Whether you are looking to start a career in aviation or simply pursuing your passion for flying, Kansas has a variety of flight schools and training programs to meet your needs. From private pilot licenses to commercial ratings and beyond, we’ve researched and compiled a list of the top flight schools in Kansas to help you take your first step towards the skies. Join us as we explore the options and opportunities available for those interested in becoming a pilot in Kansas.
Best Flight Schools in Kansas
- Hetrick Air Services
- Kilo Charlie Aviation
- Pray Aviation
- Flex Air
- Augusta Flight Center
- Crotts Aircraft Services
- FlightSafety International
Hetrick Air Services
🗺️1930 Airport Rd, Lawrence, KS 66044
☎️(785) 842-0000
🌐http://www.hetrickairservices.com/
Hetrick Air Services is a flight school that offers comprehensive flight training programs to help individuals achieve their dreams of flying. Their experienced and courteous flight instructors provide the necessary tools and training to prepare individuals for a life in the sky.
The flight training programs offered at Hetrick Air Services cater to individuals with varying goals and aspirations, whether they are looking to obtain an instrument rating or just want to pursue a new and exciting hobby. The school provides a packet that includes estimated costs for private, instrumental, all documents needed in order to rent, and their rental agreement.
For non-US citizens interested in training at Hetrick Air Services, the school provides a link that answers all questions on TSA authorization.
In addition, Hetrick Air Services offers an incredible introductory flight lesson for individuals who are still unsure about pursuing flight training. The lesson includes one hour with an instructor, a 20-minute flight in a Cessna 172, a six-month subscription to Flight Training Magazine, an official logbook entry with first lesson endorsement, and introductory ground school material to prepare for the first lesson.
Hetrick Air Services makes flying fun and accessible to everyone. Their experienced instructors ensure that flight training is an enjoyable and memorable experience. Learn more about their flight instruction programs and specials to get started today.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot training
Kilo Charlie Aviation
🗺️280 Gardner Dr, New Century, KS 66031
☎️(913) 346-2746
🌐https://flykilocharlie.com/
Kilo Charlie Aviation is a premier flight school located in Kansas City, offering thorough and self-paced programs with experienced instructors and the latest flight technology. The flight school provides training for pilots of all levels, including recreational pilots, airline pilots, and those who need the next rating. The school offers various programs, including private pilot, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and certified flight instructor programs.
The private pilot program introduces students to modern airplanes equipped with glass cockpits and the latest technology, and the skilled instructors work at the student’s pace to accommodate their schedule. By the end of the program, students proudly possess an FAA Private Pilot’s License, which gives them the freedom to fly as many passengers as their plane legally allows, fly in any airspace except Class A, fly internationally, fly for charity, and go anywhere they want, whenever they want to.
Kilo Charlie Aviation also offers an instrument rating program, which helps pilots navigate through limited visibility and a wide range of meteorological conditions. The program enables pilots to fly their aircraft to the full extent of its capabilities, handle holding patterns, perfect instrument approaches, and hone their skills to handle anything they might encounter in the skies. The instrument rating program is an essential step in a pilot’s aviation career, as it increases their flexibility and is a major step in becoming a commercial pilot.
Kilo Charlie Aviation also offers a commercial pilot program, which allows students to transition from recreational pilot to the various levels of commercial careers, including cargo planes, charters, all the way to airline transport. The program is a robust curriculum in commercial flight, and once certified, students will have a selection of well-paying flight careers open to them, with the ability to take that career just about anywhere in the world.
Kilo Charlie Aviation offers a multi-engine program, allowing pilots to expand their flying capabilities and fly bigger planes with more horsepower, range, and capabilities. The program uses a Beechcraft B58, which is the industry standard for high-performance, multi-engine training.
Kilo Charlie Aviation provides a certified flight instructor program, enabling pilots to teach the next generation of pilots. The school offers certifications for commercial pilot, CFI, CFII, and MEI. The instructors and staff at Kilo Charlie Aviation are committed to providing students with the knowledge and training they need to become the finest aviation enthusiasts and professionals in the world.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot certificate
- Multi-engine rating
- Certified flight instructor (CFI)
Pray Aviation
🗺️10504 SW Indianola Rd, Augusta, KS 67010
☎️(316) 519-3399
🌐https://prayaviation.com/
Pray Aviation is a flight school based in Augusta, Kansas that offers enhanced, accelerated, and affordable flight training to produce world-class pilots. With a specialized Part 61 training syllabus, Pray Aviation ensures that unnecessary training time is trimmed away while maintaining quality and safety standards. The school boasts one of the fastest tracks in the industry with less than 1:3 instructor to student ratio and a large fleet, enabling accelerated training from Monday through Sunday, day and night.
