wayman aviation academy
Wayman Aviation Academy is a private South Florida flight school serving U.S. and international students through FAA Part 141 pilot training, associate degrees, modular ratings, airline pathways, and visa-supported programs.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded1987
- HeadquartersPembroke Pines, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What wayman aviation academy does
Wayman Aviation Academy, legally Wayman College of Aeronautics, is a private, for-profit South Florida flight school and aviation education provider founded in 1987 and owned by Chiway Group. It serves U.S. and international career-changing adults, college-aspiring pilots, and local or part-time students through FAA Part 141 vocational programs, associate degree pathways, and modular pilot ratings. Its flagship Professional Pilot Program takes students from zero experience to commercial pilot certification in approximately 10 months, while the Associate of Science in Aeronautics pathway can provide R-ATP eligibility at 1,250 hours.
Instruction combines ground school, simulators, and a fleet of more than 35 aircraft, including four Piper Senecas, with airline-oriented procedures such as Safety Management Systems and Crew Resource Management. Wayman also operates a Part 145 repair station, offers aviation management and maintenance-management degrees, supports F-1 and M-1 students, provides paid discovery flights and youth programs, and sells pilot supplies. Its pathway relationships include Spirit Airlines, Republic Airways, Piedmont Airlines, and ExpressJet, while its alumni are reported to have been hired by more than 70 airlines.
The core revenue model is tuition from flight-training programs, modular ratings, and degree programs, with ancillary income opportunities from paid discovery flights and pilot-supply retail. Wayman uses a sales-led admissions process supported by website applications, campus tours, open houses, discovery flights, student financing through Sallie Mae and Meritize, and airline pathway referrals. The full Professional Pilot Program is priced at $51,970, with an option requiring a $15,000 initial deposit and $7,500 monthly payments over 10 months; annual revenue is not publicly disclosed.
wayman aviation academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- wayman aviation academy
- Legal name
- Wayman College of Aeronautics
- Website
- https://wayman.net
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 1987
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- Wayman Aviation Academy is a private South Florida flight school serving U.S. and international students through FAA Part 141 pilot training, associate degrees, modular ratings, airline pathways, and visa-supported programs.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
wayman aviation academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Flight Training Services
- NAICS
- Flight Training (611512), Colleges, Universities, and Professional Schools (6113), Technical and Trade Schools (6115)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services (THABAFAJ)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Aviation & Aerospace (EDABALAC)
Keywords
Where wayman aviation academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Pembroke Pines
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices3 records
Markets served
wayman aviation academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales
Revenue model
- Flight Training Programs: Tuition-based professional pilot training programs ranging from private pilot to commercial pilot certification. Programs billed through modular course fees including flight hours, instruction, and ground school.
- Degree Programs: Associate of Science in Aeronautics combined with flight training. 72 college credits integrated with 6 flight courses.
- Student Financing: Partnership with Sallie Mae and Meritize for student loans. The school certifies loans and receives funding; financing interest contributes to revenue model.
- Pilot Shop: Retail sales of aviation equipment, headsets, iPad apps (ForeFlight), and training materials through pilot shop at shop.wayman.net
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| One time/ perpetual license | Multi-year contract | Professional Pilot Program - Private to Commercial Certification |
| Subscription | Monthly | Payment Plan Option |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Individual Rating Costs |
Go-to-market motion3 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels9 records
wayman aviation academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Wayman Aviation Academy (operating as Wayman College of Aeronautics) is South Florida's largest flight school, delivering FAA Part 141 certified pilot training from zero experience through Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor certifications. The academy bundles integrated Associate of Science degree programs in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, and Aviation Maintenance Management with flight training, and operates a fleet of 35+ aircraft including the largest multi-engine training fleet in South Florida. Core deliverables include private pilot, instrument rating, commercial single/multi-engine, CFI/CFII certificates, and R-ATP eligible degree pathways, supported by an in-house Part 145 repair station, dedicated ground school, flight simulators, and partnerships with over 70 airlines for graduate placement.
Product overview
Wayman Aviation Academy (Wayman College of Aeronautics) is South Florida's largest flight school offering a comprehensive portfolio of aviation training programs. The core offering combines an integrated Associate of Science degree in Aeronautics with world-class flight training under one roof. The product suite includes college degree programs (AS in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, and Aviation Maintenance Management), professional pilot certification tracks (Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot with Single and Multi-Engine ratings), and instructor certifications (CFI and CFII). The academy also offers airline partnership pathway programs, international student visa programs (F-1 and M-1), discovery flights, and youth summer camps. All training is conducted under FAA Part 141 certification with an accelerated 10-month professional pilot program as the flagship offering.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- AS in Aeronautics (Pilot) Degree Associate of Science degree in Aeronautics combining 72 college credits with six flight courses, leading to Private Pilot through CFI ratings and R-ATP eligibility at 1,250 hours. Designed for students who want both a collegiate credential and FAA pilot certification.
