Pilot training programs and courses

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT)

The Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT) takes students with little or no flying experience and trains them to become qualified pilots in as little as 12 months.

The fastest route to a pilot career

L3Harris Flight Academy has relationships with 10 regional airlines that all offer clearly defined pilot career pathways. Throughout your AAPT training you will have the opportunity to meet airline recruiters from the regional airlines to discuss career and mentoring opportunities. The AAPT is the quickest route to a job as a First Officer with one of the 10 regional airlines we work with.

With a wide range of financial aid options, you could borrow up to 100% of the cost of airline pilot training and benefit from flexible repayment options.

Timeline of the course

Request info Apply now

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT)

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track course footprint

The AAPT program combines commercial pilot training and Flight Instructor training, with clearly defined milestone, to equip you with the skills, knowledge, and understanding to advance your pilot career. Below are the steps you need to take to launch your pilot career:

Step 1 - Book a Discovery Flight

Want to experience the L3Harris Flight Academy aircraft before you apply? Book a Discovery Flight with one of our experienced Instructors.

Discovery Flight

Step 2 - Apply and enroll

Complete the online enrollment application form or speak with a member of our Admissions team who will be happy to answer any questions: 1-800-U-CAN-FLY.

Step 3 - Training

We adopt milestone coaching sessions after each course of AAPT training, preparing you for a successful airline pilot career. Each course and its key features are as follows:

1. Private Pilot Certificate – Once you have obtained your Private Pilot Certificate, you are successfully rated to act as pilot-in-command of a single-engine airplane.

  • Skills acquired: Basic aircraft control, risk assessment, single-pilot resource management, pilot-in-command responsibility, punctuality, flight planning, study habits, basic aerodynamics

2. Instrument Rating – An Instrument Rating (IR) is designed to train pilots to maneuver aircraft based purely on reference to the instruments, without need to look out of the cockpit, except for take-off and landing.

  • Skills acquired: Task management, precision, automation management, critical thinking, confidence

3. Commercial Pilot Certificate – A Commercial Single-Engine Certificate is a qualification that allows someone to be paid to fly as a pilot-in-command of a single-engine aircraft for compensation.

  • Skills acquired: Advanced maneuvers, excellence in airmanship, advanced aerodynamics, ownership, crew resource management, assertion and advocacy, career planning

4. CFI and CFII – A Flight Instructor Single-Engine Certificate enables you to teach cadets on a single-engine aircraft. Flight Instructor Certificate with Instrument Rating (CFI-I) allows for instructors to teach cadets to pursue an Instrument Rating. Upon graduation you will have a pathway to become an employed Flight Instructor with L3Harris, enabling you to earn money while building 1,500 flight hours. 

  • Skills acquired: Career advancement, effective communication, time management, lesson planning, developmental psychology, fundamentals of instructing

5. Interview to proficiency – Cadets will receive coaching and mentoring with the goal of successfully completing the flight instructor interview. 

6. Instructor - Start as an L3Harris Flight Instructor and earn money while you build your FAA mandated 1500 flight hours.

7. Add on - At 500 hours, L3Harris Flight Instructors that graduated from AAPT will earn their Multi Add On and MEI ratings.

8. Career! - Upon 1500 hours of flight time students will join a regional airline as First Officer.

Future career prospects

Request info Apply now

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT)

What are my career prospects?

The AAPT is the quickest route to becoming a First Officer with a regional airline. The 10 regional airlines we work with have career pathways to the major carriers including United, American, and Delta.

Our dedicated Admissions team, Student Services professionals and Instructors are on campus to help guide you through the AAPT program from start to finish.

96% of L3Harris Flight Academy graduates that stay with us to build flight hours after obtaining their CFII, go on to be placed with airlines.

Who can apply?

Request info Apply now

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT)

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track training admission requirements

Minimum admission requirements are as follows, for additional requirements please contact admissions on 1-800-U-CAN-FLY.

Age

Applicants must be at least 17 years and 6 months old at the start of the program.

Medical

All applicants must provide a photocopy of an FAA Medical Certificate.

Selection

Cadets must complete a Wonderlic assessment and meet or exceed the minimum score requirement of 17.
  • academy-usa-sanford-flight-airport
  • academy-usa-sanford-flight-cadet-instructor
  • academy-usa-sanford-piper-seminole-flying-clouds

How much does pilot training cost?

Request info Apply now

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track (AAPT)

Cost of this Accelerated Airline Pilot Track Program

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track costs:

  • Accelerated Airline Pilot Track tuition fees: $83,995

Financing options:

L3Harris Flight Academy offers a number of options to finance pilot training including Sallie Mae and Meritize. Loans up to 100% of the cost of training, with flexible repayment options, are available to those that qualify.

Apply for Meritize loan    |    Apply for Sallie Mae loan

Please note:

Pricing for the Accelerated Airline Pilot Track is current. All prices are estimated and based on the Training Course Outline (TCO) hours it takes a cadet to go through the various Certified Flight Instructor courses. All prices are subject to change.

Each cadet's experience may vary, and hours or Flight Instructor training costs may be different than what is quoted here. Prices include fuel and flight tests (unless a student pilot fails the exam, then additional flight test charges will apply).

The airline pilot program - AAPT - prices do not include fuel surcharge, over-flight charges from TCO, admission fees, books, supplies, TSA processing, visa application fees, and extensions.

Fund your training

  • 100% funding available to 
    those who qualify
  • 10 airline 
    partners
  • 96% graduates who stay as CFI
    placed with airlines
  • 60+ single and multi-engine 
    aircraft
academy-photo-male-female-computer

Need financial aid?

Pilot training cost & funding

Accelerated Airline Pilot Track FAQs

Where will I complete my Accelerated Airline Pilot Track pilot training?

