What Are Steps to Choosing Right Flight School?

Knowing what to look for in regard to flight training is critically important.

Meg Godlewski

Wednesday, June 04, 2025 at 09:00 AM ET

Verified

Edited By:

Travis Tingle

When it has been more than a decade since you were the PIC, there can be some jitters involved with a flight review. [Credit: CanvaPro]

Key Takeaways:

Start by defining your flight goals (career vs. hobby) to choose the appropriate type of program and level of commitment.
Exercise caution with upfront payments; do not pay more than you can afford to lose, as refund policies may be unreliable.
Thoroughly research the school's reputation, specifically inquiring about fleet maintenance quality, employee retention, and their ability to secure DPEs.

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Question: I want to learn to fly, but I don’t know what to look for in a flight school. What are steps to choosing the right one?

This Article First Appeared in FLYING Magazine

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