Best Flight Schools in Seattle, Washington

When researching flight schools in Seattle, we would recommend that you consider these key factors:

Program Diversity: Ensure the school offers a variety of programs tailored to your goals, whether it’s private pilot, commercial pilot, or specialized training like instrument or multi-engine ratings.
Cost-Effectiveness: Consider total costs including tuition, aircraft rental, instructor fees, and materials. Look for transparent pricing and inquire about financial aid options.
Convenient Location: Opt for a school with proximity to your residence or easy access to transportation. A convenient location reduces commuting time and facilitates consistent attendance and efficient training.
Quality Instructors: You will be spending a lot of time with your flight instructors. Take the time to meet with them and ask about their flight training experience and their teaching methods.

Galvin Flying

🗺️King County International Airport: 7001 Perimeter Rd S, Seattle, WA 98108
☎️206-763-9706
🌐galvinflying.com

Galvin Flying is a renowned flight training and aircraft maintenance facility operating at the historic Boeing Field in Seattle since 1930. With over 90 years of aviation experience, the school upholds its founder’s values of providing top-notch service and personalized attention.

As an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school, Galvin Flying offers comprehensive flight training programs for private pilots, instrument ratings, commercial licenses, and certified flight instructor certifications. Students benefit from a modern fleet of aircraft and state-of-the-art simulators.

In addition to flight instruction, Galvin Flying boasts an expert aircraft maintenance team dedicated to ensuring safety and protecting clients’ investments. Their FAA-licensed repair station provides services for piston and light-turbine aircraft, catering to the needs of the greater Puget Sound region.

With a commitment to safety, quality training, and exceptional service, Galvin Flying continues to uphold its legacy as a trusted aviation institution in the Seattle area.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Multi-Engine Rating
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI)
High-Performance Aircraft Training
Complex Aircraft Training
Technically Advanced Aircraft Training
Instrument Proficiency Training
Ground School
Introductory Discovery Flights

Rainier Flight Service

🗺️Renton Municipal Airport: 800 W Perimeter Rd, Renton, WA 98057
☎️425-610-6293
🌐rainierflightservice.com

Rainier Flight Service operates as a flight training facility in the Puget Sound region. The school offers a differentiated approach by incorporating real-world scenarios and decision-making concepts into its training programs, going beyond the minimum FAA requirements.

One distinguishing factor is Rainier’s large, standardized fleet of training aircraft, providing consistency throughout a student’s progression. The school’s custom syllabi integrate tools like simulation and scenario-based training to allow practical experience in a controlled environment.

Rainier’s instructors bring experience from professional aviation backgrounds, aiming to prepare students for potential careers in commercial operations. The training methodology covers areas such as crew resource management, threat and error management, and airline-style procedures.

In addition to its flight training programs, Rainier Flight Service provides learning experiences tailored to individual student needs and promotes an environment conducive to skill development. With multiple locations across the Puget Sound area, the school offers accessibility and continuity in its aviation education services.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Course
Instrument Rating Course
Commercial Pilot Course
Multi-Engine Rating Course
Flight Instructor Course
Flight Instructor Instrument Rating Course
Flight Reviews
Instrument Proficiency Checks
Instrument Proficiency Program
Ground School Courses (Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI)

Seaplane Scenics Training Center

🗺️Renton Municipal Airport:295 E Perimeter Rd, Renton, WA 98057
☎️206-499-2135
🌐seaplanescenics.com

Seaplane Scenics offers unique flight training opportunities focused on seaplane operations. Owned by certified flight instructor James Young, the school provides introductory flights, seaplane ratings, and specialized instruction tailored to individual needs.

For those seeking an exhilarating first-time experience, Seaplane Scenics offers one-hour introductory flights in land planes or seaplanes, including high-performance seaplane options. These introductory lessons provide an awe-inspiring glimpse into the world of aviation.

Additionally, the school specializes in training for seaplane ratings, equipping existing pilots with the necessary skills and knowledge to operate aircraft on water. The program includes ground instruction and flight training tailored to individual proficiency levels.

