If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a private or commercial pilot, or just want to learn how to fly, choosing the right flight school is crucial. North Carolina is home to several reputable flight schools that offer various training programs, experienced instructors, types of aircraft, costs, and other critical factors to consider when selecting a flight school. This page reviews some of the best flight schools in North Carolina, providing valuable information about their training programs, instructors’ years of experience, types of aircraft, costs, and other essential factors to consider when choosing a flight school.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, this guide will help you find the right flight school that matches your needs and helps you achieve your aviation goals. With this comprehensive guide, you can explore the different options available and make an informed decision to start your journey towards the skies.
Best Flight Schools in North Carolina
Blue Line Aviation
🗺️ 3149B Swift Creek Rd, Smithfield, NC 27577
☎️(919) 578-3713
🌐https://www.bluelineaviation.com/
Blue Line Aviation is a reputable flight school that aims to train the next generation of pilots with a strong emphasis on proficiency, safety, and a deep appreciation for the wonder of flight. The flight school’s comprehensive training programs, state-of-the-art fleet, and meticulous maintenance standards are all aligned to ensure that aspiring aviators can take to the skies confidently and safely. Blue Line Aviation adheres to its core values of safety, innovation, integrity, excellence, and accountability.
The career pilot program offered by Blue Line Aviation provides individuals with the opportunity to launch their commercial pilot career in a span of fewer than six months. This program takes students from zero time to Multi-Engine Instructor, equipping them with the necessary skills and knowledge to succeed in the aviation industry. The training program is designed to be efficient, allowing students to train 35% faster compared to other flight schools.
Blue Line Aviation also offers a multi-engine rating program, where students can earn their multi-engine rating within an accelerated career pilot program. The program utilizes the modern Diamond DA42-VI aircraft, providing students with hands-on experience and preparing them for a successful career as professional pilots.
One of the unique aspects of Blue Line Aviation is its internal maintenance company, Blue Line Technical Services. With safety as its top priority, the flight school ensures that its fleet is well-maintained and ready for student use. This internal maintenance team plays a crucial role in maintaining the safety and availability of the aircraft.
The flight school’s commitment to going beyond the minimums is evident in its approach to training. Blue Line Aviation doesn’t just focus on meeting the minimum requirements for flight hours and checkrides; instead, their instructors strive to develop capable and resilient pilots. They ensure that students have a comprehensive understanding of how the aircraft works and prioritize safety procedures. Accelerated students also benefit from additional educational enrichment through access to member ground sessions, covering various topics such as avionics systems, engine systems, weather, and aerodynamics.
Blue Line Aviation provides student housing options for those attending their flight training programs. Students can reside at Amelia Village Apartments or The Pines at Glen Laurel, conveniently located near the pilot training facility at Johnston Regional Airport. The apartments offer shared accommodations, with two students sharing a room.
The flight school offers career assistance to help students launch successful careers in aviation. Blue Line Aviation has established relationships with several reputable companies in the industry, including Republic Airways, Endeavor Air, PSA Airlines, and Mountain Air Cargo. These companies regularly visit the Blue Line facility to meet with students, provide information about their organizations, and even conduct mock interviews. This valuable networking opportunity gives students an edge in the competitive aviation job market.
Financing options are available for the Career Pilot Program, covering various expenses such as program fees, housing, test fees, training supplies, and more. Blue Line Aviation offers financing plans to make flight training more accessible for aspiring pilots.
Blue Line Aviation has set specific prerequisites for admission into the Career Pilot Program. Prospective students must be at least 18 years old, hold a high school diploma or GED, provide two character references (one professional and one personal), have a good driving record, pass a criminal background check, pass a behavioral/cognitive assessment, pass a flight assessment (waived for those with prior certificates), have no prior aviation incidents or accidents or other FAA enforcement actions, obtain an FAA First Class Medical Certificate, be proficient in the English language, and meet height and weight limits due to aircraft operational limitations. The flight school looks for students who possess good moral character, are driven, and have a strong work ethic.
Blue Line Aviation is authorized to conduct flight training under the Alien Flight Student Program, allowing international students to pursue their flight training at the school. The approval process for international students is straightforward, and approval can be obtained in as little as two weeks.
Blue Line Aviation offers comprehensive flight training programs designed to prepare individuals for successful careers as professional pilots. With a focus on safety, proficiency, and going beyond the minimum requirements, the flight school equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the aviation industry. Their commitment to career assistance, financing options, and student housing further enhances the learning experience and sets Blue Line Aviation apart as a top choice for aspiring pilots.
