Flight School Options in Orlando (FL)

Editor’s note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.

Located in the center of Florida, Orlando offers plenty of sunshine, scenic views, and access to numerous airstrips in the metro area and across the Sunshine State. The beautiful subtropical climate maximizes available flight time throughout the year which keeps training costs down. 

The best flight schools in Orlando are in need of ambitious students to begin their rewarding career in the growing industry of aviation. Learn how to become a pilot by training at the best flight schools in Orlando. 

Quicklook: Flight Schools in Orlando

• Orlando Flight School 
• SunState Aviation
• Paragon Flight Training Co.
• Flight Ready Aviation
• First Landings Aviation

5 Flight School Options in Orlando

Companies hiring pilots often target candidates from the best flight schools. Here are the best flight schools in Orlando. 

Orlando Flight School

Orlando Flight school has been in business over 5 years and is rated as the best flight school in Orlando, Florida. They offer individual instruction and multiple licenses and ratings. 

They offer instruction 24/7 and own a fleet of multiple aircraft and simulators to choose from. 

Location: 615 Herndon Ave, Orlando, FL 32803

Tuition & Fees: 

Aircraft Rates: $149-$354 per hour (dependent upon type)

Instructor Fee: $69 per hour

Financial Assistance: No 

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length: 

• Private Pilot: 35-45 hours plus ground course time (6 months total, on average)
• Commercial Pilot: 250 flight hours, built on from the Private Pilot License (2-3 years)
• Additional Licenses and Certificates Available

Endorsements: Numerous aircraft endorsements

School Size: All ground and flight training is conducted individually with an instructor.

Job Placement: No

Virtual Learning: No

SunState Aviation

SunState Aviation was founded in 2002 by Steve Graham, who began with one plane and now has a fleet of 10 and a 16,000 sq. ft. training facility. In the past nineteen years SunState has graduated 2800 students and they currently have 1,700 graduates working in the aviation industry. 

Pilot, flight and instrument training are available in addition to an accelerated program and a degree program through Liberty University. 

Location: 3008 Patrick St. Kissimmee, FL 34741

Tuition & Fees: 

SunState makes it clear that the costs can vary considerably based on aircraft, hours needed to learn the required information, etc. The average cost of an aircraft and instructor is $170 per hour but can reach $250 per hour. 

The average cost to obtain a private pilot license is $10,574 and costs will build as you seek a commercial and airline transport license. 

Financial Assistance: No, however, they accept the G.I. Bill and have financing options through multiple partners. 

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length: 

• Accelerated Program – 21 weeks
• Private Pilot Training – 35 flight hours, 20-25 hours of ground courses 
• Instrument Training – 35 flight hours, 20-25 hours of ground courses 
• Commercial Training – 120 flight training hours (6+ months) 
• Multi Engine Training – 10 – 15 hours
• Flight Instructor Training – 1-2 months 

Endorsements: Flight Simulator, Instrument Rating, High Performance

School Size: All ground and flight training is conducted individually with an instructor.

Job Placement: Yes

Virtual Learning: Yes

Paragon Flight Training Co.

Paragon is located in Fort Myers, Florida and offers Part 141 and Part 61 courses in flight training. The flight school caters to recreational pilots, commercial and professional pilots, as well as military and government aviation professionals. 

Boasting a large fleet of Cessna, Piper, and Cirrus aircraft, they have a course design for every individual budget. 

Location: 511 Danley Drive Fort Myers, Florida 33907

Tuition & Fees: 

Paragon Flight Training Co. states that the cost of their flight school ranges between $8,000 and $15,000. The average cost of an aircraft and instructor is $170 per hour but can reach $250 per hour. 

The average cost to obtain a private pilot license is $10,574 and costs will build as you seek a commercial and airline transport license. 

Financial Assistance: No, however, they accept the G.I. Bill and have financing options through multiple partners. 

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length: 

• Private Pilot: 40-60 flight hours
• Instrument Pilot: 35-45 flight hours
• Multi-Engine Rating: 46.5 hours
• Certified Flight instructor: 15-20 hours
• Airline and Commercial Pilot: 120 flight hours (Program length can vary dependent upon individual circumstances)

Endorsements: Certified Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine, High-Performance Aircraft, Complex, Tailwheel, and SeaPlane Aircraft

School Size: All ground and flight training is conducted individually with an instructor.

Job Placement: Yes

Virtual Learning: Yes

Flight Ready Aviation

Flight Ready Aviation was founded in 2008 and is located at the Orlando International Airport. They offer flexible scheduling to earn certifications for flight instruction, private and commercial licenses, as well as instrument ratings, and are accredited by the FAA. 

