Flight School Options in Maryland

Becoming a pilot requires both a financial investment and a significant time commitment. Fortunately, there are numerous pathways to earning a pilot’s certificate, along with various sources of financial aid to help you achieve your goal in the growing aviation industry. While there are many flight programs in Maryland to choose from, we chose to highlight seven for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots.

Continue reading to discover which flight school in Maryland aligns with your goals and budget, factors to consider when choosing one, and how to obtain a pilot’s certificate in the Old Line State.

Best for: All-around flight training program

The University of Maryland Eastern Shore (UMES) is a public research university that offers Maryland’s only four-year bachelor’s degree program in aviation. As part of the University of Maryland system, the Department of Engineering and Aviation Sciences provides an Aviation Sciences Program that equips students with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the knowledge required to succeed in their aviation careers. Additionally, UMES has established several industry partnerships to ensure a high placement rate for its graduating pilots. The university’s aviation department conducts flight training at Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport (KSBY), a 20-minute drive from the main campus.

Explore the University of Maryland Eastern Shore’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Workforce-ready flight training program

The Community College of Baltimore County (CCBC) is a public college with a broad presence in the Mid-Atlantic region. Its aviation program allows students to intern and train in one of the country’s busiest airspaces, spanning Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. CCBC provides six associate degrees in aviation, and its flight training program prepares students for workforce-ready employment in the commercial aviation industry, equipping them with a commercial pilot’s license and instructor certification. Students can complete their flight training through various affiliate institutions, including:

Explore Community College of Baltimore County’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Accelerated flight training program

ATP Flight School is the largest flight training establishment in the U.S. ATP’s nationwide network of 81 training centers in 33 states allows for more efficient scheduling and instructor and examiner availability. The flight school’s Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest professional pilot curricula in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months, depending on prior experience. ATP’s Baltimore Flight School is located at Martin State Airport (KMTN).

Explore ATP Flight School’s professional pilot certification program through FLYING’s Flight School Guide.

Best for: Personalized flight training program

Bravo Flight Training was established in 2016 with a clear mission to provide an exceptional flight training experience for its valued students. The flight school stands out for its commitment to delivering personalized training, which is made possible by its dedicated flight instructors. Bravo Flight Training is based in the picturesque city of Frederick at Frederick Municipal Airport (KFDK), with additional locations in Gaithersburg, Maryland, at Montgomery County Airpark (KGAI), and Martinsburg, West Virginia, at Eastern West Virginia Regional Airport (KMRB).

Best for: Flexible flight training program

Advanced Aviation Group-Frederick Flight Center offers expert flight training and education in a friendly and welcoming environment. Whether students aim to fly for airlines, travel on their own schedule, or enjoy the freedom of flight over the local landscape, the center provides comprehensive training tailored to their needs. Advanced Aviation Group does not operate as a pilot factory, unlike many other flight schools. Instead, it takes a more flexible approach, focusing on supporting students in reaching their goals without undue pressure.

Best for: Affordable flight training program

Navy Annapolis Flight Center (NAFC) is a premier training institution at Lee Airport (KANP). The center offers both Part 141 and Part 61 training programs, catering to students’ diverse needs and preferences, all at an affordable price. NAFC provides experienced flight instruction and a well-maintained fleet of aircraft, ensuring quality education and safety. Whether students aspire to pursue a career in aviation or wish to learn how to fly, NAFC offers a structured yet flexible environment to help them achieve their goals.

Best for: Experienced flight training program

Ocean Aviation Flight Academy is one of Maryland’s top flight schools and the leading choice for professional flight training. The academy’s Accelerated ProPilot Course takes students from zero flight hours to becoming a commercial pilot in just 12 months. With Ocean Aviation’s career placement assistance, graduates can look forward to promising careers as professional pilots within 36 months of starting the Accelerated ProPilot Course. The academy has two prime locations in the Mid-Atlantic region: Ocean City Municipal Airport (KOXB) and Delaware Coastal Airport (KGED).

There are many factors to contemplate when choosing a flight school. Let’s dive into some:

Verify that the school holds appropriate FAA certification. Flight schools can be either Part 61 or Part 141 certified. There are many advantages to both certifications. Therefore, it is essential to determine which one may better suit your unique needs as a student pilot.

Select a flight program that provides the pilot licenses and ratings you seek. Flight schools differ in the types of training programs they offer. Some provide a wide range of endorsements, while others concentrate on particular licenses and ratings.

Seek instructors who are experienced, positively reviewed, and have excellent safety records. An exceptional flight instructor can significantly impact every student pilot’s training journey.

Choose a school with a well-maintained fleet of aircraft to provide comprehensive training. Minimal downtime ensures airplane availability and supports continuous progress in flight training.

Assess the condition of the school’s facilities, which encompass classrooms, briefing rooms, student amenities, simulators, and maintenance areas. The quality of each facility and the school’s equipment is a vital measure of its dedication to student success.

Compare tuition costs, fees, and available financial aid options to help ease the burden of flying costs. Learning to fly is expensive. Many established schools offer ways to alleviate this load.

Inquire about the school’s student success rates in passing FAA exams and obtaining pilot certificates. Reputable schools prioritize their students’ success and cultivate strong connections with local examiners to achieve a high passing rate.

Several key factors must be considered when selecting a flight school in Maryland. These include, but are not limited to, the school’s FAA certification, available training programs, instructor qualifications, fleet maintenance, facilities and equipment, costs and financial aid options, and student success rates.

To better understand what each flight school offers, we encourage you to schedule a visit and explore the facilities, meet its instructors, and get a feel for the environment. Additionally, consider booking your first flight (i.e., discovery flight) with each flight school to gain firsthand experience and valuable insights into what flying at that particular institution is like.

We hope our detailed exploration of these seven flight training programs has given you a clearer understanding of each institution. We encourage you to research each school further and decide on the best Maryland program to meet your unique needs.

How much does it cost to go to flight school in Maryland?

The cost of going to flight school in Maryland varies depending on the type of institution. A specialized one- to two-year flight school, like the Navy Annapolis Flight Center, may charge around $50,000 for all certificates and ratings. At the same time, a four-year university, such as the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, could cost as much as $130,000 for out-of-state students.

How long does it take to become a pilot in Maryland?

The time required to become a pilot in Maryland varies based on the chosen program and institution. A dedicated flight school typically takes one to two years to obtain all certificates and ratings, whereas a university program may take up to four years.

What GPA do you need for flight school?

While the FAA does not require a specific GPA for flight school enrollment, some accredited colleges and universities may set GPA thresholds for admission. Generally, two-year and four-year institutions look for a GPA of 3.0 or higher for students to qualify for a flight training program.

Do any airlines pay for flight school?

Generally, airlines do not pay for flight school costs upfront. However, several airlines partner with selected flight schools to provide tuition reimbursement programs that partially subsidize training expenses after students finish their education and fulfill specific employment requirements.

What is the average total cost of flight school?

The average cost of flight school in Maryland varies depending on the type of institution. A specialized one- to two-year flight school may charge around $50,000 for all licenses and ratings, while a four-year university could cost as much as $130,000 for out-of-state students.

How much are pilots paid?

Pilot salaries vary widely based on factors such as experience, the airline or operator they work for, and the type of airplane they fly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for airline and commercial pilots in 2023 was $171,210 per year.