If you have a passion for aviation and dream of taking to the skies, choosing the right flight school is essential. Iowa is home to a number of excellent flight schools that offer a range of programs to help you achieve your goals, whether you are looking to fly for pleasure or pursue a career in aviation.
We’ve provided an overview of the top flight schools in Iowa, including their programs, aircraft, reputation, experience, and facilities, to help you make an informed decision on your path to becoming a pilot.
Best Flight Schools in Iowa
- EpicSky Flight Academy
- Revv Aviation
- US Flight Co
- Future Flyers of Iowa
- Livingston Aviation
- Iowa Flight Training
EpicSky Flight Academy
🗺️6213 SW 28th St, Des Moines, IA 50321
☎️(515) 337-2159
🌐https://www.epicskyflight.com/
EpicSky Flight Academy is an aviation and flight school located in Des Moines, Iowa. The school provides flight training, aircraft rental, classroom-based flight training, one-on-one instruction, and a place to make new friends. The school was founded with the goal of helping students achieve their aviation goals safely in a friendly and comfortable atmosphere. The school has a heart of caring for people, treating each student with respect and ensuring their safety, the safety of their pocketbook, and ensuring they understand the reasons behind FAA rules.
Their curriculum has been formed over years of careful consideration, and the structured program incorporates check-points, quizzes, Q&A time, slides, handouts, and multi-media presentations to ensure the pace of the content does not outpace the student. The school keeps their classes small, around six people, and the classroom learning is around a conference table to create discussion and levity.
One-on-one instruction is provided for students who may not be comfortable indicating their questions in a group setting. The school gets students in the air shortly into the program and aims to build familiarity and comfort with flying and the steps taken before flight. The instructors are certified and experienced, ensuring students receive only the very best instruction around.
EpicSky Flight Academy is an aviation family that provides an unforgettable experience for anyone looking to fulfill their dreams of becoming a pilot.
Programs Offered:
- Commercial Pilot Program
- Private pilot program
Revv Aviation
🗺️101 McCandless Ln #1, Council Bluffs, IA 51503
☎️(712) 323-2173
🌐https://revvaviation.com/
Revv Aviation is a well-established aviation company that offers a wide range of aviation services, including flight lessons, plane maintenance and servicing, and charter flights. Their flight school is dedicated to providing expert flight training to help individuals achieve their aviation goals. One of the reasons to enroll in Revv Aviation’s flight school is the professional and experienced flight instructors who are committed to their students’ success.
The aviation community at Revv Aviation is also a significant benefit for students who can build connections through Revv’s FBO hubs in towns across the Midwest after earning their wings. Additionally, their flight school is affordable, making aviation more accessible to people throughout the Midwest. Revv Aviation’s flight school offers a complete pilot training program, from Private Pilot to Multi-engine Instructor (MEI), and they use industry-standard ASA and Jeppesen Sanderson Pilot Training Program as well as PSI testing.
Their on-site FAA examiner allows student pilots to obtain various licenses and designations, including Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-engine, Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument Instructor (CFII), Multi-engine Instructor, Airline Transport Pilot, and Transition from Rotorcraft to Airplane. Revv Aviation also offers Biennial Flight Review (BFR), Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC), Complex Endorsements, Aircraft Checkouts, Tail Wheel Endorsements, and experience an Introductory Flight with a Certificated Flight Instructor. An Introductory Flight is an excellent opportunity to see if flying is something you would enjoy or to take a 30-minute flight just for fun in a C150 or C172. The price varies depending upon the aircraft and Revv hub city.
Revv Aviation’s flight school provides a comprehensive and affordable training program, with expert flight instructors and a supportive aviation community, making it an excellent choice for aspiring pilots.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot Certificate
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Multi-engine rating
- Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Instrument Flight Instructor (CFII)
- Multi-engine Instructor
- Airline Transport Pilot Certification
- Transition program for those shifting from Rotorcraft to Airplane
US Flight Co
🗺️6213 SW 28th St STE A, Des Moines, IA 50321
☎️(515) 650-5558
🌐https://usflightco.com/
US Flight Co is a flight school that offers different programs such as Private Pilot Program, Airline Pilot Program, and Accelerated Pilot Programs. The flight school provides a first-class training environment that offers valuable ATC experience, experienced instructors, and access to the best private airport lobbies in the country where students can interact with corporate pilots and other crew.
The Des Moines Private Pilot Training offers a complete and professional flight training program where students can learn everything required to safely and confidently fly an aircraft. The school provides more than just the FAA minimums; it incorporates real-world scenarios and tools not used by competitors. They also provide a free pilot training guide that includes information on FAA requirements, materials needed, and tips on getting your pilot’s license in less time. The guide also includes ways to get paid to fly as a private pilot.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot program
- Airline pilot program
- Accelerated pilot programs
Future Flyers of Iowa
🗺️3405 N 8th Ave, Winterset, IA 50273
☎️(515) 954-2600
🌐https://futureflyersofiowa.com/
Future Flyers of Iowa is a flight school based in central Iowa, located at the Winterset Municipal Airport. The flight school offers training programs for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Single Engine Commercial Pilot License, and Certified Flight Instructor. Their training aircraft is a Cessna Cardinal II single engine equipped with the latest avionics and GPS instruments suitable for all flight conditions and types.
