What American Flyers does

American Flyers is a US-based, privately held flight school founded in 1939 in Fort Worth, Texas, and now headquartered in Addison, TX. The company operates six FAA-regulated pilot training facilities across New Jersey (Morristown), Florida (Pompano Beach), Texas (Addison North, Addison South, and Conroe/Houston), and Arizona (Scottsdale), educating 2,500+ students annually. Its product portfolio spans the full pilot certification ladder, from $299 introductory flights through Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor ratings, plus specialized programs including the 9-month Airline Academy (zero-to-First-Officer pathway), the 30-Day CFI Academy, Finish-Up programs for students with interrupted training, MOSAIC Sport Pilot endorsements, and a Military Transition Course. International students are served through an M1 Student Visa program.

Name

American Flyers

Legal name

American Flyers

Website

https://americanflyers.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

1939

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

251–500 employees

Short description

American Flyers is a US-based private flight school founded in 1939, operating six training facilities across four states. It trains 2,500+ students annually in pilot certification programs from introductory flights through ATP, with a 9-month Airline Academy providing direct pipelines to 16+ major airlines.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Flight Training Services

NAICS

Flight Training (611512)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)

akta.pro secondary industry

Pilot Training, Certification & Medical/Fitness Services (TLAHAGAI)

Keywords

• Flight training
• Pilot certification
• Aviation education
• Simulator training
• Professional pilot programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Addison

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 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 Services: Core revenue from flight training programs including introductory flights, private pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot, flight instructor certificates. Revenue generated through hourly aircraft rental, instructor fees, and program packages.
2. Ground School and Exam Preparation: Weekend classroom programs for FAA knowledge test preparation (Private Written $550, Instrument Written, Commercial Written) plus on-site testing.
3. Online FIRC for Life: One-time payment of $99 for lifetime access to online Flight Instructor Refresher Course. Generates recurring revenue through initial enrollment with no additional cost for renewals.
4. CFI Revalidation Weekend Course: 16-hour classroom program at $175 for in-person flight instructor renewal every 2 years.
5. 30-Day CFI Academy: Intensive dual-certification program at $7,950 for CFI-A and CFI-I ratings with 104 hours classroom, 10 hours individual ground, 6 hours dual simulator, 14 hours dual flight instruction.
6. Gift Certificates: Flight training gift certificates available in denominations from $25 to $1,000, valid for one year.
7. Financing Programs: Partnership with financing providers to offer traditional loans for flight training, creating referral revenue.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

American Flyers delivers professional and recreational pilot training through FAA-approved curricula, including Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, and Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) certifications. Training is delivered via a fleet of 55+ aircraft and 25 Frasca simulators across six U.S. facilities, supported by structured programs such as the Airline Academy, Professional Pilot Program, Finish-Up, and Ground School knowledge test prep.

Product overview

American Flyers is a flight school offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation training programs. The core offerings include progressive pilot certifications (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Multi-Engine Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Flight Instructor ratings) delivered through multiple program formats: the 9-month Airline Academy for accelerated career training, the flexible Professional Pilot Program for customized full/part-time training, and the Finish-Up Program for completing interrupted training. Supporting services include Ground School test prep courses, FIRC for Life online instructor renewal, 30-Day CFI Academy for intensive instructor certification, Sport Pilot MOSAIC endorsements, and specialized programs for international students and military transitions. The school operates a fleet of over 55 aircraft (Cessna 172, Piper 100i, Piper PA-44 Seminole) and 25 Frasca simulators across six training facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• American Flyers Airline Academy: An accelerated pathway program designed to take students from zero experience to professional pilot careers in less than two years, integrating Private Pilot through Commercial Multi-Engine certificates with airline-style training.
• FIRC for Life
• 30-Day CFI Academy

Products and services

• Introductory Flight A first-flight experience for beginners that includes 30 minutes of ground school, 30 minutes of simulator time, 1 hour of dual flying in a Cessna 172 or Piper 100i, a facility tour, and one-on-one time with the school director. Counts toward pilot certification and is open to students aged 15 and older.
• Private Pilot Certificate Foundational pilot certification enabling pilots to fly for personal use, combining ground school, simulator time, and approximately 80 hours of total on-site flight training.
• Instrument Rating IFR certification allowing pilots to fly in and above clouds, offered in standard or accelerated formats with immersive instrument training on Frasca simulators.
• Multi-Engine Rating Rating add-on for piloting twin-engine aircraft such as the Piper PA-44 Seminole, covering VMC, critical engine concepts, and engine-out procedures for commercial aviation careers.
• Commercial Pilot Certificate Professional certification allowing pilots to act as pilot-in-command for compensation, delivered through a building-block approach using FAR Part 61 or Part 141 approved curriculum.
• Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) Flight instructor certification programs including CFI-A (Single Engine) and CFI-I (Instrument) ratings, preparing pilots to teach future aviators while building flight hours toward airline careers.
• 30-Day CFI Academy Intensive 30-day program earning both CFI-A and CFI-I certifications, including 104 hours classroom, 10 hours individual ground, 6 hours dual simulator, 14 hours dual flight, and unlimited solo simulator access. Priced at $7,950.
• FIRC for Life Online FAA-approved Flight Instructor Refresher Course offering lifetime access for $99 with 13 lessons and quizzes, allowing instructors to renew their certificates every two years at no additional cost.
• Airline Academy 9-month accelerated professional pilot career program where Phase 1 completes Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI certifications in 6-10 months, and Phase 2 involves working as CFI for 6-18 months to reach First Officer in under 2 years.
• Professional Pilot Program Custom-tailored professional pilot program integrating Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Certificate with single and multi-engine ratings, with flexible full-time or part-time scheduling at all six locations.
• Finish-Up Program Customized training for pilots who started training at other schools; evaluates existing progress and creates a focused schedule (typically 3-10 days) to complete FAA checkride requirements.
• Ground School Weekend classroom programs for FAA Knowledge Test preparation covering Private Written ($550), Instrument Written, Commercial Written, and CFI Revalidation, with on-site FAA testing available at all six locations.
• Sport Pilot MOSAIC Endorsements Three MOSAIC-compliant endorsement courses: Night Training, Airspace Training, and Airplane Proficiency Training, expanding Sport Pilot privileges for larger aircraft and operations in controlled airspace.
• Proficiency and Recurrent Training Recurrent training including Flight Review, Instrument Proficiency Check (IPC), Pinch Hitter course, and Custom Refresher Courses for licensed pilots maintaining currency and proficiency.
• Military Transition Course Specialized bridge training program for military pilots transitioning to civilian aviation careers, providing transition training to airline standards.
• Fully Sponsored Flight Training Program 12-18 month internship program where selected candidates work in operations, customer service, or as A&P mechanics while earning monthly training scholarships and salary toward Private, Instrument, Commercial, and CFI certificates.
• International Flight Training (with M1 Visa Support) Full pilot training programs for international students, including M1 Student Visa processing, TSA guidance, step-by-step enrollment assistance, and dedicated school director support from enrollment through graduation.
• Gift Certificates Flight training gift certificates available in denominations from $25 to $1,000, valid for one year and applicable toward any flight training course or introductory flight.

