10 Best Flight Schools in Arkansas in 2023 | How to Apply

Do you meet the requirements to apply to the best flight schools, colleges, and universities in Arkansas, USA, to train to become a professional pilot?

Are you confused about how to become a pilot in Arkansas? Thankfully, this article is for you!

Ignorance is a killer of purpose and dreams; knowledge, on the other hand, is power. The first step to achieving your goal is knowing and understanding every line of action leading to your destination. This destination usually is identified as your dreams, career, and goals.

This knowledge-packed article will look at how to become a pilot and the requirements to apply to flight schools, colleges, and universities in Arkansas.

Please fasten your seat belt as we embark on this journey.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Flight Schools In Virginia| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Is Becoming A Pilot A Good Career?

Everyone wants a career that allows them to grow and succeed; being a pilot is a sure bet for growth.

There are numerous benefits to becoming a pilot, including retirement settlement, an annual pension of $360,000, travel allowance for both you and your family, sometimes accommodation because some work schedules require you to stay close to the airport, a large monthly stipend, and a valuable network opportunity, and the list goes on.

This job also carries a lot of responsibility. If you’re determined, resilient, focused, decisive, dedicated to your work, and knowledgeable, why not enroll in one of Arkansas’s best flight schools, colleges, or universities?

What are the Factors To Consider When Choosing A Flight School in Arkansas?

There are so many skills required of a pilot; being a pilot is a stringent career path. Individuals. You shouldn’t sleep on these core skills to thrive in this career.

Therefore, as part of the factors to consider before applying to flight schools, Here are some skills I did justice to pay heed to them.

#1. Ability To Work Under Pressure

Nobody gives their best performance while fidgeting, so as a pilot, one of the essential skills to have is the ability to maintain calmness when things get tough. Many emergencies and unpredictable conditions may arise, and your calm will allow you to apply everything you’ve learned in flight school and training.

The ability to be who you’re when faced with panic is a great attribute, and with this skill, trust me, the sky will be your starting point.

Panic isn’t a good trait as it makes you scared to the point that you lose self-confidence and stability.

Pilots face emergencies that should be handled with utmost instructions and calmness.

#2. Decisiveness

Just like Dealing with pressure and fear, a pilot should be decisive and accurate at all times. There’s a great responsibility to be concerned about as you’re not just responsible for yourself but the entire crew, copilots, and the entirety of the passengers onboard.

Moreso, these decisions should be quick and the best of many others. You must be accurate as a pilot, so work on this skill if you lack it.

#3. Spatial Knowledge

As someone who has an interest in becoming a pilot, one of the factors you shouldn’t like is awareness and knowledge.

You need basic mathematics, physics, and geography knowledge to thrive in flight schools. This will make you outstanding when compared to others with no such background.

#4. Self Confidence

Confidence makes you see the good in yourself and others, which helps you shun a negative mindset and inferiority complex.

More also, this is not a reason to be complacent, as overconfidence is detrimental to you.

#5. Attention to details

All professions and works of life require this skill, as no one will see the sky without it.

The ability to know every detail of your career is admirable.

Pilots are supposed to be teachable as no and attentive to details.

ALSO READ: 10 Best Flight Schools in Utah| Requirements, Cost & How to Apply

Are there Flight Universities in Arkansas?

There are numerous flight schools in Arkansas; amongst these schools are those competing as the best flight schools, colleges, and universities in Arkansas.

These schools train pilots and equip them with the necessary knowledge for navigation. Also, there are various requirements to apply to flight schools in Arkansas.

Each school has unique qualifications and degree programs; this article will guide you on your journey to learn how to become a pilot in Arkansas.

How Long Does It Take To Go To Flight Schools in Arkansas?

A bachelor’s of aviation degree takes 4 years, so your choice of qualification is paramount.

Furthermore, you should consider the school and program of interest; some programs require 2 weeks of consistent training and 40 flight hours to award certification, while for others, it is not.

Duration for commercial pilot certification differs from private pilot license and vice versa.

Conversely, there are accelerated programs that allow you to acquire your certificate in a short time. Schools like ATP usually run short, reliable programs that allow you to acquire your certification in just 7months.

Below are some of the programs one can apply for.

Airline Transport Pilot
Commercial Pilot
Private Pilot
Sport Pilot
Recreational Pilot
Student Pilot

What are the Requirements To Apply To Flight Schools in Arkansas?

Requirements to apply to flight schools, colleges, and universities In Arkansas differ by school, type of program, and location of the school.

Also, one has to be of a certain age, possess the necessary physical traits, pass the medical test examination, and many others.

Here are the requirements to apply to flight schools in Arkansas by the type of program/ license.

#1. Commercial Pilot License(CPL)

You must be a Private Pilot License holder
Good in communication
18 years of age and above
Hold a 2nd Class FAA Medical test certificate

#2. Private Pilot License(PPL)

A Third class FAA medical Certificate is accepted
17 years to obtain a certificate and 16 years for entry-level
Understands the English language

#3. Airline Transport Pilot License(ATPL)

Must be 18 years of age and above to acquire a license
Medical Test Certification- 2nd class certificate
Must pass the assessment Test
A valid Commercial pilot license is required
TSA approval for Nationality And Eligibility

How Do I Choose A Flight School To Attend in Arkansas?

