Vermont is home to some of the top flight schools in the country, offering high-quality training for individuals who aspire to become commercial or private pilots. This page serves as a comprehensive guide to the best flight schools in Vermont, providing details about the flight training programs offered by each school, information about the instructors, the length of time each school has been in operation, the type of aircraft used for training, the cost of tuition and fees, and other key factors to consider when selecting a flight school.
Choosing the right flight school is a critical decision for any aspiring pilot, and this guide provides all the necessary information to help you make an informed decision. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced pilot, read on to learn more about the best flight schools in Vermont and find the one that best fits your needs.
Best Flight Schools in Vermont
Vermont Flight Academy
🗺️355 Valley Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
☎️(802) 863-5988
🌐https://flyvfa.org/
Vermont Flight Academy (VFA) is a non-profit flight training organization located at the Burlington International Airport in South Burlington, Vermont. The academy offers a range of flight training programs, from beginner to expert levels, catering to both business and leisure pilots as well as career aviators. VFA is known for its high-quality flight instruction and commitment to promoting general aviation.
One notable program offered by VFA is the Professional Pilot Program in partnership with Vermont State University (VTSU). This program provides aspiring pilots with the opportunity to start flying in their first semester and become Certified Flight Instructors by their junior year. Graduates of this program typically have over 500 flight hours, making them highly valued in the industry. VTSU is authorized by the FAA to certify pilot graduates for the Restricted Airline Transport Pilot (RATP), enabling them to pursue a career as professional airline pilots at an accelerated pace.
VFA’s fleet of aircraft is diverse and well-maintained. It includes the Cessna 172, Cessna 152, Piper Arrow, Piper Cherokee, Tecnam single and multi-engine, and Citabria. The academy’s emphasis on maintaining a modern and advanced fleet ensures that students have access to suitable aircraft that meet their needs and budgets.
In addition to its flight training programs, VFA offers Discovery Flights, which provide individuals with their first flight experience. These flights offer breathtaking views of Vermont’s scenic mountains and lakes from the air, allowing participants to get a taste of aviation.
What sets VFA apart is its passionate staff of knowledgeable instructors who are dedicated to helping students achieve their goals. The academy prides itself on having instructors with diverse backgrounds and teaching styles, ensuring that each student receives personalized instruction tailored to their learning needs.
VFA is also actively involved in the aviation community and supports the education of underprivileged children in Vermont by providing flights. By choosing VFA for flight training, students not only receive top-notch instruction but also contribute to a worthy cause.
Vermont Flight Academy is a reputable flight training institution that offers comprehensive programs and a supportive learning environment. With its commitment to quality instruction, diverse fleet, and involvement in the aviation community, VFA is an excellent choice for anyone looking to pursue a career in aviation or simply experience the joy of flying.
Programs Offered:
- Discovery Flight
- Professional Pilot Program
- Private Pilot Program
- Instrument Rating Program
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Program
- Multi-Engine
- Tailwheel Endorsement
- Complex Endorsement
Sugarbush Soaring
🗺️2355 Airport Rd, Warren, VT 05674
☎️(802) 496-2290
🌐https://sugarbushsoaring.com/
Nestled in the picturesque Mad River Valley of Vermont, Sugarbush Soaring offers an exceptional flight school experience for glider enthusiasts. As one of the premier soaring locations in the United States, the Warren Sugarbush airport (0B7) boasts a unique topography that provides pilots of all levels with a captivating and exhilarating flying environment.
What sets Sugarbush Soaring apart is their commitment to providing high-quality flight instruction. With a team of professional, friendly, and experienced staff, they offer premium glider training seven days a week throughout the season. The instructors at Sugarbush Soaring are FAA-certified and deeply passionate about teaching the fundamental “stick and rudder” skills that are often overlooked in today’s training landscape. They strive to lay a critical foundation for students’ skill, knowledge, and judgment, ensuring that the skills acquired at Sugarbush are transferable to any future flying endeavors. The flight training experience here is both valuable and enjoyable.
Sugarbush Soaring offers a range of programs and courses tailored to meet various needs and skill levels. Their offerings include introductory lessons, beginner training courses for the FAA Private Pilot Glider Certificate, advanced training courses such as the FAA Commercial Glider Certificate and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI-Glider) rating, as well as add-on ratings for power-aircraft-rated pilots. They also provide customized training packages, allowing individuals to enhance their pilot skills, explore mountain wave flying, or indulge in aviation as a career, adventure, or personal/team development.
The fleet of gliders at Sugarbush Soaring is diverse and well-maintained. It includes the Schweizer 2-33, Schweizer 1-26, PW-6, and Schleicher ASK-21, each serving specific training and rental purposes. The availability of various gliders ensures that students have the opportunity to experience different aircraft and gain a comprehensive understanding of glider flying.
For those considering their first flight into Sugarbush, the flight school provides detailed airport information to facilitate a smooth arrival. Additionally, Sugarbush Soaring keeps the community updated on current weather conditions through their Valley Cam, Airport Cam, and Wave Cam, providing valuable insights for pilots planning their flights.
