Becoming a Pilot - Flex Air

Flex Air Pilot Pathway

Become an Airline Pilot

The Flex Air Pilot Pathway is your most rewarding path to becoming an airline pilot, with unlimited mentorship, career coaching and placement services until you land the job you want at any airline, cargo, or charter operator. We adapt to your training goals and career aspirations - this is why we're the only flight school to win multiple industry awards from AOPA, Cessna, and more.

Includes Commercial Multi + CFI/I

100% Career Placement ONE CREW Mentorship

Accelerated Full-Time or Flexible Part-Time Scheduling

Full Financing + Housing + Training Supplies

Zero Big School Vibes

Kansas City, KS
(OJC)

Manhattan, KS
(MHK)

San Diego, CA
(MYF)

Hanna Fowler

Hanna Fowler’s Journey To Base Chief

A native of Atlanta, GA, she was exposed to every facet of the aviation industry from a young age by her pilot parents. Hanna’s experience extends from general aviation to pilot pipeline programs to name a few.

Hanna is active in aviation philanthropy and works with professional organizations and youth development groups such as Aviation Explorers, Women in Aviation, The Ninety-Nines, the National Gay Pilots Association, and the Aviation Explorers.

Today, she rose in her career from Base Chief Pilot at Flex Air to First Officer at one of the leading airlines in the Pacific Northwest.

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Ryan Davis’ Journey To The Airlines

Ryan worked through flight school and has experience in many different positions. From gate and ramp agent to working as a crew scheduler for a low-cost carrier in college, Ryan positioned himself as a knowledgeable pilot going into the industry.

While building his hours towards his ATP, Ryan flew as a second-in-command on a Beech 1900 and Cessna Caravan for Hageland in Alaska before joining Compass Airlines on the 175.

Since then, Ryan has worked as a safety advocate, pilot recruiter, captain, line check airman, and even an Assistant Chief Pilot for National Air Cargo. He now flies the 757/767 for United as a First Officer.

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Tim Kirschbaum’s Journey To Cargo

After almost 23 years in the US Army, Tim went through Flex Air’s Military Transition Program to initially fly with PSA Airlines out of Ohio. Tim is flying cargo for ATI, which services customers such as Amazon and DHL.

Tim’s ultimate goal is quality of life. His new position at ATI allows him to earn almost double his regional pay while maximizing his time at home.

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Asa Boldman’s Journey To Corporate Aviation

After graduating with a degree in accounting and working in the industry for a year, Asa decided it wasn’t for him.

Joining the Flex Air flight line in August 2018, he rocketed through training in just six months and joined Air Choice One as a first officer in one of Flex Air’s corporate flow programs.

Asa’s goal is to optimize quality of life with fun flying and intends to transition to the JetLinx flow once he reaches his hours.

Recognized as an AOPA Distinguished and Military Friendly® Flight School, Flex Air continues to provide superior one-on-one mentorship and coaching for every pilot.

We uniquely offer a ‘full pilot experience’ where you will learn to treat every maneuver, procedure, and rule respectfully, giving them your total effort and focus. Imagine getting that outstanding education while doing what you dream of…flying into the sunrise.

Join us to experience the best flight school with the best flight training experts!

Why Choose Flex Air Pilot Pathway

Passionate, Caring & Outcome-Oriented

We are outcome-oriented and care deeply about your success. We believe that every student is unique. That’s why we employ a personalized approach for every student. We work with you personally to build a long-lasting relationship throughout your career.

First Job Match-Up After Graduation

We’ll match you up with your first job after graduation, leading to bigger and better opportunities as you gain experience. Flex Air supports all alumni by providing job search assistance and counseling services throughout their careers.

All-In Aviation Career Launch

Flex Air Career Pilot Academy helps launch your aviation career with academic instruction, simulator lessons, and aircraft training. Our program delivers every certification and rating you’ll need to get hired as a professional pilot on time and within budget.

Build A Top-Notch Resume

The academy teaches you more than just the skills you need to safely and confidently pilot an aircraft. You’ll receive training on networking in the industry and build a top-notch resume that will get you noticed.

Ideal Locations

Our strategic locations are in San Diego, CA, Manhattan, KS and Kansas City, KS. If you’re far from our sites, we have housing programs available for your needs. Our blue skies and sunshine make it the perfect place for flight training!

