Best Flying Schools in the World

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, USA, and CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, UK, are among the best flying schools in the world for their strong pilot training programmes and focus on preparing flying students for professional pilot training within the aviation industry.

A few other affordable flying schools are Bartolini Air in Poland, the Cape Town Flight Training Centre in South Africa, and 43 Air School in South Africa. These schools offer different pilot training routes and can be considered by students comparing affordable schools based on programme structure, location, and overall training costs. 

This article covers everything you need to know about some of the best and cheapest flying schools in the world, including different types of flying schools, courses, admission requirements, salaries, and how to choose the right school.

Types of Flying Schools in the World

Flying schools do not all offer the same training. Some give only the basic flying licence. Others train a student from the first lesson up to airline pilot level.

The main types are given below.

1. Private Pilot School

Most students start here. They learn how to handle an aircraft, navigate, and manage a flight. Advanced skills come later in the training.

Examples:

• Sling Pilot Academy (USA)
• Clacton Aero Club (UK)
• LearnToFly (Australia)

2. Commercial Pilot School

Students who want to fly as a profession join this school. They complete more flying hours and gain the skills and qualifications needed to fly aircraft for commercial work.

Examples:

• L3Harris Flight Academy (USA/UK)
• Golf Aviation Academy (South Africa)
• AAA Aviation Academy (Philippines)

3. Integrated Airline Academy

This is for people who want one long program that takes them from total beginner to a pilot who is ready for an airline.

Examples:

• Skyborne Airline Academy (UK/USA)
• FTEJerez (Spain)

4. University Flight School

Here, students study aviation at a university and train as pilots at the same time. They also learn about the aviation industry.

Examples:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)
• University of North Dakota (USA)
• Western Michigan University (USA)

5. Modular Flight School

This type gives students more flexibility. They can finish one licence, rating, or training stage at a time, and each one is taken separately.

Examples:

• Bartolini Air (Poland)
• SEAGLE Air (Slovakia)
• Cape Town Flight Training Centre (South Africa)

6. Airline Cadet Academy

This school trains you for one airline. It teaches what that airline wants, and it often gives you a clear path to the pilot seat of a big airplane.

Examples:

• Lufthansa Aviation Training (Germany)
• Wizz Air Pilot Academy (Central Europe)
• Air New Zealand Aviation Academy (New Zealand)

7. Helicopter Flight School

Students who want to specialise in helicopters can choose this school. It prepares them for commercial, emergency, tourism, utility, and other helicopter work.

Examples:

• Bristow Academy (USA)
• Helicopteros de Catalunya (Spain)
• Mauna Loa Helicopters (USA)

8. Flight Instructor School

Pilots who want to become instructors join this school. They get more flying experience and build flight hours while teaching students to fly safely.

Examples:

• ATP Flight School (USA)
• Epic Flight Academy (USA)

Top 10 Flying Schools in the World

Selecting the right flying school matters a lot for a pilot's career. Good academies offer quality training, certified instructors, real flying experience, and links with major airlines.

Here are the best flying schools in the world:

Flying School	Key Highlights
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (USA)	Good flight training, aviation courses, modern training centres, and strong links with airlines.
CAE Oxford Aviation Academy (UK / Global)	Pilot training at many locations. Helps students prepare for airline pilot jobs.
University of North Dakota (USA)	A large number of training aircraft, good flight training, and links with airlines.
Purdue University (USA)	Flight training along with aviation and aerospace courses. It has a long history in aviation education.
Lufthansa Aviation Training (Germany)	Professional pilot training. Prepares students for airline careers.
Singapore Flying College (Singapore)	A well-known pilot training school in Asia that offers commercial pilot training.
L3Harris Flight Academy (USA / UK)	Fast pilot training programmes for students who want to become commercial pilots.
Western Michigan University (USA)	Flight training and aviation courses, with good links to the aviation industry.
FTEJerez (Spain)	Professional pilot training and an integrated ATPL programme in a residential setting.
University of New South Wales (Australia)	Aviation and flight training programmes with good facilities and industry exposure.

Affordable Flying Schools in the World

Pilot training can be costly as the student is required to pay for hours in the aircraft, flight instructor, flight exams, simulator time, on-the-job training costs, and accommodation, etc. Not all the cheapest flying schools in the world are the best, nor are all the best flying schools the most expensive.

The following table includes some of the cheapest flying schools in the world in comparison to the other schools. 

