American Winds vs. Avit Flight Academy
There are plenty of flight schools in Ohio to choose from – but not all of them are right for you. The best flight school for you is the one that meets your needs, connects you with the right resources, and gives you the best experience.
At American Winds, we’re confident that we’re the best flight school in Ohio, but we want to prove it. That’s why we’ve broken down the differences between us and Avit Flight Academy, another Ohio-based flight school. See for yourself why we’re so confident that you should choose American Winds!
Cost & Training Duration
Let’s start with cost because it’s one of the most important considerations to make when choosing a flight school. After all, you’re looking at a significant investment, so you should know what to expect. Here’s a quick cost comparison between American Winds and Avit:
American Winds:
Our degreed programs typically last 12-15 months and cost approximately $80,000. We also offer a Commercial Pilot Fast Track that allows you to become a pilot in 10-12 months.
Avit Flight Academy:
Avit’s website doesn’t have thorough information on program lengths or costs—you have to contact the academy for details.
Financial Aid Options
Financial aid availability is another big concern when choosing a flight school. While flight training is costly, a good school will help you find financial aid to minimize out-of-pocket costs. Here’s how American Winds and Avit stack up with regard to financial aid:
American Winds:
We offer several financial aid options, including scholarships, financing, installment plans, and VA education benefits. We’ll work with you to find the best financial aid and tailor payment plans to your needs.
Avit Flight Academy:
Avit points prospective students toward a handful of external scholarships for private pilot licenses but doesn’t make any information about additional financial aid available publicly.
Accreditation
When comparing flight schools, accreditation is another critical factor. The types of accreditations that a school has can play a big role in determining whether you choose that school or go elsewhere. Take a look at the accreditation differences between American Winds and Avit:
American Winds:
American Winds is accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training. We are an FAA-approved Part 141 pilot school and an authorized institution of higher education under FAA Part 61. A student can train with us while receiving their Associate Degree in Aviation – or they can fast-track their learning with a Restricted Airline Transport (R-ATP) certification.
Avit Flight Academy:
According to its website, Avit “provides Pilot Certification and Rating courses under Federal Regulations Part 61 and 141.”
Curriculum & Instruction
Knowing a bit about a school’s curriculum can go a long way toward deciding if it’s a good fit for you. Instruction style and approach also matter — sometimes even more than the exact curriculum. Here’s a closer look at how American Winds and Avit differ in curriculum and instruction:
American Winds:
Our curriculum is regulated by the FAA, and information about specific programs is available on our Programs page. Each student is paired with one of our full-time Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) for one-on-one training and can complete flights virtually every day thanks to our dedicated fleet. Students are also able to sit in on other Ground School classes, review boards, and flights.
Avit Flight Academy:
Avit’s curriculum is also FAA-regulated, but there’s little information available online about the exact programs and instruction.
Student Experience
The experience you have at a flight school matters just as much as the curriculum, so you should be confident in knowing what your days will look and feel like. Here’s how American Winds and Avit approach student experience:
American Winds:
Students enjoy a positive and inclusive atmosphere with personalized instruction and a tight-knit community. You’ll go from classroom to cockpit day after day to get the best of both worlds and collaborate with CFIs and fellow students.
Avit Flight Academy:
Avit provides limited information about its student experience online but describes the process as “fun and gratifying.” It’s worth noting that Avit doesn’t provide a classroom experience for students.
Location
When comparing aviation schools in Ohio, exact locations and campus types are good to know. Here’s some location information for American Winds and Avit:
American Winds:
American Winds is located on the Akron Fulton Airport, home to the Goodyear Airdock. Our location is not only convenient but also historical!
Avit Flight Academy:
Avit has locations in Akron, Wadsworth, Wooster, Mansfield, and Ravenna.
Fleet
Last but certainly not least, let’s look at the differences in these schools’ fleets. It’s important to know what you’ll be flying and how the aircraft is maintained. Here are the specs:
American Winds:
Our expertly curated fleet includes several Cessna and Piper planes that are privately hangared so they’re not exposed to the elements. Our planes are constantly maintained by our full-time, in-house mechanics and continually receive updates like new engines, paint jobs, and GPS systems.
Avit Flight Academy:
According to their website, Avit’s fleet includes aircraft from Cessna, Piper, and Vashon, though it’s unclear how these are maintained.
Why American Winds Is the Best Flight School in Ohio
At American Winds, we’re confident we’re the best flight school in Ohio because that’s been our purpose from day one. Everything from our curriculum to our fleet has been designed to give students the best possible experience.
To wrap up, here’s a summary of what you can expect at American Winds:
- Accreditation and Degree Programs: Fully accredited and degreed programs with Part 141, Part 61, and R-ATP certifications
- Curriculum Excellence: In-depth, highly rated curriculum
- Instructor-Student Interaction: Hands-on, personalized instruction from seasoned pilots
- Student Outcomes: Boast 97% student pass rate on the FAA Knowledge Exam
Enroll in the Best Flight School in Ohio – American Winds
We built American Winds from the ground up to be the best flight school in Ohio. We have a passion for aviation and take it seriously, so you can expect a first-class experience across the board. Contact American Winds today to start your aviation journey!
