Aviation Careers for Veterans, No Flight Experience Required.
Use SkillBridge to start your training while on active duty. Finish using 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.
Any SkillBridge program length is eligible, from 180 days to 30 days.
- Start your 12-month pilot training program with SkillBridge and draw full active duty pay, BAH, and benefits for up to 6 months.
- Using SkillBridge to complete your Pilot Pilot License (PPL) unlocks GI Bill and VR&E benefits for advanced pilot training.
- Instructor internships available for military fixed-wing pilots.
- Rotary Transition Program (RTP) available for military helicopter pilots.
- Includes job placement, career planning, and mentorship by veterans for veterans.
- Funding options include GI Bill, VR&E, scholarships, tuition assistance, credentialing assistance, and loans.
- We've transitioned over 100 veterans - ask us for help with Army, Navy, Marine Corps, or Air Force SkillBridge applications - we are the experts.
100% Career Placement
Unlimited job placement, resume prep, interview coaching, and networking workshops until you're hired or transferred to another school of your choice.
APPLY NOW REQUEST MORE INFO
STEP 1
Attend Online Briefing
SIGN UP FOR A BRIEFING
This briefing is mandatory for all applicants. We'll outline how the program works, how to use your VA benefits, and how to get hired into an aviation career. If you can't attend, you can watch a pre-recorded briefing.
STEP 2
Apply to Flex Air SkillBridge
APPLY HERE
You'll receive a Conditional SkillBridge Offer Letter from Flex Air. The offer letter is not valid until you obtain a Class 1 FAA medical and an approval letter from your commanding officer. If you have questions, attend the mandatory online briefing.
STEP 3
Request Chain of Command Approval
YOU'LL NEED: Flex Air Offer Letter, Flex Air Training Plan
To get approved, you will need a Flex Air SkillBridge offer letter, and a Flex Air SkillBridge training plan. You need to APPLY to Flex Air SkillBridge to receive these documents. Plan ahead! Approval may take weeks or months and is not guaranteed.
STEP 4
Plan Ahead
goflexair.com/medical
goflexair.com/financing
goflexair.com/gi-bill
Obtain a FAA Class 1 Medical (this is mandatory - a military medical is not acceptable). Flight training is optional but incurs out-of-pocket costs and/or uses VA benefits. Start your financial planning now. Need help? Contact us at skillbridge@goflexair.com.
STEP 5
Enroll when approved
ENROLL
Congratulations on command approval! You must submit your Approval Documents to us online. If you show up without submitting your documents, we will send you back to your command and will be required to cancel your SkillBridge.
STEP 6
Flex Air SkillBridge: 30-180 days
This is a mandatory M-F 0800 - 1600 program with no exceptions.
The core program is 30 days of aviation career mentorship at zero cost to the service member. Flight training is OPTIONAL but carries out-of-pocket costs and uses your VA benefits.
STEP 7
Co-Enroll in College (Optional)
Receive VA Housing Allowance if Eligible
Co-enroll in a college aviation program. Miramar College is available in San Diego; Utah Valley University Online is available in Kansas. Complete advanced ground school, simulator labs, and college courses using your VA benefits. You'll receive college credit for flight training you complete at Flex Air.
STEP 8
Finish flight training
Remain enrolled as a civilian at Flex Air
The total program duration PPL-CFI is 9-18 months depending on your schedule commitment. Flex Air accepts all VA benefits including GI Bill and VR&E to fund your training.
STEP 9
Get hired as a professional pilot
Career mentorship, interview prep, and resume prep benefits - no cost to veterans
Flex Air offers career mentorship, interview prep, and resume prep services for 2 years after separation from active duty. Our career placement rate is 100% into flight instructor, airline, charter, and cargo pilot careers.
Brandon McRay - Lt Col, US Air Force Reserve
"Whether you plan to participate in one of Flex Air’s programs or not, I highly recommend every transitioning military veteran allocate an hour of their time to speak with Paul about their life plans. I guarantee you will not be disappointed in what he has to say. He is a phenomenal advisor that gets 'it' because he has been in our shoes."
Training develops pilots. Mentorship develops careers.
Becoming a professional pilot requires more than flight hours. Flex Air’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.
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Guidance Before You Start
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Coaching Throughout Training
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Support Beyond Graduation