Epic Flight Academy
Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., operating 14 campuses that train professional pilots (and aircraft mechanics) from zero experience through ATP certification, serving students from 100+ countries with graduates flying for 300+ airlines worldwide.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1999
- HeadquartersNew Smyrna Beach, United States
- Headcount101–250
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What Epic Flight Academy does
Epic Flight Academy (legal entity Epic Aviation, Inc.) is America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school, founded in 1999 by CEO Danny Perna and headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. The company delivers professional pilot training from zero experience through Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification, plus FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic (A&P) training, across 14 U.S. campuses with approximately 280 employees. Core technology infrastructure includes a new-generation Cessna fleet equipped with Garmin G-1000 glass cockpit avionics, FAA-approved flight simulators, an Epic Virtual Flight Academy online ground-school platform, and—since September 2025—FAA Self-Examining Authority allowing Epic to proctor its own certification exams internally.
The business model is fundamentally B2C tuition-based: individual students pay more than $100,000 for a complete multi-rating pilot training pathway (private pilot through ATP-CTP), supplemented by A&P mechanic training, discovery flights (~$100–$300 introductory experiences that double as customer acquisition), and aviation college-credit programs in partnership with Daytona State, MSU Denver, Polk State, Purdue Global, and Seminole State College. The company claims graduates flying for 300+ airlines worldwide, with major and regional carriers (PSA Airlines, Republic Airways, Clic Air, Alpine Air Express) actively recruiting Epic alumni—a downstream employment pipeline rather than a paid enterprise channel. Epic also launched a Six-Month Fast Track program (June 2026) and a U.S. Air Force pilot training program (June 2026) extending into accelerated and military segments. The firm is privately held, founder-owned, and bootstrapped, with no disclosed external funding rounds. Geographic reach spans 14 U.S. campuses plus international recruitment from 100+ countries via country-specific pilot training programs.
Epic Flight Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Epic Flight Academy
- Legal name
- Epic Aviation, Inc.
- Website
- https://epicflightacademy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1999
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 101–250 employees
- Short description
- Epic Flight Academy is the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the U.S., operating 14 campuses that train professional pilots (and aircraft mechanics) from zero experience through ATP certification, serving students from 100+ countries with graduates flying for 300+ airlines worldwide.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Epic Flight Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Flight Training Services
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512)
- SIC
- Airports, Flying Fields & Airport Terminal Services (4581)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Regulatory, Compliance & Type Training (FAA/EASA/ICAO, Part 147/145) (EDAOAFAN), Powerplant Maintenance & Repair (EDAOAFAB), Training & Light Sport Fixed-Wing Aircraft Manufacturing (IMABAAAE)
Keywords
Where Epic Flight Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- New Smyrna Beach
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices14 records
Markets served
Epic Flight Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D
Revenue model
- Pilot Training Programs: Comprehensive pilot training programs from private pilot license through ATP certification, including instrument rating, commercial pilot, flight instructor, and ATP-CTP courses. Programs typically take 10-15 months depending on student and program type.
- Aircraft Mechanic Training: FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic training program leading to A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) certification. Program takes approximately 19 months with classes starting every four months.
- Discovery Flights: Introductory discovery flights offered as one-hour experiences that can be logged as flight time, serving as both a revenue stream and customer acquisition channel.
- Aviation College Programs: Partnership programs with colleges (Daytona State College, MSU Denver, Polk State College, Purdue Global, Seminole State College) allowing students to earn college credit while training.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Professional Pilot Training Program |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Discovery Flight |
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Aircraft Mechanic Program |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels7 records
Epic Flight Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Epic Flight Academy operates as America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school, delivering integrated pilot and aircraft mechanic training. The academy provides structured pathways from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot certification, including accelerated and international variants, plus FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic training. Programs are delivered at a dedicated flight training campus using a modern Garmin G-1000 equipped aircraft fleet and FAA-approved flight training devices.