To enhance the accessibility of their flight school, Sugarbush Soaring offers youth programs supported by Flight Experience For Youth (FEFY), a 501(c)(3) organization. This commitment to fostering aviation interest among young individuals showcases their dedication to promoting the joy of flight to the next generation.
Whether you are an aspiring pilot or someone seeking a memorable experience in aviation, Sugarbush Soaring is an excellent choice. Their commitment to providing exceptional flight instruction, the breathtaking location, and the well-maintained fleet of gliders make it an ideal destination for anyone looking to soar the skies. To book a lesson or inquire further, contact their office via phone at 802-496-2290 or email at soar@sugarbushsoaring.com.
Programs Offered:
- Beginner Training
- Commercial Training
- CFI-G
- Enhanced Pilot Skills
- Mountain Wave Flying
Green Mountain Flight Academy
🗺️240 Valley Rd, South Burlington, VT 05403
☎️(802) 893-1003
🌐https://www.greenmountainflightacademy.org/
Green Mountain Flight Academy is a specialty flight school located in Vermont, offering top-notch helicopter training to individuals in the New England region. As a nonprofit organization, their primary goal is to provide personalized training experiences to their students. With bases in Burlington and Milton, they aim to deliver the ultimate flight training experience.
For those interested in pursuing a career as a helicopter pilot or simply wanting to explore the world from a new perspective, Green Mountain Flight Academy stands out as an excellent choice. They offer comprehensive helicopter flight training in Milton, Vermont, catering to students at various levels, from introductory flights to obtaining a commercial helicopter pilot’s certificate. The school provides pilot training under both FAA part 61 and 141, ensuring flexibility and meeting different training requirements.
Getting started at Green Mountain Flight Academy is easy. The first step is to schedule an Introductory Flight and/or a tour of their facility by calling their contact number. This allows prospective students to meet the flight instructors, check out the helicopters, and discover the wide range of opportunities available for helicopter pilots. The academy also assists students in addressing funding concerns, offering guidance on saving money, securing loans, exploring Veterans Benefits, or pursuing a four-year aviation degree.
To embark on the journey as a helicopter pilot, students need to obtain a Medical and Student Pilot Certificate. Green Mountain Flight Academy helps schedule appointments with local FAA-certified physicians for the required FAA Class 3 medical exam. Once the medical requirements are fulfilled, students can proceed to enroll in the academy by completing the necessary paperwork, ordering training books, and scheduling their first training session.
One of the standout experiences offered by Green Mountain Flight Academy is the Helicopter Discovery Flight. This flight allows individuals to get a taste of flying a helicopter, whether for recreational purposes or as a potential career path. Under the supervision of a Certified Flight Instructor, students have the opportunity to take control of the helicopter during the flight. The introductory flight consists of approximately 30 minutes of flight time following 30 minutes of ground training.
For those interested in obtaining a Private Pilot License, Green Mountain Flight Academy provides comprehensive training courses. A private pilot certificate enables individuals to fly with passengers and for personal use, making it the foundation for aspiring professional helicopter pilots. The academy offers both Part 61 personalized training and training through an FAA Certified Part 141 Course. The duration of the course and cost may vary based on the student’s aptitude.
In addition to the Private Pilot Course, Green Mountain Flight Academy also offers an Instrument Course. An instrument rating is highly valuable for career helicopter pilots and enhances their skill set in precision instrument flying. The academy boasts an FAA approved Flight Training Device (FTD), which contributes to high-quality instrument training at an affordable price. This FTD proves beneficial throughout the training process.
For individuals aspiring to become commercial helicopter pilots, Green Mountain Flight Academy offers a comprehensive Commercial Helicopter Pilot Course. The course, available under both Part 61 and Part 141 training, equips students with the necessary knowledge and skills for commercial flying. Students can also work on their instrument rating concurrently with the commercial rating, providing a well-rounded training experience.
For those who wish to pursue a career as a flight instructor, Green Mountain Flight Academy offers courses to obtain the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) ratings. These courses, available under both Part 61 and Part 141 training, aim to prepare commercial pilots to teach others how to fly helicopters. The training covers both flight and ground courses, ensuring instructors are well-prepared for their future students.
Green Mountain Flight Academy also caters to fixed-wing pilots interested in expanding their skills. They offer an array of flight training opportunities, including both Part 61 and Part 141 flight training curricula. Individuals who want to experience flying an airplane can opt for a Discovery Flight, where they can take the controls under the guidance of a Certified Flight Instructor.
Overall, Green Mountain Flight Academy stands out as New England’s premier specialty flight school, offering exceptional helicopter training experiences. With their team of experienced flight instructors and comprehensive training programs, they provide aspiring pilots with the knowledge and skills needed to pursue their aviation dreams.
Programs Offered:
Helicopter Training:
- Discovery Flight
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Pilot
- Commercial Pilot
- Flight Instructor
- Add-On Ratings
Airplane Fixed Wing:
- Discovery Flight
- Private Pilot License Course
