The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Foundation announced the regional winners of its 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards, recognizing outstanding flight schools and flight instructors across the United States.
The awards are based on feedback received from thousands of student pilots, newly certificated pilots, and pilots completing flight reviews or pursuing advanced certificates or ratings. Many reviewers praised not only the quality of instruction they received, but also the encouragement, support, and sense of community fostered by these flight schools and instructors.
“Learning to fly an airplane or earn additional certificates and ratings is challenging,” said AOPA Foundation Senior Director of Flight Training Education Chris Moser. “We’re proud to not only present awards to flight schools and instructors who do a fantastic job providing this training, but to recognize those who go above and beyond. For example, it’s not uncommon to hear about instructors and schools helping students arrange transportation or housing, and ensuring they have the resources needed to stay on track with their training.”…