Claim early access

Pre-launch: not yet accepting applications

Two more years of school, or 12 months of flight training?

If you're weighing grad school or a new major, there's a path most people never look at: zero flight hours to Commercial Pilot and CFI/CFII in 12 months, trained the way airline crews train. We're preparing to launch in 2027, 15 minutes from Storrs, and building the list of people who want a shot at the first 8 seats.

Claim early access

List members can apply 14 days before applications open to the public. Free, no commitment.

Illustration of two smiling airline pilots at the controls of an airliner, flying above the clouds.
Illustration of the airline career VNAV trains toward. Not VNAV aircraft or personnel.

How people actually become airline pilots.

Most people assume it takes the military. It doesn't. The military is one path. The other is civilian flight training, and you can start it with zero flying experience.

Here's the civilian path, start to finish.

  1. 1Private PilotLearn to fly and carry passengers
  2. 2Instrument RatingFly in clouds, by instruments alone
  3. 3Commercial PilotQualified to be paid to fly
  4. 4CFI & CFIIQualified to teach, including instruments
  5. 5Build hoursUsually as a paid flight instructor
  6. 6Regional airlineFirst officer, then captain
  7. 7Major airlineThe long-term goal for many pilots

Steps 1–4 are VNAV's 12-month program. Steps 5–7 are the career it trains you toward.

Airlines generally require an Airline Transport Pilot certificate, which calls for 1,500 flight hours. Most new pilots build those hours as paid instructors, which is why CFI/CFII is part of the program rather than an add-on. See what each stage pays

The program, as planned.

Steps 1–4 of the path, in one 12-month program.

Location15 min from StorrsWindham Airport (KIJD)
Program0 hrs to Commercial + CFI/CFII
Duration12 monthsFull-time
Seats8Founding 2027 Cohort
Costs$83,350Plus estimated extras. See full cost
StatusPre-launchApplications not open

How we plan to train.

The way airline crews train

Lessons are planned around an airline-style brief, fly and debrief routine, with checklists and standard callouts from the first flight. The syllabus is being built by an Airline Pilot & Check Airman.

Modern aircraft from day one

The planned launch fleet is the factory-built Van's RV-12iS with dual Garmin G3X glass displays, plus an AATD simulator for procedures practice.

CFI/CFII built in

Instructor certificates are part of the 12 months, not an add-on. You'd finish positioned to earn while building hours toward airline minimums, instead of paying to rent time.

Captain Benjamin Head

Airline Pilot & Check Airman
Founder, VNAV Flight Labs

I evaluate pilots for a living. VNAV's syllabus is built around what I look for on a checkride: clear briefings, disciplined checklists and sound decisions, practiced from the first lesson instead of learned later. I'll host each info session myself, so you can ask me directly.

Learn more about VNAV

The curriculumWhat you will learn, and in what order The PanelThe aircraft, glass cockpit and training tech Meet the founderCaptain Benjamin Head Costs & financingWhat's included and what's extra Career pathWhat each stage of a pilot career pays

What it's planned to cost.

Training costs cover flight training from zero hours through Commercial Pilot, plus CFI/CFII. Here's the full picture, not just the headline number.

Training costs
$83,350
Estimated additional costs
~$9,000
Estimated total cost of attendance
$92,350

We're working on third-party financing options for qualified students and will share details before enrollment. VNAV Flight Labs is not a lender.

See what's included and what's extra

Claim your early access to the Founding 2027 Cohort.

Here's exactly what you'll get:

  • Occasional email updates as launch milestones happen
  • An invitation to a 30-minute online info session with Captain Head
  • The chance to apply 14 days before applications open to the public

Early access is free. It isn't an application, doesn't reserve a seat and doesn't commit you to anything. Seats are filled through the application process. Unsubscribe anytime.

Step 1 of 3

Claim your early access

Questions

Do I need to join the military to fly for an airline?

No. Military flight training is one path. Civilian flight training is the other, and it's open to anyone 18 or older, with no prior flying experience.

Is VNAV Flight Labs enrolling now?

No. We're preparing for a 2027 launch and are not accepting applications yet. People who claim early access can apply 14 days before applications open to the public.

When will applications open?

Once launch preparations are complete. We haven't set a date, and we won't guess at one. Early access members get an email when their 14-day early window opens.

What is early access?

When applications open, people who claimed early access can apply 14 days before applications open to the public. It's free, and there's no obligation to apply.

Does early access reserve a seat?

No. It lets you apply 14 days before the public, but seats are filled through the application process. It's free and doesn't commit you or us to anything.

Do I need any flying experience?

No. The program is planned to start at zero flight hours. Students must be 18 or older.

Could I do this while taking classes?

The program is planned as full-time for 12 months, so it isn't designed to run alongside a full course load.

Where is Windham Airport?

Windham Airport (KIJD) is in Windham, Connecticut, about 15 minutes from Storrs. It's the planned home base for the program.

What happens to my information?

We use it to send you updates about VNAV Flight Labs and to plan the first cohort. See our Privacy Policy for details.