Are you searching for the requirements to apply to the best flight schools in Pennsylvania to train you to become a pilot?
In this guide, we’ve compiled the 10 best flight schools and the requirements to apply to these flight colleges in Pennsylvania.
Whether your long-term objective is to work as an airline captain or a commercial pilot, this manual will help you get there.
Before doing anything else, you must decide what type of pilot you want to be. The training you receive will depend on the aircraft you plan to fly and the licenses you might need.
For pursuing your pilot’s license for recreational purposes, you may only need to obtain your private pilot certificate and instrument rating.
The path to becoming a pilot may be incredibly gratifying and pleasurable. But when you first start, the journey could appear a little frightening.
So in this article, we’d guide you to the fundamentals you need to know on how to become a pilot in Pennsylvania, as well as the requirements needed to apply to these flight universities/colleges in this state.
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Table of Contents
Is Becoming a Pilot a Good Career?
One of the best careers you could ever consider is being a pilot. You can never stop learning and growing, aside from the fact that it is a fascinating and thrilling trip.
However, you’ll need to keep up with all the advancements and modifications in the airline and the larger market.
Additionally, you will need to undergo simulator exams every six months. You must also maintain your physical fitness to pass the yearly medical examination.
An incredible benefit of this career is that I would interact with people from all over the world, regardless of culture.
Are there Flight Universities in Pennsylvania?
There are lots of flight schools in Pennsylvania. Also, there are flight colleges and universities that offer aviation degrees.
Several of the best universities, colleges, and schools are located in Pennsylvania. This state is undoubtedly one of the best for earning a degree or getting flying instruction.
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How Do I Choose an AFS School to Attend in Pennsylvania?
Finding the best flight school is crucial, whether you want to use your training for a career or just for fun. A variety of elements also influence the selection of a flight school.
Considering this, you should consider the following aspects while selecting the best flying school in Pennsylvania for your needs and way of life.
- Your budget.
- The training facilities
- Place of the flight academy
- Number of Fleets Airport Accessibility
Conducting research is necessary if you want to learn how to become a successful pilot in Pennsylvania.
Therefore, researching flying schools in advance can help you set yourself up for success while acquiring your pilot’s license.
How Long Does it Take to Go to Flight Schools in Pennsylvania?
While getting a student pilot’s license only requires three weeks of training, getting the necessary certifications to fly multi-engine, commercial, or private aircraft may take much longer.
This means that the time you spend practicing will depend on what and how you wish to fly. For instance, obtaining a commercial license may require up to 24 months, and getting a private pilot license may take between 6 and 12 months.
In addition, it will take you at least two years to train, test, and become certified as required by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) if your objective is to fly a passenger aircraft for a commercial airline.
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What are the Requirements to Become a Pilot in Pennsylvania?
Knowing the requirements to receive your private pilot license is essential when learning how to fly.
The basic requirements to obtain your pilot’s certificate are as follows:
- You must be able to read, write, speak, and comprehend English.
- Finish a ground training program with a CFI or a home study that has been approved.
- Passing an FAA knowledge test
- Pass an oral and practical flight test with an FAA Examiner.
- Additionally, you must complete 40 hours of flying training, some of which must be solo and at least 17 years old.
- Furthermore, you must succeed in both your practical exam and knowledge exam.
- A Medical Certificate. The medical requirements are, perhaps.
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List of the 10 Best Flight Schools in Pennsylvania
#1. Ace Pilot Training
- Location: Allentown, Pennsylvania
Since 1992, Ace Pilot Training, Inc. has provided high-quality flight training, aircraft rentals, and airplane ownership.
They are situated at the Lehigh Valley International Airport. Flight training is carried out in a safe operating environment made available by an on-site air traffic control facility.
Their highly qualified flight instructors are happy to assist you as you progress through our Multi-Engine Airline Transport Pilot course’s challenging procedures from the first lessons of Private Pilot training onward.
Additionally, they are experts in providing professional helicopter career training, particularly to international pupils. Excellent living options and a helicopter career package are available.
