Introduction

Founded over two decades ago, the Academy of Aviation (AOA) is a Part 141 flight training provider offering a comprehensive pathway from private pilot through to professional credentials. It operates multiple campuses across the U.S. and provides tailored programs for both domestic and international students. aoa.eduacademyofaviation.com.Read More Here

Campuses & Facilities

AOA maintains campuses at key locations including Farmingdale and White Plains in New York, Atlanta (Georgia), Charlotte (North Carolina), Kissimmee and Orlando (Florida), Islip (Long Island), Long Beach (California), and also serves international students. academyofaviation.com

All campuses are situated directly on airports, providing seamless ground and flight training access. The Farmingdale location (Republic Airport – KFRG) is notable for its Part 141-certified training and use of advanced simulators and free group ground school sessions. academyofaviation.com

Training Programs & Structure

AOA offers a wide array of courses:

  • Private Pilot License (PPL)
  • Instrument Rating (IR)
  • Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
  • Flight Instructor ratings (CFI, CFII, MEI)
  • Multi-Engine Rating
  • Sport Pilot License
  • Hour-building and modular programs for aspiring professionals or hobbyists academyofaviation.com

Students benefit from free daily group ground school, personalized one-on-one flight instruction, and monthly scheduling sent six weeks in advance. Career-track enrollees must train at least four times weekly. academyofaviation.com+1

Airline Career Pathways & Partnerships

AOA boasts partnerships with major airlines through programs like:

  • Delta Propel Program — offers a streamlined route to Delta via CFI training at AOA and then teaching at Endeavor Air. academyofaviation.com+1Delta Airlines
  • Republic Airways RJet Cadet Program — prepares pilots for careers at Delta, United, and American Airlines. academyofaviation.com+1

Financing & Veteran Support

AOA accepts educational loans via the Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan for career pilot programs. Monthly payment plans are also available. Veterans can leverage VA benefits and GI Bill® support at select campuses. academyofaviation.com+1aoa.edu

Accreditation Status

As of December 2022, AOA had achieved candidacy status with the Middle States Association for Institutional Accreditation, working toward full institutional accreditation. It’s also pursuing accreditation with the International Aerospace Accrediting Commission (IAAC). aoa.edu

International Training Programs

AOA provides tailored international flight training options including:

  • DGCA (India): FAA-based 217-hour Commercial Pilot Pathway (~US $52,998)
  • Saudi Arabian: 250-hour customized program (~US $55,690)
  • Egyptian: 200-hour pathway (~US $50,470)
  • Minimum FAA Pathway: 180-hour foundational training (~US $49,120)
  • Flight Instructor Courses (CFI, CFII, MEI) for ~$27,450
  • Custom programs for South American pilots, Brazil’s ANAC, Vietnam’s CAAV, EASA conversion, etc.

Financing and housing assistance are available for international students.

Value & Pace of Training

AOA offers competitive rates compared to traditional university aviation programs, with the professional pilot track priced at just over US $75,000 and an accelerated pathway from zero to 300–500 hours in about five months.

Student Feedback & Criticisms

While many students praise AOA for its supportive environment and structured programs, there are critical voices too. Some former students on Reddit cite concerns about hidden fees, high operating costs, inconsistent instruction, and unprofessional conduct:

“They will charge $430 minimum per hour with instructor for a Cessna 172S… Most of the student in this school didn’t get a license… NO REFUND.”
“Rates and fees are unrealistically high… instructors couldn’t care less about the students’ progress.”
Reddit+1

These perspectives underscore the importance of independently verifying cost structures, scheduling, and instructor quality before enrollment.

Conclusion

Academy of Aviation offers a robust and diverse menu of flight training options—from foundational private pilot licenses to airline career pathways and international programs. With multiple campuses, airline partnerships, financing flexibility, and accreditation efforts, it provides a compelling launchpad for aspiring pilots.

However, prospective students should approach with due diligence—carefully reviewing pricing, schedules, and student reviews to ensure it aligns with their goals and expectations.find more