Trade Columbia Commutes For Dedicated Flight Time
Pilot training near Columbia, TN at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI).
Beyond Columbia Limits
Accelerated Airline Readiness
As a resident looking for a modern aviation education, you are likely searching for exactly the right flight schools near me to launch your career. You deserve an academy that respects your time and financial commitment. By making the short drive from Columbia to our Shelbyville base, you completely avoid the outdated aircraft and unpredictable hourly rates that plague older local institutions. You gain immediate access to a tennessee flight training environment designed exclusively for your success and progression. We eliminate the friction of hidden fees so you can focus entirely on your flight lessons near me without financial anxiety.
Our facility stands out as a 2026 AOPA Distinguished Flight School because we prioritize your airline readiness over everything else. When you are searching for a reliable flight school near me, you need certainty and a clear path forward. We offer a highly structured Professional Pilot Program that takes you from zero experience to a Certified Flight Instructor in under ten months. You pay a fixed price of $89,995 for this entire journey. This means you never have to wonder about the final cost of your education. You simply focus on mastering your skills in a professional atmosphere.
Advanced Fleet Technology
Master Modern Glass Cockpits
Transitioning into a commercial airline cockpit requires deep familiarity with advanced technology. While other programs might keep you flying fifty year old airplanes with obsolete steam gauges, we ensure your training happens in a modern fleet. You will fly our Vans RV airplanes equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens and digital GFC 500 Autopilots. If you have been comparing options like als aviation franklin tn or looking into various flight schools in tennessee, you will quickly see the advantage of our technological investments. You build your foundational skills using the same avionics found in modern corporate jets.
Your time is your most valuable asset during your education. To maximize your efficiency, you will utilize our advanced on site redbird simulators to perfect your procedures before you ever burn a drop of aviation fuel. We feature the highly accurate redbird td2 flight simulator and the full motion Redbird MCX system. These FAA approved devices allow you to log up to ten hours directly toward your instrument requirements. Whether you want to pursue an accelerated sport pilot training certificate or advanced commercial ratings, our simulators provide the safest environment to practice emergency procedures and complex approaches. You save thousands of dollars while becoming a substantially safer aviator.
We also recognize that some students are willing to travel for the absolute best education, which is why we frequently welcome students comparing flight schools in mississippi and Alabama. If you are specifically looking for an accelerated multi engine rating, we provide dedicated training in our six seat Piper Aztec. You can complete your twin engine requirements in just a few days. You learn from dedicated career mentors rather than instructors who are merely building their own time. You can take the first step today by booking a Discovery Flight to experience our premium equipment firsthand.
Your Clear Flight Path
Overcome Training Uncertainty
The journey to becoming a professional pilot can feel overwhelming when you face unpredictable weather, maintenance delays, and unstructured syllabuses. We solve these exact pain points by providing an unparalleled flight school tennessee experience. We employ a full time in house maintenance team to ensure our seven aircraft fleet remains in perfect condition for your scheduled flights. You never have to cancel a lesson because an airplane is stuck in the shop. This reliability makes us a leading choice among tennessee flight schools. You stay on track to meet your precise graduation timeline.
Your success on FAA written exams is critical to your progression. Instead of leaving you alone to watch generic online videos, we provide a comprehensive fourteen week in person ground school right in Shelbyville. This class is led by experienced Certified Flight Instructors who guarantee you will pass your written exam. We provide this level of dedication because we understand what it takes to build a 1500 hour airline career. Whether you are seeking a standard tennessee flight school or specialized tn flight training, our structured curriculum ensures you truly understand the aerodynamics and regulations governing your flight. Find out more about our process by reviewing our Private Pilot curriculum.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Commute to Train
Strategic Training Advantages
Stepping outside your immediate hometown limits provides a strategic advantage for your career. We represent the absolute best flight schools tennessee has to offer because we combine controlled airspace practice with cross country terrain diversity. You will fly in a professional environment that prepares you for real world commercial operations. Our partnerships even extend to community initiatives like the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville program, proving our deep commitment to the future of aviation. You are not just buying flight hours, you are investing in a comprehensive career pipeline.
If you are seeking a premier tennessee flight training, flight school combination, our fixed price guarantee and modern fleet make the choice simple. We even accommodate students searching for a top tier flight school mississippi experience through our Tupelo base, ensuring our rigorous standards are accessible across the region. Earning your multi-engine rating tennessee style with us means you graduate as a highly competent, airline ready professional. Explore our financing options today and discover exactly how we can turn your aviation dreams into a tangible reality.
Fixed Price Guarantee
You pay a predictable transparent cost for your entire journey without worrying about hourly rental spikes.
AOPA Distinguished
You train at a facility recognized nationally for instructional excellence and high student success rates.
In House Maintenance
You fly on schedule thanks to our dedicated mechanics who ensure high fleet availability at all times.
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
Enroll Now
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). Only Short Drive to Shelbyville away from Columbia, TN. 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.