Take Off: zero to career pilot in about 11 months.
Our zero-to-hero program takes you from your first flight to flight instructor at one airport, with one team and one plan. Offered in Norfolk, VA and Fresno, CA.
From your first flight to the airlines, in one program.
No hunting for the next school after every rating. You finish as a flight instructor, earning and building hours toward the airlines.
Discovery flight
Your first time at the controls
Discovery flightYour first time at the controlsDAY 1Private pilot
Fly on your own, carry passengers
Private pilotFly on your own, carry passengersMONTHS 1-2Instrument
Fly in the clouds
InstrumentFly in the cloudsMONTHS 3-4Commercial
Get paid to fly
CommercialGet paid to flyMONTHS 5-8Flight instructor
Teach, earn and build hours
Flight instructorTeach, earn and build hoursMONTHS 9-11
Add when you're ready:Multi-engineCFIIMEIATP
What you do, stage by stage.
Each stage ends with an FAA checkride. The aircraft you fly depend on your location.
- 1
Private pilot
MONTHS 1 TO 2
First solo, cross-country flying, night operations and your first checkride.
- 2
Instrument rating
MONTHS 3 TO 4
Flight planning, approaches and holds: flying by reference to instruments.
- 3
Commercial pilot
MONTHS 5 TO 8
Time building, commercial maneuvers and long cross-country flights.
- 4
Flight instructor (CFI)
MONTHS 9 TO 11
Learn to teach, then start instructing and logging hours while you earn.
What's included.
- Every rating, in orderPrivate pilot, instrument rating, commercial pilot and flight instructor (CFI). Add multi-engine, CFII or MEI when you're ready.
- Pilot PackAn iPad and a flight bag, so you start with the gear you need.
- 24-month price lockYour package price is locked for 24 months.
- One free retest per ratingIf a checkride doesn't go your way, one retest per rating is on us.
- Mock checkride oral before every rideYou sit a practice oral before each checkride, so the real one is not your first.
- Priority schedulingTake Off students get first pick of aircraft and instructor time.
- 10% loyalty rate on extra hoursNeed more hours than planned? They're 10% off.
- Raven career guidanceHelp planning the path from flight instructor to the airlines. A $1,000 value.
Who it's built for.
- You want it done fastBuilt to keep you flying, not waiting. Less time on the ground means a shorter road to the airlines.
- You're committed to a careerFor career changers and students with one goal: a seat in a commercial flight deck.
- You can train like it's your jobThe 11-month pace assumes full-time effort. Part-time is possible; it just takes longer.
As low as $73,000. Prices vary by location.
Take Off is as low as $73,000 from zero to flight instructor. What's included is the same everywhere. Prices vary by location because the aircraft differ, so ask us for the numbers at yours.
Prices are approximate and based on average completion times. Actual cost and timeline vary with your progress, weather and scheduling.
Where you can start.
Norfolk, VA
KPVG · PART 61
Hampton Roads Executive Airport in Chesapeake. Train in the Pipistrel Alpha and the Tecnam P2006T twin, on a plan built around your schedule.
Take Off in NorfolkFresno, CA
KFAT · PART 141 · JB AERONAUTICS
Fresno Yosemite International, through JB Aeronautics. Train in Piper trainers and the Tecnam P2006T twin. VA-approved* for specific courses.
Take Off in Fresno
*VA educational benefits eligibility requirements apply. Contact us for details on approved programs and benefit verification. GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Part 141 training is provided by JB Aeronautics under its FAA Part 141 pilot school certificate. Riverside, CA trains licensed pilots only.
Take Off questions
How long does it take to go from zero experience to flight instructor?
About 11 months at a full-time pace in the Take Off program: private pilot in months 1 to 2, instrument in months 3 to 4, commercial in months 5 to 8 and flight instructor in months 9 to 11. Your timeline may vary with weather, scheduling and how often you fly.
How much does the Take Off program cost?
Take Off is as low as $73,000 from zero to flight instructor. Prices vary by location because the aircraft differ, and add-ons such as multi-engine, CFII and MEI cost extra. What's included is the same at every location. Ask us for the numbers at yours.
Where is Take Off offered?
In Norfolk, VA at Hampton Roads Executive Airport (KPVG) under Part 61, and in Fresno, CA (KFAT) through JB Aeronautics under Part 141. Riverside, CA trains licensed pilots only.
Do I need any flying experience to start?
No. Take Off starts from zero. The best first step is a discovery flight, where you fly the airplane with an instructor beside you.
Can I use VA benefits for Take Off?
VA-approved programs are at our Fresno, CA (KFAT) location through JB Aeronautics, for specific approved courses. VA educational benefits eligibility requirements apply. Talk with our team about your situation.
