CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy Review: Premier FAA Pilot Training in Arizona

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy is one of the world's premier pilot training facilities, located at historic Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ) in Mesa, Arizona. As part of CAE Inc.—the global leader in simulation and training technology—CAE Phoenix has trained thousands of pilots for major airlines worldwide including American Airlines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Japan Airlines, and many more. With a fleet of 80+ aircraft, 325+ flying days per year, and partnerships with America's largest airlines, CAE Phoenix offers an accelerated pathway from zero experience to airline First Officer in ideal training conditions.

School Overview

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy traces its roots to 1991 when the Belgian government contracted the École d'aviation civile (civil aviation school) to Sabena airline. The facility was established in Phoenix because Arizona's weather allows for flights throughout the year in a high and complex air traffic environment. Originally known as Belgian Aviation School and then Sabena Air Training Center, the academy became part of CAE's global network and has operated under various names including CAE Oxford Aviation Academy Phoenix and CAE Global Academy Phoenix.

Today, CAE Phoenix serves as a critical training hub for CAE's worldwide operations. The academy hosts pilots-in-training from the United States, Europe, and Asia for fundamental flight training and Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). Students from CAE Oxford Aviation Academy locations in Oxford (UK), Brussels (Belgium), and Madrid (Spain) complete their flight training phases at CAE Phoenix, benefiting from Arizona's exceptional flying weather.

CAE trains more pilots for more airlines every year than any other organization worldwide. The academy's reputation is built on decades of experience, modern training aircraft, and direct partnerships with major carriers. In 2017, CAE was voted the best Aviation Training Center in Europe, and the Phoenix facility maintains the same high standards that define CAE training globally.

Training Programs

Airline Pilot Pathway – Phoenix

CAE Phoenix's flagship program takes students with no previous flight experience through all licenses and ratings required to launch an airline pilot career. This full-time training program is designed to produce professional pilots in approximately 12 months, with excellent Arizona weather enabling consistent training schedules.

Airline Cadet Programs

CAE Phoenix is the exclusive training location for several major airline cadet programs, each providing a direct pathway from student pilot to airline First Officer:

American Airlines Cadet Academy

CAE is one of three partner flight schools for the American Airlines Cadet Academy, a first-of-its-kind program designed to help future pilots launch airline careers. The program costs approximately $89,165 at CAE Phoenix. American assists candidates in obtaining financing through Discover Student Loans, with additional funds available for housing, meals, and transportation up to $100,000 aggregate. Every cadet is paired with an American Airlines pilot mentor throughout the program.

JetBlue Gateway Select

CAE is JetBlue's training partner of choice for the Gateway Select cadet program. This competency-based program allows successful applicants to learn with JetBlue from the beginning, offering early exposure to multi-crew/multi-engine operations and full-motion simulator training. Gateway Select optimizes professional pilot training with a more accessible and cost-effective approach.

Southwest Airlines Destination 225°

CAE delivers the Cadet pathway of Southwest's Destination 225° program. This ab initio program is designed for candidates with no pilot experience, taking 4-5 years to complete including time building to ATP minimums. The program accepts candidates transitioning from other careers, recent graduates, and military veterans transitioning from non-pilot roles.

Spirit Wings Pilot Pathway

Launched in October 2022, Spirit Wings is designed to mentor future Spirit First Officers. Candidates apply after completing CAE Phoenix training and achieving 500 hours total time. Successful candidates receive a Conditional Offer of Employment (COE), Spirit Electronic Flight Bag (EFB), and mentorship while building hours as CFIs at CAE. Spirit fully funds the ATP-CTP and Jet Transition courses.

Additional Training Programs

• EASA Flight Training: Flight phases for European cadets from Oxford, Brussels, Madrid
• Japan Airlines MPL: Multi-Crew Pilot License program
• UPRT: Upset Prevention and Recovery Training
• High-Altitude Endorsement: 14 CFR requirements
• High-Performance Endorsement: Complex aircraft training
• CFI/CFII/MEI: Flight instructor certifications
• ATP-CTP: Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program

Costs & Pricing

CAE Phoenix offers competitive pricing for professional pilot training with various financing options available. Program costs vary depending on the training pathway selected.

