Most first-time flight students accept this, not knowing that they can change instructors if it’s not a good fit. They may not know it’s not a good fit unless someone points it out to them. 

Your instructor should be available at least twice a week for lessons, should be able to answer your questions and provide you with a syllabus, or at the very least an outline of what you can expect in each phase of training. And perhaps most importantly, your CFI should be your advocate—helping you over the obstacles and, to some extent, helping you move forward in your training.

School Culture

By definition, an advocate is someone who supports a cause or person. In this case, the flight student is also the customer.

Ask if the flight school business model supports CFI advocacy for the learners. You may get a deer-in-the-headlights look. It often boils down to a single CFI assigned to a learner, rather than the learner flying with whomever is available at that time. If there are multiple CFIs working with the learner, it can be challenging for the student to connect with an individual and for a particular CFI to become an advocate for them.

The benefit of having a CFI who will advocate for you can make all the difference. It is a lot easier to learn when you are working with a CFI who is invested in your success. This CFI will give you the tools you need to be a safe and competent pilot. You will be taught how to use the syllabus, Airman Certification Standards, Federal Aviation Regulations/Aeronautical Information Manual, Pilot’s Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge and the Airplane Flying Handbook rather than falling back on the dreaded phrase “my instructor told me.”

What to Expect

Having your CFI as an advocate doesn’t mean the CFI will pencil whip your logbook, bribe the DPE, or allow you to cut corners. On the contrary, they will learn how to best teach you and then apply that knowledge.

For example, if you are a flight student who needs something tangible to hold in their hand to grasp a concept, your CFI might create a model of airspace for you to hold as you learn.

If you are an athlete and play multiple sports, the CFI may use a sports metaphor to help you grasp a concept. Aiming at a particular spot on the runway and knowing that you will touch down just past it, for example, is similar to the way a forward pass in football is thrown ahead of the receiver.

A CFI who is your advocate will also likely experiment until they find what teaching method works best for you. They will also help you find a DPE that works best with your personality, and may even make introductions to help put you at ease.

A CFI that advocates for you will be supportive when you are successful and offer gentle correction when something needs to change. They will listen to your concerns, encourage you to develop your own weather minimums, and follow the IMSAFE pilot fitness checklist.

There will be days when the weather is beyond your capability and comfort level, and, to some extent, what can be managed by dual instruction. Remember, the purpose of flight training is to teach someone how to fly, not for the CFI to show off their skills. Both the CFI and learner need to ask themselves, “What will the learner get out of this today?”

There may be times when the flight student perceives they are not being treated fairly, such as if they were not allowed to fly because their airplane was given to someone else. Perhaps it was because those other learners had check rides coming up in a day, and those take priority. This needs to be explained to the student up front because hard feelings limit learning.

If it appears the school is trying to stretch out a learner’s training by only allowing them to fly once a week, it’s time to have a talk with the school scheduling department. It may not be aware that this tactic is not in the best interest of the flight student, as it makes it near impossible to retain knowledge or skill. 

If the student is getting in their own way but not having the time or resources to fly more than once a week, it is time to have a talk with them about putting off training until they have the time and resources to commit to flying at least three times a week.

If it comes down to a personality clash between the learner and CFI, it’s best for the flight student to fly with someone else. Be up-front, be polite, be professional, and make the change. Remember, learning to fly is about the student’s needs.

To the flight students, if your CFI suggests you fly with someone else, this can be a favor. If they truly are your advocate, they want what is best for you.

The post Finding an Advocate in Flight Lessons appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

A visit to Dayton will have you absorbed in Ohio’s rich aviation history, where you’ll find gems like the Wright Brothers National Museum, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and much more.

Celebrating this history of flight, it’s not surprising Ohio is home to numerous aviation schools. If your goal is to take to the skies as a career, or simply master recreational flying, there is a flight school in the Buckeye State for you.

While there are many good programs in the state to choose from, we highlight these five schools for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots.

Quick Look: Flight Schools in Ohio

• Top 10 national ranking: Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies
• Relationships with major airlines: ATP Flight School – Cincinnati
• Specialized training in Cirrus aircraft: Capital City Aviation
• Nationally accredited non-university: American Winds Flight Academy
• Top-notch flight instructors: Sporty’s Academy

Ohio State University Center for Aviation Studies

Notable for: Long history, top 10 national ranking

Ohio State University’s aviation program is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Dating back to 1917, just 14 years after the Wright brothers’ famed first flight, the school later helped train Navy pilots to assist World War II efforts. Today, the school sponsors research and development, retaining its emphasis on flight instruction and pilot certification.

Alumni of the school can be found piloting for major airlines, in control towers, under the hood of the latest jet craft, and monitoring national airspace at government agencies such as NASA and the FAA. It’s ranked among the top 10 flight schools in the U.S. and best flight school in Ohio.

Location: Columbus

Tuition and fees: Average student will spend approximately $73,000-$76,000 to complete the professional pilot program, depending on options chosen.

Financial assistance: Ohio State University accepts federal student loans. A number of scholarships specific to the aviation program are available. 

Accreditation: All aviation programs with the school have received accreditation from Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Program length: 2-5 years depending on path chosen

Endorsements: Degrees offered include B.S. in aviation, B.A. in air transportation, and B.S. business administration with an aviation management specialization. Professional Pilot Certification is an optional pathway in addition to the degree program.

