Best Flight Schools in Denver, Colorado

Selecting the right flight school is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your journey towards becoming a pilot. With countless options available, it’s essential to choose a school that not only provides high-quality training but also aligns with your specific goals, learning style, and budget. Factors such as the school’s reputation, instructors’ qualifications, curriculum, fleet of aircraft, and support services should be carefully evaluated to ensure you receive the best possible education.

The Denver metro area is home to one of the most active aviation communities in the nation and has world-recognized flight schools that cater to aspiring pilots of all levels. From recreational flyers to those pursuing a career in commercial aviation, the city offers a range of options to suit diverse needs and preferences. On this page, we have compiled detailed information about the most highly regarded flight schools in the Denver area, providing a comprehensive overview of their programs, facilities, and unique offerings.

Whether you’re a beginner seeking your private pilot’s license or an experienced aviator looking to expand your skills, this guide will help you navigate the available choices and make an informed decision. By considering the factors outlined here, you can find a flight school that not only meets your expectations but also sets you on the path to becoming a pilot.

Rocky Mountain Flight School

🗺️Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport: 11855 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021
☎️303-465-4600
🌐rmflight.com

Rocky Mountain Flight School operates out of Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport near Denver, providing a picturesque setting for flight training against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountains. As a Part 61 school, they offer instruction for a variety of pilot certificates and ratings.

The school maintains an affordable fleet of over 30 aircraft from manufacturers like Cessna and Piper to accommodate training needs from private pilot up through commercial, multi-engine, instrument, and instructor qualifications. Specialized mountain flying courses are also available.

With over 30 instructors drawn from diverse aviation backgrounds, Rocky Mountain Flight School emphasizes sharing a passion for flight with students. Introductory discovery flights are offered for those new to aviation.

In addition to coursework, the school provides resources on financing options and scholarships to help make pilot training more accessible. Aircraft rentals and checkouts are available for licensed pilots as well.

Conveniently located near Denver with a extensive fleet and experienced instructors, Rocky Mountain Flight School aims to make achieving aviation dreams a reality in the soaring Colorado landscape.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot
Multi-Engine Rating
Airline Transport Pilot Certificate
Flight Instructor Certificates (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Aircraft Rental/Checkout
Mountain Flight Training
Endorsements (Complex, High Performance, CFI Spin)
Flight Review (BFR)
Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC)

Front Range Flight School

🗺️Colorado Air and Space Port: 37501 Cessna Way, Watkins, CO 80137
☎️720-646-2350
🌐frontrangeflightschool.com

Front Range Flight School is located near Denver International Airport, catering to those beginning an aviation career or pursuing their flying dreams. The school’s instructors provide expert training tailored to students’ goals, whether starting from scratch or seeking advanced certifications.

The flight school operates from the Colorado Air and Space Port, offering towered airspace experience with less air traffic congestion. First-time flyers can try an introductory discovery flight to sample aviation firsthand.

Front Range offers comprehensive training programs from private pilot certification through commercial, instrument, multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings. The school’s fleet includes Cessna 172N trainers, high-performance and multi-engine aircraft, and a RedBird full-motion simulator.

The Cessna 172N fleet features standardized avionics layouts to streamline pilot transitions between planes. A flight club provides members with affordable aircraft access and product discounts. With its ideal location and structured training paths, Front Range Flight School equips aviators for success.

Programs Offered:

Introductory Flight
Private Pilot
Instrument Training
Commercial Single Engine
Multi-Engine Training
Certified Flight Instructor
Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
Mountain Flying

Flights Inc.

🗺️Centennial Airport: 7355 S. Peoria Street, Suite 111 – Hangar 10, Englewood, CO 80112
☎️303-799-5140
🌐flights-inc.com

Flights Inc. is a family-owned flight training facility catering to both aspiring pilots starting their aviation journey as well as experienced pilots. It offers a standardized fleet of rental aircraft and comprehensive training programs conducted by rigorously vetted CFIs.

For newcomers, Flights Inc. provides discovery flights to sample flying a small aircraft like the Cessna 172. This serves as an ideal first step before pursuing a new hobby or professional aviation career.

The school’s training follows a structured syllabus with stage checks by the Chief Pilot to ensure efficient progress. Flights Inc. prides itself on its safety focus, in-house maintenance, and personalized training tailored to each student’s goals.

With its seasoned instructors, modern rental fleet including G1000-equipped planes, and prime location at Centennial Airport, Flights Inc. offers a supportive environment for aviators at all experience levels.

