Selecting the right flight schools in Colorado Springs is difficult in part because so many flight training outfits offer services across the region’s airports. From Colorado Springs Municipal (KCOS) to Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY) to Davis Field (KAFF) at the Air Force Academy and beyond, great Colorado Springs flight training operations can help you achieve your aviation goals.
Our expert team of flight instructors, students and flight school operations staff have put together this exhaustive list of flight schools and training providers to help you sort out the Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs.
A Summary of The Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
The Flight School at Colorado Springs – Best Part 61 School, Best for Accelerated Training
Direct Connect Flight Academy – Best Part 141 School, Best for Airline-Focus, Best for Crew Concept Training
Aces Up Aviation – Best for Aerobatic Training
Flight Training Adventures – Best for Destination Flight Training, Best for Enjoying Your Training
Falcon Aerolab – Best for High School Students, Best for Casual Flight Training
Colorado Backcountry Aviation – Best for Tailwheel Training
Air Force Academy Aero Club – Best for Air Force Cadets, Best for Air Force-Associated
Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center (aka Peterson SFB Aero Club) – Best for Active Duty Military, Best for VA Benefits
The Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
Finding a safe, reliable flight school is important for your safety both now and across your future experience or career as a pilot. Leaving the ground in a tin can with wings is, surprise surprise, an inherently dangerous activity. Is it more dangerous than driving your car to work? It’s difficult to compare apples to oranges, but many compare the risk involved to riding a motorcycle. No statistics back this up and anyone who has done both will tell you it’s not the same sort of risk.
So, how do you find the best flight schools in Colorado Springs? Carefully. Evaluate your options using. abroad criteria. Our methodology section details how we evaluated the schools we chose (or didn’t choose) and offers some extra thoughts on criteria.
The Flight School at Colorado Springs – Best Part 61 School, Best for Accelerated Training
With a unique syllabus designed for access and affordability, The Flight School at Colorado Springs offers excellent flight training for nearly half the price of many flight schools. Taking the wisdom of the saying “teaching teaches teachers” to heart, students at The Flight School at Colorado Springs become ground instructors as soon as they become Private Pilots. This prepares them to become flight instructors much earlier than with other programs.
The Flight School at Colorado Springs also offers a variety of pre-pay packages to make your training more affordable and offers time-building packages at significantly lower rates.
Training Options at The Flight School at Colorado Springs
The Flight School at Colorado Springs can fulfill nearly all your training needs:
–Commercial Pilot Certification
–Ground Instructor Certification
–Flight Instructor Certification
-Complex Aircraft Endorsements
-61.56 Flight Reviews
-61.57 Instrument Proficiency Checks
-Light Sport Pilot Certification
-AATD Simulator Instruction
Location of The Flight School at Colorado Springs: KFLY
The Flight School at Colorado Springs is based at Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY) and operates a virtual office. Its hangar is located off taxiway C4, just to the right after passing through the airport gate.
Aircraft at The Flight School at Colorado Springs
With both S-LSA and traditionally-certificated aircraft, the Flight School at Colorado Springs offers advanced training in its most complex aircraft at prices lower than most other schools that rent basic trainers. This helps with cost, but also ensures commercial pilot graduates can prepare themselves to meet insurance minimums in the event they find a job in complex aircraft right out of school. The Flight School at Colorado Springs also offers instruction in an Redbird FMX AATD simulator.
Direct Connect Flight Academy – Best Part 141 School, Best for Airline-Focus, Best for Crew Concept Training
Founded by airline pilots for future airline pilots, Direct Connect Flight Academy is all about crew-focused flight training. With extensive crew-focused training developed directly from airline training materials, DCFA offers Part 141 training from seasoned airline-industry professionals. With a designated path for Rotorcraft Transition Pilots and an ATP-CTP course, Direct Connect offers everything you’ll need to go from Discovery Flight to airline-ready.
Training Options at Direct Connect Flight Academy
Unlike almost all other flight training programs in Colorado Springs, Direct Connect Flight Academy offers Part 141 training, which allows military folks to use the GI Bill and VA Benefits toward flight training.
