Become a Professional Pilot at Hawkins Flight Academy
Launch Your Aviation Career with Accelerated Flight Training in Shelbyville, TN and Tupelo, MS. Experience World-Class Instruction, Modern Aircraft, and a Clear Path to the Skies
2026 AOPA® Distinguished Flight School
Hawkins Flight Academy has been honored with the 2026 Flight Training Experience Award by the AOPA® Foundation. This distinction recognizes us as one of the top flight schools in the country, based on our commitment to safety, excellence, and the superior training experience we provide to our students.
Start Your Journey
Flight Training That Fits Your Future
Modern Fleet
Technically Advanced Aircraft
Train in RV-12s equipped with Garmin G3X glass cockpits, GFC 500 autopilots, and ADS-B in/out for a modern training experience.
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Pro Pilot Pathway
From Zero to CFI
Accelerated training designed for career pilots. Start from Private and finish with your CFI — all with structured guidance and full-time scheduling.
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Simple Pricing
Program-Based Packages
No hidden fees or rental confusion. Our programs use fixed pricing per certificate, so you always know what you’re paying for.
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Flight Instructors
Experienced, Invested, Professional
Our instructors are not just hour-builders. They're dedicated mentors committed to your progress and success.
Come meet our team
Two Locations
Tennessee & Mississippi
Train at Shelbyville (KSYI) or Tupelo (KTUP) with the same quality aircraft and instruction at both locations.
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Explore Our Pilot Programs
Whether you're starting from zero or continuing your flight training, Hawkins offers modern aircraft, structured programs, and flexible scheduling to help you succeed.
- Modern RV-12 and Cessna fleet
- Program-based pricing — no hourly surprises
- Two locations: Tennessee & Mississippi
- Flexible, full-time flight schedules
- Career-ready path from Private to CFI
- Instructor mentors who care about your success
Why Train With Hawkins
Modern Aircraft.
Proven Pathways.
Career-Focused Training.
At Hawkins Flight Academy, we go beyond the standard flight school experience. Our program-based approach, advanced fleet, and experienced instructors are designed to help you succeed faster — and safer.
- Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA)
- Train in modern RV-12s and upgraded Cessnas with Garmin G3X, GFC 500 autopilot, and ADS-B in/out for real-world readiness.
- Program-Based Pricing
- Say goodbye to unpredictable hourly billing. Our fixed-cost programs keep you on track — and on budget.
- Path to CFI & Beyond
- From zero experience to Certified Flight Instructor — we’ll help you launch a career and start earning flight time.
- Two Locations, One Standard
- Train at our Shelbyville, TN or Tupelo, MS campuses — both built around safety, efficiency, and instructor quality.
Now Available: RV-12 Flight Training in Tupelo, Mississippi!
With N580RV permanently based at KTUP, students can access accelerated flight training and professional pilot programs right here in North Mississippi.
Location: Tupelo, Mississippi
About Hawkins Flight School
Built by Pilots &
Next Generation Focused
Hawkins Flight Academy was founded with a simple idea: modern aircraft, clear pricing, and high-quality instruction shouldn't be the exception — they should be the standard. With locations in Tennessee and Mississippi, we're raising the bar for flight training in the Southeast.
Our Mission
We're on a mission to make professional pilot training more accessible, affordable, and efficient — without compromising on safety or quality. By using fuel-efficient aircraft like the RV-12 and eliminating traditional hourly rental models, we streamline your path to certification.
Whether you're starting fresh or looking to complete your CFI, Hawkins Flight Academy offers a personalized, structured path. We don't just teach you how to fly — we help you launch a career in aviation, backed by real-world instruction and modern avionics.
Our Milestones
- Active Students
- 0+
- Graduates in 2025
- 0+
- Training Aircraft
- 0
- Locations
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Hear from our students
Our Success Stories
Discover how our aviation academy launched the careers of aspiring pilots, flight instructors, and aviation professionals. Real voices. Real dreams taking flight.
These guys are top notch!! I called today last minute if they had any last minute openings with an instructor. The manager was very enthusiastic and paired me up with Dan! Their aircraft's are all new, the 'vibe' at the facility was nothing like I've experienced. I've been to 2 other flight schools in Nashville and they are uptight, it seems intense and every man for theirselves so here was quite refreshing. They had their own mechanic on staff. Planes were very clean. I can't rave enough about the experience. Top notch guys! I'll see you guys again once the weather clears up!
Jude Sanchez
Private Pilot Student
Hawkins is an incredible place to be! The staff consistently strives to go above and beyond in order to provide their students with top tier training and experiences. From the moment you enter the building you can feel the excitement and passion that both the owners and instructors possess for all things aviation. They offer some of the best pricing in the area as well as an incredible fleet of brand new aircraft which are equipped with top of the line Garmin avionics. Whether you are getting your private certificate or you want to be a career airline pilot I have no doubt that Hawkins Flight Academy will do everything in their power to make your aspirations a reality.
Bradley Edens
Flight Student
Love this flight school!! I completed IFR training and recently passed IFR checkride. Now working on commercial. I'm convinced that Light Sport Aircraft are really the way forward for training. The Garmin G3X avionics in all the planes are absolutely fantastic. Hawkins has safe great new planes, responsible and thoughtful ownership, attentive and relational CFIs that are concerned with teaching and not solely building time. These are metrics of longevity and success and Hawkins has it. I also love that I'm building TAA time from day one. While other flight training schools felt mercenary, Hawkins presents a real value for value exchange in their service model. Excellent!
Jason Germain
Instrument Pilot Graduate
Hawkins is hands down the best flight school around. Everything about them is organized and incredibly accommodating to the students. They have awesome planes and the instructors are the best in the business. I’m super grateful to them for helping me get my PPL and can’t wait to keep working on my other ratings. I highly recommend giving them a call if you’re interested in flying!
Brandon Tipps
Private Pilot Graduate
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Reach Out to Hawkins
Let's Get You In The Air
All other times by appointment
Frequently Asked Questions
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We operate out of two locations: Shelbyville, TN (KSYI) and Tupelo, MS (KTUP). Both locations offer modern training fleets and full-time instruction.
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Our fleet includes RV-12s with Garmin G3X glass cockpits, a Piper Cherokee 140, a Vector Harmony, and a Cessna 172. All aircraft are maintained to the highest safety standards.
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Yes. We specialize in fast-track training for career pilots, with personalized scheduling to help you move from zero experience to CFI as efficiently as possible.
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We offer program-based pricing on our RV-12s—no hourly rental required. This helps keep training costs predictable and affordable for students.
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Yes, we work with trusted aviation finance providers to offer flexible financing options for eligible students.
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Absolutely. A discovery flight is the best way to experience what it’s like to train at Hawkins. Contact us to book one at either location.
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Yes. Whether you're training on weekends or pursuing an accelerated full-time program, our instructors will tailor your schedule to meet your goals.
Ready for Takeoff?
Book a Discovery Flight Today
Experience the thrill of flight firsthand with a Discovery Flight at Hawkins Flight Academy. Whether you're considering a career in aviation or just want to see what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat, this is the perfect first step. You'll fly with a certified instructor and take the controls yourself—no prior experience needed.