Beyond seaplane operations, Seaplane Scenics offers a range of instructional services, such as tailwheel and spin awareness training, biennial flight reviews, airspace training, cross-border operations, and advanced seaplane maneuvers. The school’s experienced instructors provide personalized guidance and training in various aircraft types.

With a focus on delivering unique aviation experiences and comprehensive seaplane training, Seaplane Scenics caters to both aspiring pilots and licensed aviators seeking to expand their skillsets.

Programs Offered:

Introductory Flights (Land Plane or Seaplane)
High Performance Seaplane Introductory Flight
Seaplane (ASES) Rating Training
CFI Accompanied Flights
Tailwheel and Spin Awareness Training
Biennial Flight Reviews
Recurrent Training
Airspace Training
Canadian Border Crossing Training
Advanced Seaplane Training (Confined Areas, High Altitude, River/Mountain Ops)
Instructor Services in Owner’s Aircraft
Aircraft Ferrying

The Flight Academy

🗺️Renton Municipal Airport: 289 E Perimeter Rd, Fl 3 Renton, WA 98057
☎️206-219-3720
🌐theflightacademy.com

The Flight Academy is a specialized flight training center founded in 2002 by former Cirrus Aircraft instructors. Their mission focuses on producing safer, more proficient pilots through high-quality, individualized training tailored to clients’ needs and schedules.

As a boutique flight school, they offer personalized attention and flexible scheduling, conducting training in multi-day blocks to accommodate busy lifestyles. The Academy’s expertise lies in Cirrus aircraft, with instructors deeply knowledgeable about the planes and teaching process.

Training programs cover a range of ratings and proficiency levels, from private pilot certification in Cirrus aircraft to advanced courses pushing pilots’ capabilities. Scenario-based curricula emphasize maximizing the Cirrus’ advanced features while building real-world skills.

In addition to pilot training, The Flight Academy provides services like aircraft relocation, adventure trips, buyer consultation, and problem-solving for various aviation needs. Their passion for aviation education aims to open new worlds of adventure and efficiency for clients through the Cirrus lifestyle.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Training
Instrument Rating Training
Cirrus Transition Training
Advanced Training
Partner (Non-Pilot) Training

Alternate Air

🗺️King County International Airport: 6501 Perimeter Rd S Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98108
☎️206-763-7511
🌐alternateair.net

Alternate Air is a flight school based at King County International Airport/Boeing Field in Seattle. It was established in 1995 as a licensed Washington State for-profit corporation. The school operates a fleet of well-maintained Cessna aircraft, including two-seaters and four-seaters for both VFR and IFR training.

The school employs a team of highly qualified and passionate certified flight instructors (CFIs) who work independently. Students are matched with an instructor based on their specific goals and learning styles. Training follows the FAA Part 61 regulations, allowing flexibility to progress at the student’s preferred pace.

Alternate Air operates as a membership-based organization similar to a health club. Members pay a one-time initiation fee and ongoing monthly dues, regardless of flight activity. Membership options include a regular plan and a temporary plan that converts after four months. Inactive pilots can maintain membership through reduced fees.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot

Seattle Seaplanes

🗺️1325 Fairview Ave. E, Seattle, WA 98102
☎️206-329-9638
🌐seattleseaplanes.com

Seattle Seaplanes provides personalized flight training to earn a private pilot certificate, with a specialty in seaplane ratings. As one of the few schools offering floatplane training, students can learn to fly seaplanes from Seattle’s iconic Lake Union.

The private pilot course takes approximately 4 months training 2-3 times per week, or 5-7 weeks at 5-6 sessions weekly. Students log a minimum of 40 hours flight time to meet FAA requirements like solo, night, and cross-country hours before testing.

After the private certificate, an additional 6-10 hours of instruction earns the single-engine sea rating. This includes specialized seaplane operations like water taxiing, docking, and landing in varied conditions.

