EXPLOre best flight schools in hawaii
Hawaii is the only U.S. state completely created with islands and is famous for spectacular beaches, and lush valleys. Helicopter tours, hiking, skydiving, zip lining, paddle sports, and surfing are some of the top attractions.
Hawaii is also one of the ideal destinations for flight training as it features various flight training schools and very mild & predictable tropical weather. Besides, it is a state of rugged slopes, ocean cliffs, lava deserts, and forests, and features abrupt changes in elevation.
There are a total of 13 flight training schools in Hawaii where various flight programs ranging from Private Pilot to Commercial Airline Pilot are available. In this article, we will explore the best flight schools in Hawaii with the tuition costs, and available courses.
Explore the Best Flight Schools in Hawaii
The following listed flight schools are the best in Hawaii state that offer quality flight training programs at reasonable costs.
Tropicbird Flight Service
Tropicbird Flight Service is one of the best flight schools in Hawaii that provides quality flight training courses for the local residents and visitors. This flight school is equipped with professional instructors and mechanics who have logged enormous experience.
Tropicbird completely focuses on flight training under the supervision of the Chief Instructor pilot with over 40 years of professional flying experience. Cessna 172, Cessna 182 Skylane, and DA-20 C-1 Eclipse are the training aircraft used at this flying school.
The available training programs at Tropicbird Flight Service include Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Island Adventure Flying Course, and Flight Review.
Furthermore, Tropicbird offers college degree programs in affiliation with the Utah Valley University Aviation Degree.
Flight Training Costs at Tropicbird Flight Service
| FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM | TOTAL COST |
| Private Pilot | $17,600 |
| Instrument Rating | $18,850 |
| Commercial Pilot | $12,350 |
| Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $10,850 |
Go Fly Maui
Go Fly Maui is also among the best flight schools in Hawaii that specializes in Helicopter training programs. It is also known as the premier helicopter flight training institute in Maui. Go Fly is producing competent and skilled helicopter pilots with quality training courses.
The helicopter training programs offered by Go Fly Maui are Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Instrument Rating (IR), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII).
Trainee helicopter pilots at Go Fly learn various advanced skills such as mountain flying, instrument navigation, high altitude operations, navigating through windy conditions, and more.
Helicopter Flight Training Costs at Go Fly Maui
| FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM | TOTAL COST |
| Private Pilot | $30,000 (Robinson R44)$20,000 (Robinson R22) |
| Instrument Rating | $30,000 (IFR with Robinson R44) |
| Commercial Pilot | $110,000 (Robinson R44)$73,500 (S300 Cbi) |
Mauna Loa Helicopters
Mauna Loa Helicopters is one of the best flight schools in Hawaii that specializes in quality helicopter training programs. It is based on two different locations on Hawaii islands; Oahu, and the Big Island of Hawaii.
Mauna Loa is equipped with all essential amenities, and a group of instructors with which student pilots receive quality training to become competent pilots.
The available helicopter training programs at Mauna Loa are Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), External Load, Turbine Transition, Advanced Autorotations, and Professional Pilot Program.
Helicopter Flight Training Costs at Mauna Loa Helicopters
| FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM | TOTAL COST |
| Private Pilot | $16,139.78 (Robinson R22) |
| Commercial Instrument Pilot | $62,879.56 (Robinson R22) |
| Professional Pilot Program (Option 1) | $88,214.62 (Robinson R22) |
| Professional Pilot Program (Option 2) | $102,733.99 (Both R22 and R44) |
Mauna Loa Aero
Mauna Loa Aero is a fixed-wing flight training school located in Hawaii. Mauna Loa Helicopters and Mauna Loa Aero are flight schools owned by the same company.
The fixed-wing training programs available at Mauna Loa Aero are Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), and Accelerated Multi-Engine Course.
Flight Training Costs at Mauna Loa Aero
| FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM | TOTAL COST |
| Private Pilot | $9,200 (Single-Engine) |
| Instrument Rating | $11,250 |
| Commercial Pilot | $35,470 (Single-Engine)$8,025 (Multi-Engine) |
| Single-Engine Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $7,745 |
| Multi-Engine Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) | $13,110 |
| Accelerated Multi-Engine Add-on | $6,999 |
Maui Aviators
Maui Aviators is also among the best flight schools in Hawaii that offers various flight training programs. It is a full-service flight school located in Kahului, Maui, and also features aircraft rental operations.
The flight training programs offered by Maui Aviators are Sport’s Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Flight Review, and Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC).
Flight Training Costs at Maui Aviators
| FLIGHT TRAINING PROGRAM | TOTAL COST |
| Private Pilot | $10,000 – $15,000 |
| Instrument Rating | $10,000 – $12,000 |
Barbers Point Flight School
Location: Kapolei, Hawaii
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot Course, Instrument Rating Course, Commercial Pilot Course, Multi-Engine Course, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI ) course.
Pacific Flight Academy
Location: Honolulu, Hawaii
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot Course, Instrument Rating Course, Commercial Pilot Course, Multi-Engine Course, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI ), Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
Fly Maui Flight School
Location: Kihei, Hawaii
Available Training Programs: Private Pilot Course, Instrument Rating Course, and Commercial Pilot Course.
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Conclusion
We explore some best flight schools in Hawaii where various helicopter, and fixed-wing pilot training programs are available. If you are planning to initiate a pilot training course in Hawaii, you can refer to the flight schools discussed above, and research carefully before choosing one.
Tropicbird Flight Service, and Mauna Loa Aero are the best flight schools for fixed-wing training in Hawaii whereas Go Fly Maui, and Mauna Loa Helicopters are the perfect schools for helicopter training.
Hawaii is an ideal destination for rotary-wing as well as fixed-wing flight training because it features high mountains, constantly changing weather conditions, offshore flying, ridge lines & valleys, and offers the opportunity to fly in busy Class B airspace in Honolulu. Besides, your piloting skills get intense with bush flying, navigation through rugged terrain & mountain, and ridge line landings.
FAQs on Best Flight Schools in Hawaii
How much does flight school cost in Hawaii?
The cost for fixed-wing Private Pilot courses in Hawaii ranges from $9,000 to $17,000. The commercial pilot certificate course may cost between $12,000, and $40,000.
Does Hawaii have a flight school?
There are more than 5 top flight schools in Hawaii where various flight training programs are available. Tropicbird Flight Service, Go Fly Maui, Mauna Loa Helicopters, and Mauna Loa Aero are the best flight schools in Hawaii.
Is there an ATP Flight School in Hawaii?
ATP Flight School is the largest in the United States with a total of 73 training centers available across the country. However, you won’t find ATP Flight School in Hawaii.
How do I become a pilot in Hawaii?
There are various flight schools in Hawaii offering helicopter and fixed-wing pilot programs. You need to fulfill basic requirements, and enroll in the pilot course of your choice. After completing training, and passing all examinations, you will become a professional pilot in Hawaii.