Endorsements include:

• Private pilot certificate
• Instrument rating
• Commercial pilot certificate
• Multi-engine rating
• Certified flight instructor certificate with single-engine airplane
• Certified flight instructor – instrument
• Instrument
• Multi-engine ratings

Fleet: 20 aircraft and three simulators, including 19 C172s, and one PA-44 Piper Seminole.

Job placement: Yes. In addition to multiple internship opportunities, many grads begin immediate employment as flight instructors. Industry career pathway programs are established with many regional airline cadet programs.

ATP Flight Schools – Cincinnati

Notable for: Relationships with major airlines

With 78 flight training centers across the U.S., ATP has been a leader in professional pilot training for more than 40 years. It is the nation’s largest flight school. Some of its 25,000-plus graduates have gone on to fly for United, Frontier, Spirit, Delta, and American airlines among others.

With various fast-track options, you can complete training in anywhere from nine to 12 months. Financing options as well as airline tuition reimbursement are available.

Location: Cincinnati

Tuition and fees: $86,995-$108,995

Financial assistance: Financing available through Sallie Mae lowest-interest rate student loan. Covers full cost of pilot training and living expenses, with flexible repayment options and deferred loan payments.

Accreditation: Part 60 with a 141 program

Program length: Nine to 12 months

Endorsements: Student pilot certificate, private pilot license (PPL), instrument rating (IR), multi-engine rating, commercial pilot license (CPL), flight instructor certificate (CFI), airline transport pilot (ATP)

Fleet: ATP operates the largest flight training fleet in the world, with 611 aircraft, including single-engine Piper Archers, Cessna Skyhawk 172s, and the largest multiengine fleet with 102 Piper Seminoles.

Job placement: Pathways to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and more with ATP’s 38 airline partnerships

Virtual learning: Online training resources available.

Looking for a more flexible study schedule? Consider utilizing online study course options like WifiCFI. You can find all you need to prepare for your FAA written tests and check rides to earn your PPL, CFI, and more.

Or try an online ground school like Pilot Institute. From Private Pilot to Part 107 drone license course, it has helped thousands of students reach their aviation goals. Pilot Institute is so confident you’ll pass the first time around, it will give you a check for $175 and refund your course tuition if you don’t.

Capital City Aviation

Notable for: Specialized training in Cirrus aircraft

Capital City Aviation is a nonprofit flight training and aircraft rental club chosen to be the Cirrus training center for the Ohio region. The Cirrus SR Series is the best-selling aircraft in the world, known for speed, luxury, and the best safety record in general aviation. 

The club’s mission is to develop safe and proficient pilots and maintain the highest quality rental fleet in central Ohio. It offers individualized training programs based on your personal goals to fly as a private pilot, for business, or as a career. Some instructors have more than 50 years of experience.

Location: Columbus

Tuition and fees:

• One-time membership fee of $250 plus $45 per month
• Rental insurance estimated at $140-$350 annually
• Instructor fees: $400 for half day or $800 per day
• Cirrus instructors: $450 per half day or $900 per day
• Cirrus instruction: $85-$105 per hour
• Private pilot license: $9,000-$12,000
• Instrument rating: $8,000-$12,000
• Commercial pilot & certified flight Instructor: Varies depending on experience level and proficiency. Flight training and rental are offered on a pay as you go, flight by flight basis tailored to individual needs. The cost varies based on how quickly a student learns and how consistently a student can fly. Capital City Aviation recommends contacting the flight club for a personal assessment and estimate.

Financial assistance: Not offered through the club, but the organization works with a variety of financing services. Some grants and scholarships can also be accepted for Part 61 flight training.

Accreditation: No traditional accreditation

Program length: Estimated at eight to 12 months for PPL, based on the national average of 60 to 70 hours at two to three sessions per week

Endorsements: PPL, instrument rating, CFI and CFI II, Cirrus SR20 and SR22, airline transport pilot, multi-engine, and flight instructor multi-engine

Fleet: 2024 Cirrus SR-20 G7, 2021 Cirrus SR-20 G6, 2021 Cirrus SR-22, 2020 Cirrus SR-22, Piper Pilot 100i, Cessna 172N Skyhawk

Job placement: No direct job placement. However, the school has trained many commercial pilots.

Virtual learning: Online instruction and simulator training available.

American Winds Flight Academy

Notable for: One of three nationally accredited non-university vocational flight schools in the U.S.

American Winds Flight Academy (AWFA) scores as one of only three non-university vocational flight schools in the U.S. to be nationally accredited. It’s also one of just two FAA-certified (141) flight schools in northeast Ohio. With flexible programming and finance options, it also accepts international students.

Here you won’t have to choose between aviation school or a degree. Besides the fixed-wing flight school, AWFA also offers degree programs through partnerships with Liberty and Walsh universities. You can earn your associate degree in aviation in two years and complete your bachelor’s degree in approximately three, while logging in hours at the flight school toward your requisites.

Location: Akron

Tuition and fees: Associate degree – $80,000; contact AWFA for additional pricing at 330-733-2500.

Financial assistance: Veterans benefits can be used for flight training courses (not for college classes).