With a private pilot certificate and seaplane rating, pilots can take friends and family on scenic flights to remote areas. The training also serves as a first step towards a professional aviation career.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Single Engine Sea Rating/Endorsement

The Museum of Flight – Ground School

🗺️9404 E. Marginal Way S, Seattle, WA 98108-4097
☎️206-764-5700
🌐https://www.museumofflight.org/education/ground-school

The Museum of Flight offers a unique three-week summer program for Washington state high school students interested in becoming professional pilots. The intensive Private Pilot Ground School provides hands-on instruction to build a foundation in aviation fundamentals and aeronautical knowledge required to pass the FAA private pilot written exam.

Students engage in classroom learning and simulation training taught by licensed pilots and educators. The program offers opportunities to meet industry professionals, tour local aviation companies, and earn high school and college credits upon completion. It aims to jump-start students’ aviation careers through an immersive experience.

The tuition-free program runs weekdays from late June through mid-July annually. Participants must be rising 9th-12th graders residing in Washington state able to provide their own transportation to the museum. While learning to prepare for the private pilot exam, students explore potential pathways in the aviation industry.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Ground School

PAVCO Flight Center

🗺️Tacoma Narrows Airport: 1110 26th Ave NW, Gig Harbor, WA 98335
☎️800-645-3563
🌐flypavco.com

Pavco Flight Center is a family-owned flight school and fixed-base operator located at Tacoma Narrows Airport in Gig Harbor, Washington. It has grown from a one-aircraft operation into a full-service company with 12 aircraft and 18 employees over its 30+ year history.

The flight center offers a wide range of services including flight training from private pilot to commercial levels, scenic flights, aircraft rentals, maintenance, and transient ramp services. Pavco prides itself on providing honest and fair service to meet customers’ aviation needs.

As a Part 141 Cessna Pilot Center, Pavco’s flight training programs follow FAA-approved curriculums. Students can pursue certificates through Part 141’s reduced hour requirements or Part 61 training. Ground school options include interactive software, one-on-one instruction, or a hybrid approach.

Pavco has an impressive safety record, conducting over 150,000 flight operations without injury. The flight center is actively seeking new FAA certified flight instructors, both entry-level and experienced, to meet high training demand.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
Multi-Engine Rating
Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate

Regal Air

🗺️Paine Field Airport: 10217 31st Ave. C51 Everett, Washington 98204
☎️425-353-9123
🌐regalair.com

Regal Air is a well-established aviation facility that has been in operation since 1985 at Paine Field (KPAE) in Everett, Washington. They offer a wide range of services, including aircraft rentals, flight instruction, air charter services, aircraft maintenance, and pilot supplies. Additionally, they can issue M-1 visas for international student training.

For those interested in learning to fly, Regal Air offers an introductory flight lesson, which includes a tour of their facilities, ground instruction, and flight time with an instructor. They also provide flight training for those looking to earn their Private Pilot Certificate or advance their skills with an instrument rating or flying a more advanced aircraft.

Regal Air is approved by the VA to use education benefits towards flight training and welcomes non-U.S. citizens. They provide various flight training programs, including Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating – Airplane, Commercial Pilot – Airplane Single-Engine Land, High-Performance Endorsements, Technically Advanced Airplane Checkouts, Multi-Engine Airplane Addon, Flight Instructor, Initial (CFI in Single-Engine Airplane), Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine (MEI). They also offer refresher training, flight reviews, and instrument proficiency checks.

With their experienced instructors and diverse range of training programs, Regal Air is a great choice for anyone looking to pursue their aviation dreams.

Programs Offered:

Private Pilot Certificate
Instrument Rating – Airplane
Commercial Pilot – Airplane Single-Engine Land
High-Performance Endorsements
Technically Advanced Airplane Checkouts
Multi-Engine Airplane Addon
Flight Instructor
Initial (CFI in Single-Engine Airplane)
Instrument (CFII)
Multi-Engine (MEI)