Location: ​321 N. Crystal Lake Drive, Suite 300, Orlando, FL 32803

Tuition & Fees: Flight Ready Aviation lists the costs of aircraft which range from $130 per hour up to $369 per hour for dual instruction. The total cost will vary depending upon aircraft and license pursued. 

The average cost of an aircraft and instructor is $170 per hour but can reach $250 per hour. The average cost to obtain a private pilot license is $10,574 and costs will build as you seek a commercial and airline transport license. 

Financial Assistance: No, however, financing options are available through partnerships. 

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length: 

• Private Pilot (PPL) – 40 flight hours minimum (50-60 recommended) 
• Instrument Rating – 3 hours of instrument training plus a cross country flight performed under instrument flight rules. 
• Commercial Pilot – 250 hours of flight time
• Certified Instructor – Pass knowledge and practical test and hold commercial license

Endorsements: Certified Flight Instructor, Multi-Engine, Complex

School Size: All ground and flight training is conducted individually or with two students and the instructor.

Job Placement: Yes

Virtual Learning: Yes

First Landings Aviation

First Landings Aviation opened its doors in 2009 in Apopka Florida and now has state-of-the-art facilities and possess a diversified fleet of 8 aircraft and employs 8 full-time instructors. 

They offer pilot training up to commercial level and multi-engine, as well as instrument ratings. 

Location: 1321 Apopka Airport Road, Apopka, FL 32712

Tuition & Fees: 

Sport Pilot – $4,899

Private Pilot – $8,381

Commercial Pilot – Approx $200 per hour for aircraft and instructor

Financial Assistance: No

Accreditation: Yes

Program Length:

Sport Pilot – 20 hours flight time

Private Pilot – 40 hours flight time

Commercial Pilot – 250 hours of flight time (6 months)

Endorsements: Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating

School Size: All ground and flight training is conducted individually with an instructor.

Job Placement: Yes

Virtual Learning: Yes

How Does Flight School Training in Orlando Work?

A pilot’s license is a certificate issued by the FAA, which certifies that a person is medically qualified and has satisfied all ground course, flight time, and testing requirements to legally operate a private or commercial aircraft. Beginning with a student license, one must be at least 16 years of age, pass a physical, and be able to communicate fluently in English. 

A student pilot can begin taking courses towards their private pilot license, then commercial, and eventually airline transport license. Choose the best flight school for your budget and aviation goals to begin the journey. 

Orlando Flight School Facts & Figures

To obtain a pilot’s license, you will first need to decide which Orlando flight school is best for you.

Number of Schools

There are 21 flight schools spread evenly across the Orlando metro area.

Number of Students per Class

Flight schools offer one-on-one instruction for all students, unlike university ground courses. 

Tuition Rates

The average cost for pilot training at Orlando flight schools is $10,574, which is the combined rates of flight instructors, aircraft rental, and ground courses. 

Average Loan Amount

The average amount for a private pilot license begins at around $10,000 and can reach up to $85,000 for an airline transport license. 

Scholarship

Scholarship amounts for Orlando flight school students are awarded by several sources, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, The National Business Aviation Association, The Army Aviation Association of America, among several others. 

The average scholarships awarded range from $500-$5,000 per student. 

Job Placement

Orlando flight schools offer job placement assistance through partnerships with local aviation businesses, airlines, and neighboring flight schools. 

Orlando Pilot Employment Facts & Figures

The top flight schools in Orlando are often hired by the best companies in the area. Find out which companies are top employers for pilots in Orlando. 

Employment 

The state of Florida has 4,680 commercial pilots and 5,220 airline pilots. Specific to the Orlando area, listed below are the top employers of pilots in the Orlando area. 

Biggest Employer	Average Salary	Full or Part Time Pilots
Delta Airlines	$201,445	14,840
JetBlue Airlines	$217,064	3,714
Southwest Airlines	$229,747	8,500
SkyWest Airlines	$109,292	5,000
Spirit Airlines	$158,396	2,500

Salary

The average pilot salary in Orlando, Florida is $105,779 ($8,815 per month or $2,034 per week.) 

Orlando Flight Schools, the Happiest Place Above Earth!  

Orlando has several outstanding flight schools to choose from as a start on your journey to becoming a licensed pilot in the booming aviation industry. Employers are seeking qualified pilots for private, commercial, and airline transport positions. 

You are now closer to choosing the right path for your aviation career. Subscribe to FLYING Magazine today, to stay informed of all of the latest and greatest information in the exciting industry of aviation!

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