Review Summary
- Reputation: Founded 1999, largest FAA Part 141 school in USA (2025), named top flight school by Flying Magazine 2024, ACCSC accredited, graduates fly for 300+ airlines worldwide
- Facilities: New Smyrna Beach Airport with 3 runways, modern classrooms, advanced flight simulators, on-site maintenance facility, weather room, 9 locations across USA
- Location: Central Florida with year-round excellent flying weather, 40% of world's pilots trained in Florida, 56 miles from Orlando, coastal beach city atmosphere
- Fleet: Brand new Cessna 172 Skyhawk with G1000 NXi (average age 5 years), Piper PA-44 Seminole, distinctive red tails for visibility, all purchased new from factory
- Career Path: FAA Commercial Multi-Engine rating, partnerships with 15+ airlines including United Aviate, strong hiring pipeline, international and domestic student programs
- Overall Rating: 4.6/5 - Excellent safety focus, accelerated training, family atmosphere, brand new fleet, high pass rates, strong airline placement, competitive pricing
Epic Flight Academy Overview
Epic Flight Academy is America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school, founded in 1999 as family-owned business specializing in professional airline pilot training. Located at New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport in central Florida, Epic has trained thousands of commercial pilots from 110+ countries who now fly for over 300 airlines around the world. The academy's mission is providing exceptional training to aspiring aviation professionals through innovative technology and instruction in safe and timely manner.
Epic Flight Academy operates 9 FAA Part 141 Flight Schools and 2 FAA Part 147 Aircraft Mechanic Schools across the United States, employing over 245 staff nationally including 118 flight instructors. The flagship New Smyrna Beach campus provides comprehensive training environment where students can complete their entire professional pilot training from zero experience to airline-ready commercial pilot. Epic is recognized as leading Cessna Pilot Center and was named top flight school by Flying Magazine in 2024, achieving ACCSC accreditation in 2025.
The academy's motto "Safety first!" reflects their commitment to training in brand-new aircraft purchased directly from factory. Epic's Professional Airline Pilot Program takes students from zero experience to Commercial Multi-Engine pilot in accelerated 6-8 month timeline through structured Part 141 curriculum. With students from all 50 US states and international M-1 visa support, Epic provides pathway to airline careers with partnerships including United Airlines Aviate program, regional carriers, and cargo operators.
Training Programs Offered
Professional Airline Pilot Program
Zero to Commercial Multi-Engine in 6-8 Months
Program Details
Best For: Students seeking fastest pathway to airline career in USA, those wanting FAA certification recognized worldwide, international students needing M-1 visa support, career changers wanting structured accelerated program, and pilots preferring Part 141 training with defined curriculum and high pass rates. Strong foundation for airline career progression.
Individual Course Options
Flexible Training for All Levels
Individual Courses
Airline Partnerships
Direct Pathways to Major Carriers
Career Pathways
Aircraft Mechanic Training
FAA Part 147 A&P Certification
Mechanic Training
Complete Cost Analysis
Professional Airline Pilot Program
Additional Required Costs
Living Expenses (6-8 months)
Housing Options
Epic offers limited student housing at New Smyrna Beach campus for $800/month shared room including free bus transportation to campus. Private apartments and houses available nearby in New Smyrna Beach, Edgewater, Port Orange, and Daytona Beach ranging $700-1,200/month. Many local residents rent furnished rooms to Epic students at competitive rates.
Financing Options
Epic offers 100% student financing for Professional Airline Pilot Program through partnerships with Sallie Mae and Stratus. International students eligible for M-1 visa. VA benefits accepted. Payment plans available. College credit transfer partnerships with Purdue Global, Daytona State College, MSU Denver, Polk State College, and Seminole State College.
Total Investment: $83,647-90,000 for complete Professional Airline Pilot Program including tuition, exams, materials, housing, and living expenses for 6-8 months. Private Pilot License alone costs $28,822. Epic represents competitive value in US flight training market with accelerated Part 141 program, brand new aircraft fleet, high pass rates, and strong airline placement. Faster completion time reduces overall living costs compared to longer programs.
