Flight Training Pathway

You may want to ask the following questions when deciding where to pursue your degree:

• What are the estimated costs for each license and how long does it take the average student to complete their training?
• Does the college or university offer a Part 141 FAA-approved flight training program?

Is the college/university eligible to offer students the Restricted-Air Transport Pilot* (R-ATP) rating providing fewer overall hours of flight training to qualify as a regional pilot (often the first position after graduation)? * For more information about the Restricted-Air Transport Pilot rating and the reduction in hours, please click here.

• Attend an open house at the college/university you are interested in and talk to student pilots in the program about their experience, and ask questions about the opportunity to use flight simulators as part of your training.
• Speak with a financial aid counselor during your visit to understand the costs and opportunities for financial assistance

Vaughn could help you to find local providers who can assist with this requirement, as well as going through the FAA Medxpress.

During  your first two semesters, you will take FLT101 and FLT102 General Aeronautics which also includes a five-hour simulator lab. At the end of the courses, you will need to pass the FAA knowledge test for private pilot.

Prior to your first semester it is recommended that you obtain clearance from your academic adviser and financial aid office to begin training at Heritage Flight Academy, this way you can assure that you begin your flight training as early as possible.

Work with the financial aid office to obtain your mass transit tickets that will help you cover the community costs to Heritage Flight Academy.

Through Vaughn’s arrangement with Heritage Flight Academy, the following costs are available for Vaughn’s BS aircraft operations students:

1. Private Pilot License – $16,960
   • Pay for 50 flight hours (44 dual, 6 solo) and 40 ground hours
   • Receive extra 15 flight hours and 15 ground hours for no additional charge
2.  Instrument Rating – $11,923
   •  Pay for 30 dual flight hours, 15 Redbird hours, 20 ground hours, and 1.5 solo flight hours
   • Receive extra 10 flight hours, 10 Redbird hours, 10 ground hours for no additional charge
3. Commercial Pilot License – $33,523
   • Pay for 121.5 dual flight/solo flight/Redbird hours and 20 ground hours
   • Receive extra 5 flight hours and 10 ground hours for no additional charge
4. CFI – Airplane – $7,598
   • Pay for 19 flight hours (17 dual, 2 solo) and 30 ground hours
   • Receive extra 20 ground hours for no additional charge
5. CFI – Instrument – $7,423
   • Pay for 16.5 flight (15 dual, 1.5 solo) hours, 5 Redbird hours, and 20 ground hours
   • Receive extra 15 ground hours and 5 Redbird hours for no additional charge

TOTAL HFA FLIGHT TRAINING COST – $77,427*, **

*Any hours a student needs beyond the packaged hours below will be charged at regular (full) HFA rates*. If less hours are used, you will be refunded the difference.

**FAA designated pilot examiner (DPE) fees are in addition to above price breakdown.

Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology considers the career development of every student a primary responsibility. Career counseling is conducted through the office of career services, department chairs and the faculty. Throughout its history, the College has assisted its students and graduates in securing meaningful internships and employment that relates to the majors offered. Ninety-seven percent of Vaughn College graduates, 77 percent in their field of study, are placed in professional positions or choose to continue their education within one year of graduation.*

Leaders in aviation, aerospace, manufacturing, engineering design, public utilities, local state and federal government, to name a few, seek the College’s graduates. The office of career services provides ongoing industry updates for both continuing and graduating students. The College is also committed to lifelong learning and advisement on career development issues for its alumni. Employment opportunities, job prospects, company literature and information are provided through this office as well. Career development guidance and assistance are always available to students.

Vaughn College is so confident that it prepares its graduates for employment that it is offering a guarantee for those who meet certain criteria.

If an eligible student is not employed full time in their field of study one year after graduating, and conducting an active job search, Vaughn College will provide reimbursement for one year of the graduate’s federal Direct undergraduate student loan payments.