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AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards debut new format

It is that time of year again, when we highlight the best flight schools and instructors through the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards. AOPA has revamped the awards program for 2025 by changing to an application-driven format from the previous model, which was based on surveys.

Photo by David Tulis.

Under the revised system we invite instructors and flight schools to apply for regional or national awards. Applicants should ask for reviews from students, clients, instructors, and designated pilot examiners who have trained or worked with them during the previous 12 months. The selection process includes the screening of applications and judging by a panel of industry experts who will not know the identity of the candidates.

“We made some changes to the awards this year to help us to really get to know the candidates for the awards,” said Chris Moser, AOPA’s senior director of flight training education. “We’re asking for more detailed information, which will help our judges pick the best schools and instructors for the awards. And of course, this means that flight training customers will be able to learn about the best flight training providers out there!”

Applications are being accepted online through October 31.

Awards in the regional category include Best Flight School, Best Instructor, Distinguished Flight Schools, and Distinguished Instructors. National awards include Best Flight School and Best Instructor.

The awards are part of AOPA’s You Can Fly program, which consists of initiatives designed to bring more people into flying and keep them engaged. The awards program supports You Can Fly by highlighting schools and individual instructors who provide exceptional training.

The You Can Fly program and the Air Safety Institute are funded by charitable donations to the AOPA Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization. To be a part of the solution, visit www.aopafoundation.org/donate.

Jonathan Welsh
Jonathan Welsh
Digital Media Content Producer
Jonathan Welsh is a private pilot, career journalist and lifelong aviation enthusiast who previously worked as a writer and editor with Flying Magazine and the Wall Street Journal.
Topics: You Can Fly, Training and Safety, Flight Instructor

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