Launch Your Airline Career from Florence
Pilot training near Florence, AL at Tupelo Regional Airport (KTUP) & Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI).
Beyond The Florence Area
Accelerated Commercial Readiness
As an aspiring aviator residing in Northwest Alabama, your search for flight schools near me often yields crowded local strips with long waitlists. You require a direct route to the commercial airlines. By making the short drive from Florence to our professional base in Tupelo, you unlock immediate access to dedicated aircraft and focused mentorship. You bypass the congestion of typical local airfields and maximize your actual stick time. You stop wondering about hidden hourly fees and start progressing through a structured tennessee flight training, flight school curriculum designed for ultimate efficiency.
We offer a comprehensive Professional Pilot Program built specifically to take you from zero experience to a Certified Flight Instructor in less than 10 months. You secure your future with a fixed price investment of $89,995. This package covers every certification required for your airline career. When you look up a flight school near me or try to book flight lessons near me, you deserve an institution recognized as a 2026 AOPA Distinguished Flight School. You trade the uncertainty of pay as you go rentals for a guaranteed path to the 1500 hour airline threshold.
Advanced Fleet Technology
Master Modern Avionics
Transitioning smoothly to a regional jet requires mastery of modern avionics from day one. Standard flight training options often confine you to fifty year old aircraft with outdated steam gauges. You deserve better technology. We guarantee your instruction takes place in a modern fleet equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens and digital GFC 500 Autopilots. You develop an intuitive understanding of complex systems in our Vans RV-12iS aircraft. These trainers utilize fuel efficient Rotax 912iS engines to keep your fixed costs predictable and low.
Your training extends beyond the tarmac with our advanced redbird simulators on site. You practice complex emergency procedures safely using our full motion Redbird MCX and the FAA approved redbird td2 flight simulator. You log up to 10 hours of credit toward your Instrument Rating on the ground. If you require specialized instruction, we offer a dedicated accelerated multi engine rating utilizing our six seat Piper Aztec. Whether you compare us to a multi-engine rating tennessee provider or evaluate facilities like als aviation franklin tn, you find our technological advantage unmatched. You secure the skills airlines demand today.
Your Clear Flight Path
Overcome Training Uncertainty
The journey to becoming a commercial pilot carries significant financial weight and natural apprehension. You might worry about aircraft breaking down or instructors who care more about their own hours than your progress. We eliminate those risks entirely. You benefit from our full time in house maintenance team. They keep our seven aircraft fleet operational so you fly on schedule without frustrating delays. You receive instruction from dedicated career mentors rather than transient time builders. Your success is our primary objective.
We graduated over 50 successful pilots in 2024. Our proven structure ensures you pass your FAA checkrides with total confidence. You can experience our supportive environment immediately by booking a comprehensive Discovery Flight. We serve students across the region exploring flight schools in mississippi or evaluating premier flight schools in tennessee. If your goals lean toward recreational flying, our accelerated sport pilot training gets you airborne in just 20 minimum hours. We stand out as the definitive flight school mississippi choice and a leading provider of tennessee flight training for students demanding excellence and reliability.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Relocate to Train
Strategic Training Advantages
Relocating your training focus to our dedicated hubs ensures you escape the distractions of home. You immerse yourself in a community of over 140 active students who share your commercial aviation goals. This environment sharpens your focus and accelerates your learning curve. Our Tupelo Regional Airport location provides a professional tower controlled environment without the heavy commercial traffic delays. You practice complex maneuvers and radio communications efficiently. You reach your career milestones significantly faster.
We represent the highest standard among tennessee flight schools and neighboring regional academies. Your search for a premium tennessee flight school ends with our transparent pricing and advanced fleet. We actively support community growth through programs like the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville partnership. Whether you need a comprehensive flight school tennessee curriculum or specific tn flight training modules, we deliver unparalleled value. You can secure your future easily through our accessible financing options provided by Stratus Financial and AOPA Finance. Choose the absolute best among flight schools tennessee providers and launch your professional career from Florence today.
Fixed Price Guarantee
You pay a predictable $89,995 for your zero to CFI 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.
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 Northwest Alabama Gateway away from Florence, AL. 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.