Editor's note: The following article is not intended to be a ranking, but is only to serve as a list of possible options. As the saying goes, your mileage may vary.
While many areas have universities offering some of the best flight schools, here in Atlanta, weâre fortunate to have local, professional flight schools that continue to offer an unmatched education in aviation.
The long list of accredited flight schools in Atlanta definitely wonât make your decision easy, but youâre not left to make this decision alone. Read on to learn about 5 of the best flight schools in Atlanta and learn about what they can offer for your future career in flying.
Quicklook: Flight Schools in Atlanta
- Centennial Aviation Academy
- ATP Flight School
- All2Fly Aviation Academy
- Aero Atlanta Flight Center
- American Air Flight Training
5 Flight School Options in Atlanta
There is certainly no shortage of flight schools in Atlanta, so how do you know youâre enrolling in the best one for you? Consider your requirements and let your aviation dreams take off!
Centennial Aviation Academy
Centennial Aviation Academy continues to deliver high quality training programs for flight students of all experience levels. With customized programs available, you can truly get the flight education you need and often in the timeframe youâre hoping for.
Centennial takes a quality over quantity approach and they aim to have no more than 100 flight students enrolled at a time, this helps them ensure they deliver each flight student the thorough training they require and deserve.
Location: 1980 5th Street Atlanta, GA 30341
Tuition & Fees: The average cost to complete all programs and earn your commercial pilotâs license is $53,626
Financial Assistance: No
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: Starting from scratch and working to earn your commercial pilotâs license will likely take 12-16 months with CAA. This is based on completing an average of 3 training sessions each week in that timeframe. Their program can be modified.
Endorsements: None
School Size: Currently 93 flight students
Job Placement: Yes
Virtual Learning: Yes
ATP Flight School
Have you been stressing over the cost of flight school? ATP Flight School is one of Atlantaâs leading options and they keep your stresses at bay with full financing options available.
Since 1984, they have helped more than 20,000 pilots succeed in their flight careers and with an exceptional job placement program, theyâll help you find your ideal position as a pilot. Professionalism and safety help to keep ATP at the top of the list, for a flight program done right, ATP is your go-to flight school in Atlanta.
Location: 1954 Airport Road Suite 160 Chamblee, GA 30341
Tuition & Fees: $83,995
Financial Assistance: Yes, Sallie Mae loans available for ATP flight students.
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: With zero experience, this fast track program can be completed in 7 months
Endorsements: None
School Size: Nationwide they have 1,500 flight students
Job Placement: Yes - they have helped place 604 students in the last 18 months
Virtual Learning: Yes
All2Fly Aviation Academy
Learning to fly for hire versus recreationally are vastly different and ensuring youâre enrolled in a flight school that can handle your goals appropriately is key.
All2Fly Aviation Academy has worked hard to be at the top of the list for reputable flight schools in Atlanta. They offer everything you need to get where you want in your aviation career and their instructors have the care and drive to keep it fun along the way.
Location: 1954 Airport Road #205 Atlanta, GA 30341
Tuition & Fees: Motivated flight students can typically obtain their commercial license for less than $40,000 with All2Fly.
Financial Assistance: Financing is available for those who qualify
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: With zero experience, determined flight students can complete all programs for a commercial license in 6 months or less.
Endorsements: None
School Size: Currently 70 - 80 flight students enrolled
Job Placement: Yes
Virtual Learning: Yes
Aero Atlanta Flight Center
Dreaming of making money as a pilot? Then look to Aero Atlanta Flight Center for your flight training needs! Training safe and confident pilots is what our instructors are here for and they aim to help you get the most from your investment in flight school.
With first-class training facilities, weâre sure youâll appreciate your education and experience at Aero Atlanta.
Location: 1954 Airport Road Atlanta, GA 30341
Tuition & Fees:
- Private Pilot License - Estimated Cost $20,469 - $31, 719
- Instrument Rating - Estimated Cost $16,304 - $23,279
- Commercial PIlot License - Estimated Cost $8,075 - 13,050
Additional certification and other fees apply.
Financial Assistance: No
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: A minimum of 250 flight hours are required to obtain a commercial pilot certificate as well as other requirements. The program length varies on each studentâs schedule and ability to complete the necessary training and flights.
Endorsements: None
School Size: Currently has around 40 flight students
Job Placement: No
Virtual Learning: No
American Air Flight Training
American Air Flight Training aims to set only the highest standards for all flight schools in Atlanta. Simply meeting the standards isnât quite enough, when you train with AAFT, you will learn to go above the basics so you can truly excel as a pilot.
