Whether you’re an aspiring pilot looking to kickstart your aviation career or a seasoned enthusiast seeking advanced training, choosing the right flight school is a crucial decision. In this resource, we’ll provide you with an overview of the best flight schools in Wisconsin, highlighting the training programs they offer, their notable features, and other essential details. This guide will help you make an informed choice on your path to becoming a skilled aviator.
Best Flight Schools in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Aviation
🗺️1741 River Drive, Watertown, WI 53094
☎️(920) 261-4567
🌐https://www.wisconsinaviation.com/
Wisconsin Aviation, operational since 1981, is a prominent flight school providing a range of aviation services. Conveniently located between Milwaukee and Madison, they offer various training programs catering to aspiring pilots’ needs. Here’s a breakdown of their offerings:
1. Private Pilot Certificate:
- Allows pilot to fly under visual conditions day and night.
- Basic Requirements: Minimum 17 years old, English proficiency, medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost: $8,022 (Based on Cessna 152)
2. Instrument Rating:
- Permits flights under Instrument Flight Rules (IFR).
- Basic Requirements: Hold private pilot certificate, English proficiency, valid medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost: $12,015 (Based on C-172/Warrior)
3. Commercial Pilot Certificate:
- Essential for a professional pilot career.
- Basic Requirements: Minimum 18 years old, hold private pilot certificate, English proficiency, valid second-class medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost: $7,738 (Based on Piper Arrow and C-172/Warrior)
4. Multi-Engine Rating:
- Allows control of aircraft with multiple engines.
- Basic Requirements: Hold private pilot certificate, English proficiency, valid third-class medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost: $8,236 (Based on Piper Seneca)
5. Flight Instructor Certificates (CFI & CFII):
- CFI allows training private pilot students. CFII allows training instrument pilot students.
- Basic Requirements: Minimum 18 years old, English proficiency, valid second-class medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost (CFI): $7,180 (Based on C-172/Warrior)
- CFII Cost: Contact school for details.
6. Tailwheel Endorsement:
- Allows piloting aircraft with tailwheel landing gear.
- Basic Requirements: Private Pilot Certificate, English proficiency, current medical certificate.
- Estimated Cost: $3,485 (Based on Citabria taildragger)
7. Military-Rotor-to-Fixed-Wing Transition:
- Transition training from military helicopter pilot to FAA fixed-wing.
- Options include Private Pilot SEL, IFR SEL Add-on Rating, Commercial SEL, Commercial MEL, and Flight Experience Time Building. Contact school for details.
8. Simulator Training:
- Realistic & FAA-approved training offered in Redbird LD Simulator at Dodge County location.
- Ideal for IFR procedures, multiple approaches, clarifying concepts, simulating failures, and uninterrupted training despite weather conditions.
- Instructor assistance is provided.
Wisconsin Aviation Flight School stands as a reliable choice for individuals aspiring to become proficient pilots. Their range of programs, experienced instructors, and simulator training options offer a comprehensive learning experience. For specific inquiries or further details, interested individuals can reach out to the school at FlightSchool@WisAv.com or 608-268-5024.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-Engine Rating
- Flight Instructor Certificates (CFI & CFII)
- Tailwheel Endorsement
- Military-Rotor-to-Fixed-Wing Transition
Capital Flight
🗺️8264 Airport Rd, Middleton, WI 53562
☎️(608) 291-3360
🌐https://www.capital-flight.com/
Capital Flight stands as a prominent flight school, notably recognized as the premier Cirrus Training Center in the Midwest. Offering both primary and advanced flight training, this school boasts a fleet of aircraft equipped with the latest technology for enhanced safety and performance.
Training Programs:
Primary Training: Capital Flight offers Private Pilot’s License training in state-of-the-art Cirrus SR aircraft, ensuring students learn in safe, comfortable, and modern airplanes. The training aims to create lifelong pilots and is led by award-winning instructors.
Advanced Training: For existing private or commercial pilots, Capital Flight provides Instrument Rating training. This add-on rating enhances a pilot’s skills, enabling safe flying through challenging weather conditions and at high altitudes.
Transition Training: Transitioning to Cirrus aircraft is a goal for many pilots, driven by enhanced safety features and the allure of flying a prestigious aircraft. Capital Flight supports pilots in achieving their Cirrus Pilot status.
Immersion Training: Capital Flight offers hands-on, custom-tailored training experiences, including accelerated pilot training, mountain flying, and international travel. Experienced flight instructors ensure a rich and immersive learning journey.
Tailwheel & STOL: Pilots seeking unique experiences can engage in tailwheel and short takeoff and landing (STOL) training, allowing them to explore backcountry grass strips and experience the art of backcountry flight.
Capital Flight Flight School stands out as a leading institution with its advanced fleet, modern training facilities, and dedicated instructors. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced pilot, Capital Flight offers a diverse range of training programs to help you achieve your aviation goals. For inquiries and enrollment, visit their website to learn more about their offerings and take flight the right way.
Pilotsmith
🗺️1911 Airport Dr, Green Bay, WI 54313
☎️(920) 415-2359
🌐https://www.pilotsmith.com/
Pilotsmith is a flight school that offers an array of training programs. They provide Discovery Flights, where you can experience flight training firsthand and even take the controls during a 30 to 60-minute flight. These flights are conducted in favorable weather conditions and can accommodate a second person with an additional fee.
For those looking to pursue a pilot’s career, Pilotsmith offers comprehensive programs. The Private Pilot Certificate program focuses on Visual Flight Rules (VFR) and is designed for beginners. It provides a strong foundation for safe flying, and graduates can fly alone or with passengers.
