Military Flight Training Timeline and Financing

The following flight training timeline and costing data is based on Collegiate semesters and VA funding cost, which is subject to VA yearly funding cap. Flight training is only an approximation as every student learns at a different pace and other factors such as aircraft availability, instructor availability and weather delays may require timeline flexibility.

Overview Private Instrument Commercial Instructor

From start to finish, this Flight Training Timeline is intended to allow Transitioning Service Members and Veterans to utilize their GI Bill® Educational Benefits at our FAA Approved Part 141 Flight School to achieve maximum commercial ratings while keeping out-of-pocket costs to a minimum. Learn the difference between Part 61 Flight Training and Part 141 Flight Training.
 
A non-Military/non-GI Bill® eligible Student would have to pay up to $120,000 for all the flight training and collegiate credit hours while also paying their living and transportation expenses out of pocket. Make sure to consider the costs of housing and transportation when choosing your flight school. By traveling to a full-service flight school such as US Aviation Academy, you can focus on your training full-time while being able to utilize the Monthly Housing Allowance.

Flight Training

  • Approx. 20 Months for Maximum Ratings
  • Approx. 12 Months for Basic Ratings
  • Private Pilot Requires Funding
  • Employable as low as 14 Months

Collegiate Degree

     

Currently, only our Denton, Texas (DTO) and Fort Worth (AFW) Campuses are VA Approved

The funding number below is based on attending Liberty University as a Flight Training Affiliate out of Denton, Texas (DTO). Fort Worth, Texas (AFW) will have a different pace based on Tarrant County Community College.

 
Flight School Courses Veteran Soldiers GI Bill 141 Flight Training Timeline

 Private Pilot

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently fly a single-engine aircraft such as a Cessna 172 while carrying passengers for leisure, non-commercial flights.

Ground School

  • In-Person Instruction
  • 40 Hours Total Classroom Time
  • 2 Hours a Day, 4 Weeks of Training
  • Endorsement to Take PAR Written Exam
  • Official PSI Testing on Site

Flight Training

  • 35 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 55 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Flight in Cessna 152 (under 180lbs)
  • Flight in Cessna 172 (over 180lbs)

Timeline: 2 to 4 Months

NOTE: This Course Requires Funding Source. See FAFSA Funding or Private Funding for help. This Certificate can be conducted Part 61 rather than Part 141.
Flight School Courses GI Bill 141 Approved Self Testing Veteran Pilot VA Approved

 Instrument Rating

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently fly in instrument meteorological conditions (IMC) while relying solely on the information provided by the instrument control panel.

Ground School

  • In-Person Instruction
  • 40 Hours Total Classroom Time
  • 2 Hours a Day, 4 Weeks of Training
  • Endorsement to Take IRA Written Exam
  • Official PSI Testing on Site

Flight Training

  • 35 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 50 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Flight in Cessna 152 (under 180lbs)
  • Flight in Cessna 172 (over 180lbs)
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 2 Months // VA Funded: $13,000

Flight School Courses Flight Training Timeline Veteran Pilot VA Approved

 Commercial Single-Engine

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently fly single-engine aircraft for compensation or hire. Certain FAA restrictions apply to the type of for-hire activity for this level of a commercial pilot.

Ground School

  • In-Person Instruction
  • 60 Hours Total Classroom Time (CSEL & CMEL)
  • 3 Hours a Day, 4 Weeks of Training
  • Endorsement to Take CAX Written Exam
  • Official PSI Testing on Site

Flight Training

  • 120 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 120 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Flight in Cessna 152 (Solo Flights)
  • Flight in Cessna 172 (Dual Flights)
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 6 Months // VA Funded: $30,000

Flight School Courses Army Navy Marines Air Force

 Certified Flight Instructor

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently teach other student pilots the knowledge and skills to become a pilot themselves. You will be able to sign off student pilots on solos as well as teach commercial maneuvers. This is the best method of receiving a paid flying position and can build time quickly in certain circumstances.

Ground School

  • In-Person Practice Teaching Lessons
  • 40 Hours Total Classroom Time
  • 4 Hours a Day, 2 Weeks of Training
  • Prepare to take FOI/FIA Written Exam
  • Official PSI Testing on Site

Flight Training

  • 25 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 25 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Fly Right Seat and Practice Teaching
  • Flight in Cessna 172
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 2 Months // VA Funded: $12,000

Flight Training Timeline GI Bill 141 Approved Self Testing Veteran Pilot VA Approved

 Flight Instructor Instrument

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently teach pilots who are looking to achieve their instrument rating. You will become highly proficient in instrument flying and instructing students on standards and procedures to safely fly without outside visual references.

Ground School

  • In-Person Practice Teaching Lessons
  • Combined with CFI Ground
  • 4 Hours a Day, 1 Week of Training
  • Prepare to take FAA FII Written Exam
  • Official PSI Testing on Site

Flight Training

  • 15 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 15 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Fly Right Seat and Practice Teaching
  • Flight in Cessna 172
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 2 Months // VA Funded: $7,000

 
Veteran Readiness and Employment VR&E Chapter 31

 Commercial Multi-Engine

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently fly aircraft with multiple engines for compensation or hire. Multi-engine pilots will learn how to operate the more complex aspect of larger aircraft as well as know procedures for engine-out emergencies.  Certain FAA restrictions still apply to the type of for-hire activity for this level of commercial pilot.

Ground School

  • In-Person Classroom Instruction
  • Combined with Single-Engine Ground
  • NO Written Exam

Flight Training

  • 15 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 15 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Flight in Seneca PA34 (Analog Gauges)
  • Flight in Seminole PA44 (Digital Panel)
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 2 Months // VA Funded: $10,500

GI Bill 141 Approved Self Testing Veteran Pilot VA Approved

 Multi-Engine Instructor

The course objective is to provide the student with the knowledge, skills, and aeronautical experience required to safely and competently teach pilots who are seeking the ability to fly complex aircraft with multiple engines. You will demonstrate proper and safe operations as well as how to handle engine-out emergencies.

Ground School

  • In-Person Classroom Instruction
  • 20 Hours Total Classroom Time
  • 4 Hours a Day, 5 Days of Training
  • NO Written Exam

Flight Training

  • 25 Hours FAA Minimums
  • 25 Hours Average Time to Completion
  • Flight in Seneca PA34 (Analog Gauges)
  • Flight in Seminole PA44 (Digital Panel)
  • Self-Testing Authority (No DPE!)

Timeline: 2 Months // VA Funded: $12,500

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government Web site at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

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