Experience Top Tier Flight Instruction in Tupelo
Pilot training near Tupelo, MS at Tupelo Regional Airport (KTUP).
Beyond Ordinary Training
Accelerated Airline Readiness
When you decide to turn your passion for aviation into a professional career, finding the right training environment becomes your most critical choice. If you are searching for flight schools near me in the Tupelo region, you likely face the common frustration of hidden costs and unpredictable aircraft availability. We remove that friction entirely at our Tupelo Regional Airport base. You deserve a clear and structured path to the airlines, and our comprehensive curriculum delivers exactly that. By enrolling with us, you secure a package that takes you from zero hours to Certified Flight Instructor in under ten months. This means you stop worrying about hourly rental rates and start focusing strictly on your airline career requirements.
As the premier flight school mississippi has to offer, we provide a professional tower controlled airspace that prepares you for commercial flight without the overwhelming delays of major hubs. When looking for a flight school near me or local flight lessons near me, you want an institution that truly values your time and investment. We do not just teach you how to fly; we prepare you for a lifelong career on the flight deck. Students exploring flight schools in mississippi consistently choose our fixed price programs because they completely eliminate financial guesswork. You can explore our Professional Pilot Program to see the exact structure of your future success.
Advanced Fleet Technology
Master Modern Glass Cockpits
Your transition to professional airlines demands absolute proficiency in modern aviation technology. You cannot afford to train on fifty year old steam gauges when your future employers expect you to deeply understand advanced avionics. We guarantee your education happens in a modern fleet equipped with Garmin G3X Touch screens and digital GFC 500 Autopilots. Our Vans RV-12iS aircraft utilize fuel efficient Rotax engines, ensuring our fleet remains reliably operational and your training stays perfectly on schedule.
Beyond actual flight time, you master complex procedures on the ground using our advanced redbird simulators. You will train on the FAA approved redbird td2 flight simulator and our full motion Redbird MCX, which allows you to log up to ten hours toward your instrument rating safely and affordably. We also offer specialized paths, including an accelerated sport pilot training program for those who want a faster initial entry into the skies. For pilots ready to step up to twin engine aircraft, our accelerated multi engine rating takes only a few days in our six seat Piper Aztec.
Even if you were initially considering a multi-engine rating tennessee program, our Tupelo base provides the exact structured efficiency you need without the congestion. Discover more about our technology on our modern fleet page to see exactly what you will fly during your tenure.
Your Clear Flight Path
Overcome Training Uncertainty
Stepping into a highly technical career path naturally brings questions about safety, reliability, and ultimate checkride success. You might worry about investing your savings only to face constant maintenance delays or instructors who lack investment in your professional future. We anticipate and eliminate those risks before you even sit in the cockpit. We maintain a full time in house mechanic team dedicated to keeping our seven aircraft fleet in absolute peak condition. This ensures you never miss a critical training day due to predictable mechanical issues.
Our founders, Mike Harris and Matt Wilkins, have built an academy focused entirely on mentorship and student progression. When you compare us to other tennessee flight schools or any flight school tennessee option, you will notice our instructors act as true career mentors rather than pilots merely building their own hours. You receive a structured syllabus with an exam pass guarantee for our in person ground school, meaning you truly understand the mechanics of flight rather than just memorizing answers. Start your journey with confidence by booking a discovery flight today to meet our dedicated team.
We consistently attract students who initially searched for flight schools in tennessee because our reputation for safety and reliability crosses state lines. If you are evaluating a tennessee flight school or comparing different flight schools tennessee locations, our Tupelo headquarters offers unmatched peace of mind and strict operational standards.
- 140+
- Active Students
- 50+
- Graduates in 2025
- 7
- Training Aircraft
- 2
- Locations
Why Train At Our Base
Strategic Training Advantages
Strategic location plays a massive role in how quickly you complete your pilot training. Training at Tupelo Regional Airport offers the perfect balance of controlled professional airspace and diverse cross country terrain. You practice complex instrument approaches in a real world environment without sitting on the taxiway waiting for endless commercial traffic to clear. This efficiency is exactly why students looking for tn flight training or comprehensive tennessee flight training often cross the state line to train directly with us.
We offer a streamlined alternative to crowded programs like als aviation franklin tn by providing dedicated resources and consistently high aircraft availability. Our network is expansive, and our operations mirror the high standards set by our sister base, which proudly supports the tennessee flight, youth organization, shelbyville initiative. Whether you initially sought out a tennessee flight training, flight school or a local Mississippi base, our fixed price guarantee of $89,995 covers your complete zero to CFI journey without surprise billing.
You gain immediate access to a thriving community of over 140 active students who share your intense dedication to aviation. We invite you to review our financing options to see how easily you can fund your education through our specialized career partnerships. You get the ultimate strategic advantage when you choose to train in a facility designed explicitly for your airline career readiness.
Fixed Price Guarantee
You pay a predictable cost for your zero to CFI journey without worrying about hourly rental spikes or hidden fees.
Tower Controlled Airport
You master professional radio communications at Tupelo Regional Airport without dealing with major hub delays.
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 Primary Base Location away from Tupelo, 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.