Arizona is one of the most populous states in the United States and is also known as the 6th largest among the 50 states. Phoenix is the capital city of Arizona.
Like Florida, Arizona is also the best destination for flight training due to great weather conditions, diverse flight terrain, and stunning scenery. It experiences more than 300 days of sunshine on average each year. With that, the sky remains clear and offers great visibility for flight training.
The landscape and overall geography are perfect for all-around flight training. Students get a chance to experience high-altitude flying in the mountains and low-level flying in the desert plains. Besides, Arizona is also known as the home of the most stunning scenery in the United States.
Talking about flight schools in Arizona, there are lots of quality flight training centers offering various programs ranging from Private Pilot to Professional Pilot programs.
Let’s explore the best flight schools in Arizona with their location and training programs.
Table of Contents
Best Flight Schools in Arizona
Here are the best Flight schools in Arizona offering various flight training programs including Airline Pilot Training, Helicopter Training, Aircraft Maintenance programs and so on.
ATP Flight School
ATP Flight School is one of the top flight schools in Arizona and is also known as the nation’s largest flight school. This flight training school has logged over 35 years of professional flight training and is producing competent pilots and fulfilling the demands of regional and major airlines since its establishment. It was founded in 1984 and currently holds 71 training centres across the country.
ATP Flight School holds 71 training centres and in Arizona, it is located in three different places including Scottsdale, Mesa, Tucson and Glendale. It offers various flight training programs including Airline Career Pilot Program, Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) Program, ATP-CTP, Airbus A320 Type Rating, Private Pilot Program and so on.
Airline Career Pilot Program is the popular flight training course offered by ATP Flight School. This training program allows students to become professional airline pilots in a structured way starting from zero experience.
Airline Pilot Program Cost at ATP Flight School
| AIRLINE PILOT PROGRAM | TRAINING COST |
| Starting with Zero Experience | $91,995 |
| Starting with Credit for Private Pilot | $71,995 |
| Private Pilot Finish-Up | $9,995 |
| 100+ Hour Multi-Engine Option | Additional $11,000 |
| ATP CTP | $3,795 (7 Days) |
| Airbus A320 7-Day Type Rating | $8,495 |
Sierra Charlie Aviation
Sierra Charlie Aviation is also among the best flight schools in Arizona that offers various pilot training programs. It is located in Scottsdale, AZ and is offering quality training since its establishment.
The training programs available at Sierra Charlie are Private Pilot Licence, Commercial Pilot License, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) Certification, Multi-Engine Program and Instrument Rating (IR).
Sierra trains pilot students in the Cessna Flight Training System which is proven to be a comprehensive and finest flight-training program. Students will train in state-of-the-art facilities and gain actual flight experience with Cessna 172 Skyhawks, the world’s leading flight training aircraft.
Leopard Aviation Flight School
In our list of best flight schools in Arizona, Leopard Aviation also makes its position. The flight school started its operation in Scottsdale, AZ and expanded its service to Mesa, AZ following the increasing demand for flight training.
The available flight training programs at Leopard Aviation are Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, Instrument Proficiency Check and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
The latest Cessna 172s Skyhawks with glass cockpit are used for flight training along with state-of-the-art G1000 avionics, GFC700 Autopilot and ADS-B in and out features.
Classic Air Aviation
Classic Air Aviation is also one of the best flight schools in Arizona that offers affordable, comprehensive and professional training programs designed by pilots for pilots. It is located in Mesa, AZ and is offering quality and fast-track flight training programs.
Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating (IR), Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Military Flight Training and Fast Track or Accelerated programs are offered by Classic Air Aviation Flight Center.
Airline Pilot Program Cost at Classic Air Aviation
| AIRLINE PILOT PROGRAM | TRAINING COST |
| Private Pilot Program | $15,225 |
| Instrument Rating | $14,975 |
| Commercial Pilot | $28,650 |
| Multi-Engine Commercial/Instrument Add-on | $7,500 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $5,400 |
Venture West Aviation
Venture West Aviation is one of the best flight schools in Arizona that offers various flight training programs. It is located in Mesa, AZ at Falcon Field Airport.
The available flight training programs include Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII).
Airline Pilot Program Cost at Venture West Aviation
| AIRLINE PILOT PROGRAM | TRAINING COST |
| Private Pilot Program | $10,950 |
| Instrument Rating | $13,250 |
| Commercial Pilot | $10,950 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $4,750 |
| Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) | $4,050 |
Red Rock Flight School
Red Rock Flight School is located in Mesa, Arizona and is producing competent pilots with more than 30 years of flight training experience.
The training programs offered by Red Rock are Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), and Professional Pilot Course. Besides, a biannual flight review is also available at Red Rock.
Airline Pilot Program Cost at Red Rock Flight School
| AIRLINE PILOT PROGRAM | TRAINING COST |
| Private Pilot Program | $12,000 |
| Instrument Rating | $10,000 |
| Commercial Pilot | $12,000 |
| Multi-Engine Commercial/Instrument Add-on | $5,000 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $4,000 |
| Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) | $2,300 |
| Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) | $7,000 |
| Professional Pilot Course | $59,000 |
| Flight Review | $225 (In Red Rock Aircraft) $125 (In Personal Aircraft) |
United Aviate Academy
United Aviate Academy is located in Goodyear, Arizona and it offers United Aviate Program for students aspiring to become airline pilots for United Airlines. The state-of-the-art 340,000 square-foot facility is located at Phoenix Goodyear Airport which equips an administrative and flight operations building, two aircraft maintenance hangars, a simulator and a facility maintenance building.
