Trade BNA Delays for Dedicated Flight Time
Pilot training near Nashville, TN at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI).
Escape Nashville Congestion
Accelerated Airline Readiness
When you live in a bustling city, finding the right path to the airlines can feel overwhelming. You might be searching for flight schools near me and running into crowded airspaces, long waitlists, and endless delays at Nashville International. You need a dedicated environment where you can actually get off the ground. By taking a short drive south to our Shelbyville Municipal Airport base, you trade BNA traffic for wide open, controlled airspace. This strategic choice allows you to maximize your actual stick time instead of burning fuel and money waiting on the taxiway. Your goal is to reach the 1500 hour airline requirement, and avoiding heavy commercial traffic is the most efficient way to get there.
We do not operate like a standard flight school near me that leaves you guessing about costs and scheduling. As a 2026 AOPA Distinguished Flight School, we offer a clearly structured Professional Pilot Program that takes you from zero experience to Certified Flight Instructor in less than 10 months. You get a predictable, fixed price package of $89,995. This eliminates the stress of fluctuating hourly rentals and hidden fees. Whether you are comparing local options like als aviation franklin tn or looking for comprehensive tennessee flight training, our academy delivers unmatched efficiency and authority. You learn from real mentors dedicated to your success, ensuring you become a highly proficient and safe commercial pilot.
Advanced Fleet Technology
Master Modern Glass Cockpits
Entering the modern aviation industry requires total mastery of contemporary avionics. Many local academies train students on older aircraft with outdated steam gauges. We believe you deserve better. You will train in our modern fleet of Vans RV-12iS aircraft, fully equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens and digital GFC 500 Autopilots. By learning on the same advanced glass cockpit systems used by regional jets, you build superior situational awareness from day one. This technological advantage makes you a vastly safer pilot and gives you a critical edge when you sit for your commercial evaluations.
Our commitment to cutting edge technology extends beyond the aircraft. You have direct access to advanced redbird simulators, including the FAA approved redbird td2 flight simulator and the full motion Redbird MCX. These powerful tools allow you to practice complex emergency procedures safely on the ground. You can even log up to 10 hours toward your Instrument Rating, saving you significant money while sharpening your skills. This is the ultimate way to experience top tier flight lessons near me without the constant interruptions of poor weather or maintenance delays.
If your career path demands specialized skills, we offer an intensive accelerated multi engine rating completed in our six seat Piper Aztec. In just a few days, you transition into a proficient twin engine pilot. Earning your multi-engine rating tennessee style with us means rigorous, focused, and highly efficient preparation. For those seeking alternative recreational routes, we also provide a streamlined accelerated sport pilot training course. No matter your destination, our modern engines ensure high dispatch reliability, keeping your training moving forward.
Your Clear Flight Path
Overcome Training Uncertainty
The journey to becoming a professional pilot often comes with a high degree of perceived risk. You might worry about unpredictable hourly costs, instructors who care more about their own hours than your progress, or equipment that constantly breaks down. We confront these anxieties head on. You receive absolute financial clarity through our program based pricing models. You will never face surprise invoices or sudden rate hikes. Furthermore, we maintain a dedicated in house mechanic staff. This ensures our seven aircraft fleet is always ready when you are, eliminating frustrating downtime and keeping your momentum strong.
Your instruction quality is guaranteed. We are led by visionary founders Mike Harris and Matt Wilkins, who have built a curriculum focused on mentorship rather than just hour building. In 2024 alone, we successfully graduated over 50 pilots, proving our methods produce exceptional aviators. Whether you are researching top flight schools in tennessee, exploring tennessee flight schools, or even considering options among flight schools in mississippi, our academy stands out as the definitive authority. We invite you to take a Discovery Flight. Experience our professional environment firsthand and see exactly why so many students choose us over any generic flight school mississippi has to offer.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Relocate to Train
Strategic Training Advantages
Choosing the right environment is the most critical decision of your aviation career. By training with us, you join an elite community of over 140 active students who share your high level of commitment. This immersive atmosphere naturally elevates your performance. We cover every step of your journey, from comprehensive in person ground school with an exam pass guarantee to advanced instructor ratings. If you are specifically looking for a complete tennessee flight training, flight school solution, you will find our structured approach perfectly aligns with the rigorous demands of airline recruiters. We also take pride in community involvement, supporting initiatives like the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville partnership to inspire the next generation.
Our footprint reaches ambitious students everywhere. You no longer need to settle for a basic tennessee flight school when you can access an AOPA distinguished program. We provide the highest caliber of tn flight training available, ensuring you meet the 1500 hour requirement faster and with greater competence. For students expanding their search to the best flight school tennessee can provide, or those comparing flight schools tennessee wide, our fixed cost packages and modern fleet offer unbeatable value. We encourage you to explore our financing options through Stratus Financial and AOPA Finance. Secure your future in the skies today and leave the congestion behind.
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 Short drive to clear airspace away from Nashville, 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.