Top Pilot Training Schools in USA 2024

Pilot Training in USA Highlights 

Professional Flying Schools in USA	260+
Flying Schools Certifications	FAA: Student, Private & Commercial Pilots
Number of Pilots in USA (2020)	806,940
Courses Offered	Private Pilot | Single / Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot | Flight Instructor
Duration	7 - 9 months
Average Tuition Cost	USD 15,000 - USD 100,000
Number of Flying Hours Needed	250 - 1500 hours
Median Salary of Pilot in US	USD 34,000
Flight School Growth in USA	4.2% since 2024
Top Recruiters	Southwest Airlines | Spirit Airlines | Sun Country Airlines | U.S. Army | U.S. Customs and Border Protection

Why Study in Pilot Training Schools in USA? 

Pilots are in most demand in not just USA but across the globe. With the increasing flight operations and commercial airlines coming into play, more and more pilots are being required. Let's check out other reasons why going for pilot training is becoming an attractive option for international students in USA: 

• Numerous flying schools in USA but accept international students and offer them the best on-field training. 
• Recognised certifications across the globe and compliance with DGCA rules for Indian pilot aspirants if studying pilot training courses in USA. 
• Professional and certified flying schools in USA extend applicants' experience of flying based on their country-specific requirements.  
• Average salary of a pilot in USA is around USD 189,000 and above annually, hence a handsome amount to look forward to. 
• After studying at any of the recognised, best-flying schools in USA, pilots can join commercial airlines as well. 

Boeing forecasts 763,000 new pilot jobs worldwide over the upcoming 20 years. Hence, it is a good option to choose a flying school in USA to complete flight training certification as an Indian student.  

6 Best Flight Schools in USA for Indian Students 

Let's discuss about some of the flight schools in USA for international students and how they can enrol for certain courses below: 

1. University of North Dakota  

International students can apply for a Bachelor’s in Science degree and opt for a Commercial Aviation course at the University of North Dakota. After graduation, applicants will get placement opportunities and fly with commercial or US military. Check out the details for commercial aviation below:    

Course Offered at UND	BS in Commercial Aviation
Tuition Fee	USD 36,460 approx
Type of Course	Full-time
Duration	4 years
Eligibility	17 years of age, had science subjects at high school, English proficiency test scores
Application Deadlines	Fall Intake (August-December): June 15  Spring Intake (January-May): November 15  Summer (May-August): March 15
Application Fees	USD 35
Opportunities	Commercial Airline Pilot  Cargo Pilot  Helicopter Pilot  Corporate Jet Pilot  Flight Instructor

Post graduation in Commercial Aviation, many trained pilots have joined commercial airlines like Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, FedEx Express, Frontier Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Papillon Grand Canyon Helicopters, and others.  

 

2. Paragon Flight School  

One of the leading flying schools in the USA is Paragon Flight School, which offers international students pilot training programmes that are usually less than a year long. Certain certifications are also awarded which are recognised worldwide for those who qualify for any of the programmes from this flying school in USA. more details are as follows: 

Commercial Pilot Training Courses Available	Professional Pilot Programme  Airline & Commercial Pilot  Certified Flight Instructor  International Commercial Pilot Training
Duration	7 - 11 months
Certifications Offered	Private Pilot License  Instrument Flight Training  Commercial License: Single Engine / Multi Engine
Basic Eligibility	Pre-selection screening to check if the applicant fits in the commercial pilot standard requirements.
After Prescreening	Program outline will be given out with cost and accept offer letter
Visa Requirements	M-1 Visa

Applicants who are already pilots and seek to upgrade their certifications can also apply to this flying school in USA. Admissions will be based on previous knowledge and the number of hours completed.  

