What Happened
Civilian Flight School To Provide Foundational Instruction
The US Air Force has selected US Aviation Academy to provide early-stage pilot training under a long-term contract valued at $835.6 million. The agreement, which runs through December 2035, covers Initial Pilot Training and will be conducted at multiple locations in Texas and Georgia. US Aviation Academy will provide foundational flight instruction to US and international military pilot candidates using civilian aircraft, simulators, and instructors. This contract reflects a broader shift in the Air Force’s approach to pilot training, with the service increasingly relying on civilian providers to expand capacity and preserve military resources for later, mission-specific training. The award was reported by AeroTime.