Programs Offered:
- Career pilot program
High Tide Helicopters
🗺️ 4345 Airport Rd SE, Southport, NC 28461
☎️(910) 477-1926
🌐https://flyhightide.com/
High Tide Helicopters offers a range of flight training programs for individuals looking to obtain various certificates and ratings. Their flight school provides training for private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, and certified flight instructor (CFI & CFII) certificates. Let’s break down the specific information about their flight school based on the provided source material:
Multi-Engine Rating: High Tide Helicopters offers MEL training using a Baron B55 aircraft equipped with a G500 glass panel. The training involves both VFR and IFR operations and requires an instructor endorsement for flight and ground training. The rating can be added to a private pilot certificate.
Getting Started: To pursue the Multi-Engine Rating, you need a current FAA medical certificate and at least a single-engine private pilot certificate.
Training Syllabus: High Tide Helicopters provides a comprehensive syllabus that covers all the necessary areas for safely operating a multi-engine airplane and passing the checkride. Typically, about 10 hours of flight training are required to prepare for the checkride.
Cost: The wet rate for dual training in the Baron B55 is $575 per hour.
Instructional Rates: High Tide Helicopters offers training with various aircraft, including IFR certified Cessna 172s with WAAS GPS ADS-B and a Cessna 150. They provide flight instruction for private, commercial, instrument, CFI, and CFII ratings. The rates for flight instruction vary depending on the aircraft:
- C172: $220 per hour wet with instructor, $170 per hour solo.
- C150: $185 per hour wet with instructor, $135 per hour solo.
- Ground Instruction: $50 per hour.
Private Pilot Cost Breakdown: The cost breakdown for a private pilot certificate includes flight time, required supplies, FAA written exam, and checkride fees. The estimated total cost ranges from $8,125 for training with a C150 to $9,525 for training with a C172.
Instrument Rating Cost Breakdown: The cost breakdown for an instrument rating includes flight time in both helicopters and airplanes, ground instruction, required books and supplies, FAA written exam, and checkride fees. The estimated total cost for a helicopter instrument rating is $16,725.
Commercial Pilot Cost Breakdown: The cost breakdown for a commercial pilot certificate includes flight time in helicopters, ground instruction, required supplies, FAA written exam, and checkride fees. The estimated total cost ranges from $22,450 for training with a C150 to $27,725 for training with a C172.
CFI & CFII Certificate: High Tide Helicopters offers training for certified flight instructor certificates. The cost breakdown includes flight time, ground instruction, required books and supplies, FAA written exam, and checkride fees. The estimated total cost for a CFI helicopter certificate is $11,400.
Ground School: High Tide Helicopters also provides ground school classes for private pilot, instrument rating, and small unmanned aircraft systems (drones). The courses cover various topics and prepare students for the respective FAA knowledge exams.
Programs Offered:
- Multi-Engine training
- Airplane flight training
- Helicopter flight training
- Ground school
Total Flight Solutions
🗺️ 450 Airport Rd #200, Louisburg, NC 27549
☎️(919) 497-5511
🌐https://www.totalflight.com/
Total Flight Solutions is a reputable flight school that offers comprehensive training programs for aspiring airplane pilots. As a Part 61 flight school, they provide individualized instruction, allowing students to progress from zero flight time to becoming licensed pilots in a relatively short period.
For beginners, Total Flight Solutions offers an introductory flight experience that serves as the initial step towards becoming an airplane pilot. This includes a half-hour ground lesson followed by a half-hour flight lesson with one of their Certified Flight Instructors (CFI). It’s an exciting opportunity for individuals to get behind the controls of an airplane and explore their passion for aviation.
Their private pilot training program covers both ground and flight lessons, ensuring students grasp the fundamentals of aerodynamics, communications, weather, and FAA regulations. By employing standard training techniques, they prioritize cost-effectiveness and safety, providing students with a strong foundation to become skilled and responsible aviators.
Total Flight Solutions also offers an instrument rating program, where students learn to navigate and maneuver the airplane using instruments in limited visibility conditions such as fog and clouds. This training not only enhances piloting skills but also builds confidence and promotes safety during challenging weather conditions.
For those aspiring to pursue a career as commercial airplane pilots, Total Flight Solutions offers comprehensive training to meet the minimum requirements for such a career. Through a combination of situational training and time building, they ensure that students receive high-quality instruction while minimizing costs.
Additionally, Total Flight Solutions provides training for individuals interested in becoming Certified Flight Instructors (CFI). With their rigorous training program, they help aspiring CFIs acquire the necessary skills and knowledge to not only build flight hours but also contribute to the aviation community by imparting their expertise to others.
Total Flight Solutions is an outstanding flight school that offers a range of training programs tailored to individuals at various stages of their aviation journey. With experienced instructors and a commitment to safety and excellence, they provide aspiring pilots with the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary to achieve their dream of becoming airplane pilots.