3. Epic Flight Academy 

One major program, Airline Pilot Programme, is offered at Epic Flight Academy for international students. In association with Daytona State College applicants can take up Associate Degree in Operations Management. Check out more details in the table below for courses and eligibility at Epic Flight Academy:  

Courses Offered	Private Pilot License   Instrument Pilot Rating   Single Engine Commercial Pilot License  Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot License
Duration	2 - 3 months (may vary based on country)
Certifications Post Course Completion	Virtual Flight Academy  Aviation Skill Development & Private Pilot School Ground  Single-Engine Commercial  Multi-Engine Commercial  PIC Time Building
Basic Eligibility	17 years of age + high school diploma or equivalent + FAA medical certificate + valid passport + English language proficiency
Fees	No experience as an Airline Pilot total course tuition: USD 65,260  Starting with the Instrument course The total tuition will be: USD 36,410  Starting with the Commercial course total tuition: USD 18,720
Visa Requirements	M-1 Visa

Epic Flight Academy is one of the flying schools in USA which offers PICC time-building course. This is essential for applicants who wish to have more flying experience. An M-1 visa will be required for studying at this flight school.  

4. Skymates Flight Academy  

With more than 3,000 pilots trained in the past 26 years, Skymates Flight Academy is a professional flying school in USA. All courses are FAA approved and are available for international students as well. Check out more details below:  

Courses Offered	Private Pilot  Instrument Rating  Multi-Engine Rating  Commercial Pilot  Airline Transport Pilot  Certified Flight Instructor
Fees	Starting from USD 53,000
Class Size	120 students
Instructors	21
Course Duration	8 - 12 months
Basic Eligibility	17 years + English proficiency + FAA medical certificate + valid passport
Accommodations	Available
Training Across	25 aircrafts

International students have the option to opt for accommodation while studying at Skymates Flight Academy. They will have to submit an application form based on the choice of course and pay the requisite tuition fee for the course.  

5. Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) 

Experiences to train student pilots since 1972, Phoenix East Aviation has seen 12,000+ pilots take up a career post their education. Around 30,000+ hours are completed in a year for applicants pursuing a course in aviation from PEA. more details about courses, eligibility and fee are given below:  

Courses Offered	Professional Courses  FAR Part 141 Courses  FAR Part 141 Special FAA Approved Courses  FAR Part 61 Courses  Upset Recovery Training
Duration	Upto 429 hours
Basic Eligibility	Pre-screening + interview and previous academics
Application Process	Apply through the PEA website
Application Fee	USD 50
Visa Requirements	F-1 visa required
Course Fee	Based on the course of choice and

Admission is based on applicants’ pre-screening when they submit the initial query form with their details. After they are shortlisted PEA immigrant gets in touch with the applicants and further details are shared like the number of hours that are required to be fulfilled and fees based on it.  

6. Sunrise Aviation Flight School  

Indian aspirants looking for an aviation school in USA can consider courses designed specifically for them at Sunrise Aviation Flight School. As per DGCA, Indian pilots have to complete a course with 250 hours of flying. Piper Seneca PA34 aircraft is a part of training at Sunrise Aviation Flight School and is approved by DGCA as well. Let’s check out more details below for admissions at this flying school: 

Courses Offered	Private Pilot License (Part 61)  Instrument Rating (Part 61)  Commercial Single-Engine & Multi-Engine Add-On
Course Duration	7 months
Application Fee	USD 500
Basic Eligibility	17 years of age, diploma, English language proficiency
Tuition Fees	USD 42,000 (may vary)
Visa Requirements	M-1 Visa Required

Since Sunrise Aviation Flight School is an affiliate of CEFAT India, located in Bangalore, applicants can be rest assured that their training will be in compliance with DGCA. Hence, this is majorly for those who wish to study in USA but wish to return to India.  

Also check: 7 Best Flying Schools in the World 

Other Top Flying Schools in USA 

There are a few more flying schools in USA which offer aviation courses for aspiring international pilots apart from the already mentioned above. Some of these are as follows: 

• Purdue University 
• Western Michigan University 
• California Institute of Technology 
• Aeroism Flight Academy 
• Hallmark University 

Applicants can also consider the above-given US-based flying schools for admissions as international students. 

Still, have more doubts? Write to us in the comments below or sign up for Shiksha Study Abroad Counselling for free.