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Aviation Schools in the Tidewater Area

Flying is an adventure and learning to fly is a challenge. For individuals who are ready for both, qualified flight training is nearby, no matter where you are in Virginia's Tidewater region. Factors to consider when choosing a flight school include how long the school has been in operation, credentials of the instructors, types of aircraft used in training, and facilities at the airport where the school is based. The Aircraft Owners And Pilots Association provides a list of approved flight schools in the Tidewater area, searchable by zip code at its website.

Rick Aviation
- Located at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, Rick Aviation provides sport pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot and air transport pilot ratings. Private pilot training is conducted in a Cessna 172, and consists of either 82 hours of FAA part 61 training, or 72 hours of FAA part 141.
Tidewater Flying Club
- The Tidewater Flying Club, located at Newport News/Williamsburg International Airport, offers substantial discounts on airplane rentals for student members. The club, which has been in operation since 1967, includes several certified flight instructors for basic and advanced flight training at club rates in a Cessna 172 or 182. Club membership buy-in fees and monthly dues are required.
Mercury Flight Center
- Mercury Flight Center at Hampton Roads Executive Airport is just minutes from Norfolk and Virginia Beach. Mercury provides sport pilot, private pilot and commercial pilot training in a variety of aircraft. The school also provides the only full-featured private pilot simulator in the area for enhanced ground school training.
Horizon Flight Center
- At Chesapeake Regional Airport, Horizon Flight Center has a full-curriculum flight school from private to commercial to certified flight instructor ratings. Training at the private pilot level is conducted in Cessna 172s and requires a total of 50 hours: 35 hours of one-on-one airplane instruction, 7 hours of solo time, and 15 hours of ground school.

Aviation