Affordable Flying Schools in the World	Approximate Program Cost (Local/INR)
SMATSA Aviation Academy (Vršac, Serbia)	EUR 40,000 – 45,000 (INR 43,14,800 – 48,54,150)
Golf Aviation Academy (Johannesburg, South Africa)	ZAR 780,000 – 950,000 (INR 45,00,600 – 54,81,500)
All Asia Aviation Academy (Iloilo / Pangasinan, Philippines)	PHP 2,900,000 – 3,400,000 (INR 44,66,000 – 52,36,000)
SEAGLE Air (Trenčín, Slovakia)	EUR 55,000 – 70,000 (INR 59,32,850 – 75,50,900)
Global Aviation (Athens, Greece)	EUR 62,000 (INR 66,87,940)
BAA Training (Vilnius, Lithuania / Lleida, Spain)	EUR 75,000 (INR 80,90,250)
FlyBy Aviation (Burgos, Spain)	EUR 79,500 (INR 85,75,665)

Note: Fees may change based on the school and training hours.

Courses Offered by Flying Schools in the World

The courses offered by flying schools depend on the school and aviation authority. Some schools offer only flight licences, while large academies may offer complete airline training.

Here is a list of the best pilot training institutes in the world. 

1. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy

Students seeking airline-focused training from a globally established aviation academy with extensive experience in training commercial airline pilots and dedicated cadet programmes.

Courses offered:

• Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Multi-Crew Pilot Licence (MPL)
• Airline cadet training

2. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

One can study aviation at a university while gaining flight experience through advanced training centres and building knowledge across the wider aerospace industry.

Courses offered:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Multi-Engine (ME) training

3. University of North Dakota

Those who are looking for large-scale flight training with a wide aircraft fleet, dedicated aerospace education, and opportunities to prepare for airline pilot careers.

Courses offered:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Multi-Engine (ME) training
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training

4. Skyborne Airline Academy

Those interested in a career-oriented training path covering everything from elementary pilot training, such as pilot training in the air, to the instructor rating with a focus on airline careers. 

Courses offered:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Multi-Engine (ME) training
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) training
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) training
• Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) training

5. FTEJerez

Students interested in European airline pilot training with an integrated ATPL route, residential learning environment and advanced preparation for multi-crew commercial aircraft operations.

Courses offered:

• Integrated Airline Transport Pilot Licence (ATPL)
• Commercial Pilot Licence/Instrument Rating (CPL/IR)
• Airline Pilot Standards Multi-Crew Cooperation (APS MCC)
• Advanced Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (A-UPRT)
• Aircraft type-rating training

6. L3Harris Flight Academy

Students who wish to pursue private pilot, instrument, commercial, and multi-engine training in a training curriculum.

Courses offered:

• Private Pilot Licence (PPL)
• Instrument Rating (IR)
• Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
• Multi-Engine (ME) training

7. IGRUA

Those aspiring to become a commercial pilot in aviation and wanting to get a job as a Commercial Pilot through a route which includes Aviation Education and Aviation English training for use in professional aviation.

Courses offered:

• Ab-initio Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) training
• Aviation degree programmes
• Aviation English training

8. Purdue University

Students with a keen interest in a university-based aviation experience that offers both hands-on professional flight training and academic courses within a recognized aviation degree program may apply for admission at Purdue University. 

Courses offered:

• Professional flight training
• Aviation degree programmes

How to Get into the Best Flying Schools in the World?

Most flight schools may also examine your medical fitness, school record, English language abilities, and suitability for flight training. The requirements for admission may differ depending on both country and institution, but you will be required to meet the following skills and abilities. 

1. Meet the Academic Requirements

Most flying schools ask you to have completed high school or equivalent. For university- based aviation programs, subjects like Mathematics and Physics may be desirable. 

Additionally, you may have certain minimum grade requirements at some universities, particularly for more competitive aviation programs. 

2. Complete an Aviation Medical Examination

In order to start and complete commercial pilot training, you must have a Class 1 Medical Certificate from an approved Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). This medical exam determines if a person is physically fit to fly. 

The entrance tests usually include:

• Vision and colour vision tests
• Hearing assessment
• Heart and blood pressure checks
• General physical examination
• Neurological and mental health assessment

Meeting the medical requirements early can save time and help you avoid unexpected issues later in the admission process.

3. English Language Proficiency

Most flying schools ask international students to show their English skills, as English is the language of aviation. 

It may be required depending on the institution as follows: 

• IELTS: Overall score of 6.0-6.5 or above
• TOEFL score (iBT): Around 80-90 or higher
• PTE Academic: Equivalent accepted scores

4. Clear Aptitude Tests or Interviews

Many of the world's top pilot schools hold aptitude tests or interviews in the process of admission. These assessments are to see if you have the abilities necessary for Pilot training. 

The evaluation may include:

• Logical and analytical reasoning
• Hand-eye coordination
• Spatial awareness
• Basic mathematics and physics
• Communication and problem-solving skills

5. Arrange Financial Documents

Several schools are looking for evidence of financial ability to pay tuition and living costs. This may include:

• Bank statements
• Education loan approval letters
• Scholarship or sponsorship documents

International students must also show financial proof when applying for a student visa.

6. Obtain the Required Student Visa

For students wishing to study abroad, you have to apply for the necessary student visa once you have been offered admission. The visa requirements differ from nation to nation. 

