Florida Flight Schools
Florida’s tropical climate makes it the perfect place to learn to fly, with around 360 flying days per year. That’s why people flock to the sun-drenched state from all over the world to complete their private or professional pilot training.
Whether you want to get your private pilot license for leisure purposes or aspire to be a successful, well-paid airline pilot, there are aviation schools in Florida that can ensure you achieve your goal. Attending one of these schools can fulfill your dream of flying for fun or even for a living.
You can train as a professional pilot, go from zero to hero, convert your overseas qualification, qualify as an aircraft mechanic, and even get interviews with major carriers lined up before completing your program.
According to data cited by Salary.com, the average Florida Airline Pilot salary in early 2024 was just over $179,000. Florida flight school training can cost from around $8000 for a private pilot license to $67,500 or more to complete a commercial airline pilot program. Costs vary according to the location, aircraft used, flying hours required, and certification.
Epic Flight Academy
New Smyrna Beach, FL
$28,708
Epic Flight Academy has locations across the US, including Jacksonville, Ocala, Tallahassee, and New Smyrna Beach. It acts as both a flight and aircraft mechanic school. Their main campus is close to NASA, so you can expect exceptional flight conditions.
An appealing feature is the fact that graduates of the FAA-certified Part 141 program are often recruited by major airlines. This means you can be paid an attractive pilot’s salary straight after qualifying, and with a track record of graduates who work in more than 300+ airlines, that’s a good guarantee.
The school uses Piper and Cessna aircraft and is an approved service center for the latter. In addition to glass cockpit aircraft, there’s also a flight simulator to cut both costs and time. Prices are competitive, and you can...
Flying Academy Miami
Miami, FL
$9045
Flying Academy Miami is located at the Miami Executive Airport, only 13 miles from downtown. A high volume of flights combined with the tropical Florida weather means you can get prepared for commercial flying more quickly and without interruptions.
Flying Academy also operates online classrooms, so you can get a head start before leaving home. You can take a free e-learning trial as a taster or book an hour in the air with a Discovery Flight. This includes a theory-based Introduction to Aviation training session, plus instruction on route planning, preflight and postflight duties, and aircraft inspections.
At between $225 and $285, Discovery flight prices are affordable, meaning you can...
GoFly Academy
Opa-locka, FL
$10445
Miami’s GoFly Academy is an FAA-approved 141 facility offering programs taught by experienced and certified instructors. Modern single and multi-engine aircraft are used for tuition and training. GoFly Academy is close to downtown at the Miami-Opa Locka Executive Airport.
GoFly prides itself on providing customized training programs that are tailored to each individual. Students come from all walks of life and range from young aspiring pilots to parents seeking a new career, plus experienced pilots.
Loans can be arranged via GoFly’s partnership with Stratus Financial, and these can provide 100% financing. For life beyond flight school, career counseling with instructors is available, and you can also get assistance with resume...
Kingsky Flight Academy
Lakeland, FL
$67406
Kingsky Flight Academy in Sunny Lakeland has over six decades of experience behind it. It’s the ideal school for all sorts of pilots, from hobby fliers to those who want to embark on a brand-new career.
Whether you’re from Florida, another part of the US, or even overseas, Kingsky cares about every one of its students as testimonials show. They are partners with a range of big names in both aviation and education. These include Airbus, Boeing, CommuteAir, Delta 5 Flight Simulators, Republic Airways, the US Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, and more.
With Liberty University School of Aeronautics, tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Aviation can cover...
Paragon Flight
Fort Myers, FL
$8000
Located in Fort Myers, Paragon Flight trains recreational, commercial, and military pilots. Whether you want to fly for fun, professionally, or even for the government, this flight school can get you on the right path. Paragon’s Discovery Flights are the best first step, and the flying time can even count towards a future pilot’s license.
If that goes well, every potential pilot will have an initial private consultation, during which a tailored training schedule can be designed to suit any preferences and goals. The team can also help aspiring pilots figure out how to finance their learning. The private pilot license is the first most would-be pilots obtain and is...
Pelican Flight Training
Pembroke Pines, FL
$39,688
Pembroke Pines in South Florida is home to Pelican Flight School. Operating since 1985, the school opened a year before the first Top Gun movie that made everyone want to be a pilot.
It’s possible to sign up for a wide range of courses, whether you have no flying hours, want to convert from a foreign pilot’s license, or guarantee an interview with a regional airline. Career consulting is supplied by Pelican to ensure you can claw back your sizable investment after completing your program. It’s one of the top-flight schools in the United States for international students as it’s very well-known and receives many students from outside the country.
Rex Air
Islamorada, FL
RexAir is an airplane maintenance center as well as a flight school based in Naples, Florida. They train everyone from non-pilots to veteran fliers and tailor lessons to help each student achieve their aims. Whether that’s leisurely flying on weekends or becoming a successful professional pilot.
RexAir also specializes in providing training for international students. Here it’s all about recognizing every student’s own abilities and wishes as well as any challenges they face, so programs are made to fit the trainee aviator rather than the other way around.
As a respected aircraft maintenance center, RexAir repairs and services jet, turboprop, and piston aircraft. For those who want to learn to...