Courses & Training
Elevate Your Skills: Comprehensive Flight Training Programs
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Flight Training Programs
Our meticulously designed courses, led by experienced and certified instructors, cater to aspiring pilots at every level. From foundational private pilot certification to advanced airline transport pilot training, we equip you with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to excel in the world of aviation.
Discover the program that's right for you and take the first step towards a rewarding career in the skies.
Private Pilot Certificate (FAA Part 141 Course)
Our FAA Part 141 Private Pilot course is designed for aspiring aviators looking to build a strong foundation in aviation through a structured and efficient training environment. This program prepares you to earn your Private Pilot Certificate, allowing you to fly single-engine aircraft for personal or recreational purposes.
Why Choose a Part 141 Program?
FAA Part 141 programs follow a more rigorous and standardized curriculum than Part 61, offering:
• Reduced minimum flight hours (35 hours vs. 40 under Part 61)
• A structured syllabus, ideal for career-oriented students
• FAA-approved ground and flight training
• Progress checks to ensure you’re on track
Course Highlights
• Ground School Instruction: Covers essential topics such as aerodynamics, FAA regulations, weather theory, aircraft systems, navigation, and radio communication.
• Flight Training: Conducted with experienced instructors in well-maintained aircraft. Training includes preflight procedures, takeoffs and landings, maneuvers, navigation, emergency operations, and solo flight time.
• Stage Checks: Progressive evaluations to assess readiness for FAA knowledge and practical exams.
• FAA Written Exam Preparation: Focused support and testing strategies to help you pass your knowledge test with confidence.
Course Requirements
• Be at least 17 years old by the time of your checkride
• Hold at least a Third-Class FAA Medical Certificate
• Be able to read, speak, write, and understand English
What You’ll Earn
• FAA Private Pilot Certificate – Airplane Single Engine Land (ASEL)
• The freedom to fly solo, carry passengers, and explore the skies
Instrument Proficiency Check
DESCRIPTION
Our instrument proficiency check is a thorough evaluation that assesses a pilot's ability to safely operate an aircraft solely by reference to instruments, ensuring proficiency in instrument flight procedures and emergency situations. Conducted by experienced instructors, the check includes tasks such as precision approaches, holding patterns, partial panel flying, and recovery from unusual attitudes. Pilots undergo simulated scenarios to demonstrate their competency in managing various inflight situations and adherence to regulatory requirements, guaranteeing they remain proficient and capable of handling instrument flight conditions effectively.
TRAINING CURRICULUM
The training curriculum of our instrument proficiency check encompasses a comprehensive range of topics and practical exercises tailored to ensure pilots maintain proficiency in instrument flight operations. It typically includes:
Regulatory Requirements: Review of pertinent regulations and requirements related to instrument flight operations, ensuring pilots remain current and compliant with regulatory standards.
Instrument Procedures: Instruction on instrument flight procedures including departures, arrivals, holding patterns, and instrument approaches utilizing various navigation aids such as VOR, NDB, GPS, and ILS.
Aircraft Systems: Detailed study of aircraft instruments, avionics, and systems relevant to instrument flight, including understanding of autopilot functions and navigation equipment.
Flight Planning: Guidance on flight planning techniques specific to instrument flight, including fuel planning, alternate airport selection, and weather analysis focused on instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
In-Flight Decision Making: Scenario-based training focusing on decision-making skills in various weather and emergency scenarios encountered during instrument flight operations, emphasizing safety and risk management.
Instrument Procedures Training (IPT): Practice sessions focusing on executing instrument approaches, holds, and navigation procedures under simulated instrument meteorological conditions (IMC).
Partial Panel Procedures: Training on flying the aircraft with partial instrument failure, including recovery from unusual attitudes and reliance on alternate instruments.
Emergency Procedures: Instruction on emergency procedures specific to instrument flight, such as loss of communication, equipment failure, and diversions to alternate airports.
Crew Resource Management (CRM): Emphasis on effective communication and coordination between pilots, as well as decision-making processes in the cockpit environment during instrument flight operations.
Flight Review Evaluation: Practical evaluation of the pilot's proficiency in executing various instrument flight procedures and emergency scenarios, ensuring compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements.
Feedback and Debriefing: Detailed feedback and debriefing sessions to review performance, identify areas for improvement, and set goals for ongoing instrument proficiency training.
By covering these areas comprehensively, our instrument proficiency check ensures that pilots maintain the necessary skills, knowledge, and proficiency to safely and effectively operate aircraft under instrument flight conditions, enhancing overall aviation safety.
PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS
Valid Driver’s License
Proof of Citizenship (or approved FTSP application)
FAA Medical Certificate
Pilot’s Certificate with Instrument Rating
MINIMUM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS
Train to proficiency according to the instructor
Instrument Rating Program
Master instrument flight rules and fly confidently in challenging weather conditions with Alaska Flight Academy!
IFR Training Course Program
Minimum requirements: 35 flight hours, 30 theory hoursThe course, which is FAA approved, consists of three stages and meets IFR training requirements. Each stage includes the required ground and flight training, followed by a stage check administered by the chief pilot or senior instructor. Classes are taught in accordance with the standard Jeppesen training program. An Instrument Rating (IR) is arguably one of the most valuable ratings you can add to your pilot certificate and is a fun and challenging discipline of flight training. For pilots that fly longer distances, this is a great tool, as it generally results in a significantly more efficient flight while likely receiving assistance from air traffic control along the way as an additional set of eyes on the air traffic and weather around you.
Stage 1
Instrument FlightsThe first stage of IFR flight training is dedicated to instrument flying skills training. Students study the principles of instrument flight, instrument navigation, and instrument engine failures. During this stage, students will also be educated on the advanced use of the VOR, GPS, and ADF.
Stage 2
Instrument ApproachThe second stage of the course is solely concentrated on instrument approach procedures. Students study these using equipment such as ILS, VOR, GPS, NDB, LOC, and others. Students will also learn how to perform holding patterns, approach maneuvers, missed approach procedures, and approaches with partial panel. Partial panel is when one or more of an aircraft’s instruments have failed during flight.
Stage 3
Cross-Country Instrument FlightsThe final stage of the instrument course is dedicated to cross-country flight and navigation. Students will become proficient with IFR flight planning and clearances. During these training flights, students will be utilizing the necessary instruments such as the VOR, GPS, and NDB. They will also practice in flight emergencies such as communication failure, avionics failure, and other emergency procedures.
Checkride Examination
The Checkride is broken down into two phases: the theoretical (Oral) and practical (Flight) exams. During the oral exam, the examiner will ask the student various types of questions pertaining to knowledge and theory of the Instrument Rating Course. The average time it takes to complete the oral exam is approximately two hours. Once the oral exam is successfully completed, the student and the examiner will partake in the practical exam, also known as the flight test. Here, the student must demonstrate the ability to execute successful instrument flight maneuvers, instrument navigation, and instrument approaches. These items must also be done successfully under partial panel conditions in the event of real-life avionics failure.Once the flight is concluded and successful, the student will receive his Instrument Rating, which will allow the student to exercise his Private Pilot Certificate in adverse weather conditions.
CFI | Certified Flight Instructor
Flight Instructor Certification (CFI)
This CFI course is designed to take a Commercial Pilot single or multi engine airplane certificate holder to the completion of the Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) Certificate training in just 14 days.
Checkride is scheduled and completed in the 3rd week
Most airline pilots and other professional pilots have “cut their teeth” as flight instructors. There is really no other better option than being a flight instructor to gain all that experience and flight time necessary to advance on to the other professional pilot careers, like airline pilot jobs.
Prerequisites
A current FAA Commercial Pilot certificate (or ATP) with Airplane Category (ASEL or AMEL)
A minimum of class III medical certificate, valid. Basic Med is acceptable.
FIA and FOI exam passed (preferred, but not required), or Ground Instructor in lieu of FOI.
Course Structure
Our CFI initial course is a very detailed, thorough, and hands-on course, and requires a lot of hard work and dedication on the part of the applicant as well as the instructors. The course is about 60-80 hours of ground school, and 15 hours of flight training. You need to keep in mind that this training is about being able to teach aviation, both on the ground and in flight. This course is not about your piloting skills. We understand that you already hold at least a commercial pilot certificate, hence you already have mastered the art of flying. Now it is about mastering the art of teaching aviation.
Ground School
This is the reason why the Flight Instructor course is always ground-heavy. The 60+ hours of the ground school includes all the subject areas covered in the Fundamentals of Instruction and the Flight Instructor Aeronautical Knowledge. You will have to spend a lot of time yourself for self-study, and also practice teaching other students while your instructor is supervising. By the time you are ready for your FAA checkride you will have gained all the knowledge and confidence necessary to qualify as a flight instructor and teach others how to fly.
