The fastest pathway to becoming an airline pilot is here!
Our program takes students from zero experience and provides all ratings required to become a co-pilot in as little as 12 months. This is the only flow through program that has a curriculum specifically designed for entry into Southern Airways Express. This structured FAA Approved 141 program includes training in late-model Cessna aircraft and State-of-the-art FAA approved simulators.
Upon completion, a co-pilot position at Southern Airways awaits and your longevity at Skywest begins. After two years with Southern Airways you enter Skywest with two years of work credit.
Choose Your Starting Point
Routes to Become a Career Airline Pilot
Becoming an airline pilot is a road that starts with getting your Private, Instrument and Commercial Pilot ratings. Once completed with these ratings students typically have 250 - 300 of total flight time. The requirement to fly "jets" is 1500 total hours.... how do you get there? Our accelerated path to Southern is one way and the other is becoming a Certified Flight Instructor. JA Flight Training offers all Instructor ratings and hires our Instructors from from within.

From Private Pilot Certificate
Already have your pilot's license? Jump into our career airline pilot program.
Be paid to fly as a co-pilot in as little as 12 months from your first flight.
For students that complete our accelerated commercial program, JA Flight Training in conjunction with Southern Airways Express offers a guaranteed training slot as a co-pilot with Southern Airways.
No College Degree Needed!

Purdue Global Bachelor Degree
Get a Bachelor Degree from Purdue Global while attending our flight training program. This pathway works well with the accelerated program to Southern Airways.

Liberty University Bachelor Degree
Our affiliation with Liberty University is a three year program that provides all of your flight ratings. This program prepares you to become a flight instructor with reduced hours into the airlines.
Earn Your Bachelors Degree
Our Affiliated Collegiate Programs
Whether it be our collegiate program through Liberty University or helping someone shift careers into a professional pilot, JA is here to help. Getting a commercial pilot rating is only the start, followed by fulfilling required flight hours. JA Flight is committed to helping all of our students build the necessary time requirements through flight instruction, internships, and affiliations. We know the work is not done until the stripes are on your shoulders!
The Latest Technology and Equipment
With a fleet of Garmin G1000 aircraft, JA Flight Training has the newest fleet in the Chicago area and trains all of our students to use the latest in glass panel technology.
In addition, JA Flight Training utilizes FAA approved Advanced Aviation Training Devices (AKA Simulators) to help students accelerate traiing and save money at the same time.

Required Certifications to Start Your Airline Career
Achieving a Private Pilot License
Average Cost: $15k
Est. Timeline: 3 Months
Flight training will enrich your life in countless ways.
You’ll learn to balance technical training with the freedom of flying toward an endless horizon. You’ll adopt new ways of speaking, navigating, and calculating your position. What initially feels like a complex process will slowly become second nature, and you will always have a great story to tell. The accelerated Private course can be completed in as little as 3 months.
Achieving a Commercial Pilot License
Average Cost: $30k
Est. Timeline: 180 Days
Training for the certificate focuses on a better understanding of aircraft systems and a higher standard of airmanship.
A commercial pilot can be paid for certain types of operations, such as banner towing, flight instruction and to be a co-pilot for our Career Pilot Program through Southern Airways Express. To fly for hire, the pilot must hold a second class medical certificate. If you plan on making a career out of flying then a Commercial Certificate is a required training evolution. Because of the extra flight hours needed, the accelerated Commercial License can be completed in as little six months.
Student Testimonials
Achieving and maintaining a consistent record of 5-star reviews demonstrates our school's dedication to delivering top-notch aviation education and creating a supportive environment for students to thrive.

Luis Gonzalez
Helpful Resources
Flight Training FAQs

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