Hillsboro Aero Academy

What Hillsboro Aero Academy does

Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) is a private, FAA and EASA-approved flight training institution operating three Oregon campuses in Hillsboro (headquarters, airplane and maintenance), Troutdale (helicopter), and Redmond (accelerated airplane, Alaska Airlines Ascend cohort). Founded in 1980 as the flight training division of Hillsboro Aviation, the unit was acquired in November 2014 by Renovus Capital Partners and Graycliff Partners and rebranded as HAA; it now operates as an academic unit of Northbridge University. HAA trains aspiring professional helicopter and airplane pilots through structured multi-rating programs (Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, MEI) and launched an Aviation Maintenance (A&P) program in 2026, supported by a 70-74 aircraft fleet and six FRASCA TruFlite and Redbird simulators.

The business runs an integrated B2C model with predominantly direct-to-consumer enrollment via flyhaa.com, augmented by international recruitment seminars across Brazil, Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, and US CFI hiring across five states. Pricing is unit-based with all-inclusive program packages of $66,914-$90,194 for professional pilot training and $29,500 for the 48-week maintenance program, plus ancillary usage-based revenue from aircraft and simulator rental and recurring revenue from student housing. Differentiation rests on regulatory positioning (first Part 141 with IS-BAO Stage Two, one of only four US helicopter schools able to sponsor F-1 visas), career pathway partnerships with Alaska Airlines, Ameriflight, ACI Jet, and Avincis Iberia, and joint EASA/FAA programs delivered with Austria-based Rotorsky.

HAA is PE-backed (Renovus, Graycliff), with founder/former Hillsboro Aviation owner Max Lyons and prior operator Jon Hay retaining minority stakes. Dan Doepker serves as General Manager. Key risk factors for any investor include the parent's MSCHE Non-Compliance Probation status effective June 2026 and the cyclical, capital-intensive nature of fleet-based flight training.

Name

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Legal name

Hillsboro Aero Academy

Website

https://flyhaa.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1980

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

Hillsboro Aero Academy is a private, FAA and EASA-approved flight training school operating three Oregon campuses. It trains aspiring professional helicopter and airplane pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, serving domestic and international students through multi-rating programs and airline pathway partnerships.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training / Aviation Education

NAICS

Flight Training (611512), Technical and Trade Schools (6115), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (61131)

akta.pro primary industry

Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)

akta.pro secondary industries

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC), Emerging Aviation Maintenance (UAS/Drone, eVTOL & Advanced Air Mobility) (EDAOAFAO), Regulatory, Compliance & Type Training (FAA/EASA/ICAO, Part 147/145) (EDAOAFAN)

Keywords

• Flight training school
• Professional pilot training
• Helicopter pilot training
• Airplane pilot training
• Aviation maintenance training

Headquarters

HQ city

Hillsboro

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Flight Training Tuition: Comprehensive professional pilot training programs for helicopter and airplane, including all certificates and ratings from Private Pilot through CFI and CFII. Programs are priced as all-inclusive packages covering instruction, aircraft rental, simulators, and written tests.
2. Aviation Maintenance Training Tuition: A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic certification program priced as a complete package including general, airframe, and powerplant courses, tools, uniforms, testing, and materials.
3. Aircraft Rental: Hourly aircraft rental charges for training aircraft including Cessna 152/172, Piper Seminole, Robinson R22/R44 helicopters. Fuel surcharges applied based on market rates.
4. Student Housing: Furnished student apartments near each campus offered to enrolled students, with shared living spaces and private rooms available.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion4 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

Hillsboro Aero Academy is a multi-campus flight training school that sells FAA Part 141-approved professional pilot training programs for helicopters and airplanes, plus an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) aviation maintenance program. Programs are packaged as all-inclusive tuition covering instruction, aircraft/simulator rental, exams, and materials, and span ratings from Private Pilot through CFI/CFII/MEI, with optional joint EASA/FAA certification through its Rotorsky partnership.