Flight Training
The Flight portion of the course includes all the Private, Commercial, and CFI maneuvers, with you teaching from the right seat. The course also includes the required spin awareness, entry, and recovery techniques. At the completion of the course, you will have all the skills and confidence necessary to teach another pilot while sitting in the right seat of an airplane.
Typical Training Day
A typical training day includes 2 ground training sessions with your ground instructor, and one flight schedule of about 1-2 hour duration with your flight instructor, and another 3-4 hour session of self study, video session and lesson plan preparation and research work. By the end of the training you will be ready to hit the bed to get a good night’s sleep to be ready for the next day’s routine.
Checkride
In most cases the applicants will take their practical test (checkride) with a dedicated Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE). Self Examining Authority soon.
Commercial Pilot Program
Take your passion to the next level and pursue a professional aviation career.
Commercial pilot certification allows a pilot to fly for compensation or hire. The commercial pilot certificate training includes flying complex aircraft, extensive cross-country operations, and acquiring a high degree of aeronautical competency and airmanship.
Prior to enrolling in our commercial pilot certificate course, you must have at least a private pilot certificate, a current biennial flight review, and a current medical certificate
If your biennial flight review is not current, we can complete that prior to enrollment. A TSA screening process will be necessary if you are not an American citizen. We can guide you through that process. If an American citizen, only a passport or birth certificate must be furnished. Once TSA screening is complete, you can enroll in our FAA-approved Part 61 commercial pilot course.
Requirements
250 Hours Minimum Flight Time Logged
A person who applies for a commercial pilot certificate with an airplane category and single-engine class rating must log at least 250 hours of flight time as a pilot that consists of at least:
100 hours in powered aircraft, of which 50 hours must be in airplanes.
100 hours of pilot-in-command flight time, which includes at least:
50 hours in airplanes;
50 hours in cross-country flight, of which at least 10 hours must be in airplanes.
10 hours of solo flight time or as PIC with an instructor on board in a single engine airplane, including:
one cross country flight over 300 nautical miles, with landings at 3 points, and a single leg distance of at least 250 nautical miles from the point of departure
5 hours of night VFR with 10 take-offs and landings at a controlled tower
20 hours of commercial instruction including:
10 hours of commercial instrument training
10 hours in a complex, technically advanced, or turbine airplane
a 2 hour day cross-country consisting of a straight light distance greater than 100 nautical miles from the point of departure
a 2 hour night cross country consisting of a straight line distance greater than 100 nautical miles from the point of departure
3 hours of instruction time within the 2 months preceding your practical test
Flight Review
We recognize the significance of the Flight Review and its role in maintaining the highest standards of aviation safety. As an FAA Part 141 Certified Flight School, our Flight Review program is designed to provide a comprehensive evaluation of your flying skills, helping you stay current and proficient. Led by experienced and certified flight instructors, our flight review process covers all the essential aspects of aviation.
Whether you're a seasoned pilot looking to refresh your skills or a newer pilot aiming to fulfill your biennial requirement, our flight review program is here to meet your needs and ensure that you're always ready to fly safely.
A flight review which is mandated by the FAA every 24 calendar months, is a comprehensive evaluation of a pilot's knowledge and skills to ensure they continue to operate safely and proficiently.
A flight review consists of a ground portion where you can expect an evaluation of your regulatory knowledge, aeronautical science, and weather; and a flight portion where you can expect an evaluation of your flight maneuvers and emergency procedures.
More specifically, in the flight portion of the review, your ability to perform standard and advanced maneuvers will be assessed, including elements such as steep turns and stalls. Additionally, you will be evaluated on your reactions and decision-making skills in simulated emergency scenarios.
It's important to demonstrate your proficiency in these areas to ensure you can handle challenging situations safely. In the ground portion, your knowledge of Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), airspace rules, and operational limitations will be examined to ensure your understanding of the legal aspects of aviation.
Overall, a Flight Review is a valuable opportunity to maintain and improve your piloting skills while ensuring you continue to meet the high safety standards required in aviation.
At Alaska Flight Academy, we are committed to providing the highest quality flight review training to help you stay sharp and safe in the skies. Our experienced instructors will guide you through the review process, offering personalized instruction and feedback to help you enhance your skills and knowledge.
The Fixer and Finisher
Finisher and Finish-Up Course
A finisher course (often called a "finish-up" program) is an intensive, accelerated training program designed for student pilots who have completed most of their requirements but need a final push to become checkride-ready. These programs typically last between 3 to 5 days and focus on addressing knowledge gaps, perfecting maneuvers, and ensuring all legal FAA requirements are met.
