The High Gear Accelerated Program is the fastest path to a career in aviation in Western Pennsylvania. Earn your Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Rating, and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), all in one structured, full-time program with FAA Part 141 certification and Sallie Mae® Airline Career Loan.
High Gear is High Flight Academy’s proprietary 12-month accelerated flight training program designed for students who are serious about a career in commercial aviation. Unlike traditional programs that can take two or more years, High Gear combines structured daily training, FAA Part 141 curriculum standards, and optimized quarterly scheduling to get you airline-ready faster.
The program takes you through every certificate and rating you need: Private Pilot Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Rating, and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI).
You'll train seven days a week with access to our fleet of 16+ aircraft, our Redbird FMX full-motion simulator, and a team of 25+ professional instructors who are invested in your success.
Train five or more days per week on a structured curriculum. Our optimized quarterly scheduling keeps you on track and moving forward consistently.
Part 141 certification means fewer required flight hours to reach each milestone. You’ll spend less time and money getting to the flight deck.
High Gear graduates enter the workforce ready for regional airlines, charter operations, and corporate aviation. Our instructors help you build the hours and experience employers demand.
The High Gear program is designed to be completed in approximately 12 months of full-time training.
Here is a typical program progression:
Individual timelines vary based on weather, scheduling, and student aptitude.
Your assigned instructor and our Chief Flight Instructors work with you to build a personalized training plan.
We believe in cost transparency. Below are estimated costs for the full High Gear Accelerated Program. Actual costs vary based on individual training pace, weather conditions, and aircraft availability.
HFA is the only non-accredited flight school in the region approved for Sallie Mae® Airline Career Loans. Competitive rates, flexible repayment.
Aviation-specific lending designed for flight students. Tailored terms that reflect the realities of pilot training timelines.
Eligible veterans can use GI Bill and VR&E benefits for the Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine stages of training. Serve your country, then invest in your career.
By completing the High Gear program, you will earn the following FAA certificates and ratings:
Your foundation. Fly single-engine aircraft in visual conditions under Part 141.
Fly in clouds, low visibility, and all weather conditions. Essential for any professional pilot career.
The certificate to fly for hire. Opens the door to charter, corporate, and airline careers.
Teach others to fly while building the 1,500 hours required for airline transport pilot (ATP) certification. Many HFA graduates begin instructing at the academy itself.
Finish the program with your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII), Multi-Engine Rating, and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certifications, maximizing your qualifications and marketability from day one.
Regional Airlines, Charter Operations, Coporate Aviation, FedEx Feeder, and Voyager Corporate Air
High Flight Academy graduates are flying for regional airlines, charter operations, and corporate aviation companies across the country.
High Flight AcademyPittsburgh-Butler Regional Airport (KBTP)475 Airport Rd.Butler, PA 16002(724) 481-1359frontdesk@highflightacademy.comSchedule a Visit