Flight School Options in Massachusetts

While there are many good programs in Massachusetts from which to choose, we highlighted seven for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots. Whether flying to an offshore island for a mini-vacation or heading into the city for an enjoyable night out, Massachusetts pilots are well trained and experienced. Let’s explore what it takes to become one of them in the Bay State.

Best for: All-around Massachusetts flight school

Bridgewater State University (BSU) stands out as one of the premier flight schools in Massachusetts and the only institution offering a four-year degree in aviation science in the Northeastern U.S.. The school is dedicated to supporting students aiming for domestic or international flying careers through state-of-the-art facilities, equipment (such as aircraft and simulators), and instructors. Graduates of BSU often secure positions with the FAA, the Massachusetts Port Authority, and other noteworthy airlines and organizations. The program’s flight operations are conducted at the New Bedford Regional Airport (KEWB), a 30-minute drive from the main campus.

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

Best for: Accelerated Massachusetts flight school

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 Boston Flight School is located at Norwood Memorial Airport (KOWD), and its Lawrence Flight School is located at Lawrence Municipal Airport (KLWM).

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

Best for: Experienced Massachusetts flight school

East Coast Aero Club, New England’s largest flight school, is committed to training the next generation of pilots. Whether students seek a private pilot license, instrument rating, or aviation career, the flight school offers the resources (i.e., aircraft rentals) and support (i.e., high-quality instruction) necessary to help them achieve their personal goals. With flexible schedules, state-of-the-art facilities, and a lively community of aviators, East Coast Aero Club is the perfect place to kickstart a flying career. The flight school has three New England locations, including Laurence G. Hanscom Field (KBED), Boire Field (KASH), and Norwood Memorial Airport (KOWD).

Best for: Flexible Massachusetts flight school

AVIER Flight School offers comprehensive and flexible flight training for aspiring pilots. Located at Beverly Regional Airport (KBVY), AVIER emphasizes mission-based flight instruction, offering students authentic pilot experience rather than traditional flight lessons. The flight school takes pride in developing individualized training plans tailored to meet the needs of students at all skill levels.

Best for: Award-winning Massachusetts flight school

AeroVenture is a flight school that emphasizes the development of the next generation of skilled aviators and aerospace pioneers through transformative experiences and strategic partnerships. It is an award-winning flight school known for its dedication to students of all ages and abilities. The school conducts operations at Mansfield Municipal Airport (1B9).

Best for: Affordable Massachusetts flight school

Alpha One Flight Services is based at Plymouth Municipal Airport (KPYM) and aims to instruct students in the latest, most efficient flying techniques, all at an affordable cost. Alpha One is the perfect starting option for aspiring pilots, whether for leisure or a professional path. Most training sessions are held in a Cessna, an aircraft known for its safety and cost-effectiveness, making it ideal for beginner flight training.

Best for: Personalized Massachusetts flight school

FCA Flight Center is located at Fitchburg Municipal Airport (KFIT) and has been offering pilot training in Massachusetts since 1999. The flight school takes pride in selecting exceptional flight instructors who work individually to tailor their students’ training to their specific needs. Additionally, FCA Flight Center’s diverse fleet of training aircraft ensures availability, potential cost savings, and diverse experiences.

The following data provides relevant information to assist students in deciding whether attending pilot training in Massachusetts is worthwhile.

There are approximately 26 flight schools in Massachusetts. Although they are distributed throughout the state, the highest concentration of schools is in the Greater Boston area.

While flight training at Massachusetts flight schools is conducted in one-on-one settings, some locations deliver ground school curriculums in classrooms with an average of 15-20 students per instructor.

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in Massachusetts. For example, obtaining a private pilot’s license at a dedicated flight school like Alpha One Flight Services can cost around $10,000. In comparison, a four-year aviation degree with all available licenses and ratings from an institution like Bridgewater State University can total approximately $150,000, assuming the student is a Massachusetts resident.

Federal and private student loans are available for students enrolled in accredited aviation programs at universities or colleges such as Bridgewater State 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 Massachusetts-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.

Many flight schools in Massachusetts employ students as instructors or tour guides upon graduation. Although job placement opportunities in the state are limited, Massachusetts is close to many large metropolitan areas that can provide job stability.

Massachusetts flight schools provide some of the finest flight training in the nation. As a result, the Bay State is an excellent location for obtaining pilot certifications and logging flight hours. Whether you want to earn a private pilot license or aspire to become an airline pilot, any of these seven high-quality flight training institutions in the Bay State can help you achieve your goals and ultimately fly anywhere.

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

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in Massachusetts. For example, obtaining a private pilot’s license at a dedicated flight school like FCA Flight Center can cost around $10,000. In comparison, a four-year aviation degree with all available licenses and ratings from an institution like Bridgewater State University can total approximately $150,000, assuming the student is a Massachusetts resident.

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

The time required to become a pilot in Massachusetts varies based on the 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. Additionally, Part 61 flight schools often enable students to learn at their own pace, so the duration of training depends on the student's availability and effort.

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 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. However, several airlines partner with selected flight schools to provide bridge programs and agreements that might subsidize training. For example, Bridgewater State University has agreements with JetBlue, Cape Air, and Endeavor Air that might subsidize training and help with job placement. Students should seek out more information about those airline agreements for specific qualifications.

What is the average total cost of flight school?

Many factors affect the cost of flight training in Massachusetts. For example, obtaining a private pilot’s license at a dedicated flight school like AVIER Flight School can cost around $10,000. In comparison, a four-year aviation degree with all available licenses and ratings from an institution like Bridgewater State University can total approximately $150,000, assuming the student is a Massachusetts resident.

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.