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FAA 141 Approved and VA Approved Flight School

Academy of Aviation is an FAA 141 Approved School that offers Private Pilot, Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot 141 Courses. The 141 courses will benifit VA Benifit / GI Bill, Foriegn Student Pilots and Career Student Pilots as well as private pilots that want an instrument rating without the 50 hours of PIC Cross Country time required by FAR 61.

If you qualify under the terms of your GI Bill, you can use your benefits towards flight training at the Academy of Aviation. We are an FAA Part 141 Approved flight school and we offer Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Part 141 Courses. Students that have GI Bill or VA Benefits can train for Instrument Rating without the requirement of 50 hours PIC Cross Country time which is required under FAR 61. For more information, call us at 631-777-7772 or email us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Veterans Benefits for Flight Training – The Montgomery G.I. Bill

How does it work?

Do my benefits cover any expenses for Private Pilot?

Unfortunately, at this time the GI Bill benefits do not cover any expenses for flight training for the Private Pilot's License. The student must provide the funds. A Private Pilot's License is a prerequisite for your benefits to kick in. The cost of obtaining a Private Pilot's license can be anywhere from $6,500 to $14,000 depending on which course is chosen, how often the student flies, etc.

However, once you do obtain your Private Pilot's License, the VA will pay 60% of nearly all future flight training expenses.

What does it mean to be a VA Approved Flight School?

Based on the Federal Aviation Regulations (which is part of the Code of Federal Regulations) Flight Schools can operate under either Part 61 of the FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) or under Part 141. Most flight schools operate under Part 61. In order for a flight training facility to be approved for VA Benefits, a school has to meet the much more stringent requirements of FAR Part 141. Once approved by the FAA under Part 141, a school can then apply to the Veterans Affairs Administration to be approved for VA funding.

So what can I expect the G.I. Bill to pay for?

After successfully obtaining your Private Pilot's License with your own funding, the GI Bill benefits will then pay for approximately 60% of all the training costs for any advanced pilot ratings (e.g. Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot's License, etc.) at a VA and FAA Approved Part 141 flight training facility. Benefits do not normally cover medical certificates, books, test fees, or housing expenses incurred during your training.

If you would like to become a Professional Pilot, the total cost of flight training will be between $35,000 and $85,000, depending on the courses you choose. With the GI Bill benefits the total cost of training (after you have paid for your Private Pilot License) will be reduced by 60%.

How much will my training cost me at Academy of Aviation? If, for example, the cost of your training here is $39,000. VA Benefits will not cover housing (e.g. $6,000) or for the Private Pilot's License (e.g. $7,500), or for books, fees, and FAA exams. The remaining $25,500 is reimbursed back to the student at 60%, or $15,300. And you may also be eligible for additional funding through grants or scholarships through the FAFSA and college programs.

How does the VA pay me back?

The department of Veterans Affairs will reimburse an eligible veteran, service member or reservist for dual and solo flight training, preflight briefings, post flight critiques, and ground school, at a rate of 60%. This allowance is paid monthly by the VA to a student based upon actual training certified by the approved flight training facility as indicated on VA form 22-6553c, “Monthly Certification of Flight Training”. Entitlement is charged based on the rate of one month for a benefit amount equal to the full-time institutional rate (plus dependents where applicable).

How do I apply for VA Benefits?

If you have never applied for benefits, a student must complete and submit a VA Form 22-1990. If the applicant has entitlement, the VA will issue a Certificate of Eligibility, informing the claimant of their entitlement to education benefits.

Where Can I Learn More About My GI Bill Benefits?

Call the Veterans Administration Toll Free at 1-888-GIBILL-1 (1-888-442-4551) or, Click the Link Below to Connect to the VA Website, at