For example:

• USA: F-1 or M-1 Student Visa (For details on a student visa for USA, refer to the detailed guide).
• Australia: Student visa (Subclass 500)
• UK: Student Visa
• Canada: Study Permit

Always be aware that the processing time for the visa may differ, and it is advisable to apply in advance. 

When Should You Apply?

There is a timing for applications depending on the type of flight school that you choose. 

• University aviation programs: If they are based, it is best to apply to the program 8-10 months prior to the program intake, aligned with the academic calendar. 
• Independent flight schools: There are many flight schools that accept applications at all times and start batches of training every 1-2 months. 

Salary After Studying at the Best Flying Schools in the World

Flying from one of the best flying schools in the world can open the door to a wide range of careers in aviation. Salaries of each destination vary from one region to another. It is mandatory to look at other aspects of the salary, as this may also depend on the job role, skills, experience, and location, etc.

Some of the most popular career options include:  

Country	Approximate Annual Salary (Local/INR)
United States	USD 100,000-250,000+ (INR 85 lakh-2.1 crore+)
United Kingdom	GBP 40,000-220,000 (INR 46 lakh-2.5 crore)
Germany	EUR 60,000-200,000+ (INR 60 lakh-2 crore+)
Canada	CAD 80,000-250,000+ (INR 50 lakh-1.6 crore+)
Australia	AUD 80,000-250,000+ (INR 44 lakh-1.4 crore+)
India	INR 18-100+

Note: Salary may depend on the airline, the type of aircraft, and the number of years the pilot has flown. 

Explore aviation education opportunities in popular study destinations in detail: 

• Aviation Courses in UK
• Aviation Courses in Ireland

How to Choose the Best Flying School?

When selecting a flying school, pilot training costs can be expensive, which is why it's an important decision. One shouldn't select a school based on the statement found on its website, such as it's the best pilot training school in the world. Pay attention to the specific information on the training.

Listed below are some points to consider before submitting an application. 

1. Know Your Goal 

You should have an idea of what you want to do before selecting your flight school. The training program you will pick will depend on your career objective. 

• Commercial Pilot: Select a structured academy/university to train for CPL/ATPL. 
• Recreational Flying: You may need to look at a local flight school or flying club. 
• University Rail for aviation: A degree course that includes flying.

2. Check Accreditation 

Make sure the flight school is approved by a recognised aviation authority, such as: 

• FAA (Federal Aviation Administration): USA 
• EASA (European Union Aviation Safety Agency): Europe 
• CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority): Australia 
• CAAS (Civil Aviation Authority of Singapore): Singapore 

3. Compare the Total Cost

Take into account tuition and the associated costs such as: 

• Flight training charges 
• Aircraft rental fees 
• Flight simulator training 
• Accommodation and Living expenses 
• Licensing fees to be paid for each room, as well as examination (if any) fees.
• Read study books and wear uniforms. 

4. Evaluate the Training Facilities

A well-equipped flight school can enhance your learning experience. Look for: 

• Newly designed planes with hi-tech features 
• Advanced flight simulators 
• Well-equipped classrooms 
• Suitable aircraft maintenance facilities 

5. Check Instructor Experience 

A trained instructor will add much to the training. When considering enrollment, make sure to review: 

• Certified flight instructors 
• Commercial flying experience 
• Positive student feedback 

6. Look at Career Support 

The most successful aviation schools in the world support students in entering the aviation industry in the following ways: 

• Airline partnerships 
• Internship opportunities 
• Placement assistance 

7. Consider the Location 

You may be affected by the location when it comes to your learning experience as well as your overall experience at your flight school. Take the following into account: 

• Special flying conditions enabled by weather 
• Cost of living 
• Accommodation options 
• Student-friendly environment 
• International students will need a visa. 

8. Read Student Reviews 

Current student and alumni reviews can help you to get a better feel for the school. Pay attention to: 

• Quality of flight training 
• Instructor support 
• Aircraft availability 
• Campus facilities 
• What students experience after graduation and their career outcomes.

Conclusion

There are numerous options a student can pursue if they wish to become a professional pilot. CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, Embry-Riddle, UND, Skyborne, FTEJerez, L3Harris, Purdue, and IGRUA are some of the major names to consider. However, the best flying schools in the world are not all the same for students.

Make sure to compare the following before applying to a school: License, Total cost, Training time, Aircraft, Medical rules, Visa requirements, Career support. Students are also required to find out if the licence will be beneficial in their preferred work location. Ultimately, the most suitable pilot training institute in the world is the one that matches your career goal, training need, and budget. 

Dreaming of flying around the world and the best flying schools? Take a Book a free 1:1 counselling session with upGrad's study abroad experts and get customized advice for selecting the right flight school, admission process, and preparing for study abroad to secure your career in the aviation industry.