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You’ve decided to become a pilot, and now it’s time to decide where you’ll obtain your training. Imagine the aviation school of your dreams. What is its location? What kinds of planes do you get to fly? Do you have a college diploma in addition to your pilot’s license?
Many of the leading best private flight schools in the United States offer a combined college degree and flight training option. According to industry experts, having a college background in addition to your flight credentials can help you stand out in an interview.
Of course, there are fantastic “flight schools only” options if you already have a college degree or want to focus entirely on flight training and the quickest path to an airline career.
Which flying school would give you the best start in your pilot career? Below are the 5 Best private flight schools in the United States.
Top 5 Best Private Flight Schools 2022
Purdue University
Purdue University is ranked among the top five public colleges in the United States by the Wall Street Journal. Its School of Aviation and Transportation Technology was founded in the mid-1950s and now provides seven bachelor’s degree programs in aviation as well as graduate degrees.
The School of Aviation and Transportation Technology focuses on forming industry relationships to provide students with “real-world projects, networking opportunities, and up-to-date information that will make them appealing to future employees and leaders.”
Location: West Lafayette, IN
Flight degree programs:
Bachelor’s:
Professional flight
Five-Year combined BS-MS program
Master’s:
Aviation and Aerospace Management
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University is the “biggest, oldest, and most comprehensive aeronautical university.” Embry-Riddle was formed in 1926 to equip future aeronautical professionals with a high-quality education.
Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University which focuses on aviation and aerospace programs provides hands-on learning opportunities in cutting-edge aircraft, labs, and facilities to help you succeed in your aviation or aerospace profession.
Location: Daytona Beach, Florida and Prescott, Arizona
Flight degree programs:
Bachelor’s
Aeronautical Science
Florida Institute of Technology
Undergraduate students at the College of Aeronautics can acquire their university degrees while also gaining practical experience on the flight line and in the simulator. Elective courses such as aerobatic flying and air taxi flight are also available.
Through participation in eight airline Pathway Programs, the Emil Buehler Center for Aviation Training and Research provides an immersive aviation industry experience. These programs are aimed to help potential pilots “establish a career route to a major airline in their sophomore year” by screening and developing them.
Location: Melbourne, FL
Flight degree programs:
Bachelor’s
Aeronautical Science – Flight
Aviation Management – Flight
Aviation Meteorology – Flight
Human Factors & Safety – Flight
Ohio State University
In 1917, Ohio State University established an aviation program. Today, graduates are prepared for jobs “at airlines and in industries such as corporate aviation, cargo aviation, flight support and planning, aviation support systems, and air transportation management,” according to the program’s website.
Students can choose electives depending on their unique interests in addition to the eight aviation core courses. Flight education, airport management, and air transportation analysis are examples of electives.
Flight education is available to students in both the Aviation and Air Transportation departments, and aviation students can achieve a professional pilot specialization.
Ohio State University has its own airport, which is the third busiest in the state. Each year, the aviation program’s aircraft training fleet registers more than 7,000 hours of flight experience.
Location: Columbus, OH
Flight degree programs:
Bachelor’s
Aviation
Air Transportation
Utah Valley University
Utah Valley University’s School of Aviation Sciences offers degrees in all aspects of aviation. Students who earn a Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot prepare for careers with airlines and enterprises. Graduates will have obtained at least a Commercial Pilot Certificate and will be able to take electives from Commercial Pilot to Multi-Engine Instructor to fill out their education.
Direct transfer credit is offered for previously acquired FAA pilot certificates and ratings, so even if you have already completed a portion of your flight training, you can apply that earned certificate toward the UVU BA degree requirements.
Location: Orem, UT
Flight degree programs:
Bachelor’s
Aviation – Professional Flight
