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SkillBridge Commercial Pilot Gateway

This is Where Your Aviation Career Begins!

FlexAir’s Commercial Pilot Program is built for people ready to pursue aviation as a profession. Whether you’re transitioning from another career, leaving military service, or starting with a clear long-term goal, CPP provides a structured path from initial training through the certifications and experience required to fly professionally.

More than a sequence of ratings, CPP is a focused development program grounded in disciplined training, sound decision-making, and mentorship from instructors who understand what comes next. The result is a confident, capable aviator prepared to move forward in the aviation industry.

Use SkillBridge to Start your Training Whileon Active Duty.

Finish your flight training using your GI Bill, VR&E, or student loan funding.

Flex Air's SkillBridge Commercial Pilot Gateway trains you to become an airline pilot while you draw full active duty pay and benefits. Any rank, rating, or MOS is eligible for pilot training, no prior flight hours or college degree required. Experienced military pilots can use SkillBridge to pursue advanced ratings and build flight time at Flex Air.

MYF
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COMPLETED in 6-12 months

Private Pilot Certificate

Step 1

“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.” “Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”

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COMPLETED in 12-18 months

Private Pilot Certificate

Step 2

“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.” “Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”

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COMPLETED in 18-24 months

Private Pilot Certificate

Step 3

“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.” “Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”

MYF Airport

San Diego

Pathway to San Diego Miramar College + $3,987 / mo. MHA

MHK and OJC Airports

Kansas

Reduced cost housing available, GI Bill Flight Training Program

TBD

East Coast

COMING SOON - Help us choose the ideal East Coast SkillBridge location!

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“The career guidance at Flex changed everything for me.”

“Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.” “Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.” “Flex Air wasn’t just where I learned to fly, it was where people actually knew me, believed in me, and helped me turn training into a real career.”

Training develops pilots. Mentorship develops careers.

Becoming a professional pilot requires more than flight hours. FlexAir’s mentorship model supports you before, during, and after training with guidance tailored to your goals, experience, and pace. It’s how we help pilots move forward with clarity and confidence.

  • Guidance Before You Start
  • Coaching Throughout Training
  • Support Beyond Graduation

Who is eligible for Flex Air SkillBridge?

Any active-duty servicemember can participate with approval from their chain of command. Veterans already discharged or retired from active duty and their spouses are also eligible.

How does the whole process work?

Your chain of command has to approve you to participate. Then you'll attend flight training for up to 6 months drawing full pay and housing allowance until you separate from active duty. After that, you'll continue training for 6 additional months as a civilian. Then you'll work as a paid flight instructor for 12-18 months. After that, you'll be hired as a corporate pilot or regional airline pilot.

How do I apply?

Service members need to receive written authorization from their chain of command. Click on the Request Information button above and we'll send you further instructions.

How long is the program?

SkillBridge allows you to receive full active-duty pay and benefits for up to 6 months while you train to become a commercial airline pilot. The full career pilot training program is 12 months long. This makes SkillBridge a great first step in your training.

When can I start training?

We prefer that new SkillBridge trainees report on the first Monday in March, June, September, and December in groups for mutual support. SkillBridge trainees who can't make those dates work can still check in as an individual flight training student and wait to start mentorship sessions when the next cohort checks in.

Where will I train?

Our bases are at MYF in San Diego, CA, MHK in Manhattan, KS, and OJC in Olathe, KS. Advanced training beyond PPL and IR are offered in KS only. GI Bill, and VR&E programs are offered at OJC only. Trainees who start in San Diego will move to Kansas for 6 months to finish training, then relocate to a base of their choice for their first job as a pilot. Student housing is available at our Kansas location.

Are there out of pocket costs?

Yes. Your first step in flight training is the Private Pilot License (PPL), which is not covered by the GI Bill or VR&E. For details on our full program costs, click the Request Information button above.

How much does the program cost?

Click on the Information Request button above and we'll send you information on program costs.

Can I use my GI Bill or VR&E benefits?

Yes. Using SkillBridge to complete your Private Pilot License (PPL) unlocks your VA benefits for advanced training, at our Olathe, KS location (OJC airport).

What other funding options are available?

Servicemembers who are eligible for Tuition Assistance or Credentialing Assistance can use those benefits in SkillBridge. We offer loans and payment programs. Scholarships are also available.

How do I get my first job as a pilot after SkillBridge?

You will be eligible for hire at Flex Air or one of our partner flight schools. Your first job after training will be as a Certificated Flight Instructor, building flight hours for 12-18 months. After that, you'll be eligible for jobs as a corporate or regional airline pilot. We offer career placement services to every SkillBridge trainee for 4 years after graduation.