Academy of Aviation

Academy of Aviation provides career pilot training with one-on-one flight instruction. It runs campuses in New York, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and other states. The New York campuses are in Farmingdale, Islip and White Plains. Other campuses are in Atlanta, Charlotte and Orlando. Its SunState brand runs campuses in Kissimmee, Long Beach and San Diego.

The career program covers the Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License, and Certified Flight Instructor, CFII and MEI ratings. Students then build their flight hours to 1,500 for an airline career. The school also runs a 100-hour multi-engine program. Recreational flying lessons are also offered.

Students must be at least 16 years old to solo and 17 to earn a Private Pilot License. They need at least a third-class FAA medical certificate. They must be able to read, speak, write and understand English. U.S. citizens must show proof of citizenship. Non-U.S. citizens must complete TSA security clearance through AFSP before training. Full-time students usually have at least five training sessions a week.

Academy of Aviation is one of only four Delta Propel affiliate flight schools in the United States. Instructors who work at the school can apply to Delta Propel within 12 months of meeting R-ATP or ATP requirements. The school also takes part in the Republic Airways RJet Cadet Program, which leads to Republic Airways. The website says its graduates fly with most major airlines worldwide.

Financing is available through independent third-party lenders, including Sallie Mae, for eligible career pilot programs. The school does not provide loans. Veterans can use VA education benefits at the Farmingdale, White Plains and Kissimmee campuses. International students can also enroll.

To fly commercial airliners in the United States, pilots need an Airline Transport Pilot certificate. That requires at least 1,500 hours of flight time and an age of at least 23 years. The pilot must also hold a commercial license and an instrument rating.

Services

• Career pilot training
• Private pilot training
• Commercial pilot training
• Instrument rating
• Certified flight instructor training
• 100-hour multi-engine program
• Delta Propel pathway
• Republic Airways RJet Cadet Program
• Financing information
• Veterans education benefits