Accreditation: FAA Approved Part 141 Pilot School

Program length: 

• FAA private pilot certification: three to four months
• Professional pilot: 18-24 months
• Commercial pilot: 10-12 months
• Rotary transition program: 12-20 months
• Instructor pilot: 12-28 months
• Associate degree aviation administration and management: 18-24 months
• Commercial pilot fast track (FAA certificates and ratings only): 10-12 months
• Bachelor’s degree: approximately three years

Endorsements: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot, flight instructor (CFI/FI), flight instructor instrument (CFII/IRI), instrument rating (IR), multi-engine rating, flight instructor-multi-engine (MEI)

Fleet: Cessna 172L, Cessna 172M, Piper Cherokee, Piper Arrow, Piper Warrior, Piper Apache, Piper Seneca II

Job placement: Preferred applicant status with many major airlines

Virtual learning: Flight simulator available, online coursework available through partnerships with universities

Sporty’s Academy

Notable for: Top flight Instructors, established reputation, free lifetime course updates

Sporty’s emphasizes excellence in flight instruction, with Gold Seal and Master Designated Instructors on staff. In operation since 1961, it offers an extensive gamut of courses and services, plus extras like an on-site weather station, avionics library, and pilot shop for all your gear. The academy operates its own maintenance facility on the grounds.

Situated at the Clermont County Airport (I69), students can acclimate to a shared flight environment around larger aircraft. For convenience, the school has its own medical examiner.

A nice perk is free lifetime updates on any courses you’ve completed with the school. Clients are invited to enjoy free cookouts every Saturday.

Location: Batavia (Cincinnati metro)

Tuition and fees: Aircraft rental ranges from $145-$345 per hour, instruction rates from $49 to $70 per hour. The flight simulator is available at $85 per hour.

Financial assistance: Sporty’s provides extensive resources on applicable scholarship offerings, including AOPA, CareerOneStop, EAA, National Air Transportation Foundation, National Business Aviation Association, Ninety-Nines, Regional Airline Association, and Women in Aviation International.

Accreditation: FAA-approved pilot school, training hundreds of students yearly, including international students

Program length: Approximately one year

Endorsements: 

• Private pilot license
• Commercial pilot license
• Airline transport pilot
• Flight instructor (CFI/FI)
• Flight instructor instrument (CFII/IRI)
• Instrument rating (IR)
• Multi-engine rating
• Flight instructor-multi-engine (MEI)
• Complex/high performance endorsement
• ATP check ride prep, G1000

Fleet: Cessna 172SP, Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Sporty’s Cessna 172 LITE, Cessna 172RG, Cessna 182T, Piper Aztec E, including some models with glass cockpit technology

Job placement: PSA Cadet program offers assistance with job placement upon completion of your PSI, and multiple internship opportunities. Upon meeting ATP minimums, PSA will pay for your CTP program. When you reach senior cadet status, PSA offers direct flow through to American Airlines in approximately six years with no additional interview required.

Virtual learning: Yes. Frasca RTD Flight Simulator is also available. 

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flight School

Curriculum and certification programs

The curriculum and certifications of different flight schools should sync with your personal goals as a pilot.

Are you looking at recreational flying, or do you intend to pursue a career as a commercial pilot? How much time do you want to put in?

Go for the greatest qualifications if you want to make flying your lifelong career. Otherwise, consider starting with your PPL and evaluate where you’d like to go from there.

Are you looking for an in-person flight school? There are also very good online options, such as Altitude University, Pilot Institute, and Sporty’s.

Aircraft fleet and maintenance

You’ll want an aviation school that trains you in the type of equipment you intend to fly.

Do you envision flying Cirrus aircraft? Are you interested in piloting helicopters or drones? Are your intentions to fly for the military?

Look for schools with up-to-date technology and a reputation for well-maintained aircraft. Safety should always be of paramount importance.

Instructor qualifications and experience

You can find information about flight instructors on most aviation school’s websites.

Generally, pilots with greater years of experience and more extensive credentials command a higher hourly rate. This may be required if you’re testing for more advanced certifications yourself.

Cost and financial aid options

From your PPL to your commercial pilot’s license, there’s a significant level of financial investment to fulfill your dreams of flying airplanes.

Look into pay-as-you-go options offered by some flight schools. Investigate scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs available at universities. Consider programs that lead to tuition reimbursement from future airline employers.

Job placement assistance

Not all flight schools offer direct assistance to future employment, while some have excellent relationships with airlines and related entities.

If you’ll be flying solo, this may not be an issue for you. Otherwise, connections could be worth exploring before you commit to a particular school.
 

Get on your way to getting your wings

With an identity so deeply aligned with the history of flight, Ohio is an excellent place to begin your aviation journey.

Proximity to many city centers and major airports, and a diversity of weather conditions to navigate, offer prime opportunities to hone your skills as a pilot. Home to approximately 30 flight schools in one state, there are ample options here to find a school that meets your vision for your future. 

FAQs

How much does it cost to get a pilot’s license in Ohio?

Precise costs depend on your choice of flight school and what type of licensing you pursue. In general, your total investment will run between $17,000-$27,000, including flight training and hours, ground school, and requirements like the medical examination, checkride fees and study materials. The bulk of this cost is found in flight school tuition (from $8,000-$15,000) and flight hours (an average of $150 per hour for rental and instructor) which run between $9,000-$10,500.

How much does the Ohio State flight program cost?

The Ohio State University flight program comes with a four-year degree which can significantly enhance your prospects of flying for a major airline. Most students will spend between $73,000-$76,000 to complete their professional pilot program.

