7 Best Accelerated Flight Schools for 2026

Professional pilots work in a range of capacities, from small private enterprises to large commercial airlines. Becoming a pilot involves hundreds of hours of dedicated training to learn the skills necessary to operate various types of aircraft at an expert level.

In this article, we explore accelerated flight schools and address frequently asked questions related to training, program costs, and salary outlooks. Continue reading to learn about fast-track pilot programs and how you can launch your career in this exciting industry.

How Do You Become a Professional Pilot?

To become a professional commercial pilot, you must earn a series of certifications and licenses. This includes a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) medical certificate, a private pilot license (PPL), a commercial pilot license (CPL), and an airline transport pilot certificate (APT). Many commercial airlines require their pilots to hold a bachelor's degree.

To earn your certifications and licenses, you must complete a specific number of flight training hours. For example, to obtain your APT, you must accumulate at least 1,500 hours of flight training. Accelerated flight training programs involve intensive work, and many students complete their hours in one year or less.

How Fast Can You Finish Flight Training?

How quickly you can finish your flight training depends on your previous experience and your desired licensure. Fast-track flight training programs for PPL licensure can range between two and four weeks, with intensive instruction, a full-time commitment, and good weather conditions. Accelerated flight programs for APT licensure range between nine and 18 months in length.

Best Accelerated Flight Schools

The following schools represent some of the best accelerated flight training programs. Please note that the tuition costs listed below represent general estimates, as exact costs vary greatly according to flight experience, financial aid, and program capacity.

1. Accelerated Flight Training Academy

The Accelerated Flight Training Academy is a fast-track flight school based in Orlando, FL. The Accelerated Flight Training Academy's VIP Accelerated Private Pilot Program is an intensive training program designed for students looking to earn their private pilot certificate.

Students work with instructors for eight hours each day, flying four to five hours and spending the rest of their time preparing for the oral portion of their FAA flight check.

• Estimated tuition cost: $28,000
• Program length: 14 to 18 days
• Accreditation: FAA

2. U.S. Aviation Academy

Located in Forest Park, GA, the U.S. Aviation Academy offers an accelerated commercial single-engine training program. The program is designed to develop students' skills, knowledge, and aeronautical experience so they can safely operate a single-engine aircraft.

The training program includes both classroom work and in-air hours. Students spend three hours a day for four weeks in the classroom. There are 120 hours of flight training, which includes time flying a Cessna 171 in dual flights and a Cessna 152 in solo flights.

• Estimated tuition cost: $75,000
• Program length: Three months
• Accreditation: FAA

3. Paragon Flight School

Paragon Flight School, based in Fort Myers, FL, offers an accelerated airline pilot program designed to be completed in about nine months. Students with zero flight experience begin by earning their PPL and their instrument rating (IFR) certification before moving on to commercial license training.

This fast-track pilot program requires a full-time commitment. Each week, students receive flight lessons four to five times and spend 10 to 20 hours in the classroom.

• Estimated tuition cost: $15,000
• Program length: Nine months
• Accreditation: FAA

4. ATP Flight School

ATP Flight School (ATP) is a large pilot training institution with more than 80 schools located across the U.S. It offers an accelerated airline career pilot program; students with their private pilot license can complete the program in nine months, and those with zero flight training graduate in one year.

The fast-track program includes total immersion training on a full-time basis. Students learn aircraft operations and safety, receive mentorship and career services, and have access to ATP's online library of training resources.

• Estimated tuition cost: $116,995
• Program length: 12 months or fewer
• Accreditation: FAA

5. UND Aerospace Foundation

The UND Aerospace Foundation is a renowned aerospace center headquartered in Grand Forks, ND, and is associated with the University of North Dakota. The UND Aerospace Foundation has an accelerated professional pilot program that students can complete in one year.

The accelerated program operates out of Phoenix and Mesa, AZ. Students spend at least two hours per day in the classroom receiving ground school training and receive five or six flight lessons per week.