Full Financing Available To Your Needs

Flight training should be affordable to everyone who puts in the hard work.

We’re with you every step, including finding great financing and a great job after graduation to pay for it.

When I went to Flex Air, I didn’t have any confidence in my flight ability. Flex Air was really able to just take me on a personal level to feel a whole lot more confidence in myself…It just felt much more like home, everyone here supports me, everyone here knows me and they also believed in me. It was a whole other dynamic where I knew there were people that I could lean on, there were people that I could ask for help from and I never felt like I was gonna be held back by anything. So I was able to instill a lot of confidence in myself into all my training…it just helped me a lot with personal confidence.

– Asa Boldman

I started flying at a very young age with my parents. And so it has this nostalgic feel in a sense. As I grew older and I had to decide what I wanted to do - the type of career that I wanted to pursue - I loved the lifestyle of aviation. I loved being abroad, I loved working with different people, going to different places…I love traveling. And this is the only job that you can do that…that you can live a lifestyle like that. So without aviation, none of that would be possible.

– Hanna Fowler

Frequently Asked Questions

Who Is Flex Air?

Recognized as an AOPA Distinguished and Military Friendly® Flight School, Flex Air continues to ‘walk the talk’ by focusing on one-on-one mentorship and coaching for every pilot. We uniquely offer a ‘full pilot experience’ where you will learn to treat every maneuver, procedure, and rule respectfully, giving them your total effort and focus.

How does Flex Air ensure my flight training is safe?

Flex Air provides an anonymous safety reporting system for all flight instructors and student pilots. Our first goal is safety. Our Safety Management System (SMS) is built on airline and military-grade processes and procedures.

How Does Flex Air Identify Hazards And Manage Risks?

We employ a Chief Safety Officer. Our Chief Safety Officer investigates and reports hazards and incidents, develops and administers our safety programs, and assists students and instructors in support of the Flex Air Safety System.

What Is Your Privacy Policy For Student Applications?

You can check our privacy policy here.

Do I Need A Military Background Or Prior Experience?

Our program is available to anyone who wants to take to the skies to earn a living. We cater to everyone regardless of skill, experience, or background. Our academy utilizes academic instruction, simulators, and aircraft training to ensure everyone can become a certified pilot!

I'm A Veteran And Want To Become An Airline Pilot. Do You Have Any Programs For Me?

Yes! We are the only flight school to offer the Department of Defense Skill Bridge Program for veterans with zero flight experience. You can receive full pay and benefits while you train for up to six months.

How Long Will It Take To Get My Pilot’s License?

Our program lasts 9-10 months, depending on your skill and experience level. After graduation, you’ll spend 12-18 months building time and experience as a paid flight instructor at Flex Air or one of our partner schools. You’ll land your first airline job in half the time as competing schools.

Is The Industry Booming? Will I Find A Job?

Yes, and yes! The demand for pilots has never been higher, with a prediction that the growth rate will skyrocket by 13% between 2020 and 2030. That means that there will be about 15,000 job openings during this decade.

After graduation, we will pair you with your first career job! We will provide job search assistance and counseling services for the longevity of your career!

We want nothing more than your success, and we actively ensure your bright, soaring future!

What Is The Average Salary For Pilots?

Pilots can earn a lot of money, making flight school a very cost-effective option for those seeking to achieve high five and 6-figure salaries.

Commercial pilots average $93,300 per year.

Airline pilots and co-pilots average $160,970 annually.

Is Aviation A Rewarding Career?

Over the last several decades, people have viewed their careers differently. A vast majority of people view job satisfaction as being more important than exuberant salaries. As they say, “money can’t buy happiness.”

However, that’s precisely why piloting is such a sought-after career choice. Not only will flight school allow you to land a job that will allow you to live comfortably, but it’s also rewarding in other ways.

There’s nothing like taking to the skies on your first solo flight, safely landing for the first time, or venturing out to a new destination! While challenging, becoming a pilot is all about overcoming obstacles and hurdles. Speaking from experience, there’s no other job quite like this opportunity.

If you want to earn 5-6 figures and have a rewarding career, becoming a pilot will get you to where you want to be.