World-Class Facilities and Fleet
New Smyrna Beach Campus
- Located at KEVB Airport with 3 runways for diverse training scenarios
- Modern classroom facilities with latest instructional technology
- Weather room providing pilots access to current conditions before flights
- On-site FAA Part 145 maintenance facility maintaining all aircraft
- Custom paint facility applying distinctive Epic red tails for visibility
- Student support areas including lounges, briefing rooms, and study spaces
Additional Locations
- 9 Flight School Locations: New Smyrna Beach FL, Addison TX, Apache Junction AZ, Englewood CO, Ocala FL, Provo UT, St. George UT, Tallahassee FL, Tucson AZ
- 2 Mechanic Schools: New Smyrna Beach FL and Erlanger KY (Cincinnati area)
- Expansion: Strategic locations across USA providing regional access to Epic training
- Standardization: Consistent training quality across all Epic locations nationwide
Aircraft Fleet (Brand New Cessna and Piper)
Cessna 172 Skyhawk Fleet:
- Exclusive Single-Engine: Cessna 172 Skyhawk exclusive single-engine trainer at Epic
- Glass Cockpit: Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with wireless connectivity and modern features
- Safety Features: Standard angle-of-attack display, McCauley aluminum fixed pitch propeller
- Fleet Size: 43 Cessna 172s ordered since 2016, continuous fleet expansion with new deliveries
- Factory New: All aircraft purchased brand new directly from Cessna factory
- Average Age: Fleet average age 5 years, ensuring reliable modern equipment
- Epic Red Tails: Distinctive red tail paint for high visibility safety
Multi-Engine Aircraft:
- Piper PA-44 Seminole: Twin-engine training aircraft for multi-engine rating
- Configuration: Four-seat twin-engine piston aircraft with advanced avionics
- Training: Commercial Multi-Engine and instrument training in complex aircraft
- Maintenance: All multi-engine aircraft maintained in-house to highest standards
Flight Simulators:
- Frasca Truflite Cessna 172: 180-degree visual system, full-enclosure cockpit, G1000
- Frasca Truflite PA-44: Multi-engine simulator for twin training
- Precision Flight Control GTX: Partial-motion platform with G1000 cockpit
- Frasca AATD: Advanced Aviation Training Device with motion cueing system
- Cost Savings: Simulator training reduces aircraft costs while building skills safely
Recent Fleet Expansion:
- 2023 Order: 15 new Cessna 172 Skyhawks ordered at Sun n' Fun Aerospace Expo
- 2025 Deliveries: 5 new Cessna 172s delivered February 2025 to New Smyrna Beach
- Satellite Locations: Additional aircraft deployed to Ocala, Addison, and other campuses
- Growth Support: Fleet expansion supporting Epic's position as largest Part 141 school
Safety and Maintenance Excellence
- All aircraft purchased brand new from factory ensuring latest safety features
- On-site FAA Part 145 maintenance facility performing all service and repairs
- Preventive maintenance program exceeding manufacturer recommendations
- Custom paint shop applying distinctive red tails for enhanced visibility
- Average fleet age 5 years minimizing maintenance downtime maximizing availability
- Safety-first culture with comprehensive preflight procedures and risk management
Location: New Smyrna Beach, Florida
Living in New Smyrna Beach
Location
New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport (KEVB) on Florida east coast, 56 miles northeast of Orlando, coastal beach city with 3-runway airport
Weather
Year-round excellent flying weather, 40% of world pilots trained in Florida, subtropical climate with mild winters, ideal topography and conditions
Cost of Living
Reasonable for Florida coastal area. Housing $700-1,200/month private or $800 shared Epic housing. Lower than major US cities
Language
English primary language. International environment with students from 110+ countries. Cultural diversity and global aviation community
Airspace
3-runway airport providing diverse training scenarios. Class E airspace, nearby Daytona Beach Class C, Orlando Class B proximity for experience
Area Attractions
Beautiful beaches, surfing, swimming, historic downtown, nearby Daytona Beach, 1 hour to Orlando theme parks and attractions
New Smyrna Beach offers ideal environment for flight training combining excellent year-round flying weather with coastal lifestyle. Located on Florida's east coast, the area provides consistent flying conditions that allowed Florida to train over 40% of world's pilots. The subtropical climate ensures minimal weather-related training delays with warm temperatures year-round. New Smyrna Beach Municipal Airport features 3 runways providing diverse training scenarios and excellent facilities for flight operations.
