Bypass the Waitlists with Dedicated Aircraft in Shelbyville
Pilot training near Shelbyville, TN at Shelbyville Municipal Airport (KSYI).
Your Shelbyville Headquarters
Accelerated Airline Readiness
As an aspiring aviator you might find yourself searching for flight schools near me only to discover long waitlists and unpredictable hourly fees. You deserve a professional environment where your progression is the absolute priority. By choosing our headquarters at Shelbyville Municipal Airport you trade congested city airspaces for dedicated flight time. You spend your valuable time actually flying rather than idling on the taxiway waiting for commercial jet clearances. This strategic location gives you immediate access to uncongested skies so you maximize your actual stick time and accelerate your path to the airlines.
When looking for a reliable flight school near me you want an institution that delivers proven and predictable results. We are proud to be recognized as a 2026 AOPA Distinguished Flight School. This distinction means you receive top tier instruction tailored specifically to your career success. If you are comparing local options like als aviation franklin tn you will quickly notice our structured approach puts you in the pilot seat significantly faster. Stop settling for generic flight lessons near me and step into a program designed explicitly for airline readiness. You can seamlessly begin your journey through our Professional Pilot Program which takes you from zero hours to a certified flight instructor in under ten months. We eliminate the friction of traditional training so you focus entirely on building your skills.
Advanced Fleet Technology
Master Modern Glass Cockpits
Transitioning to the airlines requires absolute mastery of modern aviation technology. You need to train in the identical systems you will encounter in commercial flight decks. While standard facilities might keep you learning on outdated fifty year old steam gauges we guarantee you learn in an advanced fleet equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens and digital GFC 500 Autopilots. You build immediate confidence using the highly efficient Vans RV-12iS aircraft. You gain mastery over complex avionics systems early in your journey making you a safer and more competitive pilot when applying for commercial positions.
Our commitment to advanced technology extends into our dedicated simulation center. You have full access to advanced redbird simulators including the FAA approved redbird td2 flight simulator to practice emergency procedures safely on the ground. When evaluating flight schools in tennessee our technological edge stands out immediately. You can even complete an accelerated multi engine rating in our six seat Piper Aztec in just a few days. Finding a thoroughly modern flight school tennessee style means you get to use full motion simulators and advanced avionics that prepare you for the real world. Out of all the tennessee flight schools available we ensure you transition smoothly into your professional airline career.
We utilize highly efficient Rotax engines to keep our operations running smoothly and your costs completely predictable. Check out our advanced training simulators to see how you can log up to ten hours toward your instrument rating without leaving the ground.
Your Clear Flight Path
Overcome Training Uncertainty
The decision to become a professional pilot carries significant financial weight and deep personal commitment. You might worry about unpredictable hourly rental costs or instructors who just want to build their own hours and leave you behind. We eliminate these massive risks before you even start your engine. You receive a guaranteed fixed price model of $89,995 for your entire zero to CFI journey. You never have to guess your budget or delay your training due to sudden fee spikes. You learn directly from dedicated career mentors rather than transient instructors.
When you seek proper tennessee flight training you need absolute certainty in your timeline. We maintain a full time in house mechanic team to keep our seven aircraft fleet fully operational and ready for your exact schedule. Finding a truly dedicated tennessee flight school ensures you graduate on time and enter the job market faster. Our exceptional 2024 statistics prove this structure works with over fifty successful graduates entering the aviation workforce. Whether you need comprehensive tn flight training or a highly targeted accelerated sport pilot training course we have a clear path built uniquely for you.
You can easily compare us to other flight schools tennessee offers and see our unmatched structural support. Start your journey today by booking a discovery flight and feel the profound difference of a purely professional aviation academy.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Choose Shelbyville
Strategic Training Advantages
Commuting to our Shelbyville base immerses you in a dedicated and focused aviation community. You surround yourself with over 140 active students who share your exact ambition and rigorous drive. This focused environment heavily accelerates your learning curve and builds your professional network immediately. We offer an exclusive fourteen week in person ground school for just $499.99 that comes with an incredible exam pass guarantee. You actually understand the physics and mechanics of flight instead of just memorizing test answers from a generic online video course.
If you are actively researching a tennessee flight training, flight school combination our primary headquarters provides the ultimate solution. We naturally attract driven students looking for flight schools in mississippi or a reliable flight school mississippi alternative because our fast track programs are incredibly efficient. We proudly support vital local pathways including the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville partnership to heavily build the next generation of professional aviators. Earning your multi-engine rating tennessee style means rigorous efficient and highly professional preparation that airlines deeply respect.
We remove all the friction blocking your path to the flight deck. Explore our financing options through trusted partners like Stratus Financial to lock in your aviation future with absolute financial confidence.
Ground School Guarantee
You master aviation theory in our 14 week in person ground school featuring a complete FAA exam pass guarantee.
AOPA Distinguished
You train at a premier facility recognized nationally for instructional excellence and incredibly high student success rates.
In-House Maintenance
You always fly on schedule thanks to our dedicated full time mechanics who ensure maximum 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 Primary Training Headquarters away from Shelbyville, 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.