How long is pilot school in Ohio?

The FAA requires students to complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time for their pilot’s license. Most students require closer to 60 hours to pass. Depending on how much time you can devote to flying, this can take from several months to a year. To obtain your commercial pilot certificate you’ll need to accrue an additional 250 hours, a process that varies from months to a few years. A flight instructor certificate can be earned after obtaining your commercial license. Training for flight instructor ranges from weeks to months.

Will airlines pay for flight school?

Airlines don’t cover tuition up front, meaning aspiring pilots may be looking at a significant initial investment. The good news is many airlines offer tuition reimbursement once you’ve completed training and are hired on with the organization. Some airlines have their own flight schools with lower rates than private flight schools, but you’ll need to commit to working for the airline when you finish your training.

The post Flight School Options in Ohio appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

“This approval marks a critical milestone in Sterling’s strategic expansion and reinforces its commitment to delivering exceptional aviation education across multiple locations,” flight school officials said in a statement.

Benefits of Part 141 Programs

Having an FAA Part 141 certification enables the Tallahassee campus to offer a more structured curriculum, “designed to provide an accelerated path to a professional pilot career, meeting the highest standards of safety and efficiency,” according to the company.

“The FAA’s approval of our Tallahassee location for Part 141 training is a testament to our unwavering commitment to excellence in aviation education,” said Wayne Heller, CEO of Sterling Flight Training. “This expansion not only strengthens our ability to train the next generation of pilots but also enhances our capacity to serve the aviation needs of the Tallahassee community and beyond.”

School officials said the 141 program at the new location is designed to complement Sterling Flight Training’s Jacksonville, Florida, operation, which has been providing both recreational and career-oriented flight training for years. Certificate options include remote pilot (drones) through college degree programs and airline careers.

The post Sterling Flight Training Receives Part 141 Certification appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

This was the learner’s third flight lesson, and already he had mastered the use of the checklist. 

I stood back, silently observing—it appeared someone had not used the checklist when they shut down the aircraft. 

To shut down the engine, the mixture knob or lever is pulled full aft, with the knob or lever left out. Yet, looking at this cockpit it was obvious someone had put the knob back in.

As that was not the correct procedure, the learner took extra care with the inspection, calling my attention to several other discrepancies. He found several electrical switches left “on,” the most disconcerting of which was the avionics master switch. This aircraft had several placards warning the pilot to make sure the radio was off before activating the avionics master switch and to make sure the avionics master was off before activating the aircraft master switch.

According to the chief mechanic and owner of the Cessna 172, if these procedures were not followed, a surge of power could be sent to the radios, possibly damaging them. Apparently this had happened in the past. In addition to the placards, there was a warning written in all caps and in red on the checklist.

• READ MORE: How to Beat the Summer Heat When Flying

This wasn’t a one-time experience. The mixture knobs in other aircraft were also found in the full rich position. It was obvious someone—perhaps several someones—were not following the checklists.

The flight school was busy, as most of the instructors were flying eight hours per day, and there were multiple student pilots with solo privileges renting the aircraft. The concern of the chief CFI was that the instructors were not teaching checklist use, or worse yet, not demonstrating and modeling proper cockpit procedures. The CFIs were reminded to carefully watch their learners and remind them to use and follow the checklist during each phase of flight. 

An email was sent to all the renters and students, asking them to please use the checklists especially on aircraft shutdown. Some of the learners were confused by the email, because they thought the only problem that could arise from an improperly shutdown aircraft was the potential of a “hot prop,” the term for the magnetos being left on.

When the magnetos are shut off, the spark is grounded to the airframe. If the magnetos are left on, the spark is not grounded, and there is the possibility the prop can “kick,” as in move forcefully on its own if bumped or repositioned by hand. Approach the propeller like it is a big dog you don’t know—with caution and respect.

• READ MORE: Discovering Situational Awareness in the Instrument World

I have seen the aftermath of someone getting hit by a prop. It was at a Saturday morning fly-in pancake breakfast. It was winter and one of those cold, clear days that are so rare in the Pacific Northwest. The owner of the Cessna 172 was moving the prop by hand to a vertical position to signal that he needed fuel. 

I was two spots away when I heard the impact. I turned in time to see him on the ground. The engine hadn’t started because the mixture was out, but the prop had rotated on its own, coming down rapidly and striking his arm.

Although shaken, he said he was fine, as he was wearing a heavy winter jacket, and it prevented him from getting a serious injury. Or so he thought. A few minutes later he collapsed. We thought he was having a heart attack. He was lucky that several of the people in attendance were paramedics. When they got his jacket off, they discovered his arm was broken— there was bruising and swelling — and determined that he was in shock. 

I share this story with my learners. Oddly enough, the one who was skeptical of the damage a  live propeller could do was the one who had the ignition key break off during aircraft shutdown. It was the policy of the school to quickly switch to “off,” then back to “both” to determine the mags could be grounded to the airframe, then shut the engine off. As he switched back to both, the key sheared off. The mags were stuck on. 

We shut the aircraft down by pulling the mixture full after and depriving the engine of fuel and turned off the master switch. I ran inside to get the chief mechanic while the learner stayed with the airplane, standing behind the strut, and warning his classmates of the potentially live and therefore dangerous prop. 