Programs Offered:

Discovery Flights
Private Pilot Training
Instrument Rating Training
Commercial Pilot Training
Certified Flight Instructor Training

Aspen Flying Club

🗺️Centennial Airport: 13000 E Control Tower Rd Unit K16, Centennial, CO 80112
☎️303-799-6794
🌐aspenflyingclub.com

Aspen Flying Club offers a wide range of flight training programs from sport pilot all the way through certified flight instructor and airline transport pilot certification. It caters to both aviators pursuing flying as a hobby as well as those seeking professional aviation careers.

With nearly 40 aircraft in its rental fleet, Aspen provides one of the largest and most diverse selections in Colorado. This includes Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, and other makes equipped with advanced avionics.

The school highlights the advantages of training at the towered Centennial Airport, exposing students to the real-world airspace and challenges of a busy general aviation environment. Yet it maintains a friendly, welcoming atmosphere for pilots at all experience levels.

Aspen Flying Club emphasizes the unique benefits of Colorado’s flying conditions with ample sunshine and exposure to mountain operations. Its accelerated training courses allow pilots to progress efficiently while group events foster a tight-knit aviation community.

Overall, Aspen aims to make flight training affordable, safe and enjoyable whether for recreational flying or professional development.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Multi-Engine Rating
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Accelerated Flight Training
Mountain Flight Training
Tailwheel Training
Spin Training
Upset Recovery Training
Introduction to Aerobatics
G1000 Training
Cirrus Transition Training

Flight Training International

🗺️Denver Campus: 3401 Quebec Street, Ste: 4400 Denver, CO 80207
☎️303-329-0999
🌐ftiratings.com

Flight Training International (FTI) is a leading flight school specializing in advanced pilot training programs tailored for those seeking careers in commercial aviation. The school is based in Denver, Colorado, and focuses mostly on in-person ATP rating classes for those interested in piloting commercially for airlines.

FTI’s unique strength lies in its instructors – active and retired professional pilots from major airlines. They provide top-notch training using state-of-the-art simulators for aircraft like the Airbus A320, Boeing 737, 757, 767, 777, and 787.

The school offers a range of accelerated courses ideal for pilots transitioning to airline jobs. Key programs include the ATP-CTP required for the ATP certificate, combined ATP-CTP and ATP courses, as well as type ratings integrated with ATP training. Time and cost-saving packages are available.

With its airline expertise, modern facilities, and efficient training footprint, FTI is perfectly positioned to prepare candidates for technical proficiency and success at major commercial carriers. The school aims to provide a first-class learning experience tailored to each student’s goals.

Programs Offered:

ATP-CTP Course
ATP Rating
Type Rating & ATP
ATP-CTP & ATP Rating
ATP-CTP & ATP with Type Rating
Airbus A320 Type Rating
Boeing 737 Type Rating
Boeing 757/767 Type Rating
Boeing 777 Type Rating
Boeing 787 Type Rating
Requalification/Recurrency Training

Flight Safety International

🗺️Denver International Airport: 6755 N. Yampa Street
Denver, CO 80249
☎️720-512-5700
🌐flightsafety.com/locations/denver-learning-center/

The Flight Safety International Denver Learning Center offers top-notch pilot and aircrew training with a warm Rocky Mountain welcome. Located just west of Denver International Airport, the state-of-the-art facility provides convenience along with nearby restaurants and hotels.

As students enter the beautiful new building, they can expect exceptional hospitality alongside comprehensive aviation instruction. The Learning Center maintains a fleet of simulators including the AS350 B3, Bell 407GXP, CRJ 200/700, EC130 T2, EC135, EC145, ERJ170/190, and PC-12 NG models.

Whether training for fixed-wing, rotorcraft, unmanned systems, or online coursework, the Flight Safety International Denver Learning Center guides students through its broad range of programs. The course wizard helps map out personalized training plans amid frequently added new offerings.

With its prime location, first-class accommodations, advanced simulators, and expansive curriculum, the Denver Learning Center provides an ideal environment for honing aviation skills.

Programs Offered:

Pilot – fixed wing
Pilot – rotary
eLearning
Unmanned Systems Training

McAir Aviation

🗺️Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport: 11945 Airport Way, Broomfield, CO 80021
☎️303-466-8730
🌐mcairaviation.com

McAir Aviation is a flight school located at the Rocky Mountain Metropolitan Airport in Broomfield, Colorado, well-suited for aspiring commercial pilots. As an approved Cessna Pilot Center, McAir provides quality flight instruction following Cessna’s integrated training curriculum.

The school’s focused training path allows students to earn FAA certifications from private pilot through certified flight instructor and multi-engine instructor in as few as 13 months of full-time training. This accelerated timeline aims to efficiently prepare candidates for airline pilot careers.

McAir partners with major airlines, offering mentorship, employment interviews, and benefit packages for qualified students. Its large standardized fleet includes Cessna 172s with glass cockpits as well as multi-engine aircraft and simulators.