• Estimated tuition cost: $102,186
• Program length: Twelve months
• Accreditation: FAA

6. AeroGuard Flight Training Center

AeroGuard Flight Training Center (AeroGuard) is a flight school with three locations in Arizona and Texas. In this accelerated pilot pathway program, students earn seven levels of FAA ratings and certifications, from their private pilot license to their certified flight instructor (CFI) license to their final multi-engine instructor (MEI) license.

AeroGuard helps students secure financial aid to help offset education costs. All graduates are guaranteed a job interview with SkyWest, Delta, Alaska Airlines, or United.

• Estimated tuition cost: $90,000
• Program length: 12 to 18 months
• Accreditation: FAA

7. Liberty University

Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University (LU) is a traditional four-year university that offers an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in aviation. As LU allows students to apply up to 75% of eligible transfer credits toward their degree, many transfer students can complete this program at an accelerated pace.

All coursework is delivered online, and in-person flight training takes place with LU's FAA-approved partner airfields across the country. In addition to hands-on pilot training, students take courses such as safe flight operations, aero-medical issues, and legal responsibilities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $390 per credit hour
• Program length: Three years or fewer
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC); FAA

How We Rank Schools

We use the following criteria when determining which schools to showcase, from accreditation status to program length.

• Accreditation: The programs featured here are FAA-approved, which ensures quality education standards.
• Program length: All programs can be completed at an accelerated pace. We feature the shortest programs at the top of our list.
• Affordability: Flight schools offer financial support, such as scholarships, payment plans, and tuition reimbursement.
• Reputation: A program's reputation is determined by its FAA-approval status, experienced faculty, years in operation, and graduation success rate.

How Does an Accelerated Flight School Work?

Accelerated flight programs include the same ground training curriculum and required flight hours as their in-person counterparts. These fast-track flight programs require students' full-time commitment, typically multiple hours each day, five days a week. Students can develop their skills and knowledge at an accelerated pace.

FAQs About Accelerated Flight Training Programs

Below, we answer questions related to accelerated flight training programs, from flight school costs to the average salary for professional pilots.

Is Accelerated Pilot School Worth It?

Professional pilots possess in-demand skills in a growing industry. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects about 18,200 new job openings for airline and commercial pilots each year over the next decade.

However, enrolling in an accelerated pilot school program is a significant investment in time and money. It's best to explore your desired program in depth to ensure it fits your budget while serving your professional goals.

How Much Does an Accelerated Pilot Program Cost?

Accelerated pilot program costs vary greatly according to school, program length, desired licensure level, prior experience, and financial aid opportunities. Fast-track program costs can range from $15,000 to more than $130,000. Some flight schools offer financial support through grants, military and veterans' benefits, and tuition reimbursement.

Will Airlines Pay for Flight School?

Generally speaking, airlines do not pay for students to go to flight school. Some flight schools have partnerships with major airlines, some of which provide partial tuition reimbursement upon hiring.

For example, AeroGuard graduates receive a First Officer interview with SkyWest. If hired, graduates receive $17,500 in tuition reimbursement from SkyWest.

Is 40 Too Old To Become a Pilot?

At 40, you are not too old to become a pilot. There are no upper age restrictions to operate as a professional pilot; you simply must be properly fit to pass the FAA medical exam. However, it is important to consider the time it will take you to earn your license, along with the time you must work to recoup your training expenses.

What Is the Average Salary of Pilots?

Your earnings as a pilot depend on your licensure level, experience, and the company you work for. For example, senior pilots at a major airline will likely earn higher wages than less experienced pilots at smaller regional companies.

According to the BLS, the 2024 median salary for airline pilots, copilots, and flight engineers was $226,600. The 2024 median salary for commercial pilots was $122,670.

Explore Flight Programs

If you would like to learn more about flight programs, we invite you to connect with Learn.org's featured schools. Discover which one best supports your pilot career goals.