One advantage of Pray Aviation is its in-house facilities, maintenance, and accommodations, which allow for affordable course prices, reduced course fees, and other related expenses. Their training programs are customized and proven to get students ready for certification while ensuring that fundamental flying and safety standards are never compromised.
Pray Aviation’s convenient location at the Augusta Municipal Airport means that there is practically no traveling time transitioning to and from the training area. With this reduction in wasted time, the school can provide students with intense training and fewer long waiting times and long drawn schedules. Ground school and written exams are also included in their training programs, preparing students for written and oral examinations. Pray Aviation is also certified as an Approved CATS Testing Centre, enabling students to take their exams at the same training facility that fits into the flying schedule.
The flight school offers private pilot and commercial pilot licenses, with one of the fastest tracks in the industry, certified as a private pilot in less than a month, and a full commercial pilot in five months or less. Pray Aviation prides itself on an exceptional instructor to student ratio of not more than 1:3 and the right proportion of single and multi-engine aircraft.
Pray Aviation also offers an Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATPCTP), a 7-day ground program that must be completed prior to taking the ATP written. Pray Aviation has partnered with training facilities in Florida and Texas to provide ATPCTP training at the lowest rate in the market.
Pray Aviation has partnered with other flight school in the area, enabling them to offer four locations with maintenance facilities in each location, over 40 aircraft in the fleet, dozens of instructors, internships, and partnerships with four airlines. For anyone looking for a flight school that provides quality and affordable training with a focus on safety and efficiency, Pray Aviation is worth considering.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot license
- Commercial pilot license
- Instrument rating
- Certified flight instructor (CFI)
Flex Air
🗺️1725 S Airport Rd, Manhattan, KS 66503
☎️(785) 727-4888
🌐https://goflexair.com/
Flex Air offers a range of programs designed to meet the needs of both adventure pilots and those seeking a career in aviation. Their Adventure Pilot Training program is perfect for non-career oriented students, beginning with the Private Pilot License (PPL) and advancing to Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.
The Instrument Rating Program is optional for Adventure Pilots but essential for career pilots, as it allows them to fly in adverse conditions and certain restricted airspaces. For those looking to build hours as a career pilot, Flex Air offers a Certified Flight Instructor program, which is the first stage of any career in aviation and where pilots can begin their professional development. For those transitioning from military aviation to civilian aviation, Flex Air offers a Military Transition Program, which helps transfer skills from military rotor or fixed-wing aviation training to the civilian world.
Flex Air selects aviation partners that share their commitment to training excellence and great career outcomes, and together, they are building affordable flight training opportunities for tomorrow’s diverse aviation workforce.
Flex Air provides comprehensive training programs for pilots of all levels, and their commitment to excellence and partnerships with airlines make them a great choice for aspiring aviators.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot license
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot license
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Augusta Flight Center
🗺️4800 W Beech Dr #4, Augusta, KS 67010
☎️(316) 807-4950
🌐https://iflyaugusta.com/
Augusta Flight Center offers a wide range of flight training programs, from Sport Pilot to Air Transport Pilot (ATP) certification. The flight and ground instruction covers various levels, including BFRs, IPCs, and Rental Checkouts.
The Sport Pilot Certificate is the most basic certification, allowing pilots to fly Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) during daylight hours anywhere in the US. On the other hand, the Private Pilot Certificate is suitable for individuals who want to start their journey towards higher education goals or have always wanted to fly. The Instrument Rating enables pilots to fly in unfavorable weather conditions, while the Commercial Pilot’s Certificate permits the pilot to obtain compensation and act as the pilot-in-command of an aircraft.
For experienced pilots, Augusta Flight Center offers the opportunity to obtain a Certified Flight Instructor’s License (CFI) to teach new pilots, gain experience, get paid, and build flight time. The CFII is suitable for pilots who have extensive knowledge of instrument flying, allowing them to teach instrument training and issue instrument ratings.
The flight center also provides advanced training programs such as Tailwheel & Aerobatic Training, Multi-Engine Add-on/Commercial & MEII, Complex Endorsement, and High-Performance Endorsement. These programs help broaden pilots’ experience and improve their flying skills.
Augusta Flight Center provides comprehensive flight training programs suitable for beginners and experienced pilots alike. The flight center’s offerings cover a range of certifications, including Sport Pilot, Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, CFI, and CFII. The advanced training programs offered by Augusta Flight Center can help pilots expand their skills and knowledge in various areas of aviation.