AAFT has modern, well maintained aircraft and training facilities to ensure your education is completed with the finest aircraft and instruments around.
Location: 2000 Airport Road Suite 109 Atlanta, GA 30341
Tuition & Fees:
- Private Pilot Ground Course - Estimated cost $23,400, books and materials not included
- Instrument Pilot Ground Course - Estimated cost $19,000, books and materials not included
- Commercial Pilot Ground Course - Estimated cost $19,500, books and materials not included
**Flight training costs are not included in above cost estimates.
Financial Assistance: No
Accreditation: Yes
Program Length: Length of programs varies on weekly trainings and sessions
Endorsements: None
School Size: Number of flight students varies
Job Placement: Yes
Virtual Learning: Yes
How Does Flight School Training in Atlanta Work?
The average salary for pilots in Atlanta is $155,912. With the right flight school and determination, you could be earning this within a few years! Whether flight school is of interest to you for your future career or hobbies, there is no doubt that your ideal flight school in Atlanta is just a call or click away.
Start off with your private license and let the best flight school with the appropriate programs take you further.
Atlanta Flight School Facts & Figures
Personal aviation education is available for all who are motivated to work for it. Atlanta flight schools continue to produce safe and confident pilots who can often go on to get any job they are aiming for.
Number of Schools
Atlanta boasts an impressive nearly 50 flight schools including its surrounding areas.
With several colleges offering aviation programs as well as a plethora of outstanding, trusted local flight schools, there is no doubt the best flight school for you is out there.
Number of Students per Class
Many of the best flight schools in Atlanta believe in providing the best education possible for all their pilots. This is why many flight schools limit the number of students they have enrolled at one time.
The number of students in your flight class may vary, but flight instruction and other programs will remain one on one with your instructor.
Tuition Rates
Tuition rates for flight schools in Atlanta vary greatly and thatâs mainly due to the differing programs that are offered.
Pilots looking to obtain a private pilot license or certificate will likely be looking to spend $5,000 - $10,000, while a student looking for a career in commercial aviation will be looking at a cost more like $50,000 - $85,000.
Average Loan Amount
The average loan amounts for flight school differs greatly. Sallie Mae continues to be a great resource for flight students, but certain flight schools also offer other payment plans and sources of funding.
Your eligibility and requirements will help determine your financial aid.
Scholarship
Smaller, professional flight schools donât always have scholarship programs available. Contact your local flight school for more scholarship information.
Job Placement
Many of the top flight schools in Atlanta continue to help place their flight school graduates.
Not all flight schools have job placement programs in place, but the majority do have some type of job placement to help ensure you can be on the right career path once youâve completed your education.
Atlanta Pilot Employment Facts & Figures
Atlanta continues to be a hot region for pilots of all kinds. With more and more pilots coming to retirement, there is a constant need for pilots and the best flight school in Atlanta can help place you in an ideal career!
Employment
In 2020, the Atlanta area had 730 commercial pilots as well as an additional 4,090 airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers. Airline pilots in Atlanta have an average annual salary of $155,912.
Biggest Employer | Average Salary | Full or Part Time Pilots across the US |
U.S. Navy | $153,614 | 469,062 |
US Dept. of Transportation | $143,384 | 55,000 |
SkyWest Airlines | $139,378 | 12,502 |
American Airlines | $131,941 | 15,550 |
Federal Aviation Administration | $126,697 | 48,000 |
Salary
The average annual salary for an airline pilot in Atlanta is $155,912. This comes out to a monthly salary of $12,992 and an average weekly salary of $3,248.
Begin Your Journey to Your Aviation Career Today!
Finding the right flight school is a crucial decision to help land you in the right aviation career. Your education and timeline requirements are just a few factors that come into play, but donât fret, weâve put together a few of the best flight schools in Atlanta for you!
FLYING Magazine has all the information you need to choose a flight school, find financial assistance, and much more when youâre looking to further your education or career in aviation.
FAQ
How do you become a pilot in Atlanta?
You can start flying lessons at any age, but to become a pilot you must be at least 17 years old. With proper training, private pilot training typically takes around 70 hours of flight time to complete. Certificates and tests are required.
How much does flight school cost in Atlanta?
Flight schools in Atlanta come with costs that can vary greatly depending on your flight school requirements. Depending on your flight training needs, flight school could cost a few thousands of dollars all the way up to around $80,000 for an education that will help you place as a commercial airline pilot.
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