The coastal city offers beautiful beaches, water sports, historic downtown, and relaxed Florida atmosphere. Students enjoy excellent work-life balance with beach access, outdoor activities, and proximity to Orlando attractions just one hour away. Daytona Beach nearby provides additional entertainment and famous motorsports events. Transportation includes Uber, Lyft, Epic bus service for housing residents, and proximity to Daytona Beach International, Orlando Sanford, and Orlando International airports for commercial flights.
Key Advantages
Largest FAA Part 141 School
Epic is America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school as of 2025, providing structured accelerated training with defined curriculum and high first-time pass rates. Part 141 approval ensures quality standards, comprehensive syllabus, and faster completion timeline than Part 61 training.
Brand New Aircraft Fleet
All training aircraft purchased brand new from Cessna factory with latest G1000 NXi avionics. Average fleet age 5 years ensures reliability, modern equipment, and minimal maintenance delays. Distinctive red tails provide high visibility for safety. On-site maintenance facility maintains aircraft to highest standards.
Accelerated Training Timeline
Professional Airline Pilot Program completes in 6-8 months from zero to commercial multi-engine pilot. Accelerated Part 141 curriculum with monthly class starts allows faster career entry. Structured program minimizes training time while maintaining quality and safety standards.
Family Atmosphere and Support
Family-owned business since 1999 creating supportive aviation family environment. Student appreciation events, study nights with food, accessible student support staff. Highly skilled instructors with 118 CFIs nationwide. Epic prioritizes hiring own graduates maintaining instructional quality and consistency.
Strong Airline Partnerships
Partnerships with 15+ airlines including United Airlines Aviate program, regional carriers, and cargo operators. Graduates fly for 300+ airlines worldwide from all 50 US states and 110+ countries. Strong hiring pipeline with airline recruiting at Epic events.
100% Financing Available
Epic offers 100% student financing through Sallie Mae and Stratus partnerships making professional pilot training accessible. Payment plans available. VA benefits accepted. College credit transfer agreements provide additional value. M-1 visa support for international students.
Important Considerations
Limited to FAA Certification
Epic provides FAA certification which is US-based regulatory system. While FAA licenses are recognized worldwide and can be converted to EASA or other authorities, process requires additional steps, time, and costs. Students targeting European airlines may prefer direct EASA training. However, FAA certification provides strong foundation and many international airlines accept FAA licenses.
High Training Pace
Accelerated 6-8 month program requires intensive full-time commitment with fast-paced training schedule. Not suitable for students needing part-time training or working during program. High volume of material covered quickly demands strong study habits and dedication. Some students may find pace challenging though structured curriculum provides clear progression.
Florida Summer Heat and Humidity
Florida summer temperatures June-September regularly reach 32-35°C with high humidity. Afternoon thunderstorms common during summer months may cause training delays. Aircraft not air-conditioned during flight though conditions manageable. Students from cooler climates should prepare for subtropical weather though year-round flying availability offsets seasonal challenges.
Additional Costs Beyond Tuition
Tuition $75,043 covers training but additional $8,600 required for exams, materials, housing, living expenses bringing total to $83,647-90,000. Students should budget carefully for complete program costs. However, faster completion time reduces total living expenses compared to longer programs. Financing available helps manage costs.
Comparison with US Flight Schools
| School | Location | Zero to Commercial | Features |
|---|---|---|---|
| Epic Flight Academy | New Smyrna Beach FL | $83,647 | Part 141, 6-8 months, brand new fleet |
| ATP Flight School | Multiple US | $95,995 | Largest US school, 7 months, airline partnerships |
| CAE Oxford USA | Phoenix AZ | $88-95k | International reputation, MPL options |
| Hillsboro Aero | Oregon | $85-92k | Multi-campus, strong safety record |
| Embry-Riddle | Daytona Beach FL | $150k+ | University degree, premium training |
| Phoenix East Aviation | Daytona Beach FL | $75-82k | International students, competitive pricing |
Epic Flight Academy offers excellent value in US flight training market with competitive pricing, accelerated timeline, and brand new fleet. While not cheapest option, Epic's $83,647 total cost compares favorably to ATP Flight School and CAE Oxford while providing similar quality training and airline partnerships. Epic's investment in brand new Cessna aircraft from factory, comprehensive Part 141 curriculum, and strong safety record justify pricing. Faster 6-8 month completion reduces total living costs compared to longer programs at other schools.