We both watched as the chief mechanic used one of his specialized tools to turn the mags to the off position and removed what was left of the key. As he got out of the aircraft he looked at the student and playfully admonished him: “Go easier on the Wheaties! You’re breaking the keys!”

As for the identity of the pilot who was improperly shutting down the aircraft, he was a private candidate who thought he was helping the other pilots by putting the mixture to the “rich” position at the end of the flight because it was on the engine start checklist, and he wanted to save the pilots a step.

After he was educated about the importance of following the checklist, the behavior ceased as learning had taken place.

The post The Importance of Following Checklists appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

According to Dallas-Fort Worth’s KXAS-TV, Denton-based TWU is now the only woman-focused university nationwide with a professional pilot program.

Backed by a $15 million grant from the Doswell Foundation, TWU’s program will offer two degree tracks: professional pilot and flight operations. Classes will be held on campus, with flight training conducted at Denton Enterprise Airport (KDTO) in partnership with the U.S. Aviation Academy. The initiative aims to enhance career opportunities for women in aviation and support the growing demand for pilots.

Brittany Dinsmore, the school’s associate director and chief flight instructor, highlighted the program’s success.

“What we’re really excited about with our program is that we’re kind of seeing a reverse,” Dinsmore told KXAS. “So, in traditional aviation programs like the one I went to, it’s usually mostly men. And you might get two or three women. But what we’re seeing with our inaugural class that’s coming in, it’s actually 25 women and two men. So, we’ve completely reversed the ratio.”

Each semester is limited to around 30 students, so the school with a total enrollment of about 15,000 is already at capacity for the fall. However, recruitment for the spring semester is underway.  

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Texas Woman’s University Launches Flight Program appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Kevin Rychlik is facing a prison term but by pleading guilty he avoided indictment on a laundry list of serious federal charges relating to his operation of American Aviation at Manassas Regional Airport (KMNZ) in Virginia and several other businesses.

• READ MORE: Virginia Flight School Closure Leaves Students Stranded

The charges were filed against Rychlik in May, three months before he abruptly closed the school on August 1 and filed for bankruptcy for the businesses and personally.

The result is that dozens of students, some of which had as much as $100,000 on deposit, have no chance of getting more than a small fraction of their money back as they join about 500 other creditors named in the proceedings.

The tax evasion case makes their situation even bleaker because the IRS is always the first to be paid in cases like this. The IRS said Rychlik evaded taxes and withheld employee deductions without remitting them to the government for years and owes it $3.4 million. Any assets will go toward paying that before creditors see any reimbursement.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

The post Flight School Owner Who Allegedly Stiffed Students Facing Jail appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Skilled pilots are in great demand in today’s market. For the best opportunities, it’s important to graduate from an excellent flight school.

There are a lot of options for flight schools in the Northeast U.S., and we did not have the opportunity to review them all. But we did choose these five to showcase. They offer a range of training to meet a variety of career or personal goals.

The Northeast’s diverse terrain and weather create an ideal backdrop for aviation training. Proximity to major airports and population centers affords ample job opportunity.

Here are five flight schools in the Northeast that can help you launch your career:

Quick Look: Flight Schools in the Northeastern United States

• New York metro college: Farmingdale State College
• New York metro private: EssexAir
• Mid-Atlantic for job placement: Ocean Aviation Flight Academy
• Mid-Atlantic instructors and affordability: Navy Annapolis Flight Center
• New England fleet variety: East Coast Aero Club

Flight schools in the New York Metro Area

Farmingdale State College

Focus: Four-year college program

Highly rated in the New York metro area is Long Island’s Farmingdale State College. It’s the largest collegiate flight school in the Northeast. It’s also the only school in the state to offer a four-year aviation degree. Tuition is reasonable and 94 percent of graduates go on to find immediate employment. Graduates also qualify for an R-ATP after 1,000 hours instead of the typical 1,500. This enables Farmingdale grads to be employed as airline first officers sooner.

Location: Farmingdale, New York

Tuition and fees:

• In-state tuition – $3,500 per semester
• Out-of-state tuition – $8,500 per semester
• Flight fees – Approximately $9,000 per semester

 Financial assistance: Yes – Scholarships, Loans

Accreditation: Yes

Program length::

• Bachelor’s degree – Eight semesters aviation administration, aviation science-professional pilot
• Minor – Four semesters Air Force ROTC, aviation administration, aviation flight, certificate-drone pilot
• Flight program – 1,000 hours

Endorsements: 

• Bachelor of Science Aviation Administration
• Bachelor of Science Aeronautical Science: Professional Pilot
• Minor Air Force ROTC
• Minor Aviation Administration
• Minor Aviation Flight
• Drone Pilot Certification

Fleet: 19 Piper PA28 training aircraft: 12 Warrior IIIs, 3 Piper Arrows, 4 Piper Archers; 1 Cessna 172 spin demonstrator, 1 multiengine Piper Seminole for advanced training

Job placement: High graduate employment rate within first year

Virtual learning: No

EssexAir

Focus: Self-paced affordable program

EssexAir is situated just outside New York City at the Essex County Airport (KCDW) in New Jersey. Future pilots can hone their skills in the sophisticated airspace of the New York metropolitan area. Students benefit from flying in and out of an established airport that many other flight schools lack. Instructors are highly experienced with thousands of hours of flight time. You’ll enjoy one-on-one instruction and get into the pilot’s seat on your very first flight.

