor
Experienced instructor with thousands of hours of dual given. Specializes in Private Pilot through Commercial training with an emphasis on safety and precision.
Flight Instructor
Dedicated to helping students succeed. Focuses on clear communication, structured lessons, and building the confidence needed to become a safe pilot.
Join Our Team
Are you a certificated flight instructor looking to teach in a supportive environment? We're always looking for great instructors to join our team.
Fly from New River Valley Airport
KPSK sits at 2,105 feet MSL in Pulaski County, Virginia — surrounded by the Blue Ridge Mountains. The airport features a 6,201-foot paved runway with pilot-controlled lighting and instrument approaches.
New River Valley Airport (KPSK)
5391 C.V. Jackson Road, Dublin, VA 24084
Easy Access
Just off I-81, 15 minutes from Radford and Blacksburg. Convenient to Virginia Tech.
Mountain Flying
Train in real-world mountain terrain with ridges, valleys, and variable winds — experience that flat-land airports can't teach.
Instrument Approaches
RNAV and VOR approaches available for instrument training without the congestion of busy Class C/D airports.
Everything you want to know about learning to fly
Answers to the most common questions from prospective student pilots in the New River Valley area.
A Private Pilot Certificate in Virginia typically costs $8,000–$15,000 depending on aircraft rental rates and total hours needed. At New Tech Aviation in New River Valley we offer competitive dual instruction and aircraft rental rates. Contact us for current pricing — we're happy to walk you through the full cost breakdown.
A Private Pilot Certificate requires a minimum of 40 flight hours under FAA Part 61. Most students training part-time complete their checkride in 3–6 months. With our full-time accelerated program, dedicated students can earn their Private Pilot Certificate in as little as 25 days.
For a Private Pilot Certificate you must be at least 17 years old, hold an FAA Third-Class Medical Certificate, pass a written knowledge test, log at least 40 flight hours (20 with an instructor, 10 solo), and pass a practical checkride with an FAA Examiner. For a Sport Pilot Certificate, the minimum age is 17, only 20 flight hours are required, and a valid US driver's license substitutes for the FAA medical.
Yes — New Tech Aviation offers discovery flights at New River Valley Airport (KPSK) in Dublin, VA. A discovery flight is a 30–60 minute introductory lesson where you take the controls with one of our CFIs. No experience or commitment required. It's the perfect first step to see if flying is right for you.
A Sport Pilot Certificate requires only 20 flight hours (vs. 40 for Private Pilot) and no FAA medical certificate — a valid US driver's license is sufficient. It lets you fly Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) in daytime VFR conditions. It's a faster, lower-cost path to solo flight. New Tech Aviation offers Sport Pilot training at KPSK.
Yes — KPSK (New River Valley Airport) in Dublin, VA is approximately 20 minutes from Virginia Tech and Blacksburg, and 15 minutes from Radford University. We welcome students from across the New River Valley region including Christiansburg, Pulaski, Radford, and Roanoke.
New Tech Aviation offers Private Pilot (PPL), Instrument Rating (IFR), Commercial Pilot (CPL), Sport Pilot Certificate, Discovery Flights, Biennial Flight Reviews (BFR), and Aircraft Checkouts — all under FAA Part 61 at New River Valley Airport (KPSK) in Dublin, Virginia.
Common Myths About Becoming a Pilot
Don't let misconceptions keep you out of the cockpit. Here's the truth.
You can absolutely fly. The FAA allows corrected vision for all certificate levels — glasses and contacts are perfectly fine. As long as your vision is correctable to 20/20 (or 20/40 for Private Pilot), bad uncorrected eyesight is not a disqualifier. Millions of pilots wear corrective lenses every flight.
Don't assume you're disqualified — the FAA approves thousands of medical waivers every year. Special Issuance authorizations exist for many conditions including diabetes, heart conditions, and mental health history. The process takes time, but it's worth pursuing. Apply and find out. You may be closer than you think.
Not true — you can take a discovery flight with zero paperwork. No medical, no commitment, no prerequisites. You just show up and fly. And for the Sport Pilot certificate, you don't need an FAA medical at all — a valid US driver's license is all you need (as long as you've never been denied a medical certificate). The barrier to getting in a cockpit is lower than most people realize.
Sport Pilot is a real pilot certificate — and the fastest path to actually flying. It lets you fly in daytime VFR, carry a passenger, and with MOSAIC expanding the eligible aircraft list, you now have access to more planes than ever before. Half the hours, no FAA medical, lower cost. For many people it's not a consolation prize — it's the smart choice.
Not even close. Sport Pilot can be done in weeks. Private Pilot typically takes 3–6 months flying part-time. With our accelerated 25-day program, dedicated students have earned their Private Pilot Certificate in under a month. The timeline is mostly about how often you can fly — not how long the process has to take.
Still not sure? Book a discovery flight and see for yourself.
Book a Discovery Flight →Your aviation journey starts here
Whether you're dreaming of your first flight or ready to add a new rating, we'd love to hear from you. Reach out to schedule a discovery flight or learn more about our programs.