Graduating from high school is an exciting time. For students who dream of becoming pilots, it’s also the perfect moment to explore the next step in aviation. With so many flight schools in Phoenix, choosing the right training path can feel overwhelming. At UND Aerospace, we guide young students through their journey and help them find the training path that best fits their goals, their pace, and their readiness for the demands of flight training.
For high school graduates looking to join our Phoenix flight school, there are two main options: the collegiate flight training path and the accelerated pilot training path. Both can lead to a commercial pilot license and, eventually, an airline pilot career.
But how do you know what path is right for you? Let's dive into the details to find out:
The Collegiate Program: Phoenix Pilot Training with CGCC
For many high school graduates, the collegiate pilot training program at UND Aerospace Phoenix, offered in partnership with Chandler-Gilbert Community College (CGCC), offers the strongest foundation. This structured, two-year program allows you to earn an Associate Degree in Airway Science Technology while simultaneously obtaining your pilot certifications.
The slower pace of the collegiate track provides a well-rounded educational experience, equipping you with a solid foundation in aviation theory, safety protocols, and hands-on flight training.
Training to become a pilot requires more than just learning technical skills—it demands strict time management, emotional resilience, and personal growth. The collegiate program gives students room to build these qualities gradually.
For fresh high school graduates, this paced, more balanced approach is ideal. Instead of compressing training into an accelerated schedule, students gain experience at a pace that encourages deeper understanding, confidence on the flight deck and readiness to thrive in the demanding world of aviation. It provides breathing room to develop both aviation skills and personal maturity, which can make a significant difference for high school graduates who are just beginning their journey into adulthood.
You'll also have the opportunity to take advantage of the vast resources and support available to students at our partner institution.
Accelerated Phoenix Flight Training: Fast-Track to the Cockpit
The other option is an accelerated pilot training program. This path allows students to move through training quickly, often completing their private pilot license, instrument training, and commercial pilot license in as little as 12 months.
The benefits are clear: students can begin building flight hours faster and may reach airline pilot qualifications sooner. However, the demands are intense. Accelerated flight training requires long hours, strict schedules, and a high level of emotional resilience. For many high school graduates, the transition from school to such a demanding program can feel overwhelming.
That doesn’t mean it isn’t possible. Some graduates are ready for the challenge and thrive in this environment. But it’s important to understand what’s required before enrolling. The accelerated path can be life-changing, but it is best suited for those who already have strong self-discipline, focus, and maturity.
Worried About Financing Options for Your Flight Training?
Finances play a big role in choosing a flight school. Fortunately, there are several ways students and families can make training more affordable. To begin with, as a non-profit organization, we keep our fees as low as possible, ensuring our students can access affordable flight education.
Additionally, students enrolled at our Phoenix flight school—both in the collegiate or accelerated path—have several options to make financing their flight training manageable.
The Ray Foundation Scholarship is one of the most impactful resources, offering qualifying veterans and their dependents funding that covers about 70% of Private Pilot training costs. This support makes professional aviation training far more accessible for those who meet the eligibility requirements.
In addition to scholarships, students enrolled in our collegiate program can apply for traditional federal financial aid, including Pell Grants, federal student loans, and Work-Study opportunities. Veterans and their dependents may also use GI Bill® benefits to help cover the cost of training, with guidance available through CGCC’s Veterans Services Office.
For those enrolled in the accelerated flight training program, private student loans—such as Sallie Mae® student loans—are available. Students may also benefit from the flexibility of completing training in stages, which helps spread out costs over time.
Families may also choose to use the 529 College Savings Plan, which can now be applied to both traditional collegiate and vocational flight training programs, which means students enrolled in both the accelerated flight training program and the collegiate program can benefit. Remember to consult a financial advisor for more information.
Ready to Enroll at One of the Best Phoenix Flight Schools?
The decision of which flight training path to take should be considered carefully. For high school graduates, the collegiate path is often the most ideal pathway. It offers a steady pace and gives students time to mature while still making progress toward their dream of becoming a commercial pilot. The accelerated path, while demanding, is an excellent option for motivated and disciplined students ready for an intensive program.
Whichever route you choose to follow, our Phoenix flight school helps students gain the skills, certifications, and confidence needed to step into the cockpit as a competent professional pilot. We have a proven track record of producing highly sought-after pilots and are here to nurture your aviation dreams.
Contact us or visit our Arizona flight school today to learn more about our programs and discover the best path for your aviation career.