Location: Essex County Airport, New Jersey

Tuition and fees: Hourly and package flight instruction rates

• Piper Warrior – $165
• Beechcraft Skipper – $155
• Primary Instruction (Private) – $65
• Instrument/IPC – $75
• Commercial Pilot – $75
• Ground Instruction (Private) – $65
• Ground Instruction (Instrumental) – $75
• Ground Instruction (Commercial) – $75
• Flight Review – $75
• Chief Pilot/Stage Check – $85

Financial assistance: Can finance your training through AOPA Flex Aviation Loan

Accreditation: Authorized to conduct training under Part 61 Federal Aviation regulations

Program length: Six months to a year, self-paced

Endorsements: Private Pilot License, Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor

Fleet: Piper Warrior, Beechcraft Skipper

Job placement: No

Virtual learning: No

There is much to gain from building your pilot skills in the challenging environs of the New York City air space. For more flight schools in New York city and state, take a look here.

Flight schools in the Mid-Atlantic Region

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy

Focus: Accelerated program, partnerships with airlines

With locations in Maryland and Delaware, Ocean Aviation Flight Academy is known for accelerated programs and strong job placement opportunities. You can start with zero hours and complete flight training in as little as eight months. Students benefit from learning in an unrestricted airspace with proximity to the largest cities in the northeast. This flight school earned the AOPA Top Flight School award.

Locations: Ocean City Municipal Airport (KOXB), Berlin, Maryland; Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED), Georgetown, Delaware

Tuition and fees: Ranges from $11,995 for Private Pilot to $49,995 for the Airline Pilot Professional Program

Financial assistance: Loans and deferred payment options

Accreditation: Yes

Program length:

• Accelerated or self-paced
• Accelerated: Private Pilot Course (30 days), Instrument Rating Course (21 days)
• Commercial Pilot Course (45 days), Flight Instructor Course (15 days)
• Accelerated Pro Pilot Course (Commercial Pilot) in as little as eight months. As an FAA-approved flight academy, students can subtract 60 hours off typical requirements to complete the Commercial Pilot Course in 190 hours.
• Instrument Course – 35 hours
• Flight Instructor – 12 months
• Professional Airline Pilot – 36 months
• Finish-up programs – vary per student

Endorsements: Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Flight Instructor, Professional Airline Pilot License (Commercial)

Fleet: Brand-new (2022) Cessna Skyhawk Aircraft 

Job placement: Yes. Excellent due to partnership with airlines

Virtual learning: No

For ground courses that offer a virtual learning experience, look into a source like Sporty’s Learn to Fly programs, covering instruction from Pilot to Recreational to Sport Pilot ground training. 

Navy Annapolis Flight Center

Focus: Affordable program, instructors are Naval pilots

Navy Annapolis Flight Center (NAFC) offers personalized, one-on-one instruction. As a Part 141-approved flight school, students can complete their training quickly with reduced hour requirements. This can result in significant savings. A Part 61 option is available for students who prefer a more relaxed training program. Instructors include former and active duty Naval pilots, and veterans receive reduced or fully reimbursed tuition. You’ll be making your first solo flight after as little as 8-10 hours of instruction.

Location: Edgewater, Maryland

Tuition and fees: 

• Private Pilot – $5,120
• Commercial Pilot – $12,500
• Instrument Rating – $6,295
• Flight Instructor Certificate – $4,975
• Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate – $2,660
• Multi Engine Commercial Certificate – $3,085

Financial assistance: 

• Flight school grants and scholarships
• Pilot finance program
• AOPA finance
• Personal loans
• Veterans’ benefits

Accreditation: Yes

Program length: 

• Private Pilot – 35 flight hours and 30 hours of ground classes
• Commercial Pilot – 190 flight hours plus testing
• Instrument Rating – 35 flight hours and 35 hours of ground courses
• Flight Instructor Certificate – 5 flight hours and 40 hours of ground courses
• Flight Instructor Instrument Certificate – 15 flight hours and 10 hours of ground courses
• Multi-engine Commercial Certificate – 20 hours of ground courses

Endorsements: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor CFI, Flight Instructor Instrument CFII, Multi-engine Instructor (MEI), Private Pilot, Drone Certification

NAFC also offers a “pinch-hitter” five-course basic training for the passenger who might have to intervene in the event of a pilot emergency.

Fleet: Cessna 152, Cessna 172N, Cessna 172S, Piper-PA-23-180 Geronimo, Piper-PA-28-161 Cadet, Piper-PA-28R-200 Arrow II

Job placement:: Yes

Virtual learning:: Yes

Some flight schools accept virtual ground school training to complement time spent in the air. WifiCFI is an excellent source for online study courses from Pilot to Commercial and offers FAA written test prep.

Flight School in the New England Region

East Coast Aero Club

Focus: Diverse fleet, tailored Programs

East Coast Aero Club (ECAC) is the largest flight school in New England, with three locations across Massachusetts and New Hampshire. Highly qualified FAA-certified instructors provide individualized instruction tailored to your needs. The club boasts one of the most diverse fleets in the region, including the technologically advanced models. A convenient, pay-as-you-go option is a plus. The ECAC has been recognized multiple times for high standards in flight training excellence.

