Acron Aviation Academy
How to Fund Your Pilot Training
Getting your pilot's license is a significant milestone, and for many students, the first challenge is figuring out how to pay for flight school. Whether you're a recent high school graduate, changing careers, or re-entering the job market, Acron Aviation Academy lets you take charge of your future in aviation with flexible financing options and personalized guidance.
Why invest in pilot training?
Pilot training isn't just about earning a license. It’s about opening the door to a rewarding career. There’s a growing demand for qualified pilots in the aviation industry, and the return on investment is high.
Commercial aviation careers offer excellent pay, job security, and the opportunity to travel the world. With airline hiring increases and pilot shortages projected well into the future, investing in your training can lead to decades of career success.
Cost of pilot training at Acron Aviation
Acron Aviation Academy is one the USA’s leading pilot training providers and offers several structured programs at our flight school in Orlando, Florida, at Sanford International Airport.
Our training programs are designed to suit various experience levels and career goals. Costs vary depending on your chosen pathway and the certifications included.
| Program | Description | Cost |
| Explore | First 10 flight hours | $4,325 |
| Embark | Private Pilot Certificate | $28,350 |
| Epic | Commercial Pilot to Instructor Pathway | $79,000 |
| Edge | Commercial Pilot Certificate (PPL, IR, CPL) | $85,000 |
| Elite | CFI / CFII Certificate | $28,900 |
Funding pilot training
Developing a plan to fund your training is one of the first steps in the enrollment process. Our Admissions and Financial Aid teams are here to help guide you through your financing options.
Most students cover the primary portion of their training through:
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Self-pay
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Private education loans
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Military benefits
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Scholarships
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Tuition reimbursement through airline partnerships
To help you cover your pilot license cost, Acron Aviation Academy offers access to loan partners, scholarship resources, and flexible payment plans.
Flight school loans
Acron Aviation Academy partners with trusted lenders who understand the unique needs of aviation students and offer loan packages that cover up to 100% of your training costs.
Sallie Mae Smart Option student loan
Finance tuition, housing, and living costs with flexible repayment terms. Co-signers may improve eligibility and lower interest rates.
Stratus Financial
Created by pilots, for pilots. Offers student-first lending with mentoring and custom repayment options.
Learn More
Aviation scholarships
While Acron Aviation Academy does not offer in-house scholarships, many external organizations provide aviation-specific scholarships. These can reduce your out-of-pocket cost with no repayment required. Awards typically range from $1,000 to $10,000+ and are open to students at various stages of training.
Find Aviation Scholarships
Self-pay for pilot training
Students who prefer to pay out-of-pocket can choose from several self-pay options. Acron Aviation Academy offers milestone-based installment plans that help spread costs over time. Our team will help create a payment structure that aligns with your financial goals.
Military and veterans education benefits
If you have served in the U.S. military, you may be eligible for GI Bill® benefits. Acron Aviation accepts:
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Post-9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33)
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Montgomery GI Bill® (Chapter 30)
If you’re in a Part 141 program, these benefits can cover costs like ground school, dual instruction, and flight briefings. We accept the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Montgomery GI Bill®. Veterans with questions about eligibility can contact our team for assistance. Our team will help you understand eligibility, paperwork, and timelines for applying your benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available on the official U.S. government Website at Trademark Terms of Use - Education and Training (va.gov).
Airline partnerships & tuition reimbursement
Acron Aviation's Airline Pathway Program helps bridge the gap between training and employment. Several of our airline partners offer tuition reimbursement programs for graduates, helping offset pilot training costs after you begin working.
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Airline-specific training paths
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Direct hiring agreements
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Tuition reimbursement options
How to afford flight school without savings
Students without personal savings still have a clear path to the cockpit. Our Financial Aid team can help you:
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Qualify for loans with a co-signer
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Stack scholarships with self-pay or GI Bill® benefits
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Identify airline programs with pay-back options
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Build a monthly budget for living expenses
Many students combine two or more strategies. Let us help you develop a plan that fits your needs.
The long-term return on investment
With U.S. commercial pilots earning a median annual salary of over $148,900 and strong job growth projected, the return on your training investment can be significant, with some pilots making up to $245,000. Within 18 to 24 months, many graduates begin earning as certified instructors or First Officers.
Tips to save on flight training
Use simulators to build skills
Maximize simulator time to prepare for flights and avoid unnecessary in-air repetition. At around $95 per hour, full-motion flight simulators are a cost-effective alternative to renting an airplane. Although less effective, home simulators like Microsoft Flight Simulator and X-Plane offer viable options.
Stay on track with your training
Avoid breaks that lead to retraining and extra hours. Aim to train at least three times a week to keep things fresh and make quicker progress. Putting some time into self-study can help you cut down on instructor hours, which saves you money. Treat your training like a job. This mindset will boost your efficiency and help you focus on your budget-friendly goals.
Apply early for scholarships
The earlier you apply, the better your chances of securing not only admission but also valuable scholarships. Many scholarships are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so the sooner you apply, the better your chances of being considered. This type of financial aid can significantly help reduce the cost of your education.
Train full-time if possible
Full-time training leads to faster completion and fewer surprise expenses. Training full-time allows you to finish your training in a much shorter timeframe. This approach speeds up completion and helps you gain skills more effectively. Keep your training consistent and frequent, and you’ll be ready for work as soon as you graduate.
Start your journey today
If you're wondering how to pay for flight school, you're not alone. Acron Aviation Academy offers multiple solutions to help you achieve your aviation goals.
