Need help choosing a flight school? Choosing the right school is one of the most important decisions you’ll make on your path to becoming a pilot. Just like with law or language studies, the quality of your training depends heavily on where and how you learn. At Paragon Flight, our programs are tailored to your goals, learning preferences, availability, and current experience level. Keep reading for helpful tips on how to find the flight school that’s the best fit for you.

Define Your Aviation Goals

Knowing why you want to fly is the first step in choosing a flight school. Are you learning for fun, looking to launch a career, preparing for military aviation, or pursuing a lifelong passion? Your goals will help determine the best type of training program.

If you’re aiming for a professional pilot career, a highly structured Part 141 program may be ideal. A more flexible Part 61 program could be a better fit for recreational or hobbyist flying. At Paragon Flight, we offer both Part 141 and Part 61 training, allowing us to design programs that suit every pilot.

Verify Accreditation and Credentials

Once you know the type of training you’re looking for, it’s time to research a school’s credentials. Use the FAA website to confirm that each school you consider is properly authorized and compliant with Federal Aviation Regulations.

Paragon Flight is certified under FAA FAR Parts 141 and 61, so we can meet many students’ needs and schedules. We are also approved under the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), allowing international students to apply for an M-1 Visa through the I-20 form. This ensures our programs meet both federal aviation standards and international training requirements.

Talk to Instructors and Former Students

Getting firsthand insight from people who know the program is a valuable part of choosing a flight school. Talk to current students, recent graduates, and instructors to learn more about the school’s teaching style, learning environment, and overall training quality. Choosing a location like Florida, where flight schools and experienced pilots are plentiful, gives you a better chance to gather informed opinions. At Paragon Flight, we encourage prospective students to speak directly with our instructors, and we’re happy to connect you with past students upon request.

Take a Discovery Flight

A Discovery Flight is one of the best ways to evaluate both your interest in flying and the quality of a flight school. Before committing, it gives you firsthand experience with the training environment, aircraft, instructors, and facilities.

At Paragon Flight, we offer Discovery Flights that begin with a brief ground instruction session, followed by a hands-on flight, where you may even take the controls under instructor supervision. Afterward, we’ll discuss your goals and outline a personalized training plan that fits your schedule, budget, and aspirations.

Secure Financing

Once you’ve chosen a flight school, securing the funds to start your training is the next step. At Paragon Flight, our experienced team is here to help you navigate the many financing options available. From GI Bill® benefits and aviation scholarships to federal financial aid, grants, and private aviation-specific lenders, we’ll help you identify the best solution for your situation and confidently guide you through the application process.

Ready to Get Started?

Choosing the right flight school is about finding a program that aligns with your goals, schedule, learning style, and budget. Whether you’re aiming to fly recreationally or pursue a full-time aviation career, Paragon Flight is here to support your journey every step. Contact us to get started today.