Flight School Applicant Resources

FlightSafety Academy Student FAQ

• Why choose FlightSafety Academy?

  Vero Beach’s ideal weather allows approximately 320 flying days annually, making your training schedule more efficient and productive.

  A fleet of nearly 70 wholly owned single- and multi-engine aircraft allows you to gain both the fundamentals of flight and train with the latest technology.

  Our FAA Part 145 Repair Station encompasses three hangars, offering progressive maintenance programs.

  More career opportunities are available for pilots receiving world-renowned FlightSafety International training.

  All-inclusive tuition costs means no surprises.

• Does FlightSafety Academy partner with any airlines?

  FlightSafety Academy cadets enjoy the benefits of the Academy’s long tenure in aviation and its well-respected reputation. The Academy has Cadet Programs with some of the most elite airlines in the industry which include Envoy Air, Delta Airlines and United Aviate.

• What aircraft manufacturers do you work with?

  FlightSafety Academy prepares cadets to fly at any level. Once initial training is completed, aircraft type-specific instruction continues for all major aircraft manufacturers and models through its relationship with FlightSafety International.

• What's FlightSafety Academy's history of training success?

  FlightSafety Academy has graduated more than 25,000 cadets since its founding in 1966. It’s part of FlightSafety International, the world leader in aviation training – owned by Berkshire Hathaway.

• What campus housing is available?

  FlightSafety Academy offers on- and off-campus housing for current students. We don’t require students to live in campus housing, so associated costs are not included in the tuition. All units are fully furnished, including a refrigerator, microwave, Wi-Fi and housekeeping.

  You must be at least 18 years old at the time of enrollment to live in campus-provided housing. No signed lease is required. Rates vary and are per person, per night. Rent is paid monthly. Housing is based on availability and is granted on a first-come, first-served basis. Housing is offered on a multiple occupancy basis.

• How soon should I begin the process of applying?

  We recommend U.S. citizens start the application process 2 months in advance. International students and permanent resident card holders should start at least 3 months in advance. We stop accepting applications 15 business days prior to the scheduled start date.

• How does ground school work?

  The Academy conducts formal ground school at the start of each rating or certificate program. Dedicated, certified ground school instructors conduct classes for 6 hours each weekday, which last between 1 to 3 weeks. Upon successful completion of ground school you are automatically scheduled to take the associated required FAA written exam which is conveniently administered on campus.

• How accurate is the estimated timeline?

  We do our best to make the estimated timeline and pricing as accurate as possible. However, factors such as repeat lessons, weather and student vacation requests can affect graduation dates and total tuition costs. We recommend budgeting an extra 10% of the total training costs in case additional training is required to achieve proficiency.

• Do I need to pay all the tuition up front?

  No, your tuition may be paid in monthly payments, with your first and last payment due upon arrival. A payment schedule will be provided upon receiving your enrollment agreement.

• What happens if I change my mind after paying the application fee and tuition deposit?

  Our tuition deposit of $2,350 is fully refundable if you are unable to enroll in the Academy. The application deposit of $150 is not refundable and will be kept to help cover any processing costs to that point.

• Do students and instructors wear uniforms?

  All students and instructors wear FlightSafety Academy issued uniforms, included in the tuition costs. Students are fitted for their uniforms during orientation. You will need to provide black shoes, belt and socks.

• Do we have holidays off?

  FlightSafety Academy is closed for standard U.S. holidays. We offer an optional official school holiday each year from December 15-January 10. Students may request a Leave of Absence (LOA) during this time.

• What other careers are available with FlightSafety International?

  FlightSafety International looks for qualified pilot and maintenance instructors for Learning Centers all over the world. You can join a worldwide team of nearly 5,000 dedicated aviation professionals – instructors, technicians and customer service and management personnel. You’ll work with the acknowledged industry leader in professional aviation training and advanced-technology simulation training systems. Fortune 500 companies, aircraft manufacturers, governments and militaries worldwide trust us to deliver safety – enhancing training and training systems for the majority of current aircraft flying today. See all of the opportunities at https://www.flightsafety.com/careers/.

• Are there other ways to receive college credit?

  FlightSafety Academy cadets can earn college credit toward a four-year degree at several colleges and universities. Credit can be given toward specific degree programs at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Eastern Michigan University, Auburn University, Indian River State College, Utah Valley University and Florida Institute of Technology.

• What equipment will I train on?

  All training tools, classroom, aircraft and training devices are located on-site at Vero Beach for the exclusive use of FlightSafety Academy cadets. In addition to a fleet of nearly 70 Piper single- and multi-engine aircraft, you’ll use one of three FRASCA Flight Trainers.

• What kind of student services exist?

  Our Student Services Team is a robust department encompassing student housing, admissions, orientation, immigration and student tracking. They also provide valuable tips and guidance on studying, TSA reminders, stage check information, as well as information on FAAST team seminars and guest speakers. Transportation for grocery shopping for students without a vehicle is also facilitated by Student Services.

• Is housing included in my training costs?

  We do not require FlightSafety Academy students to live in campus housing, therefore we do not include associated housing costs in our training proposals. If you decide to live in on-campus housing, a $250.00 security deposit will be charged upon check-in and student residents will complete mandatory move-in and departure inspections.

• What is the best way to see the campus?

  There is no substitute for seeing FlightSafety Academy in person. We welcome you to visit our campus at 10 a.m. ET, Tuesdays and Thursdays for a complete, behind-the-scenes tour. While you’re here we will introduce you to our staff members and other students and invite you to check out our fleet. Schedule a tour online, on the phone or via email.

• What's the weather like?

  Expect high temperatures around 90 degrees Fahrenheit (32° C) during the summer, with an average low temperature around 72° F (22° C). Even in the winter, the pleasant highs are usually in the mid-70s F (24° C). The warm climate allows for year-round flying, beach days and golf.

• Does FlightSafety Academy offer accelerated training courses?

  At this time, we do not offer accelerated training courses. We have chosen to focus solely on making sure our students receive the training necessary to become a professional pilot, in demand by the industry.