Pan Am Flight Academy is the only surviving division of the legendary Pan American World Airways and one of the world's most experienced aviation training organizations. Headquartered in Miami, Florida since 1980, Pan Am operates over 30 full-flight simulators covering 14+ aircraft types—from the Boeing 737 to the 777 and Airbus A320/A330. With FAA and ANAC approvals, the academy provides type ratings, ATP-CTP certification, license conversions, and multi-crew cooperation training to thousands of pilots and aviation professionals annually. As the sole remaining component of the historic airline that pioneered international aviation, Pan Am Flight Academy continues to set standards in commercial pilot training.
Pan Am Flight Academy at a Glance
ATP-CTP Course
~$4,500
Before discounts
Duration
5-6 days
ATP-CTP
Simulators
30+
Level D FFS
Trained (2017)
5,000+
Individuals
Academy Overview
Pan Am Flight Academy specializes in advanced professional aviation training, offering over 100 distinct courses across more than 14 aircraft types. The academy serves commercial pilots, airline crews, and aviation professionals from around the world, with particular strength in type rating training and ATP certification programs.
Key Credentials
- • FAA Approved Training Organization
- • ANAC (Brazil) Approved
- • Only surviving Pan Am division
- • 45+ years of airline training heritage
- • Largest commercial simulator variety in US
- • 36 simulator bay capacity
2024-2025 Expansion
- • B737 MAX-8 simulator (April 2023)
- • A330 Level D FFS (October 2024)
- • B737-700 NG simulator (November 2024)
- • B767-300ER simulator (April 2025)
- • Acorn Capital acquisition (February 2025)
- • Virtual ATP-CTP platform (2025)
From day one, all training follows airline-standard procedures. The academy's professional approach, state-of-the-art simulators, and experienced instructor corps prepare pilots for immediate transition to airline operations.
History & Heritage
The Pan Am Legacy
Pan Am Flight Academy is the sole surviving operational component of Pan American World Airways, tracing its instruction heritage to 1942. The academy represents the longest continuous airline training history in the world.
In the early 1980s, Pan American World Airways opened its International Flight Academy at Miami International Airport. When Pan Am declared bankruptcy in December 1991, the training academy was permitted to continue operating independently—becoming the only part of the legendary airline to survive.
The academy has changed ownership several times: American Capital Strategies invested $58 million in 2006, followed by ANA Holdings (All Nippon Airways) acquiring the company in 2013 for $79 million. Private investors purchased Pan Am in 2020, and most recently, Acorn Capital Management acquired the academy in February 2025, appointing industry veteran Ed Wegel as CEO.
Training Programs
Type Rating Training
Largest Simulator Variety in the US
Pan Am offers type ratings on more commercial aircraft types than any other independent training organization in the United States. All simulators are FAA Level D certified—the highest qualification level available.
Pan Am offers FAA-approved type rating programs for the most common commercial aircraft in service today. Training options include Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent, and Requalification courses.
| Aircraft Type | Programs Available | Simulator Level |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 NG | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent, Requal | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 737 Classic | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent, Requal | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 737 MAX | Differences, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 747-400 | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 757/767 | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 777 | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
| Airbus A320 family | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent, Requal | Level D FFS |
| Airbus A330 | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
| Saab 340 | Initial, Upgrade, Recurrent | Level D FFS |
ATP-CTP Course
FAA Requirement Since 2014
The Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) is mandatory for pilots seeking the FAA ATP certificate for multiengine aircraft. Pan Am's course meets all FAA 14 CFR 61.156 requirements.
Pan Am's ATP-CTP course can be completed in as little as 5-6 days. Classes start every Monday at the Miami location. The program prepares pilots to take the ATP written exam for multiengine aircraft.
| Component | Hours | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Training | 30 hours | Aerodynamics, Meteorology, Air Carrier Ops, CRM, Safety |
| Simulator Training | 10 hours | Boeing 777 or Airbus A320 Level D FFS |
| Total Duration | 5-6 days | Classes start every Monday |
Additional Programs
Pilot Training
- • FAA License Conversion (ICAO to FAA)
- • Multi-Crew Cooperation (MCC)
- • Circling Approach Restriction Removal
- • Recency of Experience Training
- • Upset Prevention & Recovery (UPRT)
Other Training
- • Aircraft Dispatcher Certification
- • Flight Attendant / Cabin Crew
- • Emergency Training (pool, fire pit)
- • Line & Base Maintenance
- • Computer Based Training (CBT)
Simulators & Fleet
Pan Am operates one of the largest and most diverse simulator fleets in the United States, with over 30 full-flight simulators and flight training devices across 14+ aircraft types. All type rating simulators are FAA Level D certified—the highest qualification level.