–Commercial Pilot Certification
–Ground Instructor Certification
–Flight Instructor Certification
-Multi-Engine Ratings
-Multi-Engine Instructor Certification
Location of Direct Connect Flight Academy: KCOS
Direct Connect Flight Academy features its own ramp just off the main GA ramp at Colorado Springs Municipal.
Aircraft at Direct Connect Flight Academy
Direct Connect currently flies a well-maintained fleet of Piper Cherokees, but as of 2024 is transitioning its fleet to newer, Diamond Aircraft. It already flies a DA42 for its multi-engine training.
Aces Up Aviation – Best for Aerobatic Training
Owned and operated by Gar, a former Air Force fighter pilot with thousands of hours of aerobatic and military flying experience, Aces Up Aviation is well-known in the Colorado Springs area for offering instructor candidates required spin awareness training. Gar’s flying skill and deep knowledge of aerobatics is worth exploring for any pilot and any person seeking a thrilling introduction to aviation, but especially if you’re preparing to qualify for advanced types of military training—Aces Up Aviation offers a Fighter Qual prep course, as well.
Training Options at Aces Up Aviation
Aces Up offers an aerobatics discovery flight, advanced aerobatics training, a fighter pilot training pre-qualifications course, spin training and Private Pilot training.
Location of Aces Up Aviation: KFLY
Aces Up Aviation is located at Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY) at the far east end of Cessna Drive.
Aircraft at Aces Up Aviation
Aces Up Aviation operates a Moravan ZLIN242L, (known around the field as “Gar’s Zlin”) a 200 horsepower low-wing aircraft built in the mid-nineties and designed in part for its excellent aerobatic capabilities.
Flight Training Adventures – Best for Destination Flight Training, Best for Enjoying Your Training
Ever considered turning your flight training into something even more adventurous? Flight Training Adventures offers flight training that exposes you to a wider variety of conditions, airspace and environments by allowing you to choose an actual faraway destination for your training. The school also offers a number of example routes you can choose from.
Instead of flying approaches at the same five airports, Flight Training Adventures helps you choose an extended cross-country route and teaches you to fly instruments all the way along the route and back again. Because the school charges for instructors by the day and aircraft in bulk hour packages, the price of training is actually comparable to that of typical instrument rating—but don’t forget to budget for hotels, food and other activities along the way.
Training Options at Flight Training Adventures
–Commercial Pilot Certification
–Flight Instructor Certification
–Specialized Cross-Country Training
-Mountain Flight Training
Location of Flight Training Adventures: Anywhere!
Flight Training Adventures will fly to you! Based out of Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY), the outfit flies to its customers, anywhere on the North American Continent or where insurance condones in the Caribbean.
Aircraft at Flight Training Adventures
To make your training that much faster, Flight Training Adventures operates a Mooney M20C and is expecting delivery of a Cessna 172XP, as well.
Falcon Aerolab – Best for High School Students, Best for Casual Flight Training
An educational program for aspiring aerospace engineers, pilots, aviation mechanics and STEM-focused students in general, Falcon Aerolab’s flight training program is just a part of its much-larger educational scope. With flight training and mechanic training programs for eligible high school students in Colorado Springs, Falcon Aerolab also now offers retail flight training services to the general public.
Training Options at Falcon Aerolab
Falcon Aerolab offers specific training to students in its program, but its new retail program, which should be available to the general public, will reportedly offer:
–Commercial Pilot Certification
-61.56 Flight Reviews
-61.57 Instrument Proficiency Checks
Location of Falcon Aerolab: KFLY
Falcon Aerolab is located at the Meadow Lake Airport (KFLY), with classes held at the MLAA Hangar and flights launching from a location off Echo taxiway.
Aircraft at Falcon Aerolab
Falcon Aerolab offers training in a Cessna 152 aircraft and, as of 2024, is excitedly awaiting delivery of additional Diamond Aircraft.
Colorado Backcountry Aviation – Best for Tailwheel Training
Imagine if someone found a hangar full of really cool flying toys and said, “I’m going to teach everyone how to use these.” That’s Colorado Backcountry Aviation, where you can fly tailwheel into the backcountry or zoom around the Front Range in warbirds.