For those curious about becoming a pilot, Future Flyers of Iowa offers a discovery flight, which allows you to experience the joy of flight without committing to a formal flight program. The school also offers other services such as aircraft rental, aerial photography, ground instruction, Flight Reviews (FRs), Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPCs), and much more.
The Private Pilot program allows you to fly almost anywhere within the United States with passengers during the day or night, up to altitudes of 18,000′ while observing VFR (visual flight rules). The Instrument Rating program allows a Certificated Private Pilot to fly under a different set of conditions and rules known as IFR (Instrument Flight Rules). These rules facilitate the ability to fly within the clouds at the direction of Air Traffic Controllers. The Commercial Pilot program allows a pilot to fly as a professional pilot commercially.
To become a Certified Flight Instructor, a pilot must hold a commercial pilot certificate, hold an instrument rating, and have logged at least 250 hours with the required training for the CFI rating per FAA regulations.
The school has a student scheduling program called Flight Circle which allows enrolled students to see the instructor’s availability and choose which days/times work best for their schedules.
Future Flyers of Iowa offers a range of flight training programs and services, including a discovery flight, to help individuals achieve their dream of becoming a pilot. With experienced instructors and state-of-the-art equipment, students can feel confident in their training at Future Flyers of Iowa.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot program
- Commercial pilot program
- Instrument rating
Livingston Aviation
🗺️2814 Betsworth Dr, Waterloo, IA 50703
☎️(319) 234-1783
🌐http://www.livingstonaviation.com/
Livingston Aviation is a flight school and full-service FBO located in Waterloo, Iowa that provides accelerated flight courses and FBO services. Livingston Aviation offers flight training programs ranging from Recreational Pilot to Airline Transport Pilot, with instructors who are professional and experienced. What sets Livingston Aviation apart is that the flight classes are customized to meet the individual needs of each student, and the school provides competitive pricing, free crew car, discounted hotels, and free hangar and fuel discounts for flight students who bring their own aircraft.
Moreover, Livingston Aviation has a Pilot Examiner on staff for ease of scheduling, making it easier for students to obtain their certificates. The flight school is recognized in the flight training community, making it a reputable option for aspiring pilots. The school also offers training materials for sale, such as FAR/AIM, Private & Commercial ACS, Instructor PTS, Airplane Flying Handbook, Pilots Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge, and AC 61-65H, which are all necessary for various flight classes.
Livingston Aviation is also a full-service FBO that provides a wide range of ground services, including hangar space, catering, oxygen service, overnight accommodations, and transportation. The FBO is also recognized for its extensive flight training programs, full-service maintenance shop, and quick turn specialists, making it an excellent choice for pilots who require a comprehensive range of services. Overall, Livingston Aviation Inc is a great option for anyone looking to pursue flight training or FBO services in Waterloo, Iowa.
Programs Offered:
- Private & Commercial ACS
- Instructor PTS – CFI, CFII class
- FAR/AIM
Iowa Flight Training
🗺️3435 Beech Way SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404
☎️(319) 373-3971
🌐https://www.iowaflighttraining.com/
Iowa Flight Training offers high-quality flight training for individuals interested in learning to fly, whether for business or pleasure. The flight school has two locations – The Eastern Iowa Airport (KCID) in Cedar Rapids and the Waverly Municipal Airport (C25). With a pool of experienced flight instructors and well-maintained aircraft, Iowa Flight Training is prepared to help individuals meet their aviation goals at their own pace.
For those interested in introductory flight lessons, Iowa Flight Training offers a package that includes a first flight lesson and 1/2 hour of ground training for $119.00. Additionally, the flight school offers courses for obtaining Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Pilot, Commercial Pilot, and Flight Instructor certificates. Iowa Flight Training offers ground school classes for each of these certificates, with prices ranging from $250 to $300 and including materials. The flight school can even bring the ground school classes to individuals’ communities upon request.
Requirements for obtaining a Sport Pilot certificate include being at least 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to earn a license, reading, speaking, and understanding the English language, passing the FAA Private Pilot knowledge exam, completing a minimum of 20 hours of flight time, and passing a practical test consisting of an oral exam and flying exam. Expect to spend about $5000 while earning a Sport Pilot license, with costs varying depending on total hours and the type of airplane used.
To obtain a Private Pilot certificate, individuals must meet similar requirements but with higher minimums for flight time. Private Pilot certificate requirements include being at least 16 years old to solo and 17 years old to earn a license, reading, speaking, and understanding the English language, passing an FAA 3rd Class physical examination, passing the FAA Private Pilot knowledge exam, completing a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, and passing a practical test consisting of an oral exam and flying exam. Expect to spend about $10,000 while earning a Private Pilot license, with costs varying depending on total hours and the type of airplane used.
For those interested in obtaining an Instrument Pilot rating, Iowa Flight Training offers a course to prepare individuals for the Instrument Pilot knowledge exam.
Iowa Flight Training provides a range of flight training services for individuals interested in pursuing a career in aviation or simply looking to take up a new hobby. With experienced instructors and well-maintained aircraft, Iowa Flight Training is a great choice for anyone looking to learn to fly.
Programs Offered:
- Commercial pilot course
- Private pilot school
- Sport pilot ground school
- Instrument pilot rating course
- Introductory flight classes
- Flight instructor course