Programs Offered:
- Introductory flight
- Private pilot training
- Instrument rating
- Commercial airplane pilot
- Certified flight instructor
Wings of Carolina Flying Club
🗺️ 702 Rod Sullivan Rd, Sanford, NC 27330
☎️(919) 776-2003
🌐https://wingsofcarolina.org/
Wings of Carolina Flying Club is a renowned flight school that offers a comprehensive range of pilot training programs. With a current training roster of over 50 pilots, some of whom aspire to pursue professional flying careers, the club has established itself as a reputable institution in the aviation community.
The Private Pilot program at Wings of Carolina Flying Club attracts students from diverse backgrounds, all seeking to obtain their Private Pilot certification. This internationally recognized certificate allows pilots to fly with passengers to any civilian airport, day or night. The club provides thorough training to ensure students gain the necessary skills and knowledge to operate aircraft safely and confidently.
Experienced pilots looking to enhance their capabilities in flying under challenging conditions can benefit from the Instrument Rating program offered by Wings of Carolina Flying Club. This training equips pilots with the necessary skills and knowledge to navigate and fly safely in the clouds and reduced visibility. In addition to the club’s fleet, an approved training device, commonly known as a “simulator,” is utilized to efficiently prepare students for real-world scenarios.
For those aspiring to pursue flying for hire, Wings of Carolina Flying Club offers training for the Commercial Certificate. This certificate is a requirement for pilots seeking to fly professionally. The club utilizes their retractable-gear Mooney fleet, fully equipped with advanced avionics including GPS, to provide comprehensive training for the commercial certificate.
Wings of Carolina Flying Club also offers a Multi Engine Rating program. Under the guidance of club instructors, students receive training on a PA-30 (Twin Comanche) aircraft, which has been equipped with FAA-approved larger engines to ensure increased safety during training. This program enables pilots to develop the necessary skills and proficiency to operate multi-engine aircraft.
In addition to flight training, Wings of Carolina Flying Club places great emphasis on ground schools. These courses provide theoretical knowledge in various subjects such as aerodynamics, engines and systems, weather, navigation, and more. The club offers ground school courses for Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot. Their classrooms, featuring air conditioning and a view of the runway, provide an ideal learning environment.
Wings of Carolina Flying Club takes pride in delivering top-notch instruction from experienced instructors during ground school courses. Their interactive teaching approach allows for ample time for questions and interactions among students. Furthermore, they prioritize the practical application of knowledge by offering hands-on experiences with airplanes in their maintenance hangar. The club strives to create a fun and enjoyable learning atmosphere for all participants.
It’s worth noting that Wings of Carolina Flying Club welcomes both members and non-members to attend their ground schools. No preregistration is required for the first two classes, providing prospective students with an opportunity to experience the course before committing. Formal registration, including payment of tuition fees and obtaining course materials, is required for those who decide to continue with the full course.
Wings of Carolina Flying Club stands out as a reputable flight school, offering a wide range of pilot training programs. With a focus on providing thorough theoretical knowledge and practical experience, the club prepares students to become skilled and knowledgeable pilots. Their commitment to excellence, experienced instructors, and interactive teaching approach make Wings of Carolina Flying Club a preferred choice for aviation enthusiasts seeking quality flight training.
Programs Offered:
- Ground school
- Private pilot
- Instrument rating
- Commercial pilot
The Flight Attendant Academy
🗺️ 6201 Fairview Rd Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28210
☎️(980) 201-8864
🌐https://theflightattendantacademy.com/
The Flight Attendant Academy is a highly regarded flight school that offers comprehensive training programs to transform individuals into flight attendants in just five days. With a focus on providing opportunities for employment, this academy stands out as the highest rated school with the most reviews and the lowest tuition.
To accommodate aspiring flight attendants, The Flight Attendant Academy offers three different training options. The first option is a virtual training program that can be completed from the comfort of home. This convenient program includes personalized coaching and has a tuition fee of $799, with payment plans available.
The second option combines online training at home with a four-day ‘in-class’ training and hiring event. This hybrid program provides a balance of virtual and in-person learning experiences and has a tuition fee of $999, with payment plans also available.
The third option is a hands-on, five-day in-class training and hiring event. This immersive program focuses on practical training and offers an intensive learning experience. The tuition fee for this program is $1399, with payment plans offered to students.
The Flight Attendant Academy takes pride in its high job placement rate of 90% and its ability to connect students with opportunities at all major US airlines. The academy’s strong connections with airline recruiters ensure that students are in high demand, with many even receiving job offers during their training.
The academy’s commitment to job placement assistance extends until students are successfully hired. They work with over 30 US airlines and have students who have been hired by international airlines as well. The Flight Attendant Academy’s nationwide presence makes it accessible to individuals from all locations, and their focus on helping students secure employment sets them apart.
The Flight Attendant Academy offers a dynamic learning environment, combining training, certification, and employment opportunities. By providing flexible training options and a proven track record of success, this academy equips individuals with the skills and knowledge necessary to thrive as flight attendants.
Programs Offered:
- Flight attendant training