Training Options at Colorado Backcountry Aviation
Colorado Backcountry Aviation offers type-specific training in its aircraft and speciality backcountry, mountain, aerobatic, formation and warbird training. The outfit also offers:
-Tailwheel endorsements
-Multi-Engine Training
Location of Colorado Backcountry Aviation: KCOS, KCFO
Colorado Backcountry Aviation is located at Colorado Springs Municipal (KCOS) but hangars some aircraft elsewhere, like at Colorado Air and Space Port (KCFO).
Aircraft at Colorado Backcountry Aviation
Colorado Backcountry Aviation offers flight instruction in a 1957 PA-18A (aka the “Super Cub”), a 1973 F33A Beechcraft Bonanza, 2009 A-1C 200 Aviat Husky, 1968 8KAB Super Decathlon, T-28A Trojan Air Force Trainer and SNJ-5 Navy Trainer. Any pilot or aspiring pilot can imagine the hangars at Colorado Backcountry Aviation are as much museum as they are pilot toy shoppe.
Air Force Academy Aero Club – Best for Air Force Cadets, Best for Air Force-Associated
With a large military aviation presence, Colorado Springs and the Colorado Front Range are home to quite a bit of our nation’s initial military flight training. Many Air Force Cadets, Air Force service people and their families learn to fly with assistance from the Air Force Academy.
Open to cadets, service members, retirees, contractors and their families, the AFA Aero Club is a Part 141 school and is highly selective with instructor hiring and aircraft. Though not entirely available to the public, the club offers a variety of military-maintained aircraft and features one of the nations most revered aviation communities.
Training Options at Air Force Academy Aero Club
The Air Force Academy Aero Club offers:
–Private Pilot Certification – Part 141
–Instrument Rating – Part 141
–Commercial Pilot Certification
–Ground Instructor Certification
–Flight Instructor Certification
-61.56 Flight Reviews
-61.57 Instrument Proficiency Checks
Aircraft at the Air Force Academy Aero Club are also available for rent to qualified customers.
Location of Air Force Academy Aero Club: KAFF
The Air Force Academy Aero Club is located at the Air Force Academy’s airfield, Davis Field (KAFF).
Aircraft at the Air Force Academy Aero Club
The AFA Aero Club operates Cessna 172 P,S,N,M and 182Q aircraft.
Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center (aka Peterson ASB Aero Club) – Best for Active Duty Military, Best for VA Benefits
Membership in the Peterson Aero Club is open to active duty and active reserve service members, National Guard personnel and retired military. Though not a public-facing option for flight training, the club, like other aero clubs across the country and unlike most other non-military schools on this list, accepts VA benefits and other government-backed financing.
Training Options at Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center
The Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center offers:
–Commercial Pilot Certification
–Ground Instructor Certification
–Flight Instructor Certification
-61.56 Flight Reviews
-61.57 Instrument Proficiency Checks
-Multi-Engine Ratings
-Multi-Engine Instructor Certification
-King Air Type Training
Aircraft are also available for rent from qualified customers.
Location of Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center: KCOS
The Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center flies from Colorado Springs Municipal (KCOS), but is based at the Peterson Air Force Base on the north side of the field, not on the western GA ramp nor at the southern airline terminal.
Aircraft at the Rocky Mountain USAF Flight Training Center
The Peterson Aero Club operates T41C aircraft (often described as a Cessna 172 with twice the horsepower), a T41D, a retractable-gear Cessna 182, two Beech D55s and a King Air C90.
How We Chose The Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
Finding the Best Flight School in Colorado Springs proved no easy feat. While several excellent training centers offer flight training in Colorado Springs, we wanted to ensure we presented only those without major red flags—especially when it came to safety.
Methodology
In selecting our list of the Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs, we spoke with many students, instructors and other General Aviation community members. We carefully evaluated each school based on its reputation, safety record, maintenance quality, customer service, accessibility, ownership background, hiring practices, instructor pay scale, cost, educational philosophy and more. We also made sure our list of the Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs includes a variety of options for all sorts of pilots, student pilots and the general flying public.
While we worked to at least evaluate all established flight schools in the area, we did not evaluate individual instructors operating independently of schools marketing themselves as institutions. If you feel another flight school should be on this list or considered, please feel free to contact us!
