Hillsboro Aero Academy

For over forty years, Hillsboro Aero Academy has launched the careers of pilots from more than 75 countries, providing a world-class training environment for both helicopter and airplane students. Our Professional Pilot Program is designed to equip students with the skills, confidence, and global perspective essential for a successful pilot career.

Program Highlights

We are an FAA-approved flight school offering comprehensive training that combines industry-leading safety standards and high-quality instruction under FAR Part 141. Based in the Pacific Northwest, our school provides students with diverse flight training experiences across varied terrain and weather conditions. Our airplane program is designed to be completed in 16–18 months with Standard pacing or in 12 months on our Accelerated pacing as a full-time student. Our helicopter program follows a structured 14-month timeline, ensuring focused, comprehensive training. We also offer an F-1 Visa program, which provides international students with up to two years of work authorization post-training to build the flight hours employers seek.

Areas to study

Professional Pilots

License / Certificates

PPL, IR, CPL, CFI, CFII, and MEI

Facility locations

Oregon. Hillsboro, Troutdale, and Redmond

School Fleet and Facilities

HAA operates across three campuses in Hillsboro, Troutdale, and Redmond, Oregon, each equipped to provide quality training and offer student services. Our Hillsboro and Redmond campuses offer airplane training in our fleet of Cessna 152s, 172s, and Piper Seminoles. Our Troutdale Campus offers helicopter training in Robinson R22s and R44s. Our campuses provide advanced simulators, experienced instructors, and specialized resources, ensuring students have access to everything they need to excel.

Value

Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) offers students valuable real IMC training that is highly sought after by airline operators. Drawn by the adventure and beauty of training in one of the world’s most visually stunning regions, students gain real-world instrument experience in diverse flight conditions, preparing them with skills that are highly valued by employers.

HAA offers accelerated pacing allowing students to complete their training from private through the instructor ratings on a 12-month timeline saving time and money for those willing to commit to this quicker pace and schedule. For our international students, our Joint EASA/FAA Pilot Program provides European students a time- and cost-effective path to dual certification in one location along with the F-1 Visa which allows students to build hours in the U.S. after training. Through the Ascend Pilot Academy, students can pursue a financially accessible career path with a stipend of up to $27,000 upon joining Horizon Air, leading to a future with Alaska Airlines.

Our pay-as-you-go structure, which includes a small, refundable $500 training deposit, ensures financial flexibility with no large upfront costs. Financing is available through private lenders for those who qualify.

School Fleet and Facilities

Airline Partnerships to Highlight

We’re proud of our Ascend Pilot Academy, developed in partnership with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air, offering students a financially accessible path to becoming a commercial pilot. Additionally, we maintain robust partnerships with global airlines and operators such as Alaska Airlines, Korean Air, ADAC, and Bristow, reinforcing our commitment to student success and strong industry connections.