Best Flight Schools in Sacramento, California


Are you considering pursuing your dream of becoming a pilot in Sacramento, CA? Choosing the right flight school is a crucial step towards achieving your aviation goals.

With multiple available options , it’s essential to consider various factors to ensure you select the best fit for your needs.

Factors to consider include the school’s reputation, safety record, instructor quality, aircraft availability and condition, cost, location, and the type of training programs offered.

By carefully evaluating these aspects, you can make an informed decision and embark on a successful journey towards earning your pilot’s license.

Below you will find the best flight school options in the Sacramento regional area.

Best Flight Schools in Sacramento


Fly CFI Sacramento

🗺️6151 Freeport Blvd., Suite 222, Sacramento, CA 95822
☎️916-427-7707
🌐cfi.com

CFI, based in Sacramento Executive Airport, offers a range of resources for aspiring and experienced pilots. Whether you’re considering flight training, a seasoned commercial pilot, or returning to flying after a hiatus, CFI provides the tools to enhance your skills and confidence.

Established in 1982 and located at Sacramento Executive Airport since 1992, CFI has a longstanding history of helping students achieve their aviation goals. The school boasts experienced, professional instructors dedicated to student success.

CFI maintains a fleet of training aircraft, ensuring availability when needed, and offers flexible scheduling, including evenings and weekends, to accommodate students’ availability.

With no hidden fees or membership requirements, CFI provides transparent pricing and payment options. Students pay only for the hours they fly, without upfront commitments.

Services include aircraft rental, aerial photography opportunities, gift certificates, and discovery flights for those interested in trying flying without prior experience.

CFI tailors training programs to individual needs, guiding students through ground and flight instruction at their own pace. The school is conveniently located in the Sacramento Executive Airport Terminal for easy access and consultation.

From introductory flights to advanced pilot certifications, CFI offers comprehensive training programs to suit various interests and career aspirations. The school emphasizes safety, proficiency, and personalized instruction to help students achieve their aviation dreams.

Programs Offered:

  • Private Pilot Certification
  • Sport Pilot Certification
  • Recreational Pilot Certification
  • Commercial Pilot Certification
  • Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certification
  • Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certification

Flying Panthers

🗺️4910 Forcum Ave, McClellan Park, CA 95652
🌐flyingpanthers.org

Flying Panthers Flight School, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, emphasizes safety and aviation promotion. Offering private pilot training, they prioritize flexible and unrestricted flight options, making it the preferred choice over lesser certifications like Recreational and Sport Pilot licenses.

To obtain a Private Pilot License, individuals need to meet specific requirements, including logged flight hours, solo cross-country flights, instrument training, and passing written and practical exams. With a Private Pilot License, pilots gain night flying privileges and the ability to operate in various airspace conditions.

For those looking to advance their skills, Flying Panthers offers Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot Certification programs. Instrument Rating enables pilots to fly in instrument meteorological conditions, while Commercial Pilot Certification allows flying for compensation, requiring higher proficiency and additional endorsements.

Founded in 1932 and re-established in 2013, Flying Panthers Flight School boasts well-maintained aircraft and experienced instructors. The school also offers ground school education and hands-on training opportunities, catering to diverse aviation interests.

Led by a dedicated board, including seasoned pilots and instructors, Flying Panthers Flight School aims to provide quality flight training at affordable rates. With a commitment to safety and comprehensive instruction, they prepare aspiring pilots for successful careers in aviation.

Programs Offered:

  • Private Pilot License
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot License
  • Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate

JetEXE Aviation

🗺️6273 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
☎️855-572-9378
🌐jetexe.com

JetEXE Aviation, located in the Sacramento area, offers various flight training programs including ground school and practical workshops for various certifications such as Private & Sport Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi Engine, and CFI courses. Their Sport Pilot Training packages feature aircraft types like REMOS, REMOS GX, and Evektor Sportstar, catering to different training needs and budgets. Courses are designed to meet FAA requirements, with training hours varying based on individual skill and learning pace.

For Sport Pilot License aspirants, training involves between 20 to 40 flight hours, ground training, and passing two tests. Similarly, the Private Pilot License program requires 35 to 65 flight hours, ground training, and passing tests. Costs vary depending on airplane rental, instructor time, study materials, and test fees. JetEXE Aviation emphasizes a practical, hands-on approach to learning, ensuring students enjoy their training experience.

Instrument Rating courses are available for those with a Private Pilot Certificate, involving ground training, flight experience, and passing a practical test. Costs for Instrument Rating are comparable to Private Pilot training, varying with airplane type and equipment. JetEXE Aviation’s courses aim to prepare students for real-world flying scenarios, instilling confidence and competence in their piloting skills.