Programs Offered:
- Sport pilot
- Private pilot
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor’s License
Crotts Aircraft Services
🗺️102 Airport Rd, Dodge City, KS 67801
☎️(620) 227-3553
🌐https://crottsaircraft.com/
Crotts Aircraft Services offers a range of training courses for aspiring pilots at all levels of experience. Their flight school is designed to provide personalized instruction that caters to each student’s unique needs and goals. One of their standout offerings is the Discovery Flight, which is perfect for those who are interested in aviation and want to get a feel for what it’s like to be a pilot. During this 30-minute flight over Kansas, students get to sit in the captain’s seat and take control of the aircraft under the guidance of one of Crotts Aircraft Services’ highly trained Flight Instructors.
For those looking to take their first steps towards becoming a private pilot, Crotts Aircraft Services’ private pilot program provides both ground and flight instruction to help students acquire all the necessary skills to become confident aviators. Students can complete their training at their own pace, with personalized training courses that are tailored to their schedules and goals. The program includes a minimum of 40 hours of flight time, 30 hours of flight instruction, 15 hours of ground instruction, an FAA written examination, a flight physical, and an FAA check ride.
Adding an instrument rating to one’s skill set is a great way to enhance their piloting capabilities and fly through the clouds. Crotts Aircraft Services’ instrument rating program teaches students specialized training techniques to provide them with a clear and concise understanding of the IFR environment. The program includes a minimum of 40 hours of cross-country time as PIC, 20 hours of actual or simulated flight time, including 15 hours of flight instruction, 3 hours within 60 days of the practical test, and an IFR cross country of 250 nm.
For those who want to take their passion for aviation to the next level and get paid to fly, Crotts Aircraft Services offers a comprehensive commercial pilot program that provides intense training in complex aircraft. Qualified pilots must have at least 250 hours of flight time and have met all the requirements of FAR – 61.129 (a) or (b). The program includes 250 hours of total time, 50 hours in a simulator, 100 hours in powered aircraft (50 in airplanes), 100 hours PIC (50 in airplanes), 50 hours cross country, 20 hours of flight training, including 10 instrument/10 complex, 5 single-engine airplane, a 2-hour day cross country/2-hour night cross country, and 10 hours solo, including 5 hours day cross country over 300 nm and 5 hours of night with 10 takeoffs and landings at a towered airport.
Crotts Aircraft Services’ Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) program enables pilots to share their passion for aviation by instructing others who are learning to fly. The program provides comprehensive instruction in both ground and flight lessons, preparing pilots to teach others with confidence and skill. Instructing is also a great way for pilots to enhance their own piloting skills while building valuable flight hours.
Todd Taylor, a former middle and high school teacher with over 20 years of flight instruction experience, is a Certified Flight Instructor at Crotts Aircraft Services who offers flight instruction in both Dodge City and Hays. Todd’s extensive experience and dedication to teaching make him a valuable asset to the flight school’s training program. Additionally, Crotts Aircraft Services boasts a state-of-the-art Garmin panel in their 2001 172, providing students with the latest in aviation technology to enhance their training experience.
Programs Offered:
- Private pilot training
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot training
- Certified flight instructor
FlightSafety International
🗺️9721 E Central Ave, Wichita, KS 67206
☎️(316) 612-5300
🌐https://www.flightsafety.com/locations/wichita-east-learning-center/
FlightSafety International is an aviation training organization that provides comprehensive and tailored training programs to meet the specific needs of their clients. They offer initial, recurrent, advanced, and special operations training for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. Their training programs are designed to empower pilots with the unwavering calmness and composure needed for all situations, from the everyday to the unusual.
The organization operates with an emphasis on reliability, convenience, and flexibility. They have a global network of training locations that use cutting-edge simulator technology and specially designed training environments. They also have professional FAA- and EASA-qualified instructors to provide expert guidance and instruction to their clients.
FlightSafety International offers Master Aviator and Advanced Training programs on select aircraft that go beyond the fundamentals and provide deeper knowledge of the aircraft and professional development. They also provide United States veterans with training on approved programs at learning centers across the U.S. for use with the Montgomery GI Bill® (Ch. 30) and Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Ch. 33) benefits.
Furthermore, the organization offers training for regional airline operators through their global network of training locations. They deliver turnkey service to establish, operate and support highly effective, cost-efficient training facilities for airlines and other large commercial aircraft operators. Pilots seeking to fly larger transport aircraft can complete the Airline Transport Certification Training Program (ATP CTP) to fulfill the requirements of FAR 61.156.
FlightSafety International is an aviation training organization that offers comprehensive and tailored training programs for fixed-wing and helicopter pilots. They provide their clients with access to cutting-edge simulator technology, specially designed training environments, and the expertise of professional FAA- and EASA-qualified instructors.
Programs Offered:
- Commercial pilot training
