Are you considering a career as a pilot? If yes, you've probably heard about flight schools in Arizona, and you're wondering what life looks like while you're training. Here's the thing—Arizona isn't just a great place to learn to fly. It's an incredible place to live while you're doing it.
If you're looking for the best flight schools Arizona, you’re probably keen to know what's waiting for you beyond the cockpit. Phoenix flight school students get something most pilot training programs can't offer: world-class training paired with access to some of the most stunning attractions in the country. Let's talk about what makes Arizona special, and why UND Aerospace Phoenix stands out as your best choice for becoming a pilot.
Why Arizona Is the Perfect Place to Train as a Pilot
Arizona offers year-round flying weather with over 300 days of sunshine annually. This means you're not waiting for clear skies to log flight hours. Your training schedule stays on track while students in other states deal with weather delays.
But the flying conditions are only part of the story. Arizona gives you a lifestyle that makes your pilot training journey something you'll enjoy. Between your ground school classes and flight time, you have some of the most incredible experiences waiting for you.
Natural Wonders That Take Your Breath Away
The Grand Canyon
No pilot training experience in Arizona is complete without seeing the Grand Canyon. While UND Aerospace is located in Phoenix and the surrounding Mesa area, the Grand Canyon is within a reasonable driving distance. Many of our students take weekends to explore this natural wonder. If you're going to become a pilot, seeing one of the world's most famous geological formations makes sense—you'll eventually see it from the air anyway during cross-country flights.
Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend
Near the Grand Canyon, you'll find Antelope Canyon, famous for its slot canyon formations and incredible light photography. Horseshoe Bend is situated nearby, offering stunning views of the Colorado River. Both are popular weekend trips for Arizona flight school students. These locations give you a sense of the terrain you'll be navigating as you build your flight training hours.
Sedona's Red Rocks
Sedona sits about two hours north of Phoenix and offers dramatic red rock formations that are unlike any other in the country. The hiking trails, art galleries, and restaurants make it a perfect weekend escape when you need a break from commercial pilot training or your private pilot license coursework. The scenery alone makes the drive worth it.
Downtown Areas Worth Exploring
Downtown Chandler
Chandler has really developed into a vibrant downtown area. If you're training at UND Aerospace Phoenix—our Mesa flight school location puts you right in the Phoenix metropolitan area—Chandler is close by and worth checking out. Downtown Chandler boasts a diverse range of restaurants, shops, and a thriving entertainment scene.
One spot that stands out is The Perch, a unique bar with an actual collection of exotic birds. It's an unusual concept, but it has become a top destination for locals seeking something different. While you're working toward your commercial pilot or private pilot certification, having cool spots like this nearby makes Phoenix feel like home.
Downtown Gilbert
Gilbert has become increasingly popular with young professionals and students. The downtown area offers a diverse range of shops, dining options, and a variety of events throughout the year. Since you'll be spending months here working on your flight training and pilot license, having access to a vibrant downtown scene matters more than you might think. It provides you with opportunities to decompress between a very demanding flight training schedule.
Why Location Matters for Flight School Students
Here's what most flight school websites don't tell you: where you train affects your overall experience. Indeed, you need to be concerned about whether a flight school has qualified instructors and high-quality aircraft. However, you also want a location that you'll enjoy living in for 12 to 15 months while completing your private pilot training or working toward your commercial pilot certification.
Arizona flight schools in the Phoenix area offer something different. You're not stuck in some remote location with nothing to do. You're in a metropolitan area with attractions, dining, entertainment, and natural wonders all within reach.
Want The Best Flight School in Phoenix? UND Aerospace Phoenix is a Top Choice
When choosing between top-tier schools in Arizona, a great location is essential, but the quality of training is more important. UND Aerospace Phoenix, located in Mesa, combines exceptional flight training with access to everything Arizona has to offer.
Our Mesa flight school operates under FAA Part 141 and FAA Part 61 authority, meaning our training meets the strictest federal standards. Our instructors aren't just teaching you how to operate an aircraft—they're preparing you to become a safe, competent professional pilot ready for the real world.
As the go-to flight school Phoenix, we offer flexible training pathways to meet your goals. We have an accelerated commercial pilot training pathway that can get you from zero flight experience to a job-ready commercial pilot in 12 to 15 months. You'll learn in modern aircraft, train on advanced flight simulators, and work with instructors who have real-world aviation experience.
We also offer a collegiate flight training pathway in partnership with the Chandler-Gilbert Community College, allowing you to earn your commercial pilot certifications while completing an Associate's degree in Airway Science and Technology.
Plus, we have FAA examining authority. That means you take your certificate-granting exams with our staff instead of hunting down an external FAA-approved examiner. This saves you time and money while you're working toward your private pilot license or commercial pilot certification.
Enjoy Real Support From Real People
Finding the best flight school in Phoenix means finding instructors who care about your success. Our team is committed to helping you reach your goals. We offer flexible scheduling, financial aid options, and personalized guidance throughout your training journey.
Whether you're a high school graduate exploring aviation careers or someone making a mid-life career change, we offer programs tailored to your situation.
Ready to Take the Next Step?
Arizona offers world-class flight training paired with incredible attractions, vibrant communities, and year-round flying weather. If you're serious about becoming a pilot, you deserve a flight school that delivers both excellent instruction and a location where you actually want to spend the next year of your life.
This is where UND Aerospace Phoenix comes into the picture. Contact us today to schedule your discovery flight or learn more about how to become a commercial pilot at our Arizona flight school!