Pilot Training Programs and Courses

Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

The Edge Program is designed for those who want a pilot career flying commercial aircraft, business jets, or take the first steps to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.

It is the perfect time to start your career as a commercial pilot, as more than 670,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 19 years to sustain the global fleet (source). A commercial pilot’s average salary is $168,000 (Airline Pilot in United States 2024 | Glassdoor). Many of our airline partners offer cadets sign-on bonus opportunities and incentives.

Contact us today to find out more about the Edge program.

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Edge Program Highlights

Our Edge Program is designed to provide the training needed to become a commercial pilot. Whether you choose to enroll full or part-time, our commercial pilot program provides the training needed to accelerate your aviation career.

  • Edge includes expert instruction, flight training and essential knowledge needed to step into the cockpit and launch your career as a commercial pilot
  • Ground School theory training as a combination of hybrid and in-person learning
  • A Certified Flight Instructor, personally matched to you
  • Earn flight hours in our single-engine aircraft, multi-engine aircraft and simulators
  • Includes your Private Pilot Certificate (if you already have this certificate, you can join our Edge program at the Instrument Rating phase)
  • Includes your Instrument Rating training
  • Earn your Commercial Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Certificate/Rating
  • Pilot Performance Pack: all of your professional gear needed to take to the skies
  • A $7,000 deposit is all that is needed to get you started in your training
  • Installment plans allow you to break up payments as you complete your program certifications

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Next Steps to Your Pilot Career

After completing the Edge program you will be a fully qualified commercial pilot. It’s now time to build your FAA mandated 1,500 flight hours, which you can do with us while earning a salary as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI). Then it’s time to join the airlines through one of our many Pilot Pathway programs.

Five simple steps to your pilot career:

  1. Complete the Edge program and earn your Commercial Pilot Certificate
  2. Sign-up for the Elite program and get your CFI Certificate
  3. Get hired as a Certified Flight Instructor and earn a salary as a CFI or CFII for the Academy, while earning your mandated 1,500 flight hours
  4. Meet hiring airline partners that regularly visit and recruit our cadets at our Sanford, Florida campus
  5. Join a Pilot Pathway and seamlessly transition into your pilot career with one of our regional airline partners, many of whom offer tuition reimbursement, sign-on bonus opportunities, or incentives during training like seniority

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Edge Program Investment

$84,025 (price includes a $7,000 deposit)

Breakdown:

  • Includes Ground School costs plus prep ware, ACR fees and DPE Flight Tests
  • Private Pilot Certificate - $23,150 (if you already have this certificate, you can join the Edge Program for a total of $59,775 at Instrument Rating phase instead)
  • Instrument Rating - $22,350
  • Commercial Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Certificate - $33,525
  • Performance Pack - $5,000 (provision for additional training hours should you require it, includes Ground School hours and flight hours in single-engine aircraft)

Multi-Engine Add On Rating (additional $8,675)

With your CFI or CFII Certificate you have the opportunity to complete the Multi-Engine Add On Rating, which is required by all commercial airlines before commencing your pilot career.

  • Aircraft: 15 hours (price per flight hour of $434 compared to $889 for competitor flight schools in Florida)
  • Simulator: 5 hours

Elevate your pilot training:

We also offer Elevate overflight packages for those that need additional flying hours during flight training:

  • Full Elevate Overflight Package: $12,500 (includes: 20 Single-Engine and 30 Multi-Engine flight hours with instructor)
  • Elevate Single-Engine Overflight Package: $2,250 (includes: 6 hours)
  • Elevate Multi-Engine Overflight Package: $3,000 (includes: 6 hours)

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*Package includes hours required to complete the minimum hours for each rating. Extra hours are built in to assist with gaining proficiency; however, flight training is a skill, and time to train and cost are based on individual progress. Additional hours beyond those included may be required. Please speak with your financial advisor regarding suggested loan terms and amounts for course completion.

Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

L3Harris Flight Academy is Your Preferred Training Partner

During your Edge pilot training you will learn from experienced Flight Instructors at our purpose-built Flight Academy at Sanford International Airport, Florida. You will also benefit from:

  • Financial aid counselors are available to assist you with guidance on obtaining funding for your training with our preferred lenders 
  • Modern fleet of over 100 Piper and Cirrus training aircraft
  • Modern fleet of training aircraft
  • State-of-the-art facilities and flight simulators
  • Share airspace with commercial aircraft - putting you among the best of the best
  • The largest footprint for take-off and landing available
  • 300+ flying days per year in Florida
  • A global leader in pilot training, our graduates fly for some of the leading airlines in the world including American Airlines, Delta, United, Envoy, SkyWest and many more
  • All in hourly price of $518 compared to $589 for competitor flight schools in Florida

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Ways to Fund Edge

If you need help funding your pilot training, we have a number of loan options available. Or contact a member of the team today.

sallie-mae-bank-vector-logo  stratus-financial-logo

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Admission Requirements

To enroll in the Edge program you must meet the following requirements:

  • At least 16 years old in order to enroll on to Private Pilot Certificate course
  • Proficient in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding English
  • A high school graduate or GED completer
  • Able to obtain an FAA medical certificate

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate

Take a Discovery Flight

Book a Discovery Flight to see if pilot training is the right choice for you. During a trial flight, a Certified Flight Instructor will explain what is involved in becoming a pilot and give you a flavor of life in the air.

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Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate Training FAQs

Where will I complete my Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate training?

Our Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate program is taught at our Flight School in Orlando, Florida.

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. 100aircraft, 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.

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What aircraft will I learn on during Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate training?

During your Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate, you will get the chance to fly several different aircraft. Our aircraft fleet is one of the largest in Florida, consisting of approx. 100 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

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How can I fund my Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate training?

You can fund your airline pilot program through flight training scholarships and pilot school loans such as Stratus Financial 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. Stratus Financial loans

4. Sallie Mae flight school student loans

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How do I get my Certified Flight Instructor rating?

You can get your Certified Flight Instructor rating by completing our Elite: CFI/CFII program.

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How long does it take to get an airline pilot’s license from the Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate program?

It takes around 12 months to complete your training program.

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What is next after completing the Edge program?

After completing your Edge: Commercial Pilot Certificate program, you can then enroll on to our Elite: CFI/CFII program!

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