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Sunstate Powered by Academy of Aviation Commercial Pilot Programs



SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation's vocational programs are developed to meet popular aviation objectives and harness the wealth of experience that this Flight Training Academy has accumulated over the years. As a student enrolled in one of our Career Pilot Programs, you are officially "matriculated," signifying our commitment to take a hands-on approach to your success.

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  • Beyond AOA

    Former AOA trainees and CFIs, Capt. Rejaul Rajib and First Officer Eric Riker, share the cockpit of a Republic Airways flight out of LaGuardia on Jan. 14, 2022. #flyaoa

  • AOA Certified

    AOA certified pilots and flight crew out of Chicago O'Hare: Rejaul Rajib in the left seat with Jamaal Simon closest to the camera. #flyaoa

  • AOA Awesome

    Armand DeLalla successfully completes his Commercial check ride at AOA in Farmingdale with CFI Jalen. #flyaoa

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COMMERCIAL PILOT

Commercial Pilot Training Explained

Your training is comprised of two parts – flight training and ground training. In ground school, you will gain the knowledge needed to be a proficient pilot. You have several options for ground training, but the goal is to successfully complete your aviation knowledge test. Flight training takes place in the airplane. You will learn skills and gain experience necessary to safely operate an airplane on your own and pass your check ride.

  • Before You Begin:

    You must hold a Private Pilot Certificate with an Instrument rating, be at least 18 years of age, be fluent in English and hold at least a Third Class FAA Medical Certificate.

  • FAA Minimum Requirements:

    The minimum number of flight hours required to earn a commercial pilot certificate under FAA Part 141 is 190 hours.

  • How Long Will It Really Take?

    Most new pilots don't finish their training in just the minimum flight time. This usually comes down to how often you fly. The more serious you take your training, the better a pilot you'll become, in less time.

A good flight school prepares you to pass the FAA exams in the time frame you desire, for the price quoted, safely.

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Compare Prices

Earn the Same Ratings at the Same Airports

Compare our prices with our major competitor's. SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation offers career flight training with a Fixed Cost Pricing starting from zero experience. Prices are based using average flight hours for course completion. Additional non-tuition expenses and fuel surcharges, if applicable, are not included. All prices are subject to change.

  • SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation Price

    Part 141: Structured training time, lower costs.

    $70,740.
    Package Includes
    • Cessna 152 Basic Trainer
    • Every student is matriculated, signifying our commitment to take a hands-on approach to your success.
    • Part 141 at EVERY location means strict FAA oversight.
    • CFIs are AOA Employees, not independent contractors.
    • Multi Engine Fleet: Diamond DA42 Twin Star at our dedicated Atlanta/Peachtree City Multi-Academy.
    • Finance your full career pilot training with Sallie Mae or one of our other finance partners.
    • Upgrade to the Cessna 172 G1000® for your Instrument Rating: add $1,820.
    • Upgrade to the Cessna 172 G1000® for your Whole Program: add $11,235.
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  • Competitor Price

    Part 61: Variable training time, higher costs.

    $108,995.*
    Package Includes
    • Piper Archer Basic Trainer
    • Part 61 Only - No FAA oversight and training largely based on self-study.
    • CFIs are independent contractors.
    • Multi Engine Fleet: Piper Seminole
    • Advertises a "Reserved Loan," but contrary to our competition's claims, we too can help you obtain financing as a Sallie Mae Approved provider.
    • * +$3,000 in CA, MA, NY; +$2,000 in CT, MD, NJ, OR, WA, DC Area.

Become a pilot with a flight training program built around safety, innovation and accessibility.

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WHAT WILL I LEARN?

First Flight to First Officer Program from Start to Finish

This program prepares students for an entry-level position as a commercial pilot with a focus on building experience working as a Certified Flight Instructor for Primary and Commercial students.



  • Private Pilot Course
  • Instrument Rating Course
  • Single-Engine Commercial Course
  • Certified Flight Instructor Rating
  • Certified Instrument Instructor Rating
  • Multi-Engine Commercial Course
  • Multi-Engine Instructor

We invite you to explore our Student Portal and download our full Course Catalog. There you will discover every detail about all of our programs:



Student Portal

Upgrade your career Flight Training with SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation. We will create a customized program to meet your personal timeline.

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Finance Your Flight Training

Financing is Available

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Full financing is available for our "First Flight to First Officer" career pilot program. The Sallie Mae Smart Option Student Loan® is available for those who qualify.

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Free Discovery Flight With Your Financing Approval

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SunState Powered by Academy of Aviation helps you set reasonable expectations, and takes the lead in keeping those expectations on track.

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