Programs Offered:

  • Private & Sport Pilot
  • Instrument Rating
  • Commercial Pilot
  • Multi Engine
  • CFI Course
  • ATP
  • CFI
  • Flight Simulators
  • Introductory Flight

NorCal Flight Center

🗺️1420 Flightline Dr. Ste C, Lincoln, CA 95648
☎️916-794-1359
🌐norcalflightcenter.com

NorCal Flight Center in the Sacramento area offers flight training, maintenance, FAA testing, and aviation supplies. With a motto of “Building the Future of Aviation,” they cater to aspiring pilots aiming for recreational flying or professional careers.

Unlike many schools, NorCal Flight Center offers a pay-at-the-end system for lessons, allowing students to manage their budgets while training. They emphasize flexibility and accessibility, with no waitlist for enrollment.

Their programs, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Zero-to-Commercial Pilot, follow a structured process: from discovery flight to passing FAA exams and checkrides. Each program offers a “Fly on Your Schedule” option, ensuring convenience for students balancing training with other commitments.

NorCal Flight Center’s comprehensive programs cover minimum flight hours, dual instruction, solo flying, simulator training, materials, FAA exams, and examiner fees. With their commitment to accessibility and structured training, NorCal Flight Center provides a solid foundation for aspiring pilots in the Sacramento area.

Programs Offered:

  • Private Pilot Program
  • Instrument Rating Program
  • Zero-to-Commercial Pilot Program

Executive Flyers

🗺️6151 Freeport Blvd. Suite 151, Sacramento CA 95822
☎️916-427-1888
🌐learntoflysacramento.com

Executive Flyers, located at Sacramento Executive Airport, offers comprehensive pilot training programs and aircraft rental services. With a prime location in the airport’s main terminal, they cater to aspiring pilots and seasoned aviators seeking advanced training.

Their fleet boasts well-maintained aircraft available at reasonable rental rates. Additionally, Executive Flyers operates a store within the terminal, offering pilot supplies like charts, maps, books, and accessories.

As an FAA Testing Center, Executive Flyers facilitates various tests, including those for drone pilots and private/commercial pilot certifications.

For those interested in experiencing flight firsthand, Executive Flyers provides Discovery Demo Flights at an affordable rate, allowing individuals to embark on a thrilling aerial adventure over Sacramento.

With a commitment to personalized instruction and state-of-the-art facilities, Executive Flyers offers training programs ranging from Private Pilot’s License to Airline Transport Pilot certification. Whether you’re dreaming of flying for recreation or pursuing a career in aviation, Executive Flyers is an ideal choice for flight training in Sacramento.

Programs Offered:

  • Private Pilot’s License
  • Instrument Flight Rating Course
  • Commercial Pilot License
  • Certified Flight Instructor
  • Airline Transport Pilot

Advanced International Aviation Academy

🗺️6273 Freeport Blvd, Sacramento, CA 95822
☎️916-421 6756
🌐aiaviationacademy.com

Advanced International Aviation Academy (AIA) is acclaimed as one of the premier flight training academies globally, offering refined programs for aspiring professional and recreational pilots. Recognized for excellence, AIA has received several accolades including AOPA Flight Training School Awards and is preferred by major international airlines for pilot recruitment.

As a US Immigration SEVIS student Visa approved school, AIA accommodates students worldwide, tailoring programs to meet individual country certification requirements. With a focus on quality training and modern facilities, AIA boasts a 100% student success rate, with 96% hired post-graduation.

Certified by the FAA as a CFR 141 Flight Training Academy, AIA maintains a pristine safety record with no accidents and offers a comprehensive range of FAA-approved training courses. Led by experienced instructors, AIA’s personalized approach ensures efficient and effective pilot training, empowering students to excel in the aviation industry.

From private pilot to airline pilot courses, AIA’s diverse programs cater to various career aspirations, complemented by state-of-the-art training aircraft and simulators. Whether pursuing a professional pilot career or recreational flying, AIA Academy nurtures the exceptional pilot in each student.

Programs Offered:

  • Private Pilot Course
  • Sport Pilot Course
  • Instrument Rating Course
  • Commercial Pilot Course
  • Multi-Engine Rating Course
  • Flight Instructor Courses
  • Airline Pilot Course
  • Professional Pilot Course
  • Fast Track Airline Pilot
  • All Pilot Training Programs
  • FAA Part 141 Courses
  • FAA Part 61 Courses

Other Flight Schools in California