Acron Aviation Academy
Guide to choosing the right flight school
You're about to start your piloting career, and now you just need the perfect flight school to get the ball rolling. This guide will empower you to review all available options with the information needed to help you feel confident in your choice.
What should I look for when choosing a flight school?
Here are the crucial factors to keep in mind when determining which flight school is best for becoming a pilot:
1. Part 141 certification
Always check that the flight school is certified. Part 141 schools entail more formalized training with specific hour minimums required by the institution. Therefore, some students may find such requirements appealing for a more structured approach to certification.
2. Fleet and facilities
A new fleet with modern simulators and classrooms only enhance the experience. Check on fleet age and size, aircraft conditions, and new or maintained classrooms and debriefing rooms.
3. Instructor experience
Inquire about Instructor qualifications and student/Instructor ratios. An institution that has been around for decades brings stability, proven processes, and the expertise to deliver successful student outcomes.
4. Career support and partnerships
Schools that boast regional or major airline career partnerships can help you get your foot in the door when school is done. Find schools that have been established for years, which could lead to training internships or immediate employment.
5. Financial considerations
Be aware of what it's going to cost to become a pilot. From tuition to flight hours needed, gear and testing, the flight school should offer clear, transparent information about every expense, including financing options, scholarships, and available loans, so that training doesn't break the bank. Keep in mind that some schools may appear cheaper at first glance because they only quote minimum hours or don’t disclose the full range of costs.
6. Location and weather
Where the flight school is located could dictate how often students can learn. Certain weather patterns (Florida, for example, has more consistent climates) are more conducive to flying than others. If learning can't happen for days on end due to poor weather, students will be behind the eight ball before they start.
7. Student support services
Tutoring, counseling, administrative scheduling, and career counseling should all be factored in when assessing a school. These support services ensure students have the guidance and resources they need to stay on track and reach their career goals.
What's the difference between a flight academy and a flight school?
Flight academy
Flight academies, like Acron Aviation Academy, have a more structured approach and path under Part 141 with a stronger focus on your career. A flight academy provides everything you need for training, featuring state-of-the-art simulation technology and a diverse fleet of aircraft. It also offers essential resources such as career placement assistance, smaller student-to-Instructor ratios, and valuable networking opportunities within the industry.
Flight school
Flight schools are a little more flexible and operate under Part 61, perfect if you're looking for leisure flying or a more casual experience with less structure. They often lack resources compared to an academy and do not typically offer career placement opportunities.
How to choose between a flight school and an aviation degree
Deciding between a flight academy and flight degree program hinges mostly on your goal of flying professionally.
Flight academy
Flight academies like Acron Aviation Academy focus exclusively on pilot training, helping students reach the airlines faster and more affordably.
Pros:
- Accelerated training timeline: earn your PPL, IR, CPL, and CFI in 18 to 24 months
- Lower overall cost compared to university programs
- Focused, hands-on learning tailored for aspiring professional pilots and no wasting time in unrelated courses
- Direct airline pathway programs and structured hour-building opportunities in line with FAA standards
- Early access to job opportunities and mentorship
Cons:
- Doesn’t provide a traditional college experience
- May not be ideal for those pursuing non-flying aviation careers (e.g., airport operations, engineering)
Aviation degree program
University aviation programs combine flight training with academic coursework and broader campus life.
Pros:
- Offers a traditional college experience
- May appeal to students exploring non-flying careers in aviation (ATC, management, safety science)
- A bachelor’s degree can strengthen résumés for certain non-airline positions
Cons:
- Requires at least four years to complete before meeting pilot hour requirements
- Significantly more expensive due to university tuition and fees
- Delays entry into the job market and may result in higher student loan debt
- Still requires commercial pilot licensing after graduation
While you don't need a college degree to be a commercial pilot, Acron Aviation Academy has articulation agreements with certain universities, which means that your FAA training can be transferred into credits toward a degree later, giving you the best of both worlds without the cost and time devoted to a four-year degree curriculum.
Questions to ask when comparing flight training programs
Essential questions to compare flight schools include:
- Is the school FAA certified as Part 141 or Part 61?
- What is the total cost of the program, and are there ancillary/hidden fees?
- What is the average completion time for this program?
- What will we train in, and how is the maintenance log for these aircraft?
- What's the Instructor/student ratio?
- Are flight simulators available?
- What's the passing percentage of the written and practical FAA exams?
- Is there a job placement program or school affiliation with airlines?
- Are there any financial aid, scholarships, or loans available?
- What housing accommodations will be on-site when I get there?
- What other amenities are offered to students?
- Are there options for continued education/advanced certificates?
These questions and research will help you secure the best match for your professional needs in a flight training program and provide a fantastic foundation for your future in aviation.