Auburn Flight School for University Students
Premium flight training near the Auburn University campus. Get your PPL before August 1st at Lanett Regional Airport, bypass university waitlists, and build your R-ATP eligibility around your academic schedule.
Auburn University Students Training Paths
The Auburn Flight School
That Works For You
The Auburn University Professional Flight program is highly competitive, and students regularly face waitlists before they ever leave the ground. Blue Skies Above is the Auburn flight school alternative built for university students who want to move faster. Our Auburn pilot training programs let you earn your ratings on your schedule, cheaper, quicker, and without fighting for aircraft availability at Lanett Regional Airport.
Whether you are exploring a career in Auburn pro flight, looking for an immediate acceptance rate (no arbitrary waitlists!), or just an Auburn university student who wants the ultimate flight training schedule flexibility, we have specialized training tracks tailored to your needs.
Not a university student? Visit our Auburn, AL Local Flight School page for general training information.
- Private Pilot Certificate (PPL). Start your Auburn flight journey with our PPL program, designed to take you from zero experience to a confident pilot in command.
- Click here to learn more about our Private Pilot Program
- Instrument Rating (IFR). Fly through the weather and learn to rely on your instruments, expanding your capabilities as an Auburn pilot.
- Click here to learn more about our Instrument Rating Program
- Commercial Single Engine Land (CSEL). Advance your skills with our CSEL program, a critical step for a professional aviation career.
- Click here to learn more about our Commercial Pilot Program
- Multi-Engine Rating. Add a multi-engine class rating to your certificate, opening the doors to flying larger and more capable aircraft.
- Click here to learn more about our Multi-Engine Rating
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII). Train to become a flight instructor, build hours, and share your passion for aviation with others.
- Click here to learn more about our Flight Instructor Program
Blue Skies Above is an elite pilot factory. Unlike a large, slow-moving Auburn university school of aviation, our independent flight school focuses on efficient training. Contact us today to secure your flight block and accelerate your Auburn university pilot program goals.
Auburn University Students Choice
Why Auburn Students
Choose Blue Skies Above
Convenient Flight Training Near Auburn University Campus
Our strategic "30-Minute Radius" advantage is built around Lanett Regional Airport (7A3). Located exactly 30 minutes from the AU Hill or Haley Center, you can effortlessly schedule a morning flight block and be back on campus with time to spare for afternoon lectures.
Get Your Private Pilot License (PPL) Before Freshman Year
Auburn University flight students often need their PPL before August 1st to stay on track for highly competitive flight labs. If you missed the university deadline or are stuck on an endless waitlist, the "Summer & Pre-Freshman" Bridge at Blue Skies Above is your solution. You can earn your requirements before your freshman year even starts. Furthermore, we regularly advise students on how their independent flight training under Part 61/141 affects their R-ATP Eligibility seamlessly alongside their overarching college objectives.
Auburn Flight School Cost & Operations Comparison
| Feature | University Flight Program | Blue Skies Above |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduling | Rigid & Semester-based | Flexible & 7 Days/Week |
| Waitlists | Long Waitlists | Immediate Start |
| Pace | Semester-paced | Student-paced |
| Billing | Bundled Tuition Costs | Transparent & Pay-as-you-go |
Auburn University Pilot Program Support
Auburn University's Professional Flight program admits 120 freshmen per year. Whether you're racing to meet the August 1st PPL deadline, building hours alongside your degree, or looking for pilot training near Auburn AL that fits around your classes, Blue Skies Above is structured around your Auburn academic timeline.
- Aligned with fall, spring, and summer Auburn University terms
- Supports R-ATP eligibility planning alongside your degree
- Flight training near Auburn campus at Lanett Regional Airport
- Part 61 and Part 141 options for Auburn aviation program students
- Strengthens your transfer application PPL + 1st class medical required
Start Your Flight Training Journey
Whether you're aiming for your Private Pilot License, Commercial rating, or CFI certification, Blue Skies Above offers the aircraft, instructors, and flexibility Auburn students need. Get ahead before the semester begins or take your next step with a focused training path. Talk to a Blue Skies team member today to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about flying with us as an Auburn student.
Auburn requires a PPL by August 1st — can I get mine in time?
Yes. Most students complete their Private Pilot Certificate in 3-6 months training full time. If you enroll with us in the spring or early summer, you can realistically have your PPL before Auburn's August 1st freshman deadline. We have no waitlist and fly 7 days a week to keep your training on pace.
Does training at Blue Skies Above count toward Auburn's advanced placement credit?
