If you’re looking to become a pilot and are based in Idaho, you’re in luck. The Gem State is home to several top-notch flight schools that can help you achieve your dream of taking to the skies. Whether you’re looking for a career in aviation or just want to fly for fun, these flight schools offer a variety of programs to meet your needs.
We’ll explore some of the best flight schools in Idaho, highlighting their programs, facilities, and student success rates. So if you’re ready to start your journey to becoming a pilot, read on to learn more about your options in Idaho.
Best Flight Schools in Idaho
- Silverhawk Aviation Academy
- Coeur d’Alene Aviation and Maintenance
- Short Final Aviation
- Snake River Flight Training Club
Silverhawk Aviation Academy
🗺️4505 Aviation Way, Caldwell, ID 83605
☎️(208) 453-8577
🌐https://www.silverhawkaviation.net/
Silverhawk Aviation Academy has been in operation since 1998, and it has consistently provided high-quality training for students seeking careers in the aviation industry. The academy’s certified flight instructors offer personalized training to students at their own pace, ensuring that they are well-prepared for their future careers. The academy’s fleet of Robinson helicopters and Cessnas are well-maintained by full-time on-site mechanics, ensuring that they are always ready to fly.
The academy offers a variety of flexible training programs to cater to each student’s individual goals. Whether students are looking to pursue a career as an agricultural or commercial airline pilot, or they are flying for fun, there are training programs that suit their needs. Additionally, the academy offers training options for students who are paying for training with private funding or traditional student loans, and for those who can train either full-time or part-time.
Silverhawk Aviation Academy is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school in Idaho. The academy’s syllabus and course of study are regularly audited by the FAA, and they must maintain certain performance rates to remain authorized to train under Part 141. Part 141 training is also necessary for eligibility for Veteran’s benefits (VA) and certain financial aid programs. However, the academy also offers training under Part 61 rules, which can offer more flexibility in lesson content and sequence, making it more suitable for part-time students.
If you’re interested in learning to fly for recreation, the academy also offers private rating training programs, and you can consult with a member of their staff to learn more. Additionally, the academy provides a list of Aviation Medical Examiners throughout Idaho to help you find a physician near you using the FAA’s Designee Locator Search.
Silverhawk Aviation Academy is a reputable and flexible flight school that offers various training programs tailored to each student’s needs and goals, with certified flight instructors, well-maintained aircraft, and FAA-approved training options.
Programs Offered:
- Private rating
- Commercial with Instrument
- Multi-Engine
- Certified Flight Instructor
Coeur d’Alene Aviation and Maintenance
🗺️11101 N Airport Dr, Hayden, ID 83835
☎️(208) 635-0805
🌐https://www.flycoe.com/
Coeur d’Alene Aviation and Maintenance is a flight school that offers personalized training to help students achieve their aviation goals. Their CFIs work according to the students’ schedules to ensure maximum utilization of time. With multiple aircraft, a team of mechanics on-site and on-call 24/7, they can cater to the maintenance needs of their students’ aircraft.
The flight school offers a Multi-Engine Rating program for $5995, which includes 10 hours of flight time and 5 hours of ground time. Additional flight time costs $350 per hour, while additional ground time costs $60 per hour. However, DPE fees/flight are not included in the program.
Coeur d’Alene Aviation and Maintenance also offers instruction in student/customer-owned aircraft. They only require that their instructor is named insured on the student’s insurance policy. The instruction costs $70 per hour.
Coeur d’Alene Aviation and Maintenance is dedicated to their students’ success in the aviation industry. With award-winning service, personalized training, and experienced instructors, they provide a valuable experience to aspiring pilots.
Programs Offered:
- Multi-engine training
- Private pilot training
Short Final Aviation
🗺️492 Airport Loop 105 Joslin Way – Gate 15, Twin Falls, ID 83301
☎️(702) 201-0752
🌐http://www.shortfinalaviation.net/
Short Final Aviation, located at the Magic Valley Regional Airport, offers a range of flight training programs to suit different goals and experience levels. Their programs include Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Certified Flight Instructor. They also offer a High Performance Endorsement, Complex Endorsement, Pilot Refresher Course, Class B, C, and D Training, G1000 Transition, Aircraft Checkout, and Flight Review.
Whether you’re looking to start a career as a pilot or pursuing flying as a hobby, Short Final Aviation provides a friendly and professional environment to achieve your aviation goals. They offer Part 61 certificates and ratings, with experienced instructors who work with students on a one-on-one basis to tailor their training to individual needs.
In addition, Short Final Aviation offers flight training for pilots seeking endorsements for high-performance and complex aircraft. They also provide refresher courses for pilots who have not flown in a while, ensuring they are up to date with the latest regulations and procedures.
Their instructors are experienced in training for Class B, C, and D airspace and provide G1000 transition training for pilots who want to learn to fly with glass cockpit technology. Short Final Aviation also offers aircraft checkout for pilots who are new to the airport or type of aircraft.
Short Final Aviation provides a comprehensive range of flight training programs and services for aspiring pilots and experienced pilots alike, with experienced instructors and a welcoming atmosphere.
Programs Offered:
- Sport Pilot
- Private Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor
Snake River Flight Training Club
🗺️5515 Aviation Way #940, Caldwell, ID 83605
☎️(208) 860-7283
🌐https://www.snakeriverflyers.com/
Snake River Flight Training Club offers a variety of flight training courses, including a $180 Discovery Flight where you get two full hours with one of their instructors to learn about flying a plane and have the opportunity to fly the plane yourself. The instructors also help answer any questions you may have, guide you on selecting the best ground school method, and explain the time and financial commitments required to obtain a private license.
For those interested in obtaining a tailwheel endorsement, they offer the opportunity to do it in a classic 1947 Stinson airplane, which has a newly overhauled Franklin engine, Garmin GNS430 GPS navcom, and ADS-B out/in.
In addition to in-person training, Snake River Flight Training Club LLC also provides online resources for at-home ground school, including videos and articles on topics like flight controls, pitot-static systems, aerodynamics, stalls, spins, engines, and traffic patterns. These resources are not meant to replace reading and class time with your instructor but are available to help with understanding certain topics that may be tricky to comprehend.
The instructors at Snake River Flight Training Club place a particular emphasis on understanding aerodynamics, which they believe is one of the least understood and most under-taught topics in aviation. They stress the importance of thoroughly understanding mechanics and suggest reading “Stick and Rudder” to gain a better grasp on the topic.
Snake River Flight Training Club also educates students on preventative maintenance tasks that pilots are allowed to perform under part 43 and believe it is crucial to learn about engines. Traffic patterns are also a significant aspect of their training, as they are a non-towered airport and the busiest airport in the state, requiring pilots to bring their “A” game to the pattern, despite the availability of ADS-B in and out in all their planes.
Snake River Flight Training Club provides comprehensive flight training to help you fulfill your dreams of flying a plane, whether it’s for personal reasons or to pursue a new career.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot training