Product overview
Epic Flight Academy is America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation training programs. The core offerings include Airline Pilot Programs for both U.S. and international students, ranging from Private Pilot License through ATP-CTP certification. Individual course modules include Virtual Flight Academy (online pre-training), Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI), and ATP-CTP courses. Mechanic training (FAA Part 147 A&P certification) is available at select campuses. The school operates multi-location campuses across the U.S. (Texas, Colorado, Kentucky, Florida, Arizona, Utah, Alabama) and offers country-specific international programs for pilots from Brazil, Colombia, India, and 11 other nations. Additional offerings include Discovery Flight experiences, aviation college partnerships, and recently launched accelerated programs.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- Epic Virtual Flight Academy: Online virtual flight training platform offering remote learning capabilities for pilot students.
Products and services
- Airline Pilot Program (U.S. Students) Comprehensive FAA Part 141 pilot training pathway for U.S. resident students covering Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument ratings, designed to prepare graduates for airline pilot careers.
- Airline Pilot Program (International Students) FAA Part 141 pilot training program tailored for non-U.S. students, including M-1 visa support, English-language ground school, and country-specific program structures (e.g., India, Saudi Arabia, Latin America, etc.) preparing international trainees for FAA certification and airline employment.
- Virtual Flight Academy Online ground school course designed as an introductory or preparatory pilot training program that allows prospective students to begin aviation coursework remotely before transitioning to flight training.
- Aircraft Mechanic Training Program Aviation maintenance training program preparing students for FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic certification, covering airframe, powerplant, and general curriculum required for aviation maintenance careers.
- Discovery Flight Introductory hands-on introductory flight experience marketed as a recruiting and orientation offering for prospective students to experience flight training before committing to a full program.
- Six-Month Fast Track Flight Training Program Accelerated pilot training program condensing Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor certificates into approximately a six-month timeline for students seeking accelerated completion.
- U.S. Air Force Pilot Training Specialized pilot training pathway serving U.S. Air Force pilot candidates, providing the FAA certifications required prior to entry into formal military pilot training pipelines.
Quantifiable outcome
- Graduates fly for 300+ airlines worldwide
- +2 more outcomes
Companies that use Epic Flight Academy
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments5 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
Epic Flight Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
Epic Flight Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor and core.
- CVG Airport (Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport)minorFirst class of Epic's aircraft mechanics at CVG Airport graduated in December 2025, representing unique partnership at an active commercial airport.
- Alpine Air ExpresscoreEpic opened 10th FAA Part 141 flight training campus in Provo, Utah with a Pilot Pathway Program specifically designed for Alpine Air Express, creating direct pipeline for graduates.
- MSU Denver (Metropolitan State University of Denver)coreEpic Flight Academy partnered with MSU Denver to offer aviation program allowing students to earn university degrees while completing flight training.
- Seminole State CollegecoreEpic signed agreement with Seminole State College for integrated aviation training program combining college education with professional pilot training.
- PSA AirlinescorePSA Airlines actively recruits Epic Flight Academy graduates for First Officer positions. Graduate Lane Wisnewski became a First Officer at PSA Airlines.
- Republic AirwayscoreRepublic Airways recruits Epic graduates for pilot positions. Graduate Samuel Anthony Villani III became a First Officer at Republic Airways.
- Clic AircoreClic Air recruits Epic graduates for First Officer positions. Graduate Julian Diaz became a First Officer at Clic Air.
- Daytona State CollegecorePartnership allowing students to earn A.S. degree while completing flight training at Epic's main campus.
- Purdue Global UniversitycorePartnership program enabling students to pursue aviation degree through Purdue Global while training at Epic campuses.
- Polk State CollegecorePolk State College aircraft mechanic program offered in partnership with Epic's mechanic training facilities.
- Cessna (Textron Aviation)coreEpic is an official Cessna Pilot Center and Cessna Service Center, operating a fleet of new Cessna aircraft with full manufacturer support.