With its airline affiliations, modern equipment, and streamlined professional pilot course, McAir Aviation provides an optimized environment for those pursuing technical proficiency and a future flying for commercial carriers. The school takes a student-centered approach to develop skilled aviators ready for the workforce.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate – Single Engine
Commercial Pilot Certificate – Multi-Engine
Certified Flight Instructor Certificate
Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument

Independence Aviation

🗺️Centennial Airport: 12780 E Control Tower Rd, Englewood, CO 80112
☎️303-858-1600
🌐flywithia.com

Independence Aviation specializes in flight training for Cirrus aircraft, making it an ideal choice for pilots interested in that make and model. However, the school’s instructors have diverse backgrounds capable of training in various aircraft types.

With its modern rental fleet averaging just 3 years old, Independence Aviation caters to a range of skill levels – from student pilots pursuing their first private certificate to experienced aviators looking to build advanced ratings and proficiency.

The school takes a personalized approach, assessing each client’s goals, learning style, and skills to pair them with a compatible instructor. Training follows a structured syllabus with scenario-based lessons to develop safe, confident pilots.

Independence Aviation’s flexibility allows training in clients’ own planes or the school’s aircraft. Instructors can also provide training at other airports beyond the school’s Centennial Airport base.

Overall, the flight school offers a customer-focused environment suited for everyone from newcomers to pilots transitioning to Cirrus models or those simply wanting to stay current and sharp.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot License
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot License
Multi-Engine Rating
Certified Flight Instructor
IA-UPRT (Upset Prevention and Recovery Training)
Mountain Flight Training
Cirrus Transition Training
IA-P (Proficiency/Recurrency Training)
IA On Demand Remote Training

Metropolitan State University of Denver

🗺️MSU Denver Campus: 1250 7th Street – Seventh Street Classroom, Denver, CO 80204
☎️303-556-5740
🌐msudenver.edu/flight/

MSU Denver’s Aviation and Aerospace Science Department offers comprehensive training for aspiring pilots and aviation professionals. Its state-of-the-art facilities include cutting-edge flight simulation labs and an on-campus satellite engineering lab. Students gain hands-on experience with the latest technologies used by NASA and major airlines.

The program is affordable yet renowned for excellence, capitalizing on Colorado’s thriving aerospace industry. Partnerships with local companies provide internships and career connections. Degree options include Aviation and Aerospace Management, Professional Flight Officer, and Air Traffic Control concentrations.

MSU Denver’s flight school equips students for success in various aviation roles. The Professional Flight Officer track develops commercial piloting skills for airlines and corporate aviation. Other specializations prepare graduates for aerospace engineering, unmanned systems, airport operations, and more. Extracurricular teams further hone abilities.

With small class sizes and expert faculty, MSU Denver cultivates a supportive environment for those pursuing dynamic aviation and aerospace careers. The well-rounded curriculum combines rigorous academics with applied mastery for a smooth transition into the workforce.

Programs Offered:

Aviation and Aerospace Management (AAM) Major, B.S.
Aviation and Aerospace Management (AAM) Major, B.S. – Online
Aviation and Aerospace Science (ASC) Major, B.S.
Professional Flight Officer Concentration
Aerospace Operations Concentration
Air Traffic Control Concentration (AT-CTI)
Aerospace Systems Engineering Technology (IDP)
Aerospace Physics (IDP)
Uncrewed Aerospace Systems (IDP)
Advanced Manufacturing – Aerospace
Airport Management Certificate
Space Commercialization Certificate
Unmanned Aerial Systems Certificate
Introduction to Spaceflight Operations Non-Credit Option

Wings Over The Rockies

🗺️Air & Space Museum: 7711 East Academy Blvd Denver, CO 80230
🗺️Centennial Airport: 13005 Wings Way Englewood, CO 80112
☎️303-360-5360
🌐wingsmuseum.org/education/learn-to-fly/

Wings Over the Rockies offers ground school flight training programs ideal for those interested in pursuing a pilot’s license or simply exploring aviation. Their Introduction to Ground School provides a beginner’s overview tailored to students ages 12-17, aimed at inspiring a passion for flight. This introductory course covers basics like aircraft components, aerodynamics, and airspace rules, culminating in an actual discovery flight.

For aspiring pilots ready to start formal training, Wings Over the Rockies’ Private Pilot Ground School is a comprehensive 8-week program taught by certified instructors. Covering all the knowledge areas required to pass the FAA Private Pilot written exam, it serves as an efficient and cost-effective entry point compared to one-on-one instruction alone.

Whether for high school students curious about aviation or adults determined to earn their private pilot certification, Wings Over the Rockies provides quality ground training. The museum-based school offers a unique environment to develop flying skills and aeronautical knowledge from the fundamentals up.

Programs Offered:

Introduction to Ground School
Private Pilot Ground School

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