Virginia's Aviation Instruction Centers: Exploring Your Flight Training Choices
Aspiring Pilots in Virginia Have Numerous Flight Schools to Choose From, Each Offering Unique Advantages
Aspiring pilots in Virginia now have more options than ever before to realize their aviation dreams. Seven standout flight schools in the Old Dominion State cater to various objectives, making the pursuit of a pilot's license more accessible than ever.
Top-Rated Flight Schools in Virginia
1. Hampton University: Ideal for All-around Programs
Hampton University, home to one of the nation's best Part 141 aviation schools, boasts a prime location at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF). In conjunction with Rick Aviation, Hampton University offers an array of scenic vistas, spanning the Chesapeake Bay to the country's busiest airspaces.
Partnerships with airlines such as United Airlines, Jet Blue Airlines, JSX Airlines, Republic Airlines, Endeavor Airlines, and FedEx provide promising job prospects for Hampton University graduates.
2. Averett University: Established Flight School in Virginia
Founded in 1859, Averett University has built a solid reputation as a four-year Christian institution with an established Part 141 aviation program. Flight operations are conducted at Danville Regional Airport (KDAN), just minutes from the main campus, allowing students to swiftly take control of an aircraft and embark on a thrilling aviation career.
In addition to partnerships with airlines like PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines, Averett University also offers a joint program centered on aviation law enforcement.
3. Liberty University: Virtual Flight School Option
Liberty University distinguishes itself among its peers by offering multiple educational formats, including online, hybrid, and in-person programs. Accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI) and a member of the National Intercollegiate Flying Association, Liberty University is undoubtedly well-regarded in the aviation community. To find the program that best suits your needs, it's best to consult with a university representative.
4. ATP Flight School: Quick-paced Professional Pilot Programs
As the largest flight training establishment in the U.S., ATP Flight School boasts an extensive network of training centers across 33 states, enabling accelerated scheduling and instructor availability. The Airline Career Pilot Program is one of the fastest professional pilot programs available, with a completion time of as little as nine months depending on prior experience. Multiple Virginia locations include Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), Norfolk International Airport (KORF), and Richmond International Airport (KRIC).
5. Aviation Adventures: Flexible Flight Education in Virginia
Founded in 1989, Aviation Adventures showcases a range of flexible locations across Virginia, providing diverse training opportunities. Student safety is paramount at Aviation Adventures, ensuring a well-maintained fleet of aircraft and highly skilled flight instructors. With over 58 airplanes and simulators at their disposal, Aviation Adventures is an excellent choice for adaptable flight training.
6. NOVA Pilots: Innovative Flight School Experience
Established in 2019, NOVA Pilots merges modern knowledge with passionate instructors, fostering a sense of joy and wonder in flying. The flight school, based at Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), focuses on training in student-owned aircraft.
7. OpenAir: Self-paced Flight School for Pilot Aspirants
Designed for both new pilots and those seeking a refresher or a course in transition, OpenAir offers professional pilot education at its facilities in Leesburg and Manassas. With a fleet of Cirrus aircraft, OpenAir empowers aspiring pilots to live their dreams while mastering the art of piloting.
Each flight school presents its unique benefits, enabling Virginian pilots-to-be to make informed decisions based on their objectives and circumstances.
Browse Airborne: Your Flight School MatchmakerMaking the right choice from among the numerous Virginia flight schools can be overwhelming. Airborne is here to streamline your selection process, offering flight school matching services based on program comparison, costs, and location, all backed by experienced instructors' insights. Instead of exhaustive searches, benefit from a tailored recommendation designed specifically with your aviation goals in mind. Get started here.
Detailed Information about Virginia Flight Schools
Number of Schools
More than 50 flight schools can be found throughout Virginia, with many concentrated in the Richmond, Newport News, and northern regions, closest to Washington, D.C. Numerous universities, including Hampton University, Averett University, and Liberty University, offer aviation programs.
