95%
of our pilots secure airline employment
trusted training, proven results
cfi pathway
Skyborne offers a comprehensive CFI training pathway designed to transform you into a confident, highly capable flight instructor,equipping you with the skills, experience, and professionalism needed for a successful aviation career.
Train at our world-class academy in Vero Beach, Florida, where over 350 days of flyable weather each year mean more time in the air and faster progression.
If you’re ready to elevate your career and stand out in a competitive industry, this is your next step.
Tell me more
structured training plan
Completed your CPL and want to progress your career?
Join our structured CFI Pathway and complete your training in just 16 weeks, gaining your CFI, CFII and MEI ratings.
Program pricing
Obtain your CFI, CFII and MEI ratings for just $36,635 and build the confidence and instructional skills that the airlines look for when hiring.
Financing your Flight Training
Skyborne has partnered with trusted financing providers, including Sallie MaeSM, to help make your pilot training more affordable. We also accept the 529 Plan.
Benefits
- Join 95% of our pilots in airline employment
- Career opportunities, with Skyborne pilots flying for 50+ airlines around the world!
- In-house, full Self-Examining Authority. Saving you $2,000
- Fleet of 60+ fully owned, standardized aircraft
- Part 145 approved in-house maintenance team, with 60-hour progressive maintenance
- Proven airline-focused training from day one
- Guaranteed interview after completing your CFI rating
- Accelerated path to 1,500 hours in 18 months
- Opportunity to teach international students with our FCL.900 CFI Program
- Purpose-built 12-acre campus, with 350+ flying days per year
- Funding options available including Sallie MaeSM and the 529 plan
Course Breakdown and price
$36,635
You can pay for your training in installments. The payment schedule is as follows:
| Payment | Amount | Due Date |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $500 | Contract signing (non-refundable) |
| 2 | $18,317.50 | 4 weeks before course start |
| 3 | $18,317.50 | 5 weeks after start of date |
| Total contracted amount | $36,635 |
CFI PATHWAY
If you have already obtained your Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and want to take the next step in your professional airline career, join our CFI Pathway.
The CFI Pathway includes:
Course Requirements
Who this program is for:
For students who already hold an FAA Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
-
Education
Must have a U.S. high school diploma or equivalent and have successfully completed your FAA Commercial Pilots License (CPL). -
Citizenship
Must have a U.S. passport, permanent residency (with TSA registration), or for international students, a valid passport and M1 student visa. -
Medical
Must have a valid FAA 1st Class Medical. -
Language
Must be fluent in English, with proficiency equivalent to ICAO Level 4 or IELTS 5.5 (academic). -
Age
Must be 18 years of age at course commencement.
funding your training
airline employment
Skyborne provides multiple routes to landing your first role. With Skyborne pilots flying for 50+ airlines partners around the world.
Graduate fully prepared, skilled, and ready to launch your dream aviation career.
Steps to becoming a CFI
Starting your journey toward becoming a Certified Flight Instructor has never been more straightforward. Follow the steps below to begin your CFI pathway and take the next step in your aviation career.
Step 1
Click Get Started below
Step 2
Arrange your funding
Step 3
Secure your start date
Step 4
Check your medical
SKYBORNE FLEET
Our standardized fleet of 60+ aircraft is made up of Piper Warriors, Arrows, Pilot 100is, and Seminoles, featuring glass cockpit avionics that closely replicate real airline cockpit environments.
Our in-house team of Part 145 approved mechanics keep every aircraft safe and airworthy with our 60 hour checks, so you can maximize your time in the air and get the most out of your training.
Upcoming Events
Testimonials
Students and instructors
Airlines

Jason Hicks (Skyborne grad, CFI, SkyWest FO)
“Training at the airlines was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to do. I’m grateful that I went to Skyborne Airline Academy because it prepared me incredibly well. Their training is structured, purposeful, and very similar to what I went through at SkyWest.”

Xaiyveyus (Skyborne student)
“Living on campus at Skyborne has been a game changer. The proximity to ground school classrooms, the flight line, and fellow cadets made the learning experience immersive and engaging. Ground schools were interactive and enjoyable, with each instructor bringing unique stories and teaching methods to the table. The flight line is where the real fun begins. Surrounded by other aspiring pilots, the camaraderie and shared passion for flying are what make Skyborne special.”

Loira Escobar (Skyborne student)
“Skyborne is the place to be! I’ve been able to enjoy flying so much because of the people I have met here. From students to the staff everyone has been very supportive of each other in their aviation journey. It’s a great environment because everyone wants to help you be the best pilot you can be!”

Cache A. (Skyborne student)
“The academy mirrors the industry’s expectations—strict protocols, higher standards than FAA regulations, and an emphasis on personal and professional accountability. Having worked for an airline, I understand that the transition from student pilot to airline pilot needs to be seamless. Skyborne provides that preparation, ensuring that when I step into my airline career, I’m not just ready - I’m thriving.”

Devin (Skyborne student)
“After graduating from college, I sought after a flight school that had a similar immersive experience, and Skyborne ended up being just that! A community of students and staff who are goal oriented and also pride themselves in making your time as a student beyond enjoyable! I wouldn’t change it for the world.”

Tracy Gallo, SkyWest SVP of Flight Operations
“Skyborne provides new pilots with an exceptional opportunity to earn their certifications to become commercial aviators. We are very pleased to launch this premier partnership and to offer a unique pathway for Skyborne pilots to become professional pilots for SkyWest.”

Captain Mike Anderson, Vice President of Flight Operations, JSX.
“Skyborne’s thorough trainee selection process and impressive standard of training stand apart as concrete measures for producing professional and highly skilled pilots. With this partnership, we will be able to continue our growth in the charter industry with First Officers who are well-prepared for the flight deck.”

Andrew Levy, Chairman and CEO, Avelo Airlines
“We are very pleased to be working with Skyborne Airline Academy, which is recognized as being in the top three flight schools in the United States. To continue to achieve Avelo’s mission of inspiring travel and making air travel easy and affordable, we need the very best pilots. By partnering with Skyborne to implement a new Preferred Hiring Pathway, we can be confident that the highest standards of training will be put into professional practice on our flight decks.”
