East Coast Aero Club

"Absolutely appalling rental prices, even for 2023 and their oldest and most basic 1970s models. I'm renting planes that are half as old for half the price wet, and I can rent a 2022 172 NXi for less than they're charging for a 50 year old steam gauge 172. I can literally rent a twin for less hourly than their 172Ms. This is like helicopter prices for fixed wing training. Highway robbery, and they get away with it because there are so few options in Greater Boston. You would have to be absolutely loaded to afford a PPL at this school - look elsewhere. A "club" in name only."

"It’s a great school with amazing people. Specially If you are an international student pilot (or want to be one ), they guide you all the way for the process. Plane rental prices is on a bit higher side but they put emphasis on maintenance and safety of the planes that justifies the cost. Any pilot on the east cost will recommend this school due to the good track record they have maintained."

"I worked at East Coast Aero Club last year and I currently rent from them. The entire operation runs like clockwork. Maintenance and dispatch work together to plan future maintenance which means renters and students always have a plane available. If there is ever any issue, dispatch is very quick to make adjustments to resolve the issue. The quality of instructors is also of note. ECAC has a strong team that work together to achieve the common goal of helping students succeed. If one instructor isn’t a fit, it’s easy to find another that does. As an employee and a renter, I am consistently satisfied with the quality and efficiency of this aero club."

"I live 12 minutes away from Beverly Airport, where there are options for learning to fly. But I drive 35-50 minutes to East Coast Aero Club at Hanscom because of the quality of their instructors, the mint condition of the planes, and the transparency of maintenance (there is a board in the office where you can see the maintenance status of each plane), it's a bit pricier than other flight schools, but worth the money. You can learn in old Warrior IIs, or newer Cessnas 172 with the latest avionics. Highly recommended if you want to become a pilot in a safe and professional environment."

"If you are looking to take flight classes on your own paste and book lessons but have a busy work schedule this place is the right place for you. This is one of the three ECAC locations in the state. The Bedford location is where I was able to take my flight lessons. ECAC is by far one of the best flight schools in the state with very reasonable pricing on rentals. The front desk staff are friendly, polite and helpful. They make you feel welcomed and always greet you with a smile. The schedule although at times can be busy with multiple students flying for the day, once you book your introductory class you can then book your flight lessons online as you wish; with however many hours you would like to book in a week. You can book flights until a month in advance which gives you plenty of time to plan your personal life around the lessons or the lessons around your personal life. The website is super simple and easy to use and is very straight forward. The instructors are all very skilled and experienced and know how to teach and make you feel comfortable with the plane. Once you start your solo flights other instructors look out for you and are always there as a resource if you need anything. As you take more classes you are expected to do more and more hands on while the instructor observe and goes a little less hands on to give you the skills you need to fly the plane. Justine and Sophie were the two instructors I flew with and both were knowledgeable, skilled and very friendly. They both made me feel comfortable learning from them and slowly progressing to my solo flights. The planes are very very very well maintained and although some are a little older, they perform amazingly, and that goes to show the good work of the maintenance department with this club. There is a very organized system for when there is any maintenance issues with the plane. Things get fixed and looked at right away. Overall I have nothing negative to say about this flight school and only all positive things. It takes a lot to be a pilot but this place makes you feel welcomed, comfortable, teaches you, gives you the skills, and makes you a damn good pilot. Highly recommend!!!"