Core Components of a Finisher Course
Logbook Audit: Instructors review your total flight hours and technical requirements to identify exactly what is missing (e.g., specific cross-country hours or instrument time).
Proficiency Review: Intensive flight training to refresh skills that may have faded due to training gaps.
Checkride Preparation: Focused training on the Airman Certification Standards (ACS) for both the oral and flight portions of the exam.
Final Recommendation: A proficiency check with an instructor who then provides the mandatory endorsement required to take the FAA practical test.
Topics Covered
Basic aerodynamics and the principles of flight
Safe and efficient operation of aircraft
Weight and balance computations
Use of performance charts
Significance and effects of exceeding aircraft performance limitations
Use of aeronautical charts and a magnetic compass for pilotage and dead reckoning
Risk Management
Aeronautical Decision Making
Task Management
Single Pilot Resource Management
Scenario Based Training
Emergency Operations
Flight Planning
Use of air navigation facilities
Aeronautical decision making and judgment
Principles and functions of aircraft systems
Maneuvers, procedures, and emergency operations appropriate to the aircraft
Night operations
Procedures for operating within the National Airspace System
Proper power settings and airspeed control
Applicable FAR's, AIM and Advisory Circulars
Radio Communications Procedures
Recognition of critical weather situations from the ground and in flight, windshear avoidance, and the procurement and use of aeronautical weather reports and forecasts
Safe and efficient operation of aircraft, including collision avoidance, and recognition and avoidance of wake turbulence
Effects of density altitude on takeoff and climb performance
Stall awareness, spin entry, spins, and spin recovery techniques for the airplane
Preflight action that includes—How to obtain information on runway lengths at airports of intended use, data on takeoff and landing distances, weather reports and forecasts, and fuel requirements
How to plan for alternatives if the planned flight cannot be completed or delays are encountered.
CFII | Certified
Flight Instructor Instrument
Flight Instructor Instrument - CFII
This is an add on course to an existing Flight Instructor certificate. The total duration is 4 days and includes the checkride completion.
Checkride is scheduled and completed on the 4th day
Most airline pilots and other professional pilots have “cut their teeth” as flight instructors. There is really no other better option than being a flight instructor to gain all that experience and flight time necessary to advance on to the other professional pilot careers, like airline pilot jobs.
Prerequisites
A current FAA Certificated Flight Instructor certificate with Airplane Category (ASE or AME)
A minimum of class III medical certificate, valid. Basic Med is acceptable.
FII written exam passed (preferred, but not required).
Course Structure
Our CFII add on course is pretty straight forward – we will train you over the course of 3 days and get you ready for the Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane practical test. Ground and Flight Instruction is provided by qualified and experienced instructors. Lesson plans and reference materials is included in the ground portion of this course.
Typical Training Day
A typical training day includes 2 ground training sessions and 1 or 2 flight training sessions.
Checkride
In most cases the applicants will take their checkride with a dedicated Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE) on the 4th day.
ATP Airline Transport
Achieve the pinnacle of pilot certification and prepare for a career in commercial aviation.
This program meets the requirements of FAR 61.156. It bridges the knowledge gap between a pilot who holds a commercial pilot certificate and a pilot operating in an air carrier environment. Successful completion of the ATP CTP will ensure an ATP applicant receives the baseline knowledge and experience to prepare them for the duties, responsibilities, and challenges of an air carrier environment.
Ground School
In-Person at our Academy
30 hours of ground school includes four modules:
Aerodynamics (8 hours)
Meteorology (2 hours)
Air Carrier Operations (14 hours)
Leadership & CRM (6 hours)
Flight Training
4 hours of flight training device (non-motion simulator) training will include:
Navigation and flight management systems
Automation including autoflight
Full Flight Simulator Training
6 hours of full flight simulator training will include:
Low energy states/stalls
Upset recovery techniques
Adverse weather conditions, including icing, thunderstorms, and crosswinds with gusts
Discovery Flights
Ever wondered what it's like to take the controls of an aircraft?
Our Discovery Flight is your chance to experience the magic of flight firsthand. Under the guidance of our certified instructors, you'll get to pilot the aircraft and witness the breathtaking beauty of Alaska from a whole new perspective. It's the perfect introduction to aviation, and a memorable adventure you won't soon forget.
What's Included
Pre-flight briefing with a certified flight instructor.
Hands-on flight experience.
Opportunity to ask questions and learn about aviation.
Photo opportunities to capture your experience.
