Florida is home to many high-quality flight schools. With its great weather year-round and abundance of airports, many aspiring pilots come to this state in pursuit of their dreams. The following list contains six of the best flight schools in Florida with the sole focus on meeting your flying goals.
Florida’s Favorable Weather and Climate
Florida’s climate is one of its biggest draws for aspiring pilots. The state experiences a high number of “flyable days” each year, often over 350. This means:
- Year-Round Training: Unlike in many other states, students in Florida don’t have to worry about long periods of weather delays from snow, ice, or fog, which can significantly slow down progress. This allows for a more consistent training schedule and a faster path to certification.
- Predictable Conditions: While afternoon thunderstorms are common in the summer, they’re generally predictable, allowing instructors and students to plan flights around them. This also teaches valuable real-world skills in managing weather.
Diverse Airspace and Training Environments
Florida’s unique geography and high volume of air traffic offer a wide range of training environments that prepare pilots for various scenarios.
- Varied Airports: The state has hundreds of airports, ranging from major international hubs with complex Class B airspace to quiet, uncontrolled airfields and even private grass strips. This diversity allows students to practice everything from communicating with air traffic control in busy environments to performing takeoffs and landings in simpler settings.
- Cross-Country Training: Being a large peninsula, Florida provides ample opportunity for pilots to complete cross-country flights required for certification. Students can fly from the busy east coast to the quieter gulf coast, navigating different terrains and airspace types.
Strong Aviation Industry and Community
The aviation industry is a significant part of Florida’s economy, which creates a supportive ecosystem for flight students.
- Abundant Flight Schools: Florida is home to a high concentration of flight schools, from large academies with international reach to smaller, more personalized operations. This competition can lead to better resources, a variety of training programs (both Part 61 and Part 141), and competitive pricing.
- Career Opportunities: The state has numerous airlines, cargo operators, and corporate aviation companies. This thriving industry provides excellent networking opportunities and, for those who train locally, a potential pathway to job placement as a flight instructor or even with an airline right after graduation.
- Talent Pool: The constant influx of students and instructors ensures a steady supply of new flight instructors, who are often building hours for their next career step. This creates a vibrant and knowledgeable community for mentorship and career advice.
While there are many good programs in Florida to choose from, we’ve highlighted six schools for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots.
Quick Look: Flight Schools in Florida
- Kingsky Flight Academy
- Florida Flyers International Flight Academy
- Epic Flight Academy
- Paragon Flight Academy
- Pan Am Flight Academy (ATP CTP)
- Global Pilot Academy, Inc.
6 Flight Schools in Florida
Whether you’re 17 or 70, it is never too late to learn to fly. Here are six of the best aviation schools in Florida, their tuition and fees, financial assistance options, program details, and more.
Kingsky Flight Academy
Kingsky Flight Academy has over 60 years of experience in training individuals on their journeys of becoming pilots. Owned and operated by two airline captains, Kingsky Flight Academy preaches safety and quality above all else. A big draw to this flight school are the connections and opportunities available upon flight training completion.
Location: Lakeland
Tuition and Fees:
- Part 61 private pilot: $8,060 to $9,460
- Part 61 commercial pilot: $2,790 to $8,060
- Part 141 private pilot: $8,700
- Part 141 commercial pilot: $19,305 to $24,030
Financial Assistance:
- Private student loans available
- Financial aid available for room and board, flight training costs, and tuition
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length:
- Self-paced
- Private, Commercial, and CFI programs each take three months, on average
Endorsements:
- Private pilot, Instrument rating, Commercial pilot-single engine, Commercial pilot-multi engine add-on, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
School Size:
- Total students: 135
- Average class size: 1-on-1
Job Placement: No, but there are many connections and opportunities
Virtual Learning: No
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Florida Flyers Flight Academy
Florida Flyers International Flight Academy is a top-rated flight school in Florida and one of the best in the country, with personalized 24-hour service to set up each student with everything they need and nothing they do not. Florida Flyers specializes in commercial pilot training and caters to both U.S. pilots and international flight students. Their main aim is to take pilots from having no experience to becoming commercial pilots, either single or multi engine, within 12 months.
Location: St. Augustine
Tuition and Fees:
- Total price of zero to commercial pilot, single engine: $36,663
- Total price of zero to commercial pilot, multi engine: $43,200
Financial Assistance:
- Scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study opportunities available
- Financing for tuition, visa fees, and living expenses available
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: Approximately 12 months
Endorsements:
- Private pilot, Instrument rating, Commercial pilot-single engine, Commercial pilot-multi-engine, CFI, ATP
School Size:
- Total students: 100
- Average class size: 1 instructor per 4 students
Job Placement: No
Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain ground school courses
Epic Flight Academy
Epic Flight Academy is a program directed at those wanting to become airline pilots. Epic Flight Academy boasts an impressive 100% hiring rate. They also offer many opportunities to instruct to get the necessary hours towards ATP minimums.
Location: New Smyrna Beach
Tuition and Fees:
- Zero experience to airline pilot: $67,000
- Private pilot starting instrument rating course: $46,000
- Private pilot with instrument rating starting commercial pilot course: $33,000
Financial Assistance: Private student loans available
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: 24 months for pilots with zero experience
Endorsements:
- Private pilot, Instrument rating, Commercial pilot-single engine, Commercial pilot-multi-engine, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
School Size:
- Total students: 250
- Average class size: 1 instructor per 3 students
Job Placement: Yes
Virtual Learning: Yes, for certain ground school courses
Paragon Flight Academy
Paragon Flight Academy offers a full gamut of pilot education options, from a private pilot license to an airline transport pilot. This flight school refers to all attendees as clients, not students, and aims to customize each client’s experience. While some programs can be completed in a week’s time, a pipeline from zero experience to full-time airline pilot is also available.
