Paragon Flight Training is an award-winning flight academy headquartered at Page Field in Fort Myers, Florida. Founded in 2006, Paragon has built an exceptional reputation for personalized pilot training, earning multiple AOPA Distinguished Flight School awards based on student satisfaction surveys. With FAA Part 141 and Part 61 approval, SEVIS certification, a fleet of 30+ modern aircraft, and over 350 flyable days per year, Paragon trains commercial, professional, and recreational pilots—including military training for domestic and foreign governments.
Paragon Flight at a Glance
PPL Cost
$15-20K
Estimated
Flying Days
350+
Per year
P3 Duration
7-11
Months
Fleet Size
30+
Aircraft
Academy Overview
Led by President and Owner Christopher Schoensee, Paragon Flight prioritizes the student experience at the heart of every decision. The academy operates three locations across Florida and Georgia, offering both structured full-time programs and flexible part-time training options. Paragon is a proud member of the Piper Flight School Alliance and partners with LaGrange College for an aviation minor program.
Key Advantages
- • AOPA Distinguished Flight School (multiple awards)
- • Dual FAA Part 141 & Part 61 approval
- • SEVIS certified for international students
- • 350+ flyable days per year
- • Piper Flight School Alliance member
- • Jeppesen curriculum (30% faster than average)
Student Support
- • GI Bill benefits accepted
- • M-1 Student Visa assistance
- • Financial aid guidance
- • Customized training plans
- • Best-fit instructor matching
- • CFI employment after graduation
AOPA Recognition
Paragon Flight has received multiple AOPA Distinguished Flight School awards based on student and pilot surveys. In 2022, over 608 flight schools were evaluated by students of all experience levels—Paragon consistently ranks among the top for training quality and student satisfaction.
Training Programs
P3 Professional Pilot Program
The P3 Professional Pilot Program is Paragon's accelerated career track designed for full-time students. Thanks to FAA-approved hour reductions, graduates can progress from zero experience to Commercial Pilot with CFI certification in as few as 7 months. The program emphasizes quality training over quantity, financial facilitation, and professional leadership development.
| Phase | Weeks | Certificate/Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Phase 1 | 0-10 | Private Pilot License (PPL) |
| Phase 2 | 11-18 | Instrument Flight Rating (IFR) |
| Phase 3 | 19-30 | Commercial Single & Multi-Engine (CSEL/CMEL) |
| Phase 4 | 31-38 | Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) |
Instructor Employment
P3 graduates receive preferential consideration for employment as flight instructors at Paragon to build the 1,500 hours required for ATP certification and airline applications. This provides a clear pathway from training to career.
Individual Certificates & Ratings
| Program | Description |
|---|---|
| Private Pilot License (PPL) | Foundation training, single-engine VFR flying |
| Instrument Rating (IFR) | Flying in non-visual conditions using instruments |
| Multi-Engine Rating (MEL) | Twin-engine aircraft operations |
| Commercial Pilot (CSEL/CMEL) | Single and multi-engine commercial certification |
| CFI / CFII / MEI | Flight instructor certifications |
| Cirrus Training | Authorized Cirrus Training Center for SR20/SR22 |
Additional Programs
- International Commercial Pilot Training (M-1 Visa)
- Military & Government Training
- Initial Flight Orientation (IFO)
- Single Engine Recurrent Training (SERT)
- Rotary Wing to Fixed Wing Transition
- Aircraft Transition & Differences Training
- Discovery Flights (introductory lessons)
Fleet & Facilities
Paragon operates a fleet of 30+ modern Technically Advanced Aircraft (TAA) with glass cockpit avionics. In 2023, the academy purchased 10 new Piper P100i aircraft as part of ongoing fleet modernization. All aircraft are maintained by FAA-endorsed mechanics to the highest standards.
| Aircraft | Avionics | Training Use |
|---|---|---|
| Piper PA-28-161 Pilot 100i | Garmin G3X Touch | Primary, PPL, IFR training |
| Piper PA-44-180 Seminole | Glass cockpit | Multi-engine training |
| Cirrus SR20 G6 | Garmin Perspective+ | Advanced, high-performance |
| Cirrus SR22 G5/G6 | Garmin Perspective+ | Advanced training, rentals |
| Cessna 172S Skyhawk | Garmin G1000 | Primary training |
| ALSIM AL172 Simulator | Full panel | IFR, procedures, emergencies |
Curriculum
- • Jeppesen curriculum (Boeing subsidiary)
- • 30% faster than national average
- • Computer-based ground instruction
- • All materials included
- • Master Instructors on staff
- • Gold Seal Flight Instructors
Memberships
- • Piper Flight School Alliance
- • National Association of Flight Instructors
- • FAA FAASTeam Program
- • Authorized Cirrus Training Center
- • LaGrange College partnership
Locations
| Location | Airport | Flying Days |
|---|---|---|
| Fort Myers, FL (HQ) | Page Field (KFMY) | 350+ per year |
| Punta Gorda, FL | Punta Gorda Airport (KPGD) | 350+ per year |
| LaGrange, GA | LaGrange-Callaway (KLGC) | 300+ per year |
All three locations feature tower-controlled runways, modern facilities, and nearby practice airfields. The Florida locations offer Southwest Florida's ideal training weather with easy access from Naples, Miami, Orlando, Tampa, Sarasota, and Jacksonville. The Georgia location serves the Atlanta region and hosts the LaGrange College aviation minor partnership.
Costs
| Program | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Private Pilot License (PPL) | $15,000-20,000 |
| Zero to Commercial (all ratings) | $50,000-70,000 |
| P3 Professional Pilot Program | Contact for pricing |
| Instrument Rating (IFR) | $10,000-15,000 |
| Multi-Engine Rating | $8,000-12,000 |
Financing Options
Paragon works with lending partners to make flight training accessible. GI Bill benefits are accepted for veterans. The academy provides guidance on aviation scholarships, government-backed student loans, grants, and personal lending options during consultation.
How to Apply
Entry Requirements
- Age 17+ for PPL (16 for solo flight)
- FAA Medical Certificate (Class 3 minimum for PPL)
- English language proficiency
- High school diploma recommended
- P3 Program: Pass aptitude test and skills assessment
- International students: M-1 Student Visa required
Getting Started
Paragon offers free consultations to design personalized training programs based on individual goals, schedule, and budget. Discovery flights are available for those wanting to experience flying before committing. The academy provides a "best-fit instructor promise"—if your personality doesn't mesh with your assigned instructor, they will provide a substitute.
Official Website: paragonflight.com
Fort Myers (HQ): 511 Danley Dr, Fort Myers, FL 33907 — (239) 274-3170
Punta Gorda: Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) — (941) 900-3510
LaGrange, GA: LaGrange-Callaway Airport (LGC) — (706) 903-9337
Information accurate as of January 2026. Contact Paragon Flight for current pricing and availability.