Quantifiable outcome

• Nearly 50% of all flight instructors in the US receive certificate renewal through American Flyers
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers8 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

17 partnerships are on record, tiered core.

• Horizon AircoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for pilot positions. Part of Alaska Air Group.
• FedExcoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor cargo airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for pilot careers.
• Frontier AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerUltra-low-cost carrier partner recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• JetBluecoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for First Officer positions.
• United AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor airline partner with documented success stories of American Flyers graduates becoming First Officers.
• Southwest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor low-cost carrier partner recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• SkyWest AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airline partner (largest regional carrier) recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• PSA AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airline partner operating as American Eagle for American Airlines, recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• Delta Air LinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• Alaska AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor airline partner (parent of Horizon Air) recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• Endeavor AircoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airline partner operating as Delta Connection, recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• Hawaiian AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerMajor airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for Hawaii-based operations.
• LufthansacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for European operations.
• Air CanadacoreGTM or Marketing PartnerInternational airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates for Canadian operations.
• LATAM AirlinescoreGTM or Marketing PartnerSouth American airline partner recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• Envoy AircoreGTM or Marketing PartnerRegional airline operating as American Eagle, a subsidiary of American Airlines, recruiting American Flyers graduates.
• M1 Student Visa ProgramcoreOthersAmerican Flyers is approved for M1 Student Visa, allowing international students to train in the US. Dedicated support for visa processing and TSA documentation.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Broad incumbents

• CAE: CAE is a global aviation training leader operating 50+ training centers and a large simulator fleet, serving airlines and business aviation customers. It is comparable to American Flyers in simulator-based pilot training methodology but at an enterprise scale serving airline training contracts rather than individual students.
• FlightSafety International: FlightSafety International is a Berkshire Hathaway-owned leader in professional aviation training with hundreds of simulators worldwide, primarily serving corporate, commercial, and military pilots. It overlaps with American Flyers in simulator-based pilot training but operates at a much larger, more corporate-focused scale.
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Embry-Riddle is the largest university-based aviation program in the US offering four-year degrees in aeronautical science and pilot training. It is a broader incumbent serving a similar career-pilot pipeline but with a degree-oriented, residential model unlike American Flyers' accelerated certificate-focused approach.

Emerging players

• Sporty's Pilot Shop: Sporty's offers FAA test prep courses, flight training videos, and pilot supplies through online and catalog channels. Comparable to American Flyers' Ground School weekend programs and competing for the same recreational/private pilot segment with more flexible digital delivery.
• Gleim Aviation: Gleim Aviation is a leading provider of online ground school, FAA test prep, and pilot training materials. It overlaps with American Flyers' Ground School and FIRC for Life products but competes digitally at a lower price point rather than through in-person flight training.

Direct peers

• ATP Flight School: ATP Flight School is the largest Part 141 flight training organization in the US with 80+ locations, offering accelerated professional pilot programs with similar airline partnerships and career-track offerings. It is the closest direct competitor to American Flyers' Airline Academy in the career pilot training segment.
• Epic Flight Academy: Epic Flight Academy is a Part 141 flight school in New Smyrna Beach, FL focused heavily on international students and career-track pilot training, similar to American Flyers' international and Airline Academy offerings. Both schools compete for the same pool of aspiring professional pilots seeking FAA certification.
• Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: Spartan College is a vocational aviation school offering pilot, aircraft maintenance, and avionics programs. It competes directly with American Flyers for career-track pilot students and offers comparable multi-rating certificate pathways.

Regional players

• Lufthansa Aviation Training: Lufthansa Aviation Training is a European-based commercial pilot training provider serving European airlines, comparable to American Flyers' career-track Airline Academy model. It is a regional peer operating primarily in Europe rather than the US market.
• University of North Dakota Aerospace: UND Aerospace is one of the largest university-based flight training programs in the US with extensive fleet and instructor capacity, serving a comparable career-pilot pipeline to American Flyers. It competes in the same segment but through a residential degree-granting model primarily in the upper Midwest.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Americanflyers1

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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 American Flyers