I wouldn't be an airline pilot without this flight school. I did my private, instrument, and commercial with Pilot Rise. I wish I would've found them sooner. Could've saved me a lot of headaches, money, and restarts.
Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas
Flight School In Dallas & Fort Worth
Pilot Rise Flight School is an award-winning flight school serving Dallas and Fort Worth from Dallas Executive Airport and Hicks Airfield. Unlike large academy-style programs, we tailor private pilot, instrument, commercial, and CFI training around your goals, schedule, progress, and future in aviation.
+400Pilots Trained
+95%Pass Rate
2xAOPA Winner
+17Training Enhancements
Dallas & Fort Worth, Texas
Flight School In Dallas & Fort Worth
Pilot Rise Flight School is an award-winning flight school serving Dallas and Fort Worth from Dallas Executive Airport and Hicks Airfield. Unlike large academy-style programs, we tailor private pilot, instrument, commercial, and CFI training around your goals, schedule, progress, and future in aviation.
+400Pilots Trained
+95%Pass Rate
2xAOPA Winner
+17Training Enhancements
No credit card • Instant access • No spam
Distinguished Flight SchoolAwarded by AOPA 2025 & 2026
Personalized TrainingFlexible paths built around your pace
Flight Training FinancingStratus, FTF, and more options
On-Site MaintenanceSafer aircraft and faster turnarounds
Modern EquipmentWell-kept C150s, C172s, and avionics
Free SimulatorPractice more without increasing cost
Recognition
Distinguished Flight School Awards
Recognized by AOPA for the student experience and flight training standards at Pilot Rise Flight School in Dallas and Fort Worth.
A quick look at the standard behind the training experience at Pilot Rise.
We started with one simple standard:
Not just certified.Ready.
Ready for the checkride., Ready because every lesson fits into a bigger plan., Ready for real-world flying., Ready because training adapts to your progress., Ready for changing weather., Ready because our records track individual skills., Ready for confident solo flight., Ready because stage checks confirm you are prepared., Ready for sound aeronautical decisions., Ready because risk management is taught every lesson., Ready for busy airspace., Ready because real ATC experience starts early., Ready for the unexpected., Ready because scenario-based training goes beyond routine maneuvers., Ready for instrument conditions., Ready because simulator practice is built into training., Ready for the next rating., Ready because your instructor understands your long-term goals., Ready for cross-country flying., Ready because strong fundamentals come before shortcuts., Ready for safe independent flight., Ready because mentorship continues beyond each lesson., Ready for the airlines., Ready because our training system is inspired by airline programs., Ready for professional flying., Ready because our standards go beyond FAA minimums., Ready for stronger judgment., Ready because every debrief turns experience into improvement., Ready for efficient progress., Ready because lessons adjust to weather and learning needs., Ready for emergencies., Ready because the simulator prepares you for difficult situations., Ready for unfamiliar airports., Ready because training includes towered and non-towered operations., Ready for greater responsibility., Ready because a second instructor validates major milestones., Ready for a lifetime of flying., Ready because we build pilots, not just flight hours., Ready for whatever comes next., Ready because quality, mentorship, safety, and value guide our training.
Discovery Flight
Ready to Fly?
Take a 30-minute discovery flight, get hands-on time at the controls, meet an instructor, and see whether Pilot Rise is the right fit for your training. The flight is $150, or free with approved financing through one of our partners.
Student Stories
What DFW Pilots Say About Us
Real words from real student pilots who chose Pilot Rise Flight School for their Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial, and CFI training in Dallas-Fort Worth.
I wouldn't be an airline pilot without this flight school. I did my private, instrument, and commercial with Pilot Rise. I wish I would've found them sooner. Could've saved me a lot of headaches, money, and restarts.
I've had a really great experience at this flight school. Everyone is friendly, professional, and always willing to help. Huge shoutout to Anthony Balaity, he's an awesome instructor who's patient, explains everything clearly, and makes learning to teach and fly feel a lot less intimidating.
I highly recommend Pilot Rise. Jordan Connors is an amazing instructor. He explains everything in a way that is easy to understand and grasp. Every lesson is filled valuable information and is a great experience.
Great school. Great instructors. Good safe aircraft. I finished up PPL with Carson, he is very knowledgeable. All the other instructors there have been very helpful and made it fun! I highly recommend this flight school.
All of the instructors make sure you as a student are learning and retaining the knowledge necessary to safely fly a plane and by doing so, you are well prepared to complete your FAA check ride.
Pilot rise is a great place for your aviation training! They are very flexible, knowledgeable, and professional.
I highly recommend Pilot Rise as a flight school! Their