Programs offered:
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot (CPL)
- Flight Instructor (CFI / FI)
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Flight Instructor – Instrument Multi-Engine (Class Rating)
- Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (MEI)
- FAR Part 141 Approved
- CBT Training
- Ground School Classes
#2. Chester County Aviation
- Location: Coatesville, Pennsylvania
A recognized Cessna Pilot Center is Chester County Aviation. They also function as a Part 61 flying school, providing instruction to everyone from private pilots to airline transport pilots, including flight instructor training.
Also, they employ the Cessna-certified web-based training curriculum for its Private Pilot and Instrument Rating students.
They use various aircraft for instruction, allowing the student pilot to become accustomed to all kinds of aircraft.
Programs Offered
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot (CPL)
- Flight Instructor (CFI / FI)
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATPL)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Flight Instructor – Instrument
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#3. Harrisburg Pilots
- Location: Middletown, Pennsylvania
The flying school at Harrisburg International Airport, Harrisburg Pilots, provides qualified, professional flight instruction and a selection of Cessna and Flight Design aircraft.
You can choose between a sport pilot certificate and a private license at Harrisburg Pilots. They also provide business and instrument instruction. Additionally, you can rent their aircraft once you complete this program and become a pilot.
Two initial pilot licenses are available: sport pilot and private pilot. You can decide which route is ideal for you by discussing your flying objectives with a flight instructor.
You can also plan an introductory flight. With an instructor by your side, you’ll be able to pilot the aircraft. This allows you to understand what it’s like to fly a plane in practice. It’s crucial to remember that a sport pilot does not need a medical test from the FAA; a private pilot in training does.
The unique curriculum makes Harrisburg Pilots one of the best flight schools, colleges, and universities in Pennsylvania to train to become a pilot.
#4. Moore Aviation, Inc.
- Location: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
One of Pennsylvania’s best flying schools, Moore Aviation, has had a wealth of training experience.
Moore Aviation includes a fleet of 11 aircraft, 10 flight instructors, and a full-time chief instructor. They will complete your flight training quicker, with fewer flight hours, and generally for less money than less reputable schools.
They concentrate on training professional pilots. Also, they provide the Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot License Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flying Instructor Rating, Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating, and Multi-Engine Instructor Rating as an FAA Part 141 and Part 61 flight school.
With the help of their highly skilled personnel, professional pilot students will advance in their training.
Many of their graduates are now enjoying rewarding jobs in aviation with organizations including the US Navy, US Air Force, US Airways, American Airlines, Northwest, United, Republic, Air Wisconsin, Colgan Air, UPS, and the Federal Aviation Administration.
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#5. Marywood University
- Location: Scranton, Pennsylvania
Marywood University exclusively offers an aviation management bachelor’s degree in Scranton. The Accreditation Council additionally recognized them for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP). They can provide individualized attention to pupils because their faculty members are pilots and have small class sizes.
The BBA in Aviation Management program is available through Marywood. In this course, there are two tracks.
- Professional Pilot/Flight Operations
- Airport/Airline Management
This unique mix of training will prepare you for your career as a pilot and in airline/airport management. A business degree is a big plus for pilots working in the profession.
The first semester of their studies is when Professional Pilot/Flight Operations track students start flying.
Internship options are available to Marywood University students. Students who have completed this program in aviation management have gone on to land jobs as airline pilots, military pilots, and management positions in the aviation industry.
The unique curriculum makes Marywood University one of Pennsylvania’s best flight schools, colleges, and universities to train to become a pilot.
#6. Valley Aviation
- Location: Forty-Fort, Pennsylvania
Family, joy, and flying were the pillars upon which Valley Aviation was established. Thanks to their dedication, your flying training will be enjoyable and hassle-free. The most excellent flying instructors work for them and are FAA-qualified.
Northeast Pennsylvania’s largest flight training facility, Valley Aviation, provides FAA Part 61 and Part 141 flight training. Their highly qualified instructors can also guide you through basic flight instructions and aerobatic and upset training.