Attending a flight school in Arkansas is awesome, but choosing wisely from the best flight schools, colleges, and universities in Arkansas is where the problem lies.

Generally, the standards of schools differ in the same way certification quality varies; hence, you need to research before applying to any school of choice.

Here’s a list of criteria before applying to any school in Arkansas.

#1. Quality Of License

The quality of certification and licensing at the school is of great importance. Not all schools are accredited; hence their degrees are not recognized to a reasonable standard.

If you don’t want to waste tuition fees and time, of course, do well to do good research about these schools.

Some schools have admirable track records of success and growth. Do yourself good by applying to such schools.

#2. Training Fee

Accelerated programs equip students with on-the-job experiences and may require an extra fee.

Make reasonable inquiries about these flight schools; that’s a step forward if you want to know how to become a pilot in Arkansas.

Generally, schools with experienced instructors are in high demand, and their fees are high too. But not to worry, there are low-budget schools in Arkansas with quality degrees and instructors.

#3. Environment

The location of a school is essential.

Due to natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, cold, drought, earthquakes, and other environmental conditions,

One ought to choose a good location.

Choosing a convenient school with little or no disaster track record is advised.

Having a school location that suits your body type and current site is incredible.

#4. Program Of Interest

One can have different licenses and degrees on the journey of becoming a pilot.

These programs differ just from the name of the schools.

Locating a school offering your desired course of interest is commendable.

ALSO READ: Top Best Flight Schools in Tennessee– A Detailed Guide

List of the 10 Best Flight Schools in Arkansas

Here’s a list of Arkansas’s 10 best schools, colleges, and universities; if you want to know how to become a pilot, don’t joke with these details.

#1. Summit Aviation

Summit Aviation is a flight school located in Bentonville, Arkansas. They have been in business since 2006.

Their programs are; scenic flight, tailwind flight training, airplane flight training, FBO, and the list continues.

They are one of the best schools you can see around Arkansas.

Visit School

#2. ARH Aviation

ARH Aviation is a flight training school located in Springdale, Arkansas. They have been serving the Northwest Arkansas region for about 15 years. This excellent school has qualified instructors that give beginners advanced-level training.

ARH Aviation

#3. Superior Aviation

The location is at Conway, Arkansas, a stone’s throw from little rock. It’s a low-budget school with experienced instructors. This school is considered one of the best flight schools in Arkansas, rating no. 3. They offer courses such as PPL, CFL, IR, and many others.

Visit School

#4. Barrett Aviation LLC

You’ll get superior training from highly-trained instructors in a comfortable and professional environment.

Barrett Aviation has a track record of best-trained students.

The location is in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Visit School

#5. VSL Aviation

This is one of the best flight schools in Arkansas; they have qualified instructors with experience in flight training and management. They offer various courses that will help your career path as an upcoming pilot. This school is located in Russellville, Arkansas.

Visit School

#6. Arkansas Pilot Development

This school is located in Lonoke, Arkansas. They offer courses ranging from PPL, CFL, IR, and ATPL. If you want to know how to become a pilot in Arkansas, research this school appropriately.

Visit APD

#7. Henderson State University

The instructors discuss the basics of aeronautic principles. HSU is the only school offering a four-year bachelor’s degree in aviation in Arkansas.

This school offers excellent programs and licenses. It’s considered one of the best flight universities in Arkansas.

Visit HSU

#8. SkyVenture Aviation, Inc.

They operate under FAA Part 141 as an Approved Pilot School and as a Cessna Pilot Center. SkyVenture offers flight training leading to all FAA Pilot Certificates and ratings from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot.

They have suitable programs available for everyone from the beginner to the future professional pilot.

Visit Skyventure Aviation

#9. Central Flying Service

Every instructor in CFS is a professional pilot who loves to train; as I said, the quality of instructors is paramount when choosing a flight school to go to.

An experienced instructor is all you need. Visit the school website by clicking the blue highlight.

Central Flying Service

#10. Fly Jonesboro

This school is located in Jonesboro, Arkansas.

They offer high-quality, personalized, professional flight training. It’s considered one of the best flight schools in Arkansas.

Visit School

ALSO READ: Top 11 Best Flight Schools in Florida

Conclusion

How to become a pilot in Arkansas begins with knowing your career path. You can only be aware by researching flight schools and the requirements to apply to these flight colleges in Arkansas. This is a great career path, and if you have what it takes to go for it, then grab the opportunity.

Frequently Asked Questions About How To Become A Pilot in Arkansas.

Are commercial pilots in demand?

Yes!!! There’s recently been a high demand for pilots, so get a professional CPL certificate/ license.

How much do flight schools cost in Arkansas?

Depending on the degree of choice and school.

Here’s a list of licenses and costs in Arkansas.

Sport Pilot License – $3,000 to $5,000
Private Pilot License – $6,500 to $12,000
The Private + Commercial License – $10,000 to $16,000
Private + Instrument + Commercial – $18,000 to $24,000
Private + Instrument + Commercial + ATP – $30,000+

How much do pilots earn in Arkansas?

One can earn above average when compared to other careers.

It depends on the certification you have and the place of your job. There are regional and international pilots, as we all know, and there would be differences in stipend.

Must flight schools be accredited in Arkansas?

New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC) accredits bachelor’s of aviation programs, so yes! Flight schools should be certified in Arkansas.

But unfortunately, some schools are not accredited and still train students.