- AS in Aviation Management Degree Associate of Science degree focused on aviation business operations, management principles, and industry knowledge.
- AS in Aviation Maintenance Management Degree Associate of Science degree combining aircraft maintenance technology with management skills for aviation maintenance operations.
- Professional Pilot Program Accelerated 10-month FAA Part 141 program taking students from zero experience to Commercial Pilot with CFI certificate, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Single/Multi-Engine ratings. Total program cost: $51,970, with $15,000 deposit plus $7,500/month installment option.
- Airline Partnership Pathways Direct hire programs with regional and major airlines including Spirit Airlines, Republic Airways, Piedmont Airlines, and ExpressJet, providing Wayman graduates with priority screening, direct mentorship from active airline pilots, and dedicated recruitment pathways.
- Private Pilot License (PPL) Entry-level pilot certification covering basic aerodynamics, flight maneuvers, weather tracking, and emergency operations, including first solo and cross-country flights. Modular pricing: $14,000-$18,000.
- Instrument Rating (IR) Rating enabling pilots to fly solely by reference to flight instruments in low-visibility conditions using ATC systems. Modular pricing: $11,000-$14,000.
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Professional pilot certification allowing pilots to fly for compensation or hire, including Single-Engine (CSEL) and Multi-Engine (CMEL) ratings. Modular pricing: $45,000-$55,000 for Commercial Initial + Twin.
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI and CFII) Instructor certification programs (CFI and CFII) preparing commercial pilots to teach future pilots through ground training and flight instruction techniques. CFII enables instructors to train students for the instrument rating, including IFR instruction, approaches, and emergency procedures.
- Discovery Flights Introductory flight experiences allowing prospective students to fly a Cessna with a certified instructor at North Perry Airport (KHWO) to evaluate their interest in aviation before committing to a program.
- International Student Programs (F-1 and M-1 Visas) Visa-authorized programs for international students including F-1 degree programs (AS in Aeronautics) and M-1 vocational Professional Pilot Programs, with housing support and international license convalidation assistance.
- Summer Camp 2026 Youth aviation program introducing teens to flight training and aviation careers, scheduled for summer 2026.
Quantifiable outcome
- 10-12 months from zero experience to commercial pilot certification
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use wayman aviation academy
Customer profileNamed customers10 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
wayman aviation academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature3 records
wayman aviation academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Eleven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Spirit AirlinesflagshipPilot Wing Pathway Program providing Wayman graduates with priority hiring consideration and direct mentorship from Spirit pilots. Pathway includes dedicated recruitment and screening processes.
- Republic AirwaysflagshipAirline partnership bringing Wayman graduates to their first airline jobs through dedicated cadet pathway program with priority screening and mentorship.
- Piedmont AirlinesflagshipAmerican Airlines affiliate with pathway program for Wayman graduates providing direct route to American Airlines through regional carrier employment.
- ExpressJet AirlinescoreRegional airline partner with dedicated hiring pipeline for Wayman graduates through express track program.
- Boeing CompanycoreAuthorized Training Supplier status, inspected and certified by Boeing for commercial and military training programs. Validates training quality standards.
- ALTA (Latin American Air Transport Association)corePartnership to develop airline cadet path for Latin America and Caribbean regions, addressing worldwide pilot shortage through regional talent pipelines.
- LATAM Peru Pilot Union (SIPLAP)minorScholarship partnership providing financial support for Peruvian students pursuing aviation careers through Wayman training.
- Liberty UniversityminorFlight training partner allowing Wayman students to pursue bachelor's degree pathways in aviation while completing flight training.
- Florida Memorial UniversityminorHistorically Black college partnership providing flight training services and aviation degree pathways for students.
- CFI BootcampminorGuaranteed CFI job interviews partnership providing Wayman graduates with guaranteed instructor employment opportunities after completing CFI ratings.
- AviomarminorEuropean partnership for EASA flight training, allowing Wayman students to pursue European aviation credentials alongside FAA training.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves9 records
Expansion highlights5 records
wayman aviation academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- ATP Flight School: Largest FAA Part 141 flight training organization in the US, offering airline-oriented career pilot programs similar to Wayman's Professional Pilot Program. ATP is the most directly comparable competitor in scale, model, and target customer (aspiring commercial pilots seeking accelerated training and airline placement).
- Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University: Two- and four-year aviation degree-granting institution with integrated flight training, R-ATP eligibility, and airline pathway programs. Embry-Riddle competes head-to-head with Wayman's AS in Aeronautics degree and flight training bundles for the same college-aspiring pilot segment.
- Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology: For-profit aviation institution offering associate and bachelor's degrees in aviation combined with flight training and FAA certifications. Spartan directly overlaps Wayman's AS in Aeronautics and Aviation Maintenance Management programs in the career-changing adult segment.
- Pan Am International Flight Academy: FAA Part 141 flight school with multiple US locations, offering professional pilot programs and airline-oriented training. Pan Am competes with Wayman for career-changing adult students seeking accelerated Part 141 certification with airline pathway access.
- United Aviate Academy: United Airlines-owned flight training academy providing a direct pipeline to United pilot careers. Represents the airline-owned model that competes with Wayman's third-party pathway approach and could compress enrollment as more major airlines follow this vertical integration strategy.
- AeroStar Aviation Academy: Florida-based Part 141 flight school offering professional pilot training and degree pathway programs. AeroStar is a regional direct competitor operating in a similar climate band, competing for the same South Florida and international student base as Wayman.
Broad incumbents
- CAE Inc. Global leader in aviation training with a large fleet of full-flight simulators and crew training services for commercial, business, and defense aviation. CAE is a much larger, publicly-listed incumbent operating in the same pilot training space, with broader scale and capital resources than Wayman.
- FlightSafety International: Long-established aviation training organization offering pilot, maintenance, and cabin crew training with a global network of learning centers. While FlightSafety focuses more on advanced/simulator-based training for active professionals, it competes for the higher-end pilot training customer that Wayman's CFI/CFII and airline pathway graduates pursue.
- L3Harris Technologies: Major defense contractor providing military pilot training services and commercial aviation training solutions. L3Harris operates at much greater scale in pilot training infrastructure and serves as an incumbent competitor for defense-aligned and large-scale training contracts adjacent to Wayman's offerings.
Emerging players
- Purdue University Global / Liberty University Aviation Programs: Universities with growing aviation and flight training programs that compete for the same college-aspiring pilot segment. Liberty University is specifically a Wayman partner, but other universities (Purdue Global, Southern Illinois University) are expanding aviation tracks that overlap with Wayman's degree offerings.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
wayman aviation academy social profiles
Digital presencewayman aviation academy compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
wayman aviation academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
wayman aviation academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles4 records
wayman aviation academy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
wayman aviation academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
wayman aviation 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 wayman aviation academy
What does wayman aviation academy do?
Wayman Aviation Academy (operating as Wayman College of Aeronautics) is South Florida's largest flight school, delivering FAA Part 141 certified pilot training from zero experience through Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor certifications. The academy bundles integrated Associate of Science degree programs in Aeronautics, Aviation Management, and Aviation Maintenance Management with flight training, and operates a fleet of 35+ aircraft including the largest multi-engine training fleet in South Florida. Core deliverables include private pilot, instrument rating, commercial single/multi-engine, CFI/CFII certificates, and R-ATP eligible degree pathways, supported by an in-house Part 145 repair station, dedicated ground school, flight simulators, and partnerships with over 70 airlines for graduate placement.
Is wayman aviation academy a public or private company?
wayman aviation academy is a private company. It is classified as corporate owned and is currently operating.
When was wayman aviation academy founded?
wayman aviation academy was founded in 1987.
Where is wayman aviation academy based?
wayman aviation academy is headquartered in Pembroke Pines, United States, in the North America region.
How does wayman aviation academy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Flight Training Programs are the primary driver. The others are degree Programs, student Financing and pilot Shop.
Who are wayman aviation academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are ATP Flight School, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Spartan College of Aeronautics and Technology, Pan Am International Flight Academy, United Aviate Academy and AeroStar Aviation Academy. Broad incumbents are CAE Inc., FlightSafety International and L3Harris Technologies. Purdue University Global / Liberty University Aviation Programs is listed as an emerging player.
Does wayman aviation academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for wayman aviation academy.
What industry is wayman aviation academy in?
wayman aviation academy's product category is Flight Training Services. Its primary akta.pro industry code is THABAFAJ, Private Aviation Pilot & Crew Staffing/Training Services, with a secondary code of EDABALAC, Aviation & Aerospace. Its NAICS code is 611512 and its SIC code is 8200.