Best Online Aviation Courses & Certificates in 2026

Whether you want to explore a professional piloting career or start a new hobby, the simplest way to begin is by learning the fundamentals of aviation. Fortunately, there are several fun and informative online aviation courses to guide you.

We'll show you a convenient way to learn the basic and intermediate aspects of aviation through inexpensive courses and certification programs.

What Is an Online Aviation Course?

Online aviation training courses help beginners explore the field before actually entering a cockpit for flight training. Most focus more on the managerial aspects of running an airport or performing maintenance on sophisticated aerial vehicles.

While online courses do not replace flight simulations and physical piloting training, they offer a way to learn the fundamentals of flight regulations, the impact of various weather conditions, air traffic control, and other safety components. Some aviation courses may even explore certain aspects of piloting remote drone airplanes.

Are There Any Free Online Aviation Courses With Certificates

Yes, there are multiple free online courses for future aviators. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, for example, offers what it calls ''Massive Open Online Courses'' for anyone who would like to explore the field.

Types of Aviation Certificates and Courses

There is a large variety of individual courses, certificates, and entire degree programs devoted to aviation. These cover both the piloting and air traffic control components of modern aviation.

Some certifications may even prepare you for earning a bachelor's, master's, or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in aviation management. Below is a list of topics you should expect to explore if you enroll in a certification program.

• flight safety and operations
• aviation maintenance basics
• airline and airport management
• aviation law and policy

Best Online Aviation Courses and Certificates

We also have a list of online courses and certificates in aviation. These courses are available through accredited institutions, some of which also award college degrees in the field.

1. Liberty University

Liberty University has online/hybrid opportunities for certifications, undergraduate degrees, master's degrees, and even aviation PhD programs. Its website also includes individual online or residential flight courses worth one to three credit hours. New or intermediate flight students can challenge themselves with courses like Private Flight, Instrument Flight, and Multi-Engine Flight.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,500 to $16,000 (depending on certification)
• Delivery format: Online or hybrid
• Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University has in-person flight courses in Florida and Arizona, but also offers online instruction and certification options. Its Certificate in Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65 covers topics like aviation safety and maintenance for a range of aerial vehicles.

• Estimated tuition cost: $800 for individual courses
• Delivery format: Online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

3. ICAO

ICAO has self-paced and interactive learning opportunities for new flight students. Its website lists several courses, ranging from $50 to $700. The most premium class, Innovation in Aviation Training Programme, features a three-hour online component followed by a four-hour workshop, which students complete within nine months.

• Estimated tuition cost: $50 to $700 (depending on courses)
• Delivery format: Hybrid
• Accreditation: Airport Management Professional Accreditation Program (AMPAP)

4. Aircraft Electronics Association

The Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA) offers a Safety Management System Coordinator Training course for prospective airplane mechanics. This virtual course receives an aggregate review score of 4.9 out of five from previous students, thanks to its comprehensive coverage of safety and regulations, making it suitable for flight mechanics in the US, Canada, and other countries.

AEA also offers other in-person or online training in numerous other airplane maintenance topics.

• Estimated tuition cost: $699 (AEA members) or $799 (non-members)
• Delivery format: (Online/Hybrid)
• Accreditation: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approved

5. Miami Dade College

Miami Dade College's School of Aviation has an airline/aviation management certificate, available through in-person, online, or hybrid formats. It includes 16 program credits and a one-year timeline for certification.

Students learn all about essential aviation subjects, especially laws and regulations, industry operations, flight operations, and airline marketing.

• Estimated tuition cost: $1,891.52
• Delivery format: Online or hybrid
• Accreditation: SACSOC

6. Lenoir Community College

Lenoir Community College (LCC) offers an aviation management certificate with one year of training through online delivery. LCC offers affordable tuition rates for this program, which you can lower or eliminate by exploring scholarships devoted to aviation studies. If you want to continue your education, the school also has three associate degree programs in this field.

• Estimated tuition cost: $36 per course
• Delivery format: Online/hybrid
• Accreditation: SACSOC

7. University of Mount Olive

The University of Mount Olive's aviation management certification covers both private flight and remote drone flight. All coursework is 100% online and devoted to training future airport operations managers and other leaders in the field.

You can also attend this private college to earn a bachelor's degree in aviation management by taking online classes in 7.5-week sessions.

• Estimated tuition cost: $13,500 per course
• Delivery format: Online/hybrid
• Accreditation: SACSCOC

How We Chose Courses and Certificates

Here is an explanation of our selection process for these aviation courses and certificates. Each program must possess at least an academic accreditation, offer online/hybrid learning, and charge affordable enrollment fees.

• Accreditation or industry recognition: These programs enjoy a strong reputation and/or academic reputation for safe and professional aviation training.
• Flexibility: We selected introductory aviation training certificates, which almost anyone can complete through 100% online or hybrid coursework.
• Affordability: This list includes affordable program fees from organizations that may offer monthly payment options.

Advantages of Certificates vs. Degrees

If we compare aviation certificates with aviation degree programs, you'll notice both have their advantages, depending on the needs of the student aviator. Certification programs are shorter than undergraduate degrees and focus more on practical training. You can also complete a certification without spending as much on college tuition.

Degree programs are a better option if you already possess flight experience and want to earn better commercial pilot roles or enter airline management. Many air-traffic control managers hold a bachelor's degree in aviation or a related engineering field. You may also want to explore an academic career, which you can do by earning a PhD in aeronautics or completing an online PhD in aerospace engineering.

FAQs About Aviation Certificates and Courses

Check out a few frequently asked questions (FAQs) about online aviation certificate programs. These address the value of online courses, the typical coursework duration, and the jobs you can find after finishing your certification.

Are Online Aviation Certificates Respected by Employers?

Yes, employers respect these credentials, but it's important to know which careers to consider after completing a certification. An online certification does not immediately make you a pilot or an air-traffic control manager; however, it may serve as a stepping stone to further coursework or to entry-level positions at commercial airports.

How Long Do Aviation Certificates Take To Complete?

The timeframe for completing an aviation certificate depends on which program you enter. Some schools offer certifications for airline transport pilots (ATP), which take three to five years to complete, whereas a beginner pilot license may take about six to 12 months. Finally, there are certificates for aircraft dispatchers (lasting about four months) and aviation safety managers (lasting about 12 months).

Can Aviation Certificates Lead To Degrees?

Yes, many aviation experts begin their careers by earning beginner certificates before earning piloting and managerial experience, and ultimately earning a college degree in the field. This includes associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. Some institutions even award doctoral degrees, including a PhD in aviation management.

What Jobs Can I Get With an Aviation Certificate?

These certificates can eventually lead to employment in various roles, such as pilot, air-traffic controller, avionics technician, and flight instructor. Most of these positions require extensive experience, but you can begin your journey into these exciting careers by learning the academic basics, followed by guided training from a veteran pilot.

Explore Aviation Degrees

If you found this interesting and would like to explore other academic aviation credentials, then check out our other articles on aviation degrees. Learn.org has useful information on aviation degrees and certifications at every skill level.