How to choose and pay for flight school 

What to consider when choosing a flight school  

Are you ready to be the pilot of your future? There’s a lot to consider when it comes to aviation school—from choosing a program that fits your needs to figuring out how to pay for it. Here are some flight school basics to help you get started. 

Types of flight schools

There are a few different flight school programs to choose from, each with unique features to help you find the one that best fits your goals. Let’s break it down. 

The traditional flight schools

There are two main flight schools that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recognizes—Part 61 and Part 141. Both cater to different learning styles, goals, and resources.

• Part 61: The Part 61 flight schools offer a flexible way to earn a pilot’s certificate. You can fly on your own time with an independent instructor instead of a formal flight school. If you’re interested in flying as a hobby, Part 61 is the way to go—it’s way less commitment.
• Part 141: The Part 141 flight schools are much more structured and have strict syllabi for students to follow. There are regular stage checks for instructors to evaluate the student’s progress and any room for improvement. You follow a specific lesson with a heavier curriculum. If you like having a plan, Part 141 could be the move for you.^{footnote 1}

Generally, Part 61 costs less than Part 141 because the individual lessons are more flexible than the structured curriculum of Part 141. 

Accelerated training programs

Accelerated programs can be offered by Part 61 or Part 141 flight schools. Just like the name suggests, this one’s a speedy path to your pilot’s license. You’ll need to commit to flight training like it’s your full-time job. You have to fly several hours a day and still make time to study all the material. Accelerated programs can be a good fit for someone who’s highly motivated to dive right in. 

University-based programs

There are many universities^{footnote 2} that offer flight training as part of their curriculum. This means you can earn a pilot’s license while pursuing your bachelor’s or associate’s degree. University-based flight schools have in-depth curricula that cover more than flight training—think aviation laws, air traffic control, and more. If you’re looking for something more immersive, completing flight school at a university could be the way to go.

How to pay for flight school

When it comes to paying for flight school, you’ve got a few options. First and foremost, there are tons of scholarships out there that you can apply to. Scholly Scholarships by Sallie^SM filters your results based on your major, background, the state you live in, and so much more. Being proactive in your scholarship search is a great way to get as much free money as possible. Remember—free money first!

You also have the FAFSA^®. Filing the FAFSA^® is the key to getting financial aid for school—like federal, state, and school aid. Nearly everyone who submits the FAFSA^® qualifies for some aid, so it doesn’t hurt to complete it. Not all schools are eligible to receive federal student aid, so make sure you check with your school first.

If you need extra help covering the cost of attendance, you can apply for a Smart Option Student Loan^® for flight school. You can get the money you need to pay for aviation school costs from housing to travel, and even your training material, equipment, and test fees.^{footnote 3} Not all flight schools are eligible for this loan, so be sure to reach out to your flight program for more information.

Time to take off

After weighing your options, it’s time to make your decision. It ultimately comes down to how much time you’re willing to commit and the type of pilot you aspire to be. You should choose the school that fits your goals and needs the most.