Additionally, they have an updated and well-maintained fleet, providing safety training.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Aerobatics
- Ground School Classes
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#7. ACES Aviation
- Location: Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania
ACES Aviation offers professional training for certification as a recreational, private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, and instructor pilot.
They are a Part 61 and Part 141 flight school that has received FAA approval. ACES is conveniently situated to serve western Pennsylvania, eastern Ohio, and northern West Virginia regions.
They provide specialist training through their integrated instrument program, beginning commercial multi-engine training, and glass cockpit instruction.
ACES Aviation is the program’s top supplier for students participating in professional pilot, air traffic control, and aviation management programs at the Community College of Beaver County.
Programs & Courses
- Sports Pilot (SPL/LSA)
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot (CPL)
- Flight Instructor (CFI / FI)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Flight Instructor
- Instrument Multi-Engine (Class Rating)
- Flight Instructor – Multi-Engine (MEI)
- Ground School Classes
#8. Eastern Mennonite University at Lancaster
- Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania
This is one of Pennsylvania’s top flight schools where you can learn how to become a pilot. A bachelor’s degree in organizational management and leadership is awarded to graduates of this aviation program.
Additionally, they provide a Flight Instructor Certificate and Private and Commercial Pilot Certificates with an Instrument Rating.
It is the only college that offers an aviation degree and a direct path to other academic degrees and flight training. Additionally, they have knowledgeable and approachable flight instructors who can assist you anytime.
Their four-year curriculum is set up to make the most of your time in the classroom and provide you with plenty of time to plan your weekly flight training. They also offer cash assistance.
This university is a member of an approved aviation training program and is an accredited flight school that is a part of 141 college aviation programs.
Programs Offered
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Commercial Pilot (CPL)
- Flight Instructor (CFI / FI)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
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#9. Fundamentals Flight Training
- Location: Erie, Pennsylvania
In a secure and enjoyable learning environment, Fundamentals Flying Training offers part 61 flight training at a competitive price to the Erie region. They want to ensure that you are the most well-rounded pilot you can be when you finish the course.
They achieve this by offering a high-quality ground school together with qualified instructors. They also attempt to have each student fly with at least two different instructors to learn as much as possible about various flying techniques and styles.
Programs offered;
- Light Sport
- Private Pilot License
- Instrument rating
- Commercial
#10. FlyAdvanced – Wings Field
- Location: Blue Bell, Pennsylvania
You can receive private pilot to Advanced Cirrus Transition training at this aviation school. FlyAdvanced provides excellent instructors and an enjoyable environment. Learn to fly to expand your business or just for fun.
As a Cirrus Standardized Training Center (CSTC), they also provide instruction on the 2000–2003 Cessna 172 and Piper Archer III. In other words, they train pilots on a fleet that is up-to-date and properly maintained.
Programs Offered:
- Private Pilot (PPL)
- Instrument Rating (IR)
- Ground School Classes
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Frequently Asked Questions About Best Flight Colleges in Pennsylvania
Are Commercial Pilots in Demand?
The demand for commercial pilots is always high. There are plenty of open vacancies, yet the sector severely lacks pilots.
Additionally, one of the best careers in the world is being a commercial airline pilot, and you get to enjoy many unique advantages.
How Much Do Flight Schools Cost in Pennsylvania?
The cost of flight schools, colleges, and universities depends on several factors, such as the training you want and the flight school in Pennsylvania.
However, the average cost of flight colleges and universities in Pennsylvania to train a pilot is:
Sport Pilot License-$3,000 to $5,000
Private Pilot License-$6,500 to $12,000
Private + Commercial License – $10,000 to $16,000
How Much Do Pilots Earn in Pennsylvania?
Commercial pilots earn an average yearly salary of $98,460.
Although the pay varies, the salary typically starts from $64,230 to $148,660.
Must Flight Schools Be Accredited in Pennsylvania?
These flight schools must be accredited to be recognized. The main goal of aviation school accreditation is to give students confidence that their education will be of the highest caliber and that they will be admitted to other colleges. It also helps determine whether a facility meets or exceeds the minimum standards for quality.
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