| Simulator | Configuration | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737 NG | Multiple units incl. 737-700 | CFM-56, HUD, Autoland |
| Boeing 737 Classic | -300/-400/-500 | Level D FFS |
| Boeing 737 MAX-8 | Added April 2023 | L3 Harris RealitySeven |
| Boeing 757-200 | IS&S cockpit | Rolls-Royce RB211 |
| Boeing 767 | 5 units (as of 2025) | Including 767-300ER |
| Boeing 777 | Level D FFS | ATP-CTP training |
| Boeing 747-400 | Level D FFS | Wide-body training |
| Airbus A320 | A320 family | ATP-CTP available |
| Airbus A330 | Added October 2024 | CAE Tropos, Moog Electric |
| Saab SF-340 | Regional turboprop | Level D FFS |
Recent Simulator Additions
- April 2023: Boeing 737 MAX-8 with L3 Harris RealitySeven technology
- October 2024: Airbus A330 Level D (CAE Tropos visuals, Moog motion)
- November 2024: Boeing 737-700 NG with HUD and Autoland
- April 2025: Boeing 767-300ER (5th B767 unit in fleet)
Simulator Dry Lease
Pan Am offers simulator time for lease to airlines and commercial customers. Contact sales for pricing and availability on any aircraft type.
Costs & Pricing
Pan Am Flight Academy positions itself as offering competitive pricing with frequent promotional deals. Exact prices vary by program and current promotions—contact the academy directly for current quotes.
Current Promotional Savings
ATP-CTP Savings
$1,500
Current deal
Combo Deal
$3,500
ATP-CTP + Type Rating
Course Duration
5-6 days
ATP-CTP
Classes Start
Mondays
Weekly intake
Estimated Price Ranges
| Program | Price Range | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| ATP-CTP Course | ~$4,000-5,000 | 5-6 days |
| Type Rating (Initial) | ~$15,000-25,000+ | 2-3 weeks |
| Type Rating (Upgrade) | ~$8,000-15,000 | 1-2 weeks |
| Recurrent Training | ~$3,000-6,000 | 2-3 days |
| MCC Course | Contact for pricing | ~1 week |
Combo Deal Savings
Save $3,500 when combining ATP-CTP with an Upgrade Type Rating program. Check the Pan Am website for current promotions—deals change seasonally.
What's Included
- All ground school / academic instruction
- Level D full-flight simulator sessions
- FAA examiner / check pilot fees
- Training materials and documentation
- Graduation certificate (ATP-CTP)
- Free parking at Miami location
Training Locations
Miami Headquarters
- • 5000 NW 36th Street, Miami, FL 33166
- • Adjacent to Miami International Airport
- • Original Pan Am training facility since 1980
- • Free parking available
- • Main: (305) 874-6000
- • Sales: (305) 874-6552
Axis Park (Hialeah)
- • Hialeah, FL (Miami metro)
- • 67,654 sq ft state-of-the-art facility
- • 22 simulator bays (expanding)
- • 10+ simulators currently installed
- • A330, B737-700, B767 housed here
- • Opened 2022
With the Axis Park expansion, Pan Am has increased total simulator bay capacity to 36 full-flight simulators across its Miami locations. The academy also operates dry lease simulator services for airlines and commercial customers.
Miami Location Advantages
Miami offers year-round good weather, easy international access, and proximity to major airlines' operations. Many international students choose Pan Am for its convenient South Florida location and diverse cultural environment.
How to Enroll
Entry Requirements
Requirements vary by program. For ATP-CTP, pilots must meet FAA 14 CFR 61.156 prerequisites:
| Requirement | Hours / Details |
|---|---|
| Total Flight Time | 1,500 hours (exemptions for military/R-ATP) |
| Cross-Country Time | 500 hours |
| Night Flight | 100 hours |
| Instrument Time | 75 hours |
| Pilot in Command | 250 hours |
| Medical Certificate | Valid FAA medical |
International Students
TSA Requirements
Non-US/Canadian citizens must complete TSA Alien Flight Student Program (AFSP) security screening before training. Pan Am assists with visa and documentation requirements for international students.
Enrollment Process
- Contact Sales: Call (305) 874-6552 or email info@panamacademy.com
- Program Selection: Choose appropriate course based on qualifications
- Documentation: Submit required certificates and licenses
- TSA Clearance: Complete AFSP if non-US/Canadian citizen
- Schedule: Book training dates (ATP-CTP starts every Monday)
- Payment: Pay online or via the customer center
Graduate Outcomes
Pan Am has trained pilots and aviation professionals from around the world, with many alumni now flying for major US and international carriers. The academy's type rating graduates typically transition to airline positions with carriers including:
Official Website: panamacademy.com
Location: 5000 NW 36th Street, Miami, FL 33166
Phone: (305) 874-6000 (Main) / (305) 874-6552 (Sales)
Email: info@panamacademy.com
Information accurate as of January 2026. Verify current pricing and availability directly with Pan Am Flight Academy.