What's Included

The $83,500 Airline Pilot Pathway program includes:

• All ground school instruction and materials
• All flight training hours
• Aircraft rental and fuel
• Flight instructor fees
• Uniforms and flight equipment
• FAA written examination fees
• FAA practical test fees
• Use of simulators and training devices

Additional Costs to Budget

• Housing: Not included—Mesa/Phoenix area apartments
• Meals: Personal expense
• Transportation: Vehicle recommended in Phoenix area
• FAA Medical: ~$100-200 (Class 1 required)
• TSA Clearance: For international students

Fleet & Facilities

CAE Phoenix operates one of the largest training fleets in North America with 80+ aircraft. The fleet features modern glass cockpit avionics including Garmin G1000 systems, providing students with airline-relevant experience from day one.

Simulation Equipment

CAE Phoenix maintains a comprehensive simulator fleet for procedural training and instrument practice:

• FNPT II Simulators: 6 devices total
• Diamond DA40 FTD: Glass cockpit procedures
• Piper Archer FTD: Single-engine training
• Piper Seminole FTD: Multi-engine procedures
• Diamond DA42 FTD: Twin-engine glass cockpit

Location

Falcon Field Airport (KFFZ)

CAE Phoenix Aviation Academy is located at Falcon Field Airport in Mesa, Arizona—a historic facility with roots dating to 1941 when it trained Royal Air Force pilots during World War II. Today, Falcon Field is home to CAE Oxford Aviation Academy, described as "the largest flight school in the world." The airport operates as a Class D controlled facility during daytime and Class G at night, providing excellent real-world ATC experience.

The facility is situated approximately 14 miles east of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX) and 25 minutes' drive from the airport, offering easy access to anywhere in the US. The Phoenix-Mesa metropolitan area provides excellent amenities for students including affordable housing, outdoor recreation, and a thriving aviation community.

The Phoenix location was specifically chosen in 1991 because Arizona weather allows for flights throughout the year in a high and complex air traffic environment. Students train in real-world complexity near one of America's busiest airports, gaining valuable experience that prepares them for airline operations.

Airline Partnerships & Career Outcomes

CAE Phoenix has established formal cadet partnerships with America's largest airlines, providing structured pathways from student pilot to airline First Officer. The academy's reputation attracts airlines seeking well-trained pilots ready for immediate employment.

Current Airline Partners

Historical Training Partners

CAE Phoenix has trained pilots for airlines worldwide, including:

• British Airways (EASA cadets)
• Emirates (EASA cadets)
• easyJet (EASA cadets)
• Japan Airlines (MPL program)
• Turkish Airlines
• Shenzhen Airlines / Air China
• EVA Air
• IndiGo
• AirAsia
• CityJet

Career Pathway

The typical career progression for CAE Phoenix graduates follows this pathway:

1. Flight Training: Complete Airline Pilot Pathway (~12 months)
2. CFI Position: Teach at CAE Phoenix or partner schools
3. Cadet Program: Apply at 500 hours for conditional offer
4. Time Building: Build to 1,500 hours (or 1,250 R-ATP)
5. ATP-CTP: Complete certification course (often airline-funded)
6. Type Rating: Complete airline-specific training
7. First Officer: Begin airline career

How to Apply

Entry Requirements

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High school diploma or equivalent (foreign diplomas require equivalency evaluation)
• FAA First Class Medical Certificate (or ability to obtain)
• English language proficiency
• TSA clearance (for international students)
• Unrestricted right to live and work in USA (for most cadet programs)
• Pass background checks and drug testing

Application Process

For the Airline Pilot Pathway program, contact CAE Phoenix directly. For airline-sponsored cadet programs:

• American Airlines: Apply through American Airlines Cadet Academy portal
• JetBlue: Apply through JetBlue Gateway Select program
• Southwest: Apply directly with Southwest Airlines
• Spirit: Complete CAE training first, apply at 500 hours
• Aeromexico/Air Transat: Contact CAE for program details

Contact Information