United Airlines Aviate is a program that allows you to become a pilot quicker. It is a direct route to a pilot job with United.
With this program, you as a beginner can see yourself transitioning to a position as a First Officer for United Airlines in a short period of time. You can apply to this program as a Private Pilot License (PPL) holder or without PPL also.
If you manage to enter the Aviate Program, you will go through 10 months of pilot training and become a professional pilot.
Aviate Program Funding Requirements
| PROGRAM | COST |
| Private Pilot License (PPL) Training | FREE worth $17,750 |
| Instrument Rating (IR) | $18,250 |
| Commercial SE initial | $26,000 |
| Commercial ME add-on | $7,500 |
| Certified Flight Instructor | $7,500 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (Instrument) | $5,500 |
| Multi-Engine Flight Instructor | $6,500 |
| TOTAL | $71,250 |
Quantum Helicopters
Quantum Helicopters is one of the flight schools in Arizona that specializes in helicopter training programs. It is located in Chandler, AZ and is known as the busiest and most respected helicopter flight training school in the United States.
The available Helicopter training courses at Quantum are Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor Certificate, Instrument Instructor, Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Robinson R44 Transition and Robinson R66 Transition Course.
Helicopter Pilot Program Cost at Quantum Helicopters
| HELICOPTER PILOT PROGRAM | TRAINING COST |
| Private Pilot Program | $13,185 – $29,700 |
| Commercial Pilot | $37,160 |
| Instrument Rating | $13,725 – $21,500 |
| Flight Instructor Certificate | $10,325 – $18,500 |
| Instrument Instructor Rating Course | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Airline Transport Pilot Certificate | $12,430 |
| Robinson R44 Transition Course | $3,025 |
| Robinson R66 Turbine Transition Course | $5,550 |
Guidance Aviation
Guidance Aviation is also among the best helicopter flight schools in Arizona and it was founded in 1998 with only one helicopter. At present, it is one of the leading helicopter flight training institutes with a total fleet capacity of 26 aircraft.
Helicopter Training programs available at Guidance are Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Commercial Flight Instructor (CFI) and Commercial Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII).
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List of other flight schools in Arizona
AeroGuard Flight Training Center
Location: Phoenix, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Pilot Pathway Program (SkyWest Partnership), Rotor Transition Program, Individual Rating Programs, 1-Week PPL, CPL, CFII, MEI Add-on Programs, University Programs, International Students Programs (Canada Pilot Program, Cambodia Pilot Program, India Pilot Program, Korea Pilot Program, Thailand Pilot Program, and Vietnam Pilot Program).
Cubicle 2 Clouds Aviation
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII), and Biennial Flight Review (BFR)
UND Aerospace Foundation Flight Training Center
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Accelerated Professional Airline Pilot Program and Collegiate Professional Airline Pilot Program
SIMCOM Aviation Training
Location: Scottsdale, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Simulator Training for Jet, Turboprop, Piston, and Regional Airline Aircraft
SimpliFly Flight School
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Available Training Programs: General Aviation Pilot’s License, Commercial Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Instructor Certification and Accelerated Pilot Program.
Aerosim Aviation
Location: Glendale, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating (IR) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI).
CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Airline Pilot Training, Business Pilot Training, Helicopter Pilot Training, Aviation Maintenance Training and Cabin Crew Training
Aviation Performance Solutions (APS)
Location: Mesa, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Airline Pilot Programs, Military Training, EASA UPRT and Aviation Inspector/Regulator Program.
Chandler Air Service
Location: Chandler, Arizona
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-engine rating, CFI Training, Aerobatics and Flight Reviews.
Conclusion on Best Flight Schools in Arizona
As we discussed above, Arizona is one of the best destinations for flight training as it offers great weather, diverse flight terrain and stunning scenery. Students don’t need to worry about weather-related delays while flying in Arizona because the sky remains clear with over 300 days of sunshine each year.
The diverse flight terrain ranging from desert to high-altitude mountains provides challenging flight experiences to boost skills and confidence.
While choosing flight schools in Arizona, you can visit the official website of the flight schools we discussed above and find appropriate training programs. Also, you can contact the flight schools via e-mail and seek detailed information about the fees, course details, placements and so on.
FAQs on Best Flight Schools in Arizona
How many flight schools are in Arizona?
There are over 30 flight schools in Arizona, offering training for a variety of pilot licenses and ratings. ATP Flight School, Sierra Charlie, and Leopard Aviation Flight School are some of the best institutes in Arizona.
How much does it cost to go to flight school in Arizona?
The cost of flight school in Arizona can vary depending on the type of school, the type of aircraft, the experience of the instructors, the training location, and the time you have to spend on training. The total cost ranges from $10,000 to $80,000.
Does Arizona have a flight school?
There are more than 30 professional flight training schools in Arizona offering varieties of pilot programs.
How long does it take to get a pilot license in Arizona?
The amount of time it takes to get a pilot license in Arizona depends on a few factors: your prior experience with flying, Your availability to take lessons, The type of flight school you choose, and Your individual learning style. However, the average time to get a license in Arizona is 6 to 18 months depending on course type.
