Punta Gorda Airport

At Paragon Flight Training, we deliver student-focused instruction in modern aircraft with one-on-one training for every student. We operate from Punta Gorda Airport (KPGD or PGD), a strategically located regional hub with multiple runways, uncongested airspace and year-round flying conditions.

27450 Challenger Blvd
Punta Gorda, FL 33982

Office Hours:
Daily: 8am to 6pm

239-274-3170 Schedule A Consultation

Your Gateway to the Gulf Coast & Beyond

PGD is an excellent starting point for exploring the beautiful Gulf Coast region of Florida, providing convenient access to the communities of Punta Gorda, Fort Myers, Port Charlotte, Sarasota, Bradenton, and beyond. The airport is also a popular hub for flights to the Florida Keys, the Bahamas, and other Caribbean destinations.

The airport has two asphalt runways, measuring 7,193 feet in length and 6,286 feet in length. Both runways are equipped with precision approach lighting and instrument landing systems, making them suitable for use in all weather conditions. The newly constructed PGD Air Center houses FBO operations, meeting and event space, a pilot lounge, and other amenities.

Programs Offered at PGD

We serve students at every stage of their aviation journey:

Professional Pilot Program (P3): Our P3 Program puts you on the path toward becoming a professional pilot, even if you’re switching from a different flight school.
Private pilot training: The Private Pilot License is the first step in taking to the skies. Whether your goal is to fly recreationally or professionally, this license is your first stop.
Instrument Rating: An Instrument Rating provides training so you can fly by reference to instruments in reduced visibility conditions, making you a safer and more competent pilot.
Multi-engine training: If you would like to fly an aircraft with more than one engine, our multi-engine add-on training program helps you develop the skills you need to confidently fly these types of aircraft.
Military and government training: Our ability to train under both Part 61 and Part 141 provides flexibility for government and military organizations.

Schedule A Consultation 239-274-3170

Why Choose Paragon Flight Training in Punta Gorda?

PGD Airport features three runways. Runway 4/22 is 7,193 feet in length and can be used for precision approaches. The newly expanded PGD Air Center houses our operations in a facility with dedicated briefing rooms, comfortable study spaces and a pilot lounge with flight planning resources.

At Paragon Flight Training, every student begins with a consultation where we assess your background, discuss your aviation goals and map out training that adapts to how you learn. This approach produces a 78% completion rate.

Financing Your Flight Training

Pilot training is a significant investment, but it can be worthwhile. For students looking to pursue an airline career, entry-level airline pilot salaries can start at around $110,000, with long-term earning potential increasing from there.

We partner with Sallie Mae and other lenders. We can help identify student loans, private lending, scholarships and grants to help you finance your training.

Investment range

$49K – $110K*

*Depending on your starting point and chosen certifications

Earn a starting salary of up to $110,000

$350K+ per year in earning potential

Contact Us 239-274-3170

Our Fleet at Punta Gorda

From your first lesson, you’ll work with Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) and top-quality training equipment:

Single-engine aircraft: Our Piper PA28 “Pilot” series serves as the primary aircraft for Private Pilot and Instrument training.
Multi-engine aircraft: The Piper PA-44 Seminole is a twin-engine aircraft used by Commercial Multi-Engine students and Multi-Engine Instructor candidates.
Simulation technology: Realistic flight simulators allow students to practice instrument approaches, emergency procedures and complex scenarios in a controlled environment.

Every aircraft in our fleet receives maintenance from FAA-certified airframe and powerplant mechanics.

Recreational Learn More

Professional & Commercial Learn More

Military & Government Learn More

Timeline depends on your starting point, availability and learning pace. Our P3 Professional Pilot Program can take 12-18 months, for example.

Contact the Right Flight School Near You

The aviation industry needs qualified pilots, and PGD offers an ideal environment to earn your certifications efficiently. Call us at 239-274-3170 or contact us to take the first step toward a career in aviation.

Meet Our Graduates

Micah D.

My name is Micah Doane, I trained through Paragon Flight for nearly all of my training until I became a Paragon Flight Instructor. From day one I could tell that Paragon was a place where I could learn about aviation at the highest level without wasting my time or money. Apart from the incredible instruction I received, I also had a blast learning to fly! I met many great friends along the way whom I still keep in contact with, most of which also fly for airlines or large charter companies now. I found instructing at paragon to be one of the most rewarding experiences of my life and I wouldn’t trade my time at the school for any other job. Training at Paragon taught me the importance of balance and showed me how to operate at an extremely high level and how to have fun while doing it. My time with Paragon fully prepared me for my next steps in an airline career and I will be forever grateful for this flight school and its community.

Will H.

The great environment that paragon made. Focusing on customer experience still stands true today. I also met my now wife while working at Paragon!

Kelsey M.

There are too many memories to list for me since I was there for about 9 years. I will say the biggest memory/experience while working there would be the lifelong friends that we all made. Paragon was just one big family unit and was literally the most fun job to go to everyday, especially since I was working with all of my friends!

Adam T.

When I worked at Paragon we were a small group of just 5 instructors. That really made it feel like a family and we had a lot of fun together sharing our passion for flying with our students. I believe that family vibe as coworkers steered me toward the corporate world of flying. My current job is a continuation of that family environment and we work very hard to fly the most important people of our company safely to their destinations and we have a lot of fun doing it at the same time!

Chris P.

Having been able to spend a lot of time with Paragon while I was there, I was able to form many great friendships with other Instructors, Employees, and Students. Many of whom we all stay in contact with to this day. My most memorable experience though by far was having our Wedding Reception in the Hangar surrounded by Friends, Family, and Various Aircraft.