How to Choose the Right Flight School (And What to Watch Out For)

Picking a flight school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in your aviation journey and one of the most overwhelming. There are a lot of options out there, and not all schools are created equal. Here’s how to find the right fit for you and the red flags to keep an eye on.

Part 61 vs. Part 141: What’s the Difference?

You’ll hear these terms thrown around a lot, so let’s clear them up. Part 61 and Part 141 refer to the sections of the Federal Aviation Regulations that govern how flight training is structured.

Part 61 schools offer more flexibility. Your training schedule can be customized, lessons can happen at your own pace, and your instructor has more freedom in how they teach. This is a great option if you’re training part-time, have a busy schedule, or want a more relaxed approach. The tradeoff is that the FAA requires more total flight hours before you can take your checkride (40 hours minimum for a PPL, though most students need 60–75 in reality).

Part 141 schools follow a structured, FAA-approved curriculum with specific stage checks built in. They tend to be more regimented, which can be great if you thrive with structure. The benefit is a lower minimum hour requirement (35 hours for a PPL), and Part 141 programs are often preferred if you’re using VA benefits or certain financial aid. Many university aviation programs operate under Part 141.

Neither is inherently better — it depends on how you learn, your timeline, and your budget.

The best school is the one that gets you trained safely and thoroughly.

Questions to Ask Before You Sign Up

Don’t be afraid to shop around and ask tough questions. Here are the ones that matter most:

What’s your instructor turnover rate? High turnover means you might switch CFIs multiple times during training, which can slow your progress and cost you money as each new instructor gets up to speed on where you are. Schools with stable, experienced instructors are worth their weight in avgas.

What does the fleet look like? Are the airplanes well-maintained? How old are they? Are they frequently down for maintenance? A school with a small, aging fleet might mean more canceled lessons due to aircraft availability. Ask to see the planes and check the condition of the interiors. It tells you a lot about how the school runs things.

What are the all-in costs? Get a realistic estimate, not just the per-hour rate. Ask about fuel surcharges, ground instruction fees, checkride examiner fees, books, supplies, and whether there are any hidden costs. A school that’s upfront about pricing is one that respects your time and money.

What’s the typical time to completion? If most students are finishing their PPL in 6–9 months, that’s a good sign. If the school can’t give you a straight answer or students routinely take over a year, dig deeper.

Can I talk to current or former students? This is the gold standard. Hearing from people who’ve actually trained there will give you the unfiltered truth. If a school hesitates to connect you with students, that’s a red flag.

Red Flags to Watch Out For

Pressure to sign a long-term contract or pay large sums upfront. Reputable schools let you pay as you go or in reasonable blocks. If someone wants thousands of dollars before you’ve even sat in a plane, walk away.

Instructors who seem disengaged or rushed. Your CFI is your most important relationship in training. If they’re constantly checking their phone, showing up late, or clearly just building hours to move on to the airlines, you deserve better.

A messy, disorganized operation. If the front desk can’t keep your schedule straight, the dispatch process is chaotic, or the facility feels neglected, those are signs of deeper management issues that will affect your training.

No clear training syllabus or progress tracking. Even at a Part 61 school, there should be some structure. You should always know where you are in your training, what’s coming next, and what you need to work on. If your school can’t provide that, it’s hard to train efficiently.

Trust Your Gut

At the end of the day, you’ll spend a lot of time and money at your flight school. It should feel like a place where you’re supported, respected, and excited to show up. Visit in person if you can. Hang around the FBO for a bit. Talk to the instructors, the front desk, and the students on the ramp. The vibe matters more than you’d think.

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Choosing a flight school is a big deal, but it doesn’t have to be stressful. Do your homework, ask the right questions, and pick the place that feels like the right home base for your aviation journey. And remember — if it doesn’t feel right after you’ve started, it’s okay to switch. Your training is too important to settle.

Fly safe and blue skies,

Amber

“Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” — Eddie Rickenbacker