“When can I start?”

We offer two classes each month for our training programs. For a current list of available class dates, please view the main page of our website.

“How do I sign up to start training?”

In order to begin training with us, we require you to submit the following information to our admissions office.

1) Completed and signed student application
2) $1,000 non-refundable course deposit
3) Color scanned copy of our passport
4) International Students: In order to produce the I-20 application for your visa, you are required to also send us financial evidence showing you have the funds available to cover the tuition costs.

“How long does it take to learn to fly and earn a commercial pilot certificate?”

The same variables that affect the cost of learning to fly will affect the time it takes to earn your certificate. The FAA and EASA have regulatory requirements in place with a minimum number of flight hours needed to obtain a pilot certificate.

Based on a full time training program, our FAA career pilot programs will take anywhere from six to eight months to complete and the EASA pro pilot program will take 12 to 14 months to complete

“How old do I have to be before I can start taking flying lessons?”

You don’t have to be a particular age before you can begin taking flying lessons. That said, however, you do have to be at least 16 years old before you can solo an airplane, and 17 before you can be issued a private pilot certificate. To obtain a commercial pilots license, you must be 18 years of age. Therefore, it may not be particularly efficient from the standpoint of cost and flight hours to begin lessons too early.

Since our primary focus is training professional pilots, we require all students be a minimum of 18 years of age to enroll on our professional pilot training programs.

“I’ve been warned about not paying large amounts of fees up-front. What are Airborne’s requirements for payment?”

We agree. Unlike many large flight school competitors who ask for 50% or 100% of tuition fees paid up-front, we don’t! Payments are collected in monthly installments as you progress through your training program. Your admissions representative will detail this further prior to enrollment.

“How old is too old to begin flying lessons?”

When you say “student pilot,” most people think of a youngster chasing a dream. In reality, today’s “student pilots” are likely a middle-aged adult who’s not only chasing, but actually fulfilling a lifelong ambition to become a pilot. We have trained students ranging in age of 16-65. The majority of our student body ranges from age 18 to 24.

“How much does it cost to learn to fly and get a pilot certificate?”

There are a lot of variables that affect the cost of learning to fly, including the frequency of flight lessons, weather conditions, the kind of aircraft in which you are training and its availability for scheduling, and your individual aptitude. With the many variables, it’s always a good idea to budget yourself for any training overages that may occur.

“Does Airborne offer any financial assistance?”

For US residents/citizens, AOPA now offer loans up to a maximum of $100,000. For details, please visit our Financing Page.

“I am a non-US citizen, do I need a student visa to fly in the US?”

Yes, all non-US Citizens are required to have an M-1 student training visa to enter the US and fly. Airborne will process all of the necessary paperwork for you to take to the US Embassy and obtain this visa. The entire visa process can take about 30 days, depending on US Embassy wait times.

We ask our international students whom require a visa to submit their enrollment documents to us at least six weeks prior to your class date.

“I am a non-US citizen and heard something about a TSA background check. How does this affect me?”

This is referring to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) alien flight training and citizenship validation rule. The effects of this depend on whether you are a U.S. Citizen or an alien. All alien students (including US residents) must register with TSA prior to arrival at the academy, www.flightschoolcandidates.gov.

A series of four emails will be sent to you through this process. On your arrival to the academy, you must have with you the third email, which gives you fingerprinting instructions. We will complete your fingerprints on your first day and submit to TSA. A few days after, you will receive your ‘permission to initiate training’ email, which is required before you may enter an aircraft for training.

A step-by-step guide to this will be provided to you once you have enrolled.

“What is the dress code at the academy?”

The main objective of Airborne is to train professional pilots. As a student, you are required to maintain a neat and professional appearance at all times. In our effort to help you develop an attitude of professionalism, we have established the following dress code for all students.

1) Black Pants/Trousers of polyester blend
2) White Pilot Shirt (airline style) properly buttoned (available in our pilot shop)
3) Black Tie (available in our pilot shop)
4) Black Belt
5) Black Shoes (polished, no fabric-type or sandals permitted)
6) Black Socks
7) Black, with Silver Stripe Epaulets (issued on arrival)
8) School Lanyard and Identification Badge (issued on arrival)

Uniforms are required to be worn at all times while at the academy, including all flight and ground lessons, simulator sessions, one-on-one instruction or while attending any school functions/meetings.

“Do you provide transportation or will I need to hire a car?”

This is a personal choice. We do not provide any daily transportation to the academy and it will be your responsibility to ensure you are on time for your daily activities.

Our facilities are located within a few miles from our student accommodations. The majority of our students that do not have a vehicle will purchase a bicycle when they arrive.

A variety of rental car companies are also available.