Location: Bedford and Norwood, Massachusetts; Nashua, New Hampshire

Tuition and fees: 

• Private Pilot – $12,234-$15,398 
• Instrument Rating – $8,322-$8,852
• Commercial Pilot – $6,208
• Multi-Engine Rating – $5,045
• Certified Flight Instructor – $5,693-$6,968
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – $3,898
• Multi-Engine Instructor – $5,242

Financial assistance: Financing options available through AOPA, Pilotfinance.com, Lending Tree, Aero Club of New England, and The Ninety-Nines.

Accreditation: Yes

Program length: 

• Private Pilot – 55 hours
• Instrument Rating – 40 hours of instrument training plus a minimum of 50 hours as a pilot in command
• Commercial Pilot – 30 hours, requires a minimum of 250 recorded flight hours and must be completed before earning pilot title 
• Multi-Engine Rating – 16 hours
• Certified Flight Instructor – 40-45 hours
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument – 21.5 hours
• Multi-Engine Instructor – 21.5 hours

Endorsements: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine Aircraft, Complex Endorsement, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument Training (CFII), Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI), Airline Transport Pilot

Fleet: Over 45 aircraft, including Piper Tomahawk, Piper Warrior, Piper Archer, Piper Arrow, Piper Seminole, Cessna 172, Cessna 182, Cirrus SR 22, Diamond DA40

Job Placement: No

Virtual learning: Fifty hours in a flight simulator is available toward the commercial pilot license.

To consider additional options in the New England area, including colleges and helicopter programs, take a look here.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Flight School

There are important criteria to consider when selecting a flight school that’s best for you:

Location and Weather Conditions

A full range of weather conditions common to the Northeast offers students the valuable opportunity to train in a variety of scenarios they’ll face in the skies. The varied terrain of this region, from mountains to plateaus to coastal stretches, provides a broad experience for the flight student. 

Curriculum and Certification Programs

When selecting a flight school, consider your goals and what curriculum or certifications best suit your objectives. Are you flying for recreation? A private pilot license may be sufficient. Are you looking for a career in aviation? Then you’ll want credentials that best position you for success in your field.

Aircraft Fleet and Maintenance

Safety is paramount and so is ensuring your flight school prioritizes it. Equipment should be well maintained. Schools also vary greatly in types of aircraft. Which type of craft applies best to you? Look for schools with excellent records and reputations.

Instructor Qualifications and Experience

Having a highly qualified instructor is of prime importance. Look for schools with instructors who bring many hours of experience to the table. They should have backgrounds in the area of expertise where your interest lies.

Cost and Financial Aid Options

While cost is always a consideration, many flight schools offer financing or pay-as-you go options. Some airlines offer reimbursement. It pays to do your homework.

Job Placement Assistance

If you’re looking for a career in aviation, don’t go it alone. Pay attention to schools that have placement programs and relationships with airlines. They can help jump start your career.

Kick-Start Your Flight Training Today

The first step to achieving your pilot’s license begins with selecting a flight school that best fits your goals, finances, and location. With plentiful programs and options, these top-tier Northeast flight schools are an excellent place to start.

To search further, FLYING’s Flight School Guide offers a comprehensive look at flight schools across the country to help find your perfect fit. 

We encourage you to visit campuses where possible. Talk to current students and alumni to find out more.

Whether you want to launch a meaningful career or pursue an exhilarating hobby, we hope this curated list will help you take that first step toward achieving your aviation aspirations.

FAQs

Which school has the best flight program?

If you want to pursue a degree in aviation, Farmingdale College is highly ranked in the New York metropolitan area. If your piloting aspirations are aimed at recreational flying, a private school like the East Coast Aero Club could be ideal for your needs.

What is the best state for flight school?

The Northeast offers premier training in varied types of weather conditions and geographical terrain you may face as a pilot. Near major population centers and airports, it lends practice in crowded airspace and offers a wide career opportunity. The Northeast is home to many longstanding aviation communities.

Which school is best for flying?

Each of the schools listed will provide excellent flight training – some have varied programs while others focus strictly on piloting. The Navy Annapolis Flight Center is staffed with many instructors who are former or active naval pilots, offering a unique experience with highly skilled aviators.

How do you know if a flight school is good?

Good flight schools should prioritize safety and work with highly qualified instructors. Quality can also be measured in student outcomes, percent of graduates employed, or partnerships with major employers. The type of aircraft you train on may be a factor, depending on your personal objectives.

The post Flight Schools in the Northeastern U.S. appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Answer: Pilot candidates learn about the role of the NTSB because it’s important to know what constitutes an accident or an incident, and when the agency needs to be notified. The criteria for both is listed under Part 830 in the  (Federal Aviation Regulations/ Aeronautical Information Manual FAR/AIM).

Talking about accidents in ground school helps learners recognize risks that were not properly managed by the accident pilots. This leads to discussion about ways to identify and develop ways to mitigate those risks.

By deconstructing previous accidents, pilots can learn from the mistakes of others and develop the skill to mitigate risk by seeking an alternative course of action resulting in a better outcome.

The post Why Are Flight Students Taught About the NTSB in Ground School? appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Several passenger airlines have established pathways with flight schools to facilitate the recruitment of new pilots, but New York-based Atlas Air is one of the only known cargo airlines to work directly with a flight school on a dedicated pilot training academy.

