Flight School Options in Virginia

While there are many good programs in Virginia from which to choose, we highlighted seven for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots. Let’s explore the best flight schools in the Old Dominion State and help you become a pilot so you can navigate the skies anywhere.

Best for: All-around Virginia flight school

Hampton University, the only historically Black college and university (HBCU) with an FAA-approved Air Traffic-Collegiate Training program, is home to one of the country's top Part 141 aviation schools. Flight operations are conducted at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF) in partnership with Rick Aviation, approximately 15 minutes from campus. Hampton University’s location offers access to some of the most scenic views of Chesapeake Bay and the busiest airspaces in the nation.

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

Best for: Established Virginia flight school

Averett University is a four-year Christian institution in Virginia, founded in 1859. The college has an established Part 141 aviation school with flight operations conducted at the Danville Regional Airport (KDAN), 10 minutes from the main campus. The university’s fast-paced flight school places students behind the controls of an aircraft and prepares them for an exciting aviation career. Averett University also offers a joint program focused on aviation law enforcement.

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

Best for: Virtual Virginia flight school

If you are searching for a university with various educational options, consider Liberty University. Liberty offers associate, bachelor's, and master's programs online, hybrid, and in person. It is one of 40 schools accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and is a National Intercollegiate Flying Association member. Scheduling a consultation with Liberty University is the best way to determine which program suits your needs.

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

Best for: Accelerated Virginia flight schools

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 programs in the country, with a completion time of as little as nine months, depending on prior experience. ATP has multiple Virginia locations, including Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), Norfolk International Airport (KORF), and Richmond International Airport (KRIC).

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

Best for: Flexible Virginia flight school

Founded in 1989, Aviation Adventures now boasts five flexible locations across Virginia and over 58 airplanes and simulators, offering students various training opportunities. Safety is a top priority across all Aviation Adventures locations. The flight school features highly skilled flight instructors and a dedicated maintenance team that ensures students are safe while navigating some of the most complex airspace in the nation.

Best for: Innovative Virginia flight school

Founded in 2019, NOVA Pilots is an innovative flight school with dedicated instructors who inspire the joy of flying. The instructors have logged thousands of hours in Cirrus aircraft and impart their knowledge to the next generation of pilots. NOVA Pilots operates out of Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO) and offers flight instruction in student-owned airplanes.

Best for: Self-paced Virginia flight school

Whether you are a new pilot or a licensed pilot looking for a refresher or transition course, look no further than OpenAir. With a fleet of Cirrus aircraft, OpenAir’s students learn to fly in one of the most technologically advanced general aviation aircraft. The flight school has a staff of passionate flight instructors who coach and inspire students to live their dreams while piloting an airplane.

Virginia has over 50 flight schools, with the majority located near Richmond, Newport News, and the northern part of the state, closest to Washington, D.C. Several universities, including Hampton University, Averett University, and Liberty University, offer aviation programs.

While flight training at Virginia flight schools takes place in one-on-one settings, some locations offer ground school curriculums in classrooms with an average of 15-20 students per instructor. However, as virtual classrooms grow in popularity, like at Liberty University, the number of students per class in Virginia continues to fluctuate.

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in Virginia. For example, obtaining a private pilot certificate at a dedicated flight school like Aviation Adventures can cost around $25,000. In contrast, a four-year aviation degree with all available licenses and ratings from an institution like Hampton University can total approximately $250,000.

Federal and private student loans are available for students enrolled in accredited aviation programs at universities such as Averett University. For those who choose to attend a dedicated flight school that is not affiliated with a university or college, like ATP Flight School, only private loans are available to cover the costs of flight school expenses.

Many Virginia-based and national organizations offer scholarships to help students finance their flight training. While scholarships usually come with specific application requirements, they can significantly reduce the financial burden of attending flight school.

Most accredited institutions in Virginia have high employment rates for graduates, particularly with airlines from across the country.

We hope this review of Virginia's top flight schools has given you a clearer view of your path to becoming a pilot. The locations, costs, time commitments, and course offerings are listed so you can choose the educational route that best fits your needs as you pursue your goal of soaring through the Old Dominion State skies. If you’re ready to start your flying journey, FLYING has partnered with Flycore to provide a flight school matching service. Visit its website today and elevate your training to the next level.

How much does it cost to get a pilot's license in Virginia?

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in Virginia. For example, obtaining a private pilot certificate at a dedicated flight school like Aviation Adventures can cost around $25,000. In contrast, a four-year aviation degree with all available licenses and ratings from an institution like Hampton University can total approximately $250,000.

Is it financially worth it to become a pilot?

Yes, it is financially worth it to become a pilot. Although the immediate cost of obtaining licenses and ratings can be costly, the long-term benefits of a pilot’s salary can help individuals promptly repay their flight training debt. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median pay for airline and commercial pilots in 2023 was $171,210 per year.

How to become a pilot in Virginia?

Becoming a pilot in Virginia is like anywhere else in the country since flight schools must follow the same FAA regulations. The FAA website outlines the steps to becoming a pilot. Additionally, scheduling a discovery flight with a potential flight school can be a fantastic way to explore the skies for the first time.

Are any airlines paying for flight school?

Generally, airlines do not cover flight school costs upfront. However, several airlines partner with specific flight schools to offer tuition reimbursement programs that partially subsidize training expenses after students complete their education and meet specific employment requirements.

What is the average total cost of flight school?

Many factors affect the average total cost of flight schools. However, obtaining all available licenses and ratings can cost around $100,000.

Where do most airline pilots go to college?

Most airline pilots attend accredited colleges and universities with specialized aviation programs. However, in recent years, many airlines have dropped their requirement for a college degree, allowing pilots to secure airline jobs by simply attending dedicated flight schools without needing a bachelor’s or associate degree.