The Instrument Rating (IR) program concentrates on Instrument Flight Rules (IFR), making it essential for flying in adverse weather. It enhances pilot decision-making abilities and opens up opportunities for IFR flying.
The Commercial Pilot Certificate allows pilots to work for hire, although it is considered an entry-level commercial pilot certificate. Students can choose a reduced-hour Part 141 Commercial Course for quicker certification.
The Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Certificate Add-on enhances flexibility by allowing pilots to operate multi-engine aircraft for hire. It is a valuable addition for career-minded pilots.
The Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) program is a preferred way to build flight hours, equipping graduates with the skills and knowledge needed for professional pilot careers. The Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFI-I) program focuses on instrument pilot training, providing career growth opportunities.
The Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI) program enables graduates to teach multi-engine pilots, expanding their career options. The Professional Programs offer different paths for aspiring pilots, with varying levels of certification and specialization.
Pilotsmith also conducts Discovery Flights in various locations, giving people a taste of flight training. Moreover, they provide transition training, advanced transition training, and initial training for private and instrument pilot certificates using Cirrus aircraft. This training ensures students learn to fly efficiently and safely, and they can even tailor the training to fit their lifestyle.
Pilotsmith offers a range of flight training programs, catering to beginners, career-driven pilots, and those interested in expanding their skills. The school provides opportunities for immersive learning and customization to meet individual needs. Their experienced instructors and modern training aircraft ensure students receive quality education in line with industry standards. For Green Bay area residents, Pilotsmith is certainly worth exploring.
Programs Offered:
- Discovery Flight
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-Engine Commercial Pilot Certificate Add-on
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFI-I)
- Multi-Engine Flight Instructor (MEI)
Gateway Technical College
🗺️3520 – 30th Ave, Kenosha, WI 53144
☎️(800) 247-7122
🌐https://www.gtc.edu/programs/associate-degrees/aeronautics-pilot-training
Gateway Technical College offers an Aeronautics – Pilot Training program, providing an excellent starting point for aspiring pilots. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and practical skills needed to pursue careers as flight instructors, corporate pilots, or commercial pilots. The school has FAA-certified flight instructors who offer hands-on training using state-of-the-art flight equipment.
One of the program’s strengths is its incorporation of cutting-edge technology, including flight simulators, the latest GPS equipment, and advanced aircraft avionics. This technology allows students to gain essential flight experience even before they enter the cockpit, setting them ahead in the competitive aviation job market.
The Aeronautics – Pilot Training program guides students through a three-stage private pilot certification process and prepares them for two external FAA exams. It also covers instrument ratings, single and multi-engine land commercial pilot certifications, and flight instructor certificates. Graduates of this program can kickstart their aviation careers as flight instructors and work toward obtaining an Airline Transportation Pilot Certificate.
The program consists of 64 credits and is conducted at Gateway Technical College’s Horizon Center. Eligible students can access financial aid, with an estimated program cost including tuition and fees amounting to $77,993, and additional costs for books and supplies totaling $4,819.
The school’s program prepares students for careers in high-demand fields, such as flight instruction, freight, charter, corporate piloting, and regional airline piloting.
With an emphasis on practical training and technology, Gateway Technical College offers a strong foundation for students looking to enter the aviation industry and attain their pilot certifications.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot
- Instrucment Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- Multi-Engine Rating
- ATP
- Commercial Flight Instructor
ATP Milwaukee Flight School
🗺️2611 Aviation Dr, Waukesha, WI 53188
☎️(904) 595-7950
🌐https://atpflightschool.com/locations/wisconsin/milwaukee-flight-school-ues.html
ATP Milwaukee Flight School, located at the Waukesha County Airport (UES) is a great option for those looking for ATP training in Wisconsin through their Airline Career Pilot Program.
This program is designed to take aviation students from ground zero to accumulating 1,500 flight hours, preparing them for a career as an airline pilot. Notably, the program provides competitive advantages, including full financing, fixed-cost pricing, and access to the world’s largest fleet of 547 aircraft. The school has established airline partnerships with 38 regional carriers, such as Envoy Air and Horizon Air, and also offers airline tuition reimbursement.
One noteworthy aspect is that ATP claims to have the highest ratio of airline placements to students among flight schools, aviation colleges, and aviation academies in Wisconsin.
The Airline Career Pilot Program is the school’s primary offering. It equips students with comprehensive training from scratch, with the option to complete it in seven months for those starting from zero time, or five months if they already hold a private pilot license. Prices for the program include a training center premium.
The school has one of the most extensive training fleets in Wisconsin, comprising 547 well-maintained Piper Archers, Seminoles, and Cessna 172s, all equipped with Garmin G500/G1000 systems. They also have CRX AATD simulators from Precision Flight Controls.
For accommodations, ATP provides shared housing options for career pilot students, offering furnished apartments with included utilities. This housing arrangement is convenient, with no lease obligations.
Airline Career Pilot Program housing is not available at the Milwaukee location, but other ATP training centers offer this option.
To get more information or schedule training, students can reach out to ATP Scheduling at 904-595-7950. If prospective students want to experience training at ATP and learn about facilities, the school recommends scheduling an Admissions Flight.
For a firsthand experience of what ATP Flight School offers, prospective students can take an Admissions Flight. This flight enables them to gauge the professional training level provided by ATP and provides insight into what they can expect from their future program. The flight features the Piper Archer or Cessna 172 Skyhawk, allowing individuals to discover why ATP is a leader in professional flight training.