Class Size
While one-on-one flight training is common, some locations offer classroom ground school courses with an average of 15–20 students per instructor. The rise of virtual classrooms means the class size at Virginia flight schools is increasingly fluctuating.
Tuition Cost
Tuition costs for flight training in Virginia vary widely due to several factors, including school type and flight hours. A private pilot certificate at Aviation Adventures can cost approximately $25,000, while a four-year aviation degree with all licenses and ratings from Hampton University may total around $250,000.
Scholarships and Job Placement
Several Virginia-based and national organizations offer scholarships to aid students in financing their flight training. Most accredited institutions have high employment rates for graduates, particularly with airlines across the country.
Start Your Aviation Journey in Virginia
Thanks to our comprehensive review of Virginia's premier flight schools, you now have a clearer path to becoming a pilot. Virginia offers a wealth of locations, costs, time commitments, and course options to help you choose the educational route best suited to your flight goals.
Begin your flying journey today by visiting the website to explore flight school matching services provided by Airborne. Elevate your training to new heights!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average total cost of flight school in Virginia?
Varying factors impact the total flight school cost in Virginia. A private pilot certificate at a dedicated school like Aviation Adventures may cost around $25,000, whereas a four-year aviation degree at an institution like Hampton University can total around $250,000.
Is it financially worth pursuing a pilot license in Virginia?
Indeed, it is financially worthwhile to become a pilot in Virginia. While the initial cost of obtaining licenses and ratings can be substantial, the long-term pay of a pilot's salary can help pay off flight training debt swiftly. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for airline and commercial pilots in 2023 was $171,210.
How can I secure a pilot's license in Virginia?
The process of obtaining a pilot's license in Virginia and elsewhere is regulated by the FAA, following their established steps for licensure. Scheduling a discovery flight with a prospective flight school is an excellent way to experience flight for the first time.
Are airlines offering to pay for flight school?
Typically, airlines do not cover flight school expenses upfront. However, some airlines collaborate with specific flight schools to provide tuition reimbursement programs, covering training costs after graduation and certain employment requirements have been met.
Hampton University, situated at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport (KPHF), is home to one of the top aviation schools in the nation. They offer partnerships with airlines like United Airlines, Jet Blue Airlines, JSX Airlines, Republic Airlines, Endeavor Airlines, and FedEx, ensuring promising job prospects for graduates.
In Danville, Averett University stands out as a four-year Christian institution with an established Part 141 aviation program. Flight operations are conducted at Danville Regional Airport (KDAN), just minutes from the main campus. PSA Airlines and Piedmont Airlines boast partnerships with Averett University, while the school also offers a joint program focusing on aviation law enforcement.
Liberty University, accredited by the Aviation Accreditation Board International (AABI), provides multiple educational formats, including online, hybrid, and in-person programs, catering to a diverse range of student needs. ATP Flight School, the largest flight training establishment in the U.S., offers quick-paced professional pilot programs with multiple locations in Virginia, including Leesburg Executive Airport (KJYO), Manassas Regional Airport (KHEF), Norfolk International Airport (KORF), and Richmond International Airport (KRIC).
Aviation Adventures, in existence since 1989, offers diverse training opportunities with numerous locations across Virginia and a fleet of over 58 airplanes and simulators. NOVA Pilots, founded in 2019, offers an innovative flight school experience, focusing on training in student-owned aircraft. OpenAir, with facilities in Leesburg and Manassas, empowers aspiring pilots by providing a fleet of Cirrus aircraft for professional pilot education.
Each flight school presents its unique benefits, enabling Virginian pilots-to-be to make informed decisions based on their objectives and circumstances. Aspiring pilots can find the ideal match among the more than 50 Virginia flight schools situated primarily in Richmond, Newport News, and the northern regions, close to Washington, D.C. The Virginia flight school landscape offers various programs, costs, time commitments, and course options, ensuring there's a fit for every flight goal.
