Flight School Options in Ohio

A visit to Dayton will have you absorbed in Ohio’s rich aviation history, where you’ll find gems like the Wright Brothers National Museum, the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force, and much more.

Celebrating this history of flight, it's not surprising Ohio is home to numerous aviation schools. If your goal is to take to the skies as a career, or simply master recreational flying, there is a flight school in the Buckeye State for you.

While there are many good programs in the state to choose from, we highlight these five schools for their variety of offerings to meet the different objectives of aspiring pilots.

Notable for: Long history, top 10 national ranking

Ohio State University’s aviation program is one of the oldest and most respected in the industry. Dating back to 1917, just 14 years after the Wright brothers’ famed first flight, the school later helped train Navy pilots to assist World War II efforts. Today, the school sponsors research and development, retaining its emphasis on flight instruction and pilot certification.

Alumni of the school can be found piloting for major airlines, in control towers, under the hood of the latest jet craft, and monitoring national airspace at government agencies such as NASA and the FAA. It’s ranked among the top 10 flight schools in the U.S. and best flight school in Ohio.

Location: Columbus

Tuition and fees: Average student will spend approximately $73,000-$76,000 to complete the professional pilot program, depending on options chosen.

Financial assistance: Ohio State University accepts federal student loans. A number of scholarships specific to the aviation program are available. 

Accreditation: All aviation programs with the school have received accreditation from Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI).

Program length: 2-5 years depending on path chosen

Endorsements: Degrees offered include B.S. in aviation, B.A. in air transportation, and B.S. business administration with an aviation management specialization. Professional Pilot Certification is an optional pathway in addition to the degree program.

Endorsements include:

Fleet: 20 aircraft and three simulators, including 19 C172s, and one PA-44 Piper Seminole.

Job placement: Yes. In addition to multiple internship opportunities, many grads begin immediate employment as flight instructors. Industry career pathway programs are established with many regional airline cadet programs.

Notable for: Relationships with major airlines

With 78 flight training centers across the U.S., ATP has been a leader in professional pilot training for more than 40 years. It is the nation’s largest flight school. Some of its 25,000-plus graduates have gone on to fly for United, Frontier, Spirit, Delta, and American airlines among others.

With various fast-track options, you can complete training in anywhere from nine to 12 months. Financing options as well as airline tuition reimbursement are available.

Location: Cincinnati

Tuition and fees: $86,995-$108,995

Financial assistance: Financing available through Sallie Mae lowest-interest rate student loan. Covers full cost of pilot training and living expenses, with flexible repayment options and deferred loan payments.

Accreditation: Part 60 with a 141 program

Program length: Nine to 12 months

Endorsements: Student pilot certificate, private pilot license (PPL), instrument rating (IR), multi-engine rating, commercial pilot license (CPL), flight instructor certificate (CFI), airline transport pilot (ATP)

Fleet: ATP operates the largest flight training fleet in the world, with 611 aircraft, including single-engine Piper Archers, Cessna Skyhawk 172s, and the largest multiengine fleet with 102 Piper Seminoles.

Job placement: Pathways to American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, United Airlines, and more with ATP's 38 airline partnerships

Virtual learning: Online training resources available.

Looking for a more flexible study schedule? Consider utilizing online study course options like WifiCFI. You can find all you need to prepare for your FAA written tests and check rides to earn your PPL, CFI, and more.

Or try an online ground school like Pilot Institute. From Private Pilot to Part 107 drone license course, it has helped thousands of students reach their aviation goals. Pilot Institute is so confident you’ll pass the first time around, it will give you a check for $175 and refund your course tuition if you don’t.

Notable for: Specialized training in Cirrus aircraft

Capital City Aviation is a nonprofit flight training and aircraft rental club chosen to be the Cirrus training center for the Ohio region. The Cirrus SR Series is the best-selling aircraft in the world, known for speed, luxury, and the best safety record in general aviation. 

The club’s mission is to develop safe and proficient pilots and maintain the highest quality rental fleet in central Ohio. It offers individualized training programs based on your personal goals to fly as a private pilot, for business, or as a career. Some instructors have more than 50 years of experience.

Location: Columbus

Tuition and fees:

Financial assistance: Not offered through the club, but the organization works with a variety of financing services. Some grants and scholarships can also be accepted for Part 61 flight training.

Accreditation: No traditional accreditation

Program length: Estimated at eight to 12 months for PPL, based on the national average of 60 to 70 hours at two to three sessions per week

Endorsements: PPL, instrument rating, CFI and CFI II, Cirrus SR20 and SR22, airline transport pilot, multi-engine, and flight instructor multi-engine

Fleet: 2024 Cirrus SR-20 G7, 2021 Cirrus SR-20 G6, 2021 Cirrus SR-22, 2020 Cirrus SR-22, Piper Pilot 100i, Cessna 172N Skyhawk

Job placement: No direct job placement. However, the school has trained many commercial pilots.

Virtual learning: Online instruction and simulator training available.

Notable for: One of three nationally accredited non-university vocational flight schools in the U.S.

American Winds Flight Academy (AWFA) scores as one of only three non-university vocational flight schools in the U.S. to be nationally accredited. It’s also one of just two FAA-certified (141) flight schools in northeast Ohio. With flexible programming and finance options, it also accepts international students.

Here you won’t have to choose between aviation school or a degree. Besides the fixed-wing flight school, AWFA also offers degree programs through partnerships with Liberty and Walsh universities. You can earn your associate degree in aviation in two years and complete your bachelor’s degree in approximately three, while logging in hours at the flight school toward your requisites.

