I wouldn't be an airline pilot without this flight school. I did my private, instrument, and commercial with Pilot Rise. I wish I would've found them sooner. Could've saved me a lot of headaches, money, and restarts.
Flight School in Dallas and Fort Worth
Pilot Rise is a flight school in Dallas and Fort Worth with locations at Dallas Executive Airport and Hicks Airfield. We offer private pilot, instrument, commercial, CFI, and career-focused training with structured Part 61 flexibility.
Distinguished Flight SchoolAwarded by AOPA 2025 & 2026
Personalized TrainingFlexible paths built around your pace
Flight Training FinancingStratus, FTF, and more options
On-Site MaintenanceSafer aircraft and faster turnarounds
Modern EquipmentWell-kept C150s, C172s, and avionics
Free SimulatorPractice more without increasing cost
Recognition
Distinguished Flight School Awards
Recognized by AOPA for the student experience and flight training standards at Pilot Rise Flight School in Dallas and Fort Worth.
A quick look at the standard behind the Pilot Rise training experience for Dallas and Fort Worth students.
We started with one simple standard:
Not just certified.Ready.
Ready for the checkride., Ready because every lesson fits into a bigger plan., Ready for real-world flying., Ready because training adapts to your progress., Ready for changing weather., Ready because our records track individual skills., Ready for confident solo flight., Ready because stage checks confirm you are prepared., Ready for sound aeronautical decisions., Ready because risk management is taught every lesson., Ready for busy airspace., Ready because real ATC experience starts early., Ready for the unexpected., Ready because scenario-based training goes beyond routine maneuvers., Ready for instrument conditions., Ready because simulator practice is built into training., Ready for the next rating., Ready because your instructor understands your long-term goals., Ready for cross-country flying., Ready because strong fundamentals come before shortcuts., Ready for safe independent flight., Ready because mentorship continues beyond each lesson., Ready for the airlines., Ready because our training system is inspired by airline programs., Ready for professional flying., Ready because our standards go beyond FAA minimums., Ready for stronger judgment., Ready because every debrief turns experience into improvement., Ready for efficient progress., Ready because lessons adjust to weather and learning needs., Ready for emergencies., Ready because the simulator prepares you for difficult situations., Ready for unfamiliar airports., Ready because training includes towered and non-towered operations., Ready for greater responsibility., Ready because a second instructor validates major milestones., Ready for a lifetime of flying., Ready because we build pilots, not just flight hours., Ready for whatever comes next., Ready because quality, mentorship, safety, and value guide our training.
Discovery Flight
Ready to Fly?
Take a 30-minute discovery flight at our flight school in Dallas and Fort Worth, get hands-on time at the controls, meet an instructor, and see whether Pilot Rise is the right fit for your training. The flight is $150, or free with approved financing through one of our partners.
Student Stories
What DFW Pilots Say About Us
Real words from real student pilots who chose Pilot Rise Flight School for their Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial, and CFI training in Dallas-Fort Worth.
I wouldn't be an airline pilot without this flight school. I did my private, instrument, and commercial with Pilot Rise. I wish I would've found them sooner. Could've saved me a lot of headaches, money, and restarts.
I've had a really great experience at this flight school. Everyone is friendly, professional, and always willing to help. Huge shoutout to Anthony Balaity, he's an awesome instructor who's patient, explains everything clearly, and makes learning to teach and fly feel a lot less intimidating.
I highly recommend Pilot Rise. Jordan Connors is an amazing instructor. He explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and grasp. Every lesson is filled valuable information and is a great experience.
Great school. Great instructors. Good safe aircraft. I finished up PPL with Carson, he is very knowledgeable. All the other instructors there have been very helpful and made it fun! I highly recommend this flight school.
All of the instructors make sure you as a student are learning and retaining the knowledge necessary to safely fly a plane and by doing so, you are well prepared to complete your FAA check ride.
Pilot rise is a great place for your aviation training! They are very flexible, knowledgeable, and professional.
I highly recommend Pilot Rise as a flight school! Their facilities, well-maintained aircraft, and supportive staff created an excellent environment for learning. From the start, I felt confident I was in good hands.
Amazing Flight School! I recently completed my CFI certification through Pilot Rise! The Aircraft are very well kept. Maintenance is always addressed promptly and completed in a timely manner.
Where training can lead
From Pilot Rise to careers across aviation.
A select sample of Pilot Rise students and graduates—not a comprehensive list.
- Karl Tabler: Airline Pilot, Frontier Airlines
- Carson Trummel: Corporate Pilot, Airshare
- Upendra Nemkul: Airline Captain, American Eagle Airlines
- Brandon Fleck: Commercial Pilot / Part 91-135 Multi-Engine Turboprop Pilot, North Country Aviation
- Shelby Laferney: Pilot, American Airlines
- Brandon Cheung: First Officer, PSA Airlines
- Chad Tremie: A320 First Officer, Global Airlines
- Karis Hernandez: Senior Communications and Engagement Specialist, American Airlines
- Bridgette Wells: Aerospace Professional, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
- Tyler Barker: A&P Mechanic / Aviation Mechanic and Quality Professional, Gulfstream Aerospace
- Richard Spohnholtz: ATP-Rated Pilot, Brett's Spray Service
- Solomon Meiyappan: Senior Instructor, Falcon 900/2000 EX EASy, FlightSafety International
- Blake Baugus: First Officer, Southwest Airlines
- Ethan Calhoun: Citation 560 Captain
- Daniel Chan: CRJ Captain, SkyWest Airlines
- Michael Collier: Dispatch Instructor, American Airlines
- Nathan Day: First Officer, Envoy Air
- Aaron Flores: 767, Air Transport International (ATI)
- Oscar Garcia: Gulfstream G650 Corporate Pilot
- William Martin, United Airlines
- Neal Smith: Airline Pilot, Envoy Air
- Andrew Smith: Captain, Envoy Air
- Aidan Tune: Airline Pilot, Envoy Air
- Jarrod Waddell, SkyWest Airlines
- David Walsh: Captain, Envoy Air
- Jannette Mason, Mesa Airlines
Airline Pilot Pathway
Common Questions
Straight answers before you commit to training.
