Best Schools in Aurora, CO

Provides an ideal environment conducive to learning to fly.

Offers flexible flight training programs.

Aspen Flying Club, established in 1977, is a well-regarded flight school and flying club located at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado. They offer a wide range of flight training programs, from ground school to advanced ratings, and cater to both recreational and career-oriented pilots. The club prides itself on its friendly atmosphere, commitment to safety, and exceptional customer service. Aspen Flying Club distinguishes itself with a large and diverse fleet of well-maintained aircraft, ensuring members have access to the planes they need. Aspen Flying Club fosters a community of aviators, welcoming members to utilize the training facilities and enjoy the camaraderie. Centennial Airport's busy, controlled airspace provides a challenging yet supportive learning environment, preparing pilots for real-world flying scenarios. The club offers instruction in density altitude and mountain flying, valuable skills for pilots in the Denver area. Aspen Flying Club boasts a large membership and a variety of aircraft, including Cessna 172s and other models. They provide instruction for private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, CFI, and ATP ratings. The club also offers aircraft rentals to its members. Aspen Flying Club is licensed to use the American Flight Schools mark and logo as part of the American Flight Schools family.

More than a flight school; it is a family.

ATP Flight School is a leading provider of accelerated flight training programs with over 80 locations nationwide. Established in 1984, they focus on equipping students with the skills and resources needed for airline careers. ATP offers a fast-track program to the major airlines, boasting the best training in the best aircraft and the most qualifications. They provide a structured curriculum for both students and instructors. ATP's Airline Career Pilot Program is designed to take students from zero experience to 1,500 hours. The school emphasizes speed and efficiency, enabling motivated individuals to obtain ratings quickly. Students have access to a mobile-optimized web app for lesson plans, online scheduling, and online modules. ATP also has airline partnerships and cadet programs to provide a direct path to various major airlines. ATP fosters a close-knit community, especially at smaller locations, encouraging students to immerse themselves in the training environment. While the program requires self-study and motivation, ATP provides a supportive culture with numerous students to study and work with. ATP offers financing options to help students fund their training. ATP Flight School has a safety-first attitude and a team-oriented working environment. ATP offers opportunities to become a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) after completing the program, allowing pilots to gain flight hours and experience.

Family owned and operated, with in-house maintenance, a standardized fleet of aircraft and a focus on safety.

Arapahoe Flight Club, located at the Colorado Springs Airport, is a veteran-owned and operated Part 141 flight school established in 2019. They offer flight training, tour flights, and aircraft rentals, fostering a community of aviation enthusiasts with a focus on safety and excellence. What sets them apart is that they are the only flight school in Colorado that offers both fixed wing (airplane) and rotor (helicopter) training in the same place. They employ instructors with real commercial experience who are passionate about teaching. The club is committed to training competent pilots without excessive costs, respecting both time and money. They aim to train to a high standard, accomplishing goals as close to the minimum required hours as possible. The challenging high-altitude environment provides an edge, instilling confidence in pilots to make appropriate decisions and manage flights safely. Arapahoe Flight Club also offers discovery flights in both fixed-wing aircraft (Piper Warrior or Cherokee) and helicopters (R44). They have relationships with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs) to ensure timely checkride scheduling. In 2025, they conducted 75 check rides, averaging 6-7 per month, and since the club's inception, 216 students have received their pilot certificates.

Compass Flight School offers tailored flight training programs designed to meet the individual needs of each candidate. While they can provide private pilot training for qualified candidates, students typically begin with at least a Private Pilot's certificate. Compass aims to equip pilots with the flight hours necessary to meet the requirements of mission aviation organizations such as MAF, JAARS, and AIM-AIR. Additional training includes instrument and commercial ratings, as well as high-performance time, with specialized preparation for mission field scenarios like low-level cross-countries and mountain flying. Executive Compass Flight Institute (ECFI) is a modern flight training unit with bases at Pitt Meadows Airport and Calgary Springbank Airport. ECFI's curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical experience, including ground school classes and hands-on flight training with experienced instructors. They offer specialized training programs such as instrument rating and instructor rating courses, utilizing state-of-the-art simulators and a modern aircraft fleet. Compass CFI Academy focuses on Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) initial training, providing expert instruction led by Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructors and experienced major airline pilots. Their program includes group and individual ground school, dual flight training, and simulator time, with an on-site Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) for added convenience. Compass Flight School also provides opportunities for flight time accumulation through aircraft delivery and chase pilot roles. Executive Compass Flight Institute receives positive reviews for its friendly and skilled staff, modern facilities, well-maintained aircraft, and positive learning environment. Instructors are praised for their professionalism and patience, contributing to a smooth and supportive flight training experience.

While several helicopter services operate in Colorado, including Front Range Heli, AirCam National Helicopter Services, MBR Helicopters, and Colorado Highland Helicopters, each has its unique focus. Front Range Heli, located near Denver and Boulder, offers scenic tours and flight training. AirCam, based at Centennial Airport since 1986, provides helicopter charters and maintenance services. MBR Helicopters, on the Western Slope, specializes in heavy lift operations and services across the Western United States. Colorado Highland Helicopters, situated in Durango, offers flight training, aerial tours, and public safety flight services.

ATP Flight School, founded in 1984, is a flight training company based in Jacksonville, Florida, with locations across the United States. It is the largest flight training provider in the country. ATP offers programs for individuals pursuing careers as commercial pilots, with a focus on airline-oriented training. ATP's airline training programs have prepared thousands of students for airline pilot careers. They offer career tracks to major airlines and have partnerships with regional airlines.

Offers helicopter flight training programs with experienced staff, focusing on safe and cost-effective training.

Founded on the principle of providing affordable and safe flight training.

Located at Aurora State Airport (KUAO) in Oregon, Aurora Flight Training offers an ideal environment for learning how to fly with moderate weather conditions and air traffic, providing new pilots with the confidence and real-world experience needed to become proficient. The school provides training in Cessna aircraft and aims to make flight training modern, adventurous, and accessible. Whether the goal is to fly for fun, visit family, or start a career as a professional pilot, Aurora Flight Training provides the tools needed to get airborne. The school fosters a community where students gain the skills, confidence, and mindset to explore life beyond the pattern.

With our 14 day, total immersion, Private Pilot Training, you can be on your way to flying your own airplane in practically no time.

Centennial Flyers, located at Centennial Airport (KAPA) in Englewood, Colorado, has been providing aircraft rental and flight instruction since 2004. They offer a diverse fleet of well-maintained aircraft, including Cessna, Piper, Diamond, Beechcraft, Mooney, and Cirrus models. Centennial Flyers aims to provide top-notch aircraft rental services and foster relationships with their clients. They are also committed to modernizing their fleet and keeping training affordable, with plans to introduce all-electric training aircraft in the near future. Centennial Flyers operates as a flying club, requiring membership for aircraft rental. Membership options range from 3-month to 12-month options, with varying benefits. The club offers online flight scheduling for its members. Centennial Flyers focuses on providing a variety of flying experiences, including cross country, glass panel, high performance, IFR, local, multi-engine, and VFR flights. While Centennial Flyers primarily functions as an aircraft rental facility, they also facilitate flight instruction through independent certified flight instructors. This allows members to pursue flight training and add certificates or ratings. The club emphasizes safety and requires members to complete a club checkout and maintain non-owned renters insurance. Centennial Flyers is committed to being environmentally conscious, with plans to integrate electric aircraft into their fleet. They aim to offer a cleaner and quieter flight training experience while maintaining affordable rates for pilots in the Denver area.

Offers Turbine Helicopter Transition training in the Bell 206L-3 for rated pilots.