Location: Fort Myers
Tuition and Fees: A cost estimate is available after an evaluation of each client’s needs.
Financial Assistance: Yes
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: A training timeline is available after an evaluation of each client’s needs.
Endorsements:
- Private pilot, Instrument rating, Commercial pilot-single engine, Commercial pilot-multi-engine, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
School Size:
- Total student: 150
- Average class size: 1 instructor per 3 or 4 students
Job Placement: No
Virtual Learning: No
Pan Am Flight Academy
Pan Am Flight Academy is a flight school for established pilots looking to get their Airline Transport Certification. Students must already have their 1,500 hours of flight and all other prerequisites completed before enrolling in the program. Pan Am Flight Academy is one of the best ATP schools in Florida.
Location: Miami
Tuition and Fees: $3,995
Financial Assistance: No
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length:
- As little as five days with use of simulators
- Actual duration of the program differs from person to person
Endorsements: ATP and CTP
School Size:
- Total students: 50
- Average class size: 1 instructor for 4 students
Job Placement: No
Virtual Learning: No
Global Pilot Academy
Global Pilot Academy welcomes students from all around the world. They are known for assisting international students with their student visa applications, TSA clearances, and everything else needed to receive flight training in the United States, including housing options.
Location: Tampa
Tuition and Fees:
- Private pilot: $9,999
- Instrument rating: $8,999
- Commercial pilot, single-engine: $17,999
- Commercial pilot, multiengine: $5,999
- CFI: $4,999
- CFII: $2,999
- MEI: $6,299
- ATP: $60,999
Financial Assistance: Yes
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: 6 weeks to 14 months depending on the program
Endorsements:
- Private pilot, Instrument rating, Commercial pilot-single engine, Commercial pilot-multi-engine, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
School Size:
- Total students: 100-150
- Average class size: 1 instructor per 3 or 4 students
Job Placement: Yes
Virtual Learning: No
How Does Flight School Training in Florida Work?
Flight training in Florida is like everywhere else, but the good weather allows for more flying days, resulting in expedited training for many students. There are also a lot of flying options in Florida, compared to other locations, especially for those looking to become professional pilots.
How Long Is Flight School?
The time requirements necessary to qualify to be an airline pilot are extremely high (i.e., 1,500 hours), but most flight schools do their best to have students and instructors in the air as much as possible. Many of these programs can take a zero-experience pilot to an airline pilot in under two years.
Training for International Students
Non-U.S. citizens wishing to conduct flight training in the U.S. must enroll in the Flight Training Security Program and undergo a security threat assessment. In addition, these students must possess an appropriate visa to receive flight training for a certificate or rating. Other basic requirements must also be met, such as meeting the minimum age requirement, being able to speak, read, write, and understand English, as well as passing an FAA medical exam.
Florida Flight School Facts and Figures
The following list outlines the things that should be considered when comparing and selecting the best flying schools in Florida.
Number of Schools
Florida is a big-time aviation hub, offering year-round trainable weather. It is no surprise the state has more than 125 flight training schools for aspiring pilots to choose from.
Number of Students Per Class
Some flying schools in Florida boast a 1:1 instructor to student ratio, however, the norm is 1:3 or 1:4 with none reporting higher than 1:6.
Tuition Rates
Most flight schools in Florida offer customized rates depending on what license or rating a student is seeking. For the pilots looking to go from no experience to being an airline pilot, the fees range between $60,000 and $120,000.
Loans
Most flight schools in Florida allow for federal or private student loans to fund pilot training. Most student loans have the same terms for flight training as they would for any other 4-year degree.
Scholarships
Most flight schools in Florida do not offer scholarships directly. However, students can seek scholarships from other entities and use the funds to pay for flight training.
Job Placement
With many airlines headquartered in Florida, as well as a large military and government aviation presence (e.g., NASA), job placement numbers from Florida flight schools are very high.
Florida Pilot Employment Facts and Figures
For many pilots across the globe being a pilot has busy seasons and not-so-busy seasons. This is not the case in Florida due to its favorable weather and robust aviation industry presence.
Salary
Airline pilot salary in Florida is the fourth highest in the country, averaging $283,740 per year in 2023.
If you are considering a career as an airline pilot, it is essential to do your research and explore opportunities with various airlines or employers. Every organization has their unique pay structures that may vary based on location, skills, and years of experience.
Is Florida Good for Pilot Training?
Whether the pilot shortage is over or not, as long as there is an aviation industry, there will be a demand for pilots. One of the first decisions any aspiring pilot must make is where to pursue their flying goals. With plenty of options, sufficient weather all year-round, and many potential employers nearby, Florida is one of the best options for pilot training.
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How do I become a pilot in Florida?
To become a pilot in Florida you must be at least 17 years old (18 for a commercial pilot license). You must be able to read, write, speak, and understand English. You must pass and hold a valid medical certificate. You must receive and log ground and flight training from an authorized instructor or flight school. Finally, you must pass applicable knowledge and practical tests.
How much does it cost to go to pilot school in Florida?
The cost of training in Florida depends on which license or rating you’re pursuing. It is best to check with an authorized instructor or flight school to determine your cost of training. However, a zero-experience pilot can complete the necessary training to fly airliners for approximately $60,000 to $120,000.
What college in Florida has aviation programs?
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach and Florida Institute of Technology in Melbourne are two colleges in Florida that offer extensive aviation programs. Other schools like Jacksonville University, Lynn University, Miami Dade College, and Polk State College also have aviation-related degree offerings.