Our Accelerated Airline Pilot Track program is taught at our Flight School in Orlando, Florida. Our commercial pilot training programs are Nationally Accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges, giving you peace of mind that our programs are certified as upholding the highest safety and efficiency standards.

We have state-of-the-art technology and facilities to make your Flight Instructor course and airline pilot training program even more successful!

Our academic building, knowledge testing center, and simulation and aircraft maintenance building provide the most effective and efficient environment to complete your commercial pilot and Certified Flight Instructor training. Cadets have access to a fleet of approx. 60 aircraft, five Flight Training Devices (FTDs), and 8 flight simulators - enabling you to gain all of the essential theory and practical skills needed to take to the skies.

Other facilities include our high-tech operations center, dispatch center, high-intensity runway lighting, AWOS weather reporting system, FAA control tower, and pre and post-flight briefing areas.

What aircraft will I learn on during Accelerated Airline Pilot Track training?

During your Accelerated Airline Pilot Track, you will get the chance to fly several different aircraft. Our aircraft fleet is one of the largest in Florida, consisting of approx. 60 single and multi-engine airplanes, including:

  • Cessna 172 Skyhawks - a reliable, dependable, easy-to-fly aircraft that is appreciated by both pilots and students completing their Flight Instructor training
  • Cirrus SR20s - a six-cylinder engine perfect for an airline pilot program that maximizes all available horsepower, reaching cruising speeds of 155 knots
  • Piper Archer PA28 - this model’s unremarkable handling characteristics make it the perfect aircraft for a Flight Instructor course
  • Piper Seminole PA44 - this exemplary instrument flying platform makes landings uncomplicated, meaning that this is an excellent aircraft for Certified Flight Instructor training

How can I fund my Accelerated Airline Pilot Track & Flight Instructor training?

You can fund your airline pilot program - AAPT - through our flight training scholarships and pilot school loans such as Meritize and Sallie Mae. There’s also the option for transfer credit for those who already have experience with flying.

Whilst pilot training is a large investment, it is an investment in your future, towards securing one of the best jobs in the world! You can fund your pilot training via a number of options:

1. Aviation Scholarships

2. Flight school loans

3. Meritize flight school student loans

4. Sallie Mae flight school student loans

Am I eligible for Federal Financial Aid for my Accelerated Airline Pilot Track program?

Unlike our Professional Pilot Program, cadets will not be able to apply for Federal Financial Aid which could cover up to 100% of your pilot training costs. 

However, you may be eligible for alternative funding options, such as:

1. Aviation Scholarships

2. Flight school loans

3. Meritize flight school loans

4. Sallie Mae flight school student loans

For more information, get in touch with our financial aid team - usfinancialaid.cts@l3harris.com.

How do I get my Certified Flight Instructor rating?

You can get your Certified Flight Instructor rating by completing our Accelerated Airline Pilot Track program.

Where will I train to complete my Certified Flight Instructor training?

You can get your Certified Flight Instructor rating at the L3Harris' aviation school in Orlando, Florida.

How long does it take to get an airline pilot’s license from the Accelerated Airline Pilot Track program?

It takes around 12 months to complete your airline pilot program - AAPT (subject to scheduling).

How long does it take to become a Flight Instructor?

It takes approximately 12 months to obtain your Certified Flight Instructor rating (subject to scheduling).

What’s the difference between PPP, CPT & AAPT?

Both the PPP and AAPT programs offer cadets clear pilot pathways. Cadets on one of these programs will qualify with Private Pilot Certificate, Commercial Pilot Certificate and Instrument Rating. They also have the opportunity to meet with representatives from our 10 regional airline partners to discuss career opportunities and have access to finance options to help fund training – such as Meritize and Sallie Mae.

The main differences are:

  • AAPT is our quickest route to a pilot career and the program can be completed in as little as 12 months compared to 15 months for the PPP
  • On successful completion of AAPT cadets qualify with CFI and CFI-I certificates meaning they can interview and start as Flight Instructors as soon as they graduate. On successful completion of PPP cadets qualify with CFI certificate and will need to obtain their CFI-I before starting out as a Flight Instructor – this can be done with L3Harris
  • On successful completion of PPP, cadets qualify with Multi-Engine Add-On, whereas AAPT training is completed in single-engine aircraft

With our CPT you will graduate with the same qualifications as a PPP, except that you will not receive a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate. CPT cadets are also not eligible for Federal Financial Aid. However, you may be eligible for a Smart Option Student Loan from Sallie Mae. CPT courses are ideal for cadets looking to become commercial pilots but are not interested in working as a Flight Instructor.

What is next after completing the AAPT program?

After completing your Flight Instructor training or commercial pilot training program, you are guaranteed an interview with L3Harris to become a Certified Flight Instructor, where you can help others to learn to fly and gain flying hours to become a professional commercial pilot. The choice is yours!

Have L3Harris Flight Academy secured any employment opportunities for graduates in 2021?

Yes. In fact, our Placement teams found 40 graduates in the USA employment opportunities in 2021, joining a selection of our 10 regional airline pilot pathways.

These employment opportunities, alongside increasing demand for international travel, are both really strong signs that the aviation industry is recovering and also allow us to look to the future with renewed energy.

Ready to start your application?

Take your first step towards becoming an airline pilot and apply today. Good luck and we look forward to welcoming you to our Flight Academy!

Request info today!

Please complete the form below to contact our team for more information, don’t forget to state AAPT in the 'Questions or Comments' box.

Please select your country of citizenship.

Your privacy

Your right to privacy is important to us. The personal information that you submit in this form will be used to provide you with information relating to L3Harris that may be of interest to you. Please read our Privacy Policy for more information.