Location: Akron

Tuition and fees: Associate degree - $80,000; contact AWFA for additional pricing at 330-733-2500.

Financial assistance: Veterans benefits can be used for flight training courses (not for college classes).

Accreditation: FAA Approved Part 141 Pilot School

Program length: 

Endorsements: Private pilot license, commercial pilot license, airline transport pilot, flight instructor (CFI/FI), flight instructor instrument (CFII/IRI), instrument rating (IR), multi-engine rating, flight instructor-multi-engine (MEI)

Fleet: Cessna 172L, Cessna 172M, Piper Cherokee, Piper Arrow, Piper Warrior, Piper Apache, Piper Seneca II

Job placement: Preferred applicant status with many major airlines

Virtual learning: Flight simulator available, online coursework available through partnerships with universities

Notable for: Top flight Instructors, established reputation, free lifetime course updates

Sporty’s emphasizes excellence in flight instruction, with Gold Seal and Master Designated Instructors on staff. In operation since 1961, it offers an extensive gamut of courses and services, plus extras like an on-site weather station, avionics library, and pilot shop for all your gear. The academy operates its own maintenance facility on the grounds.

Situated at the Clermont County Airport (I69), students can acclimate to a shared flight environment around larger aircraft. For convenience, the school has its own medical examiner.

A nice perk is free lifetime updates on any courses you’ve completed with the school. Clients are invited to enjoy free cookouts every Saturday.

Location: Batavia (Cincinnati metro)

Tuition and fees: Aircraft rental ranges from $145-$345 per hour, instruction rates from $49 to $70 per hour. The flight simulator is available at $85 per hour.

Financial assistance: Sporty’s provides extensive resources on applicable scholarship offerings, including AOPA, CareerOneStop, EAA, National Air Transportation Foundation, National Business Aviation Association, Ninety-Nines, Regional Airline Association, and Women in Aviation International.

Accreditation: FAA-approved pilot school, training hundreds of students yearly, including international students

Program length: Approximately one year

Endorsements: 

Fleet: Cessna 172SP, Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Sporty’s Cessna 172 LITE, Cessna 172RG, Cessna 182T, Piper Aztec E, including some models with glass cockpit technology

Job placement: PSA Cadet program offers assistance with job placement upon completion of your PSI, and multiple internship opportunities. Upon meeting ATP minimums, PSA will pay for your CTP program. When you reach senior cadet status, PSA offers direct flow through to American Airlines in approximately six years with no additional interview required.

Virtual learning: Yes. Frasca RTD Flight Simulator is also available. 

The curriculum and certifications of different flight schools should sync with your personal goals as a pilot.

Are you looking at recreational flying, or do you intend to pursue a career as a commercial pilot? How much time do you want to put in?

Go for the greatest qualifications if you want to make flying your lifelong career. Otherwise, consider starting with your PPL and evaluate where you’d like to go from there.

Are you looking for an in-person flight school? There are also very good online options, such as Altitude University, Pilot Institute, and Sporty's.

You’ll want an aviation school that trains you in the type of equipment you intend to fly.

Do you envision flying Cirrus aircraft? Are you interested in piloting helicopters or drones? Are your intentions to fly for the military?

Look for schools with up-to-date technology and a reputation for well-maintained aircraft. Safety should always be of paramount importance.

You can find information about flight instructors on most aviation school’s websites.

Generally, pilots with greater years of experience and more extensive credentials command a higher hourly rate. This may be required if you’re testing for more advanced certifications yourself.

From your PPL to your commercial pilot’s license, there’s a significant level of financial investment to fulfill your dreams of flying airplanes.

Look into pay-as-you-go options offered by some flight schools. Investigate scholarship opportunities and financial aid programs available at universities. Consider programs that lead to tuition reimbursement from future airline employers.

Not all flight schools offer direct assistance to future employment, while some have excellent relationships with airlines and related entities.

If you’ll be flying solo, this may not be an issue for you. Otherwise, connections could be worth exploring before you commit to a particular school.
 

With an identity so deeply aligned with the history of flight, Ohio is an excellent place to begin your aviation journey.

Proximity to many city centers and major airports, and a diversity of weather conditions to navigate, offer prime opportunities to hone your skills as a pilot. Home to approximately 30 flight schools in one state, there are ample options here to find a school that meets your vision for your future. 

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

Precise costs depend on your choice of flight school and what type of licensing you pursue. In general, your total investment will run between $17,000-$27,000, including flight training and hours, ground school, and requirements like the medical examination, checkride fees and study materials. The bulk of this cost is found in flight school tuition (from $8,000-$15,000) and flight hours (an average of $150 per hour for rental and instructor) which run between $9,000-$10,500.

How much does the Ohio State flight program cost?

The Ohio State University flight program comes with a four-year degree which can significantly enhance your prospects of flying for a major airline. Most students will spend between $73,000-$76,000 to complete their professional pilot program.

How long is pilot school in Ohio?

The FAA requires students to complete a minimum of 40 hours of flight time for their pilot’s license. Most students require closer to 60 hours to pass. Depending on how much time you can devote to flying, this can take from several months to a year. To obtain your commercial pilot certificate you’ll need to accrue an additional 250 hours, a process that varies from months to a few years. A flight instructor certificate can be earned after obtaining your commercial license. Training for flight instructor ranges from weeks to months.

Will airlines pay for flight school?

Airlines don’t cover tuition up front, meaning aspiring pilots may be looking at a significant initial investment. The good news is many airlines offer tuition reimbursement once you’ve completed training and are hired on with the organization. Some airlines have their own flight schools with lower rates than private flight schools, but you’ll need to commit to working for the airline when you finish your training.