Product overview

Hillsboro Aero Academy is a multi-campus flight training institution offering comprehensive pilot training programs for both helicopters and airplanes, along with aviation maintenance training. The organization operates under Northbridge University's academic umbrella with three aviation campuses in Oregon (Hillsboro, Troutdale, and Redmond). The core offerings include Professional Pilot Programs (helicopter and airplane), Joint EASA/FAA dual certification programs, and an Aviation Maintenance Professional Program. The school also provides specialized training including mountain flying, external load operations, and simulator-based instrument training. Training is delivered through structured course progressions from Private Pilot through Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor ratings, with partnerships providing career pathways to airlines and helicopter operators globally.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Helicopter Pilot Training School FAA and EASA approved helicopter pilot training school delivering programs from Private Pilot through CFI and CFII ratings, building skills in the Pacific Northwest for global professional helicopter operations.
• Airplane Pilot Training School Professional airplane pilot training school with FAA and EASA international certifications delivering programs for careers with airlines, cargo carriers, and charter services.
• Aviation Maintenance Training School Training program to become a certified A&P (Airframe and Powerplant) mechanic with hands-on training on real aircraft including airplanes, helicopters, and a Learjet 24, conducted at the Hillsboro campus.
• Helicopter Professional Pilot Program (PPL–CFI/CFII) All-inclusive helicopter professional pilot training package from Private Pilot through CFI and CFII using Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters, with average total cost of $85,531–$89,553.
• Professional Airplane Pilot Program Full training course for professional airplane pilots including Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI ratings; offered in Accelerated (14 months) and Standard (18 months) versions with average costs ranging from $66,914 to $86,551.
• Joint EASA-FAA Professional Helicopter Pilot Program First-of-its-kind training partnership with Rotorsky allowing European students to earn both EASA and FAA helicopter certifications in one program, completable in as little as 15 months, with F-1 visa support for up to 23 additional months of flight hour building.
• Joint EASA/FAA Professional Airplane Pilot Program Comprehensive dual-certification program including all FAA Professional Pilot courses plus EASA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL), EASA Multi-Engine Piston Instrument Rating, and full credit towards EASA ATPL Theory.
• Aviation Maintenance Professional Program 48-week program training students to become certified A&P mechanics, including General ($2,480), Airframe ($13,510), and Powerplant ($13,510) courses, with $50 application fee and $100 registration fee, totaling $29,500.
• Avincis Iberia Career Pathway Program Career pathway program providing HAA students with direct employment connection to Avincis Iberia, one of Europe's leading emergency services operators operating across Spain and Portugal as part of the Avincis Group fleet of more than 220 aircraft.
• Alaska Airlines Ascend Pilot Academy Pathway Airline-aligned career pathway program providing HAA students with mentorship, structured progression from student to professional pilot, and direct employment connection to Alaska Airlines upon completing training.
• Flight Simulator Training FRASCA TruFlite simulators and Redbird simulators used for instrument training and flight instruction, available at $98 per hour for student and external pilot rental.
• Helicopter Summer Workshop Workshop designed for high school students providing hands-on flight training and career insights at the Troutdale, Oregon campus, including instruction on aerodynamics and safety procedures and culminating in a demonstration flight.

Quantifiable outcome

• Graduates can build 1000+ flight hours within first year as CFIs
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered core, flagship and minor.

• AmeriflightcoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 11 February 2016Pilot Pathway Agreement providing future employment opportunities at Ameriflight to HAA students and CFIs currently employed with HAA. Gives qualified pilots opportunity to take the next step in their careers.
• RotorskycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Austria-based Rotorsky to offer Joint EASA/FAA Helicopter Professional Pilot Program. Enables European students to earn both FAA and EASA certifications in one location under one program, saving significant time and cost. Students can complete in 15 months vs. 24-36 months for separate training.
• Alaska Airlines Ascend Pilot AcademyflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerCareer pathway program providing HAA students with mentorship, structured progression from student to professional pilot, and direct employment connection to Alaska Airlines upon completing training. Alaska Airlines Ascend cadets assigned to HAA's Redmond campus.
• Avincis IberiacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCareer Pathway Program providing aspiring pilots direct connection to one of Europe's leading emergency services operators. Avincis Iberia operates across Spain and Portugal as part of Avincis Group fleet of more than 220 aircraft.
• ACI JetcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerCorporate Pilot Pathway Program and Scholarship partnership providing path to employment in charter industry for qualified HAA pilots. Scholarship designed to bring awareness to corporate and charter career opportunities.
• Portland Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership enabling veterans to use Post-9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training. PCC handles enrollment and VA billing while HAA provides the flight training curriculum.
• Windells AcademyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership to create nation's first high school boarding program where students can earn professional pilot certifications while completing high school education at Windells Academy.
• Northbridge UniversityflagshipOthersHillsboro Aero Academy is an Academic Unit of Northbridge University, formerly NUC University - Florida Technical College. Northbridge operates three aviation campuses through HAA in Oregon as part of its multi-state university system.
• Sallie MaecoreOthersFinancing partner offering student loans for flight training programs with up to full tuition coverage for qualifying students.
• College Ave Student LoanscoreOthersFinancing partner offering student loan options for HAA training programs.
• Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)coreOthersNorthbridge University (parent of HAA) is accredited by MSCHE, recognized by U.S. Secretary of Education. MSCHE accreditation covers HAA as part of the institution's accreditation status (currently Non-Compliance Probation as of June 2026).

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: CAE is a Canadian-headquartered global leader in aviation training with a vast network of training centers and simulators serving airlines, business aviation, and defense. Comparable to HAA in flight training delivery but operates at significantly larger scale across multiple training modalities and customer segments.
• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned global aviation training company focused primarily on advanced/professional pilot training for airlines, corporate operators, and military. Comparable to HAA's career-pathway programs but operates at a much larger scale and targets already-certified pilots rather than entry-level students.

Direct peers

• Helicopter Institute: Helicopter Institute is a Texas-based FAA Part 141 helicopter flight training school offering professional pilot programs with similar career pathway structure. Directly comparable to HAA's helicopter training arm (Hillsboro Heli Academy), with overlapping use of Robinson R22/R44 helicopters and Frasca simulation equipment.
• ATP Flight School: ATP Flight School is the largest US flight training network, offering professional pilot programs from zero experience through ATP certification at multiple locations nationwide. Directly comparable to HAA's airplane professional pilot pathway, with similar curriculum structure, CFI hour-building model, and airline pathway partnerships.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is the world's largest fully accredited university specializing in aviation and aerospace, offering degree programs in pilot training and aviation maintenance. Directly comparable to HAA's flight training and aviation maintenance offerings, with the additional layer of accredited degree pathways versus HAA's certificate-focused model.
• Epic Flight Academy: Epic Flight Academy is a US-based Part 141 flight school with international student recruitment focus, offering integrated professional pilot programs from PPL through CFI. Directly comparable to HAA's core proposition — international student recruitment, structured career pathways, and F-1 visa sponsorship for pilot training.
• Aviation Academy of America: Aviation Academy of America is a Texas-based flight training operation running professional pilot and aviation maintenance programs with international student recruitment. Comparable to HAA in its combined pilot and maintenance offering, F-1 visa sponsorship, and integrated career pathway approach.
• Aviation Institute of Maintenance: Aviation Institute of Maintenance is a multi-campus US network of FAA-approved aviation maintenance technician schools offering A&P certification programs. Directly comparable to HAA's newly launched Aviation Maintenance Professional Program, with similar curriculum structure, duration, and target student profile.
• US Aviation Academy: US Aviation Academy is a North Texas-based Part 141 flight school with university affiliation offering integrated professional pilot and aviation maintenance programs. Comparable to HAA's bundled university affiliation (Northbridge), professional pilot training pathways, and maintenance program structure.

Emerging players

• Purdue University Global Polytechnic / Aviation Programs: Purdue Polytechnic offers aviation management and professional flight programs as part of a broader university system, with a growing flight training component. Comparable to HAA's university-affiliated model through Northbridge, though at a smaller dedicated-flight-training scale and with stronger academic degree orientation.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hillsboroaero
• Xx.com/hillsboroaero
• Facebookfacebook.com/flyhaa

Compliance6 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles2 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds1 record

Investors1 record

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hillsboro Aero Academy