Other Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
Some flight schools in Colorado Springs we evaluated for this list were not included for a variety of reasons, including poor student reviews, allegedly questionable safety records, accusations of fraud, reported OSHA violations, ongoing criminal and/or civil investigations into suspected or alleged wrongdoing, ridiculously-high cost and a host of other reasons. Be sure to carefully evaluate the flight schools you choose to fly with so that you can always be safe!
Compare Prices of the Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
To provide a general concept of pricing across flight schools in Colorado Springs, we calculated the cost of training at a handful of schools across the region.
| The Flight School at Colorado Springs | Direct Connect | Aces Up Aviation | Peak Aviation |
Springs Aviation
|
|
| Private Pilot | $12,482.00 | $18,435.00 | $14,964.00 | $17,859.00 | $15,734.00 |
| Instrument + Commercial | $24,232.90 | $42,630.00 | N/A | $38,148.00 | $32,090.00 |
| CFI + CFII | $4,681.50 | $6,640.00 | N/A | $7,145.00 | $6,840.00 |
| Total Program Cost | $42,461.40 | $67,705.00 | N/A | $63,152.00 | $54,664.00 |
| Time Building | $72,562.50 | $103,125.00 | N/A | $129,375.00 | $111,250.00 |
| 0 to 1500 Hours | $115,024.00 | $164,190.00 | N/A | $185,382.00 | $159,074.00 |
Prices as advertised 9/2024.
The numbers in the chart above were calculated by using the lowest-cost aircraft available for each type of training offered at each school. When quotes were publicly available from a school, they were supplemented by required hours not included in the quote. Accurate testing fees were added to all prices.
Aeroclubs and flying clubs were not included in the list, as instructor rates are highly variable and military clubs are not available to the general public. Specialty-focused schools, such as Flight Training Adventures, were also not included. Schools in red did not make this list of the Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs but are included for context.
| The Flight School at Colorado Springs | Direct Connect | Aces Up Aviation | Flight Training Adventures | Peak Aviation | Springs Aviation | |
| Most-Affordable Aircraft Rate | $129/h* | $165/h | $220/h** | $165/h | $207/h | $178/h |
| Primary Instruction Rate | $55/h | $70/h | included | $500/day | $62/h | $55/h |
| Advanced Instruction Rate | $60/h | $70/h | included | $500/day | $62/h | $60/h |
Prices as advertised 9/2024.
*The Flight School at Colorado Springs offers substantially-discounted rates on bulk hour purchases.
**Aces Up Aviation aircraft rate includes instructor cost
How Much Does Flight Training in Colorado Springs Cost?
The true cost of flight training is difficult to determine, given how extensive a process it can be. The cost of becoming a commercial pilot ranges from under $50,000 with The Flight School at Colorado Springs to about $109,000 with ATP. Part 141 programs are typically more expensive (but not always) and deep discounts can be found in various parts of training for those who know where to look. For more, check out our extensive guide on the true costs of flight training.
How Do I Finance My Training?
Financing flight training is a common avenue, especially for younger students seeking a career in aviation. Each school offers different financing options, typically through partner financiers. The most competitive student loans are typically available through larger schools or established programs, such as Direct Connect Flight Academy or ATP, but some financiers offer broad loans available to all kinds of training. AOPA Finance and Flight Training Finance are two examples of providers that serve flight schools in general. Scholarships are also available for flight training.
How To Choose The Best Flight School In Colorado Springs
Choosing the right school for you can be a challenge, but our list above can help narrow it down. Additionally, we’ve provided some contextual information to help you understand types of flight schools and flight training programs.
Part 61 or Part 141?
Typically, Part 61 schools offer more flexible training, while Part 141 programs offer more structure. While Part 61 requires instructors to be qualified as FAA-certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs), Part 141 programs require specific FAA approval and oversight to operate. Though Part 141 programs typically can help students finish a program in fewer hours, they’re typically not as affordable as Part 61 programs.
Those students seeking more structured training may seek Part 141 training, while those seeking more flexibility in curriculum, training design and more may benefit from Part 61 training.
Is Part 141 Safer than Part 61?
The FAA conducted a comprehensive study to determine if Part 141 or Part 61 schools were safer and found, “The results essentially imply that that school and examiner type do not affect subsequent accident rate.” In other words: no, you’re not necessarily more or less likely to be a safer pilot based on your training or examiner type.
