A good flight school can make or break your training experience, time investment, and wallet. Whether you're aiming for a Private Pilot License (PPL) or a full airline career, here are the key factors that make a flight school great for flight training:
1. FAA Certification (Part 61 vs Part 141)
- Part 141 schools follow a structured, FAA-approved curriculum and may reduce minimum hour requirements (e.g., 35 hrs for PPL instead of 40). These schools are best for training pilots who want to become professional pilots quickly and already have a Private Pilot license. Many schools have airline partnerships and accelerated training. Not the best environment for newcomers getting their Private Pilot license.
- Part 61 schools are more flexible and can tailor lessons to your schedule. Generally best for Private Pilot training. Also best for entering the pilot community which can be a little overwhelming for newcomers.
- A good school clearly explains the pros and cons of each and matches your goals.
2. Experienced, Dedicated Instructors
- Look for instructors who are not only qualified but invested in your success.
- Avoid high turnover. Ask: “How long have your instructors been here?”
- The best instructors are great communicators and mentors, not just time-builders.
- Spend time interviewing instructors that will be a good fit for you before you settle on an instructor
- Ask other students about instructors and get recommended instructors. Nothing better than recommended instructors with a track record
3. Well-Maintained, Diverse Aircraft Fleet
- A clean, well-maintained fleet shows the school values safety and professionalism.
- Ask about aircraft availability: will you be waiting weeks to fly, or can you schedule easily?
- A good variety (single-engine, multi-engine, glass cockpit, analog) is ideal.
- You shouldn't feel nervous about the aircraft. For example, you smell gas fumes only to be told it's OK and that the equipment is safe.
- Aircraft is not overly worn out and equipment such as radio are frequently inoperative.
4. Consistent Aircraft and Instructor Availability
Delays in scheduling slow your progress and cost you money.
Schools with online scheduling systems and multiple instructors/aircraft are more efficient.
Make sure that your chosen instructor is available at the days and times that are best for you to train. If your instructor is too difficult to schedule, consider finding another good instructor with more availability.
Ground school should be more than self-study. Good schools offer in-person classes, tutoring, or online courses.
Look for a curriculum that prepares you for FAA written exams and checkrides with confidence.
A good school provides clear, itemized pricing — no hidden fees. This is very important !
Ask for an estimate from start to finish (PPL, Instrument, Commercial, etc.).
Bonus: schools that accept FAFSA, GI Bill®, or offer financing/scholarships show they’re student-focused.
Ask for discounted prices based on putting money on your account.
You get a clear itemized record after every training flight so you know your most current financial status.
Ask: “What percentage of your students complete their training?”
Look for testimonials, checkride pass rates, and how many go on to become professional pilots.
Google reviews, Reddit threads, aviation forums, and local pilot communities can reveal a school’s real culture.
A strong reputation takes time to earn — and it’s a good sign if former students return as instructors or recommend it to others.
If you're pursuing a career, ask if the school has airline pipeline programs or partnerships.
Some programs offer a direct path from student → instructor → regional airline in 2–3 years.
Ask about their safety policies, incident response procedures, and maintenance standards.
Schools that emphasize safety first foster better pilots and reduce training risks.
