A number of universities and colleges offer pilot training throughout the United States. These programs range from two-year community college add-on programs to full four-year degree programs that offer flight experience and training and business and administrative training. College and university training is usually the most costly. This training offers the benefit of an accredited degree, which can be a positive attribute in the interview and review process for pilots seeking employment after their training.
For individuals seeking commercial pilot careers with a degree to back up their skill sets, this can be the best option. These programs are offered at a variety of locations, but some of the largest and most known programs are offered at the University of North Dakota, Western Michigan University, Daniel Webster College, Embry Riddle University (in Prescott, Arizona and Daytona Beach, Florida), the Florida Institute of Technology, Parks College, and Purdue University.
Training outside of the college and university environment can also be done using intensive academy training services. These are generally business that offer condensed or intensive training programs designed to get pilot candidates through their FAA certificates and ratings in an expeditious fashion. Some of the main providers of this training service type offer facilities throughout the country to which a candidate can travel and receive their raining. Some of the main providers of this type of training are ATP, Flight Safety International and Delta Connection Academy. Links to these can be found in the resources below.
While these types of training programs do not offer college or university degrees, in many cases they offer connections with commercial flight providers that aid in placement for jobs after completion of the programs. Additionally, these programs can be the most expedient in terms of time spent to obtain certification due to their intensive nature.
A commonly overlooked method of commercial pilot training is to seek out a local airport and a flight school, fixed based operator or independent flight instructor. These facilities and instructors provide training for U.S. FAA pilots certificates and ratings that are equivalent to any of the same certifications and ratings that can be obtained through colleges, universities and academy training. In most instances, this is the most cost-efficient method of obtaining training, but it does not offer a degree to go with the FAA ratings and certificates.
For individuals who are working, unable to travel to academy training service providers, not interested in pursuing a full degree program or needing to pursue their training at a pace that fits their own life schedule better, this can be the best option. Training in this environment is highly customizable and based on the individuals needs and scheduling availability much more than college and university or academy training environments.
Finding one of these service providers can sometimes be more difficult, but there are online web listings that help individuals find local providers. One of the most active listings is PilotJourney.com.