Student Reviews and Testimonials
"Epic Flight Academy was amazing experience! Outstanding instructors combined deep knowledge with true love for aviation making each class engaging. Modern aircraft and positive motivating atmosphere completely changed my perspective on flying and left me feeling ready for skies. Emphasis on safety gave me confidence throughout training. Highly recommend Epic to anyone pursuing aviation career."
– Michael, Recent Graduate (2024)
"Started flight training here beginning of 2024 and has been such great experience. Staff very welcoming and always willing to help with anything. Planes well maintained and very nice. Finished commercial certificate recently and instructor Leah Jaicks was awesome - professional, knowledgeable, supportive which helped pass checkride with ease. Highly recommend training here if serious about aviation!"
– Recent Commercial Pilot Graduate (2024)
"Did my training at Epic Flight Academy 2008-09. They had best fleet of aircraft in whole United States. Aircraft maintained to perfection and always felt new when you flew any. Great weather, great location. Safety standards taught value of safety when it comes to aircraft and flying. Airport amazing with 3 runways. Was amazing experience to learn with this school."
– Graduate Review, Best Aviation (2009)
"My son and I took road trip to Florida visiting flight schools. After three days touring different schools, each seemed to have pros and cons. When we visited Epic, something clicked. Staff welcoming, facilities impressive, aircraft beautiful. Son chose Epic and couldn't be happier with decision. Fast completion time and positive encouragement from instructors. Everyone so helpful making our family feel part of Epic family."
– Parent Review, Postcard (2024)
"Earned commercial pilot license from Epic Flight Academy, awesome experience and really appreciate all Epic family. Aircraft and instructor rates exorbitant at $193/hr for G1000 Skyhawk plus $85 instructor. They seem to target international students. Only recommend if you have money to burn. However, quality training and fast completion if budget allows."
– Rob B, Best Aviation Review
Overall Student Rating: 4.6/5 based on graduate feedback, Google reviews, and aviation forums. Students consistently praise brand new aircraft fleet with excellent maintenance, welcoming family atmosphere with supportive staff, structured Part 141 curriculum with high pass rates, and fast completion timeline for career entry. Main concerns are higher costs compared to some competitors and intensive accelerated pace requiring full-time commitment. Strong satisfaction among graduates who appreciate safety focus, quality instruction, and successful airline placement outcomes. Epic enjoys highest reviews among US aviation academies with recognition from Flying Magazine as top flight school.
Final Verdict: Is Epic Flight Academy Right for You?
Epic Flight Academy represents premier choice for pilots seeking accelerated FAA professional training with brand new equipment and strong safety culture. As America's largest FAA Part 141 flight school, Epic offers structured curriculum, high first-time pass rates, and proven pathway to airline careers with graduates flying for 300+ airlines worldwide. The academy's commitment to purchasing all aircraft brand new from factory ensures students train in latest equipment with modern avionics, while family-owned business culture creates supportive environment throughout training journey.
Best suited for: Students seeking fastest pathway to US airline career with FAA certification, those prioritizing safety and brand new aircraft, career changers wanting structured accelerated program, international students needing M-1 visa support, and pilots preferring Part 141 training with defined curriculum. Strong foundation for airline career with excellent placement record. Consider carefully if: Extremely budget-conscious seeking lowest-cost option, needing part-time training while working, targeting European airlines preferring direct EASA training, or uncomfortable with Florida summer heat. Overall represents outstanding investment for career-focused pilots prioritizing quality accelerated training with proven airline pathways in excellent Florida flying weather at competitive pricing for value delivered.