Academic Flight Training Provider Secures Large Contract Amid Shift to Civilian Providers

The US Air Force has awarded a $835.6 million contract to US Aviation Academy for early-stage pilot training under the Initial Pilot Training program. The agreement runs through December 2035 and will cover foundational flight instruction to US and international military pilot candidates. According to AeroTime, the award follows a competitive process that drew eight bids. Founded in 2006, US Aviation Academy has grown into one of the largest flight training organizations in North America, operating a fleet of over 200 aircraft across its network. The contract builds on the company’s recent expansion and places it at the center of the Air Force’s strategy for feeding its pilot pipeline.