Master Instrument Flying Near Starkville
Pilot training near Starkville, MS at Tupelo Regional Airport (KTUP).
Beyond Starkville Limits
Modern Airline Readiness
As an engineering student in Mississippi, you need flight schools near me that match your technical mindset. We place you directly into our modern Vans RV-12iS fleet equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens. You master advanced avionics immediately, preparing you for the airline flight deck. When you search for the best flight schools in mississippi, you will find our Tupelo base nearby. We offer a structured Professional Pilot Program to take you from zero hours to a commercially rated pilot efficiently.
If you compare options against tennessee flight training or facilities like als aviation franklin tn, our technology provides the definitive advantage. We eliminate the guesswork of hourly rentals with fixed pricing. You also discover why any premier flight school mississippi focuses on efficiency. You spend your valuable time learning complex flight maneuvers instead of worrying about the Hobbs meter.
Advanced Training Fleet
Master Precision Flying
Earning your instrument rating requires total precision. You build confidence using our GNS-530 WAAS systems. Before flying, you perfect your scanning techniques using our redbird simulators, including the highly realistic redbird td2 flight simulator. While exploring flight lessons near me, you will see few academies offer dedicated time builder aircraft like our Evektor Harmony.
If your goal is an accelerated multi engine rating, our Piper Aztec twin engine trainer helps you complete this milestone rapidly. Students often review flight schools in tennessee to find fleet diversity, but you get all these benefits right here. Whether seeking basic instruction or advanced multi-engine rating tennessee level precision, our structured syllabus ensures you never waste a single flight hour on the ground.
Your Proven Path
Eliminate Career Friction
Starting an aviation career feels overwhelming when facing unpredictable costs. We remove that friction entirely. You train with a 2026 AOPA Distinguished Flight School, following a curriculum proven to produce competent aviators. In 2024, we mentored over 50 graduates who successfully passed their checkrides. If you need accelerated sport pilot training, you receive guidance from true mentors.
This is exactly why students needing a reliable flight school near me consistently choose our academy. We offer rapid pathways to become a Certified Flight Instructor in just three to six weeks. We know finding the right tennessee flight training, flight school environment is critical. You deserve a facility that treats your investment with respect and delivers the promised results without hidden fees.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Train With Us
Strategic Career Advantages
Choosing our academy gives you access to an ecosystem designed for your advancement. We engage in community initiatives similar to the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville partnership. When you compare tennessee flight schools, you notice our transparent financing options that make your transition manageable. For those mapping out options among flight schools tennessee or looking for a specific tennessee flight school, our timeline is the clear answer.
We set the standard for tn flight training and regional education. Do not settle for a basic flight school tennessee experience when you can have a guaranteed path. We invite you to explore our financing options today. You have the ambition, and we provide the high tech aircraft and roadmap to the airlines.
High Tech Avionics
You train on Garmin G3X Touch screens from day one.
Accelerated Programs
You transition from commercial pilot to CFI rapidly.
Fixed Cost Pricing
You pay a predictable price without hourly rental spikes.
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 Regional Travel Program away from Starkville, MS. 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.