FAQ
General
I want to train to be a commercial pilot. What courses do you offer for me?
Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) is an approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 & 61 flight school. You can study and train for the following licenses: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument Instructor/Multi-Engine Instructor, as well as training to achieve Instrument, Multi-Engine and jet ratings. Request Flight School Information
Why is an "FAA approved" flight school important for me?
Phoenix East is one of the few flight schools in the U.S. to have special FAA approval for a Commercial Pilot “Train to Proficiency” course. We are also allowed by the FAA to give students FAA flight exams right here in the school. The FAA evaluates and re-evaluates our flight instructors to make sure our exams meet their standards.
Phoenix East is located in central Florida. Are there advantages for me to train there?
You bet. There are many advantages to our location. With approximately 350 flying days a year, you are assured of being able to fly according to YOUR preferred schedule rather than weather-dependent scheduling – and even complete your training faster, if you like. Our location at the Daytona Beach airport also gives you quick access to all runways to get you in the air faster. Great weather, easy access. Request PEA Flight School Information
I'll be on a budget while training. What about living expenses in Daytona Beach?
That’s another advantage to Phoenix East training. Not only is Daytona Beach a great life-style location, with perfect weather and easy access to miles of beautiful beaches to enjoy, but the cost of living is considerably lower than many other training locales. You can rent a great apartment for $500-800 a month; we’ll help you find a place, and also help you find a student roommate, if you wish, for even greater savings on housing expenses. Beautiful beaches, great weather, lots to do – and it’s very affordable. Not many other schools can offer such attractive living and learning.
I realize that the more flight hours a first officer candidate has, the easier it is to be hired. Can PEA help me build even more hours to speed the hiring process?
Absolutely. We regularly hire our qualified graduates as flight instructors, making it possible for you to build hours easily.
As a military veteran, I'm eligible for GI benefits. Is your commercial training program approved for educational reimbursement?
Yes, that’s another advantage of PEA training. We help our veterans properly submit the necessary V.A. documentation for reimbursement. The VA will reimburse you up to 60% of your flight tuition for students eligible under Chapters 30, 32 and 1606.
How long has Phoenix East been training commercial pilots?
Training pilot candidates for airlines worldwide has been our business for over 30 years. Founded in 1972, PEA has gained recognition as one of the finest pilot training facilities in the world. Our founder was a retired US Air Captain and the former Chairman of the Presidential Aviation Advisory Board; he is also past Vice President of the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA). Our President, as well as our Chief Operating Officer are experienced, multi-rated pilots also. Request PEA Flight School Information
I'd like to take a tour of your facility? Is that possible?
Not only is that possible, but we encourage your visit, so that you can see for yourself the caring attitudes and enthusiasm the instructors and staff have for student pilots. An Admissions Officer will brief you on details of instruction, as well as give you a tour of the facility. But we go one step further – we allow you to independently interact with current students and ask any questions you’d like.
Other FAQs
You say Phoenix East is a nationally accredited school; what does that mean to me?
Phoenix East Aviation (PEA) is an approved Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Part 141 & 61 flight school. You can study and train for the following licenses: Private Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument Instructor/Multi-Engine Instructor, as well as training to achieve Instrument, Multi-Engine and jet ratings. Request Flight School Information
After I'm finished with pilot training, does Phoenix East provide employment assistance?
Yes! You can be sure of that. Phoenix East Aviation has partnerships with various US airlines; these airlines are so impressed with the skills of PEA graduates that they offer interviews to Professional Program graduates. Phoenix East has been training pilots for airlines worldwide since 1972. And to prepare for meeting with airlines, not only do we help you develop your resume, but we also train and prep you for that all-important interview. We are continually in contact with the airlines to make sure our grads are prepared to face the challenges of commercial aviation. As a result, our graduates are consistently selected by major airlines and corporations throughout the world.
Who is the EASA?
The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) is an agency of the European Union (EU) with regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety.
What License do I need to fly in Europe?
In order to fly in a country that is part of the EASA and also to fly a aircraft which is registered in a JAA member country, you need to hold a Flight Crew License (FCL). Many students convert their FAA licenses to the JAR FCL when they return to their home country.
Based on my experience and since I already hold a ATPL, can I convert?
No, there is no simple way to convert your current ATPL to a EASA license. You must complete the theoretical knowledge course, all the written tests and the EASA flight requirements.