Spartan Education Group, which provides government-approved training programs and career pathways for pilots and aviation technicians at a handful of U.S. campuses, announced Monday that it has opened the Atlas Cadet Academy at its West Chicago, Illinois, flight school. The initiative offers participants a defined avenue to potential first officer positions with Atlas Air, which also operates Boeing 767 and 777 widebody aircraft.

In addition to the normal curriculum covering essential aeronautical knowledge and preparation for FAA certification and rating exams, the academy will provide customized instruction and firsthand exposure to the airline’s culture. The idea is to facilitate integration of new employees and give Atlas Air better control of the labor pipeline. 

Unlike a typical flight school where graduates can eventually be recruited by any airline, the academy clears a lane for students to work at Atlas Air.

“We work very closely with Atlas to design a program that creates the skills and competencies that they’re looking for,” said Dan Bregman, Spartan Education Group’s vice president of strategy and development, in a phone interview. “If I’m a university or flight school and I’ve got 20 airlines all recruiting, it’s really tough for me to tailor my program for any one of those airlines, We are recruiting students from day one who are interested in flying for Atlas, which is different from a lot of other partnerships. We don’t want another airline poaching you. We want to keep you focused on this path that you’ve chosen.”

Enhanced training might include flying a 250-mile route with three stops to replicate what a short-haul cargo pilot might experience. 

The Atlas Cadet Academy initiated its first class in June with 13 new students and one certified flight instructor. It will continue to grow each month as more people meet the entry requirements, including an FAA-approved medical exam, and complete the Academy orientation, said Bregman.

Cadets can earn their FAA certifications and ratings (instrument, multiengine, etc.) as quickly as 13 months flying small, single-turboprop planes and then build toward the 1,500 hours necessary to earn an unrestricted Airline Transport Pilot certification by working as a certified flight instructor. (Those who obtain a business degree in aviation only require 1,200 hours of flying time.) After that, each flight instructor will continue training with a minimum of 250 hours in more advanced aircraft—Cessna Caravan, Beechcraft 1900, Saab 340B, and Aerostar turboprop aircraft—flying for unscheduled charter operators Castle Aviation and Planemasters, Bregman explained. Planemasters is co-located with Spartan’s College of Aeronautics and Technology at DuPage Airport (KDPA).

It may take four to five years for a high school graduate to achieve an unrestricted commercial pilot’s license because certification has a minimum age of 23. Spartan’s relationships with Castle Aviation and Planemasters allow fledgling pilots to earn money and build necessary hours until they’re eligible to join Atlas Air. 

The airline employs more than 2,900 pilots. International Aviation Professionals Local 2750, the Teamsters union that represents Atlas Air pilots, says 532 pilots resigned last year and 269 have left the company this year.

Tailored Approach

Bregman said Spartan plans to unveil a proprietary app in late September that will contain features such as supplementary Atlas Air training materials, interview tips and the ability to do virtual fireside chats with Atlas crew members and managers.

Atlas Air doesn’t cover students’ costs or pay Spartan for each graduate but has made an undisclosed investment in the program and provides resources, according to Bregman. Potential program benefits include visits from Atlas Air pilots to discuss professional development and company safety practices, touring Atlas’ flight operations center to see how an airline operates behind the scenes, experiencing a flight simulator, having lunch with executives, and attending training for flight attendants (Atlas operates some 747 passenger aircraft under charter contracts) to gain the cabin crew perspective.

Familiarizing students with the company early on demystifies the hiring process and makes the transition to a first officer much easier, he said.

Cadets can finance their training through a private loan program or get an associate flight degree from the College of DuPage, which provides access to federal financial aid and has a relationship with Spartan. 

Spartan a couple years ago changed its strategy to one that treats airlines, rather than the student, as the customer and the student as the product, said Bregman. The approach resembles the way community colleges work with a manufacturer or other company to develop students with specific skills that make them more attractive hires than someone with generic industry skills. The Atlas academy is similar to a recent program Spartan started with Allegiant Airlines. 

“It allows us to incorporate into the FAA-mandated training other kinds of experiences that we think make you a more competent pilot and enhance your skill set,” Bregman told FreightWaves. “We don’t want our students to be the deer in the headlights. We want them to walk into ground school at Atlas feeling full of confidence that they can do this.”

He made clear that Spartan doesn’t guarantee employment.

United Airlines in February 2022 opened a pilot academy at Phoenix-Goodyear Airport (KGYR) with the goal of training 5,000 pilots by 2030. It is the only flight academy operated by a major U.S. airline. Spartan College also provides an academy program for American Airlines that is less structured than the ones for Allegiant and Atlas Air.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on FreightWaves.

The post New Atlas Air Academy Creates Direct Pathway for Hiring Young Pilots appeared first on FLYING Magazine.

Students from American Aviation Flight School, including Thida Aung, reached out to local news station WTTG-TV (FOX 5 DC) seeking help.

According to FOX 5, Aung had paid the flight school $100,000 up front for the school’s “Career Pilot Package,” which includes training sessions. However, Aung reported that the school’s owner, Kevin Rychlik, allegedly informed her that no refunds would be issued.

FOX 5 obtained an email from the school to its students stating: “After reflection and exploring every possible scenario, we have come to the conclusion there is no viable path forward.” The email also mentioned several health issues the owner has faced over the past year.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) reported that Rychlik filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on August 6, citing business debts between $10 million and $50 million as the main cause.

Students are considering legal action to address the situation.

Editor’s Note: This article first appeared on AVweb.

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