- U.S. Air ForcecoreEpic Flight Academy trains U.S. Air Force pilots, announced in June 2026 press release.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights3 records
Epic Flight Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ATP Flight School: ATP Flight School is the most direct head-to-head competitor — a large U.S. multi-state FAA Part 141 flight school offering the same zero-to-airline pilot training pathway with similar airline-recruitment positioning.
- CAE Inc. CAE operates one of the world's largest pilot training networks (formerly CAE Oxford Aviation Academy / CAE Global Academy), running ab-initio pilot training programs that directly compete for both U.S. and international pilot aspirants targeting airline careers.
- Hillsboro Aero Academy: Hillsboro Aero Academy is a U.S. Part 141 flight school recruiting domestic and international students for airline pilot careers, with similar accelerated-pathway programs and airline partnerships.
- Phoenix East Aviation: Phoenix East Aviation is a well-established Florida-based Part 141 flight school offering zero-to-ATP training with strong international student recruitment — overlapping Epic's customer base and geographic positioning.
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: Spartan College is a U.S. aviation trade school offering FAA Part 147 A&P mechanic training and pilot programs, directly overlapping Epic's mechanic program and broader aviation training portfolio.
Broad incumbents
- FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a global, well-capitalized incumbent in advanced pilot and instructor training (heavily simulator-based), serving airline and corporate pilots with a much broader portfolio than Epic's ab-initio focus.
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is the dominant U.S. collegiate aviation institution, offering degree-integrated pilot training and producing large cohorts of airline-bound graduates — a benchmark incumbent in aviation professional training.
Regional players
- Lufthansa Aviation Training: Lufthansa Aviation Training is a major European-headquartered aviation training provider offering pilot and crew training with strong airline partnerships; a comparable international-scale competitor operating primarily outside the U.S.
- BAA Training (Avia Solutions Group): BAA Training is a Lithuania-based Part 147 / ATO providing ab-initio pilot and type-rating training primarily in Europe and Asia, competing with Epic for international student recruitment via country-specific programs.
Emerging players
- Republic Airways (Flight Academy / LIFT Academy): Republic Airways operates its own cadet pathways (e.g., LIFT Academy) and recruits Epic graduates as a partner; represents the in-house airline training model that competes with third-party schools for pilot pipeline ownership.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat6 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Epic Flight Academy social profiles
Digital presenceEpic Flight Academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance10 records
Epic Flight Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Epic Flight Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles3 records
Epic Flight Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Epic Flight Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Epic Flight Academy
What does Epic Flight Academy do?
Epic Flight Academy operates as America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school, delivering integrated pilot and aircraft mechanic training. The academy provides structured pathways from Private Pilot through Airline Transport Pilot certification, including accelerated and international variants, plus FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) mechanic training. Programs are delivered at a dedicated flight training campus using a modern Garmin G-1000 equipped aircraft fleet and FAA-approved flight training devices.
Is Epic Flight Academy a public or private company?
Epic Flight Academy is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Epic Flight Academy founded?
Epic Flight Academy was founded in 1999. It employs 101 to 250 people.
Where is Epic Flight Academy based?
Epic Flight Academy is headquartered in New Smyrna Beach, United States, in the North America region.
How does Epic Flight Academy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Pilot Training Programs are the primary driver. The others are aircraft Mechanic Training, discovery Flights and aviation College Programs.
Who are Epic Flight Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ATP Flight School, CAE Inc., Hillsboro Aero Academy, Phoenix East Aviation and Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology. Broad incumbents are FlightSafety International and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Regional players are Lufthansa Aviation Training and BAA Training (Avia Solutions Group). Republic Airways (Flight Academy / LIFT Academy) is listed as an emerging player.
Does Epic Flight Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for Epic Flight Academy.
What industry is Epic Flight Academy in?
Epic Flight Academy's product category is Flight Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDABALAC, Aviation & Aerospace, with a secondary code of EDAOAFAN, Regulatory, Compliance & Type Training (FAA/EASA/ICAO, Part 147/145). Its NAICS code is 611512 and its SIC code is 4581.