What courses do you offer?
We train from first flight all the way to instructor:
- Sport Pilot
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- CFI and CFI-I
- Spin Training and Flight Reviews
See estimated costs, the full course list, training process, timeframes, and requirements on our Training page.
What do training cost, process, and timeframe depend on?
They depend on your goals, schedule, study habits, and previous experience.
- Call us and we will talk you through what your path could look like.
- Use the Pilot Training Cost Planner for a stage-by-stage budget.
- Visit our Training page for the process, estimated costs, timeframes, and requirements for each certificate.
Can I try flying before I commit to training?
Yes. Start with a 30-minute Discovery Flight where you will fly with an instructor, get hands-on time, and learn about the training process.
Discovery flights start at $150. We are also pay-as-you-go, so normal training does not require a large upfront payment or long-term contract.
Am I capable of being a pilot?
Most people can learn to fly with consistent study, practice, and coaching. Take our free pilot readiness quiz for a practical look at math, spatial thinking, memory, attention, judgment, communication, and training habits. It is not an FAA test or a guarantee, but it can give you a useful starting point before your first lesson.
When can I start?
Immediately. Call us or schedule Lesson 1 online. New students can also start with a Discovery Flight if they want to try flying before beginning a full course.
Is financing available?
Yes. We work directly with Stratus Finance and Flight Training Finance, and we accept several third-party financing options. Whether you are financing one certificate or a zero-to-CFI-I path, options are available.
Start with our flight training financing overview, then compare the specific programs that fit your training plan.
What aircraft does Pilot Rise use for training?
We primarily use well-maintained Cessna 150s and 172s with modern instrument panels and avionics. Aircraft selection depends on the course, student fit, payload, avionics, availability, and training goal.
See current aircraft, details, and rental rates on our Training Aircraft page.
How do you maintain your planes?
Our on-site team of FAA-certified professionals keeps the fleet in top condition, with safety and reliability guiding every decision.
- FAA-certified mechanics with A&P/IA oversight
- 100-hour inspections for training aircraft
- A dedicated on-site maintenance facility
- Preventive maintenance beyond minimum requirements
- Consistent Cessna 150 and 172 aircraft that help preserve availability
- Modern avionics across the fleet
Read more on our Safety & Maintenance page.
How do you keep training affordable without cutting quality?
Lower total cost usually comes from better progress, not from cutting instruction or maintenance.
- Active students can use the BATD training device without an aircraft rental charge.
- Skill-based training records keep lessons focused.
- Lessons adapt around conditions while protecting safety and training quality.
- Instructor development supports consistent coaching.
- Students learn how to study and practice so skills stick.
Learn more in How to Learn as a Pilot and on our About Pilot Rise page.
What is the difference between Part 61 and Part 141 training?
Pilot Rise is a Part 61 flight school with a structured curriculum, detailed training records, stage checks, and standardized instruction. Part 61 preserves flexibility around weather, schedules, learning pace, and lesson order.
Part 141 can be useful when a student needs a specific VA, visa, aviation-degree, or restricted-ATP pathway. Read the full Part 61 vs Part 141 guide before choosing based on a lower advertised hour minimum alone.
Get Started Today
Book online in Dallas and Fort Worth - No card required
Discovery Flight
$15030-minute intro flight with hands-on experience.
Book Flight
Discounted Instruction
Save $5/hrFor flying early morning or late evenings.
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Gift Certificate
$150Perfect for birthdays and holidays.
Gift CertificateWhy Choose a Flight School in Dallas and Fort Worth?
Pilot Rise operates two staffed DFW locations with structured Part 61 training, personalized instruction and scheduling, stage checks, and detailed training records. Our current flight training courses in DFW include private pilot, instrument, commercial, CFI, and career-focused options.
Choosing a flight school in Dallas and Fort Worth starts with the campus, schedule, and training path that fit your goals. Compare pilot training cost, review thecareer pilot program in Dallas-Fort Worth, or start with a discovery flight in Dallas and Fort Worth.
- 2x AOPA Distinguished Flight School
- 95%+ first-attempt checkride pass rate
- 400+ pilots trained
- 17 documented training enhancements
The Pilot Rise Standard
Quality • Mentorship • Safety • Value
Quality
Built around real flying, not just the checkride.
- Trained for Excellence, Beyond the Minimums
- Structured & Flexible Training
- Intelligent Training Records
- Scenario-Based Training
Mentorship
Instructors who mentor you, not just fly with you.
- You get a mentor, not just an instructor
- Training tailored to you
- Regular check ins and clear next steps
- Guidance for ratings, career, and beyond
Safety
Safety built into every flight.
- Real-World Training Within Safe Limits
- Teaching You to Make Safe Decisions Every Flight
- Maintenance Is an Investment, Not an Expense
- Risk Management - Every Lesson
Value
Efficient lessons, transparent pricing, no surprises.
- Affordable Without Compromise
- Flexible Scheduling
- Efficient Instructors
- Pay-As-You-Go Training
Choose Your Dallas-Fort Worth Flight Training Location
Choosing a flight school in Dallas and Fort Worth is easier when you can train at the airport that works for your routine.
KRBD • Dallas, Texas
Dallas Executive Airport
5673 Apollo Dr. Dallas, TX 75237
T67 • Fort Worth, Texas
Hicks Airfield
628 Aviator Dr. Fort Worth, TX 76179