Auburn awards advanced placement credit to students who hold a Private Pilot Certificate before starting classes — 7 hours of credit covering AVMF 2150, 2171, and 2181. To receive it you must pass a 25-question written exam and a proficiency flight check to Auburn's end-of-course standard. Your certificate earned at Blue Skies Above qualifies you to sit for that assessment.
Auburn didn't complete ratings started outside the university — does that affect me?
Only if you start a rating and don't finish it. Auburn's policy is that they won't complete a certificate begun elsewhere — meaning if you start your PPL at Blue Skies Above, finish it here before enrolling. Don't leave it partially done. We structure our training to get you fully certificated before your start date.
What is R-ATP and does training at Blue Skies Above count toward it?
R-ATP (Restricted Airline Transport Pilot) certification reduces the flight hour requirement to reach airline careers from 1,500 hours down to 1,000 hours. Auburn's Professional Flight program is FAA-authorized for R-ATP. Training under FAA Part 61/141 at Blue Skies Above builds hours that count toward your overall R-ATP flight time — consult your Auburn advisor on how your specific hours apply toward their program requirements.
What is the acceptance rate for Auburn's Professional Flight program?
Auburn's Professional Flight program accepted 120 freshmen for fall 2025, making it one of the most competitive aviation programs in the Southeast. Students not admitted can reapply as internal transfers, but must hold a PPL and 1st class medical. Training at Blue Skies Above while you wait puts you in a stronger position.
Can I use financial aid for flight training?
Yes. We've partnered with Stratus Financial and Flight Training Finance to provide flexible loan options for your flight training. While federal university financial aid (FAFSA) typically applies only directly to the university, our third-party lending partners offer tailored programs to secure funding for your entire training path up to Commercial or CFI.
How far is Lanett Regional Airport from Auburn University campus?
Lanett Regional Airport is just a 30-minute drive from Auburn's campus. This means you can easily schedule flight blocks between classes or on weekends without spending your whole day commuting.
What's the schedule flexibility for students with classes?
We offer complete schedule flexibility tailored to your Auburn University timetable. We fly 7 days a week, and you can book your aircraft and instructor around your classes, exams, and extracurriculars—something heavily regimented university programs rarely allow.
Is there a waitlist to start flying at Blue Skies Above?
No waitlists. While university aviation programs often have notorious waitlists spanning multiple semesters, we accept students immediately. You can enroll and start logging flight hours during the summer or right at the beginning of the semester.
What kind of aircraft will I train in?
You will train in our impeccably maintained fleet of Cessna aircraft. Upgraded with modern avionics, including Garmin glass cockpits, they provide a safe, professional environment that mirrors what you'll encounter in the regional airlines.
What does it cost compared to going through Auburn directly?
Our students pay as they go per flight hour rather than bundling flight costs into fixed university tuition fees. This transparent, pay-per-flight structure often makes it more cost-effective. Plus, because you train at your own pace without semester-driven delays, you can potentially reduce the total hours and cost required to checkride.
How much does Auburn flight school cost?
At Blue Skies Above, you pay per flight hour with full transparency — no bundled fees, no surprises. Our pay-as-you-go structure gives Auburn students clear visibility into every dollar spent on their pilot training, and because you train at your own pace, you're not paying for semester gaps or scheduling delays.
Is Blue Skies Above Part 61 or Part 141?
We train under both FAA Part 61 and Part 141, giving Auburn University students flexibility in how their hours apply. Consult your Auburn advisor on how Part 61 vs. Part 141 hours affect your specific R-ATP eligibility and program credit.
How long does Auburn flight training take at Blue Skies Above?
PPL typically takes 3 to 6 months training consistently. Because we fly 7 days a week with no waitlists, Auburn students often complete ratings faster than semester-paced university programs allow.
What pilot certificates can Auburn students earn with Blue Skies Above?
PPL, Instrument Rating, Commercial Single Engine Land (CSEL), Multi-Engine Rating, and CFI/CFII, which is the full path to an Auburn aviation career, earned at Lanett Regional Airport on your schedule. You can check all of them here
Start Your Flight Training Journey
Whether you're aiming for your Private Pilot License, Commercial rating, or CFI certification, Blue Skies Above offers the aircraft, instructors, and flexibility Auburn students need. Get ahead before the semester begins or take your next step with a focused training path. Talk to a Blue Skies team member today to get started.
Disclaimer: Blue Skies Above is an independent flight training provider and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by Auburn University. References to Auburn University are used solely to describe location and to provide information about flight training options available to students in the Auburn, Alabama area.