For 20 years, we’ve helped our students launch their professional pilot careers from our training facility in Bend, Oregon. As an FAA Part 141 approved flight training program, we can get you through flight school and on to your next aviation goal in less time and lower cost.
Leading Edge Flight Academy is a flying school specializing in training airplane and helicopter pilots and launching aviation careers. We’re proud of our program’s ability to take our students from zero experience to professional pilot in a fraction of the time another flight school might require. But what sets our program apart?
20 years in business, privately owned, financially strong
250 students, 40 instructors, and 38 aircraft
Our Professional Airplane Program and Professional Helicopter Program are FAA Part 141 approved, meaning higher quality training and getting to your next aviation goal in less time and lower cost
Multiple aviation student loan financing options available, as well as an Aviation Degree Program through COCC
Real-world aviation operation with Helicopter Tours and Part 135 helicopter aerial firefighting, utility work, and charters
We’ve been launching professional pilot careers for 20 years in Bend, Oregon. Bend is an outdoor paradise for the powder thirsty, trail hungry adventure enthusiast. It also has the ideal flight training environment.
Our airport is situated at 3,460 feet above sea level and is surrounded by mountains on one side and high desert on the other. With over 300 days of sunshine—and a legitimate four seasons of weather—our pilots learn how to make informed go/no-go decisions.
We do not just train students to be skilled pilots; we coach them on how to be safe pilots and great employees. Our standards instill expectations that translate to real-world hireability. We aren’t a “pilot mill” turning out cookie-cutter pilots—we train professional aviators; that’s our goal and why our industry partners seek out our pilots year after year.
LEFA is an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school, which means we have more oversight and lower hour requirements. Not only that, but we provide a path forward to help our students reach their next aviation career goal. Students who excel will have the opportunity to become flight instructors at Leading Edge, becoming an integral part of our strong leadership and safety culture.
At Leading Edge, we don’t just train pilots We also fly real-world operations. Additional FAA certificates held by Leading Edge include:
The truth about so-called “accelerated flight training” programs? They only get you halfway to your aviation career. Sure, you can complete the flight school portion of your aviation training quickly. But then what? Without a way to accrue required flight experience hours, many new graduates are left without a clear path forward.
At Leading Edge Flight Academy, we offer an interview to every student who completes 100% of their training hours with us. Due to high flight demand, our instructors fly an average of 50-70 hours per month, accruing required flight experience hours in as little as 18 months. When you choose Leading Edge Flight Academy, there’s a clear path to your aviation career goals, from your first day of training to your first aviation job.
At Leading Edge Flight Academy, we recognize that our people are our strength. Our aviation experts have a long history of excellence, expertise, and professionalism. In addition, our management team of pilots teaches skills that prepare students for the aviation career they want, no matter where that takes them.