Career or Casual Training?
Career training typically involves a regimented program with strict, intense guidelines. This isn’t for everyone, but it does promote better, faster and more comprehensive learning over an alternative, slower program. But, even if you are training for a career, don’t forget to make your training fun—choose a school and program that gives you flexibility.
Full Time or Part Time Training?
Flight instructors learn what the FAA calls the “laws of learning.” The Aviation Instructor’s Handbook tells us, “The principle of recency states that things most recently learned are best remembered. Conversely, the further a learner is removed in time from a new fact or understanding, the more difficult it is to remember.”
It’s from this wisdom we understand that full time training is more effective. The more consistently often you practice (the Law of Exercise is another FAA-touted law of learning), the more and better you’ll retain the knowledge you learn.
Full-time training isn’t possible for everyone, however. If all you can afford to do is part-time training, just do your best to fly as often and as consistently as you can to gain the most benefit.
The Short Final
Be careful and thoughtful about choosing the best flight school in Colorado Springs for you. Whether your choice is affected by training type, funding source or your long term goals, there’s likely a flight school that can meet your needs in Southern Colorado and along the Front Range. Though several flight school providers have been plagued with major safety issues, our list of flight schools has been carefully vetted and will provide safe, reliable training.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About The Best Flight Schools in Colorado Springs
Which is the best flight school in Colorado Springs?
The Flight School at Colorado Springs offers one of the best flight training programs on the Colorado Front Range. The school’s accelerated curriculum, affordable rates and friendly staff make your flight training experience safe, fun and rewarding.
How do I choose a flight school in Colorado Springs?
To choose the best flight school in Colorado Springs for you, weigh your training needs against the best flight schools in Colorado Springs we’ve listed above.
If you’re seeking accelerated learning with flexibility in your training, call The Flight School at Colorado Springs. Maybe you’re looking for a crew-focused or VA-benefit-ready training facility, in which case you’ll want to call Direct Connect Flight Academy. If you’re already a pilot and want a tailwheel endorsement, you’ll want to call Colorado Backcountry Adventures.
How much does flight training cost in Colorado Springs?
Most students training from “zero to hero” to become Commercial, Instrument-Rated Pilots and Instructors in Colorado Springs in 2024 should expect to pay an average of about $70,000 for training in the first 200 to 250 hours. To become an airline pilot beyond this, students need to work for or build 1,500 total hours of flight time.
The Flight School at Colorado Springs offers the same training for less-than $45,000, with additional time-building programs to help accelerate the climb to 1,500 hours for less.
How much does it cost to become a Private Pilot in Colorado Springs?
In 2024, becoming a Private Pilot in Colorado Springs costs between approximately $13,000 and $20,000. The direct cost includes aircraft rental, instruction, materials, testing fees, ground schools and more, but the true cost of becoming a pilot is complex and should be carefully considered before training begins.
Will airlines pay for my flight school?
Not really. Airlines typically do not pay for all of your flight training. When qualified pilots are scarce and airlines need them, the final advanced ratings and certifications required to become an airline pilot may be covered by an airline, but initial training is typically not paid for by an airline.
Is there an age limit for flight training?
There is no age limit for flight training, but there is an age limit to fly as an airline pilot. Pilots may not fly for an airline after the age of 65, but many senior pilots fly for charters, corporate outfits and work as instructors or in other aviation jobs.
Are pilots in demand in Colorado?
A global pilot shortage is expected to continue for what is essentially the foreseeable future. Pilots are in demand all over the world, including here at home in Colorado. The pilot shortage is complex, however. Many airlines and other companies are short of “well-trained, qualified pilots”—not “fresh-out-of-training pilots.” It takes time, money and dedication to become well-qualified enough to gain entry to the hiring market.
Is it really worth it to become a pilot?
The worth of becoming a pilot is up to you. If you’re looking for a challenge, learning to fly is an ambitious and rewarding one. If you’re only in it for the money, it’s probably not for you—but pilots can see late-career salaries above $400,000. It typically takes at least three to five years of excellent training, time-building, networking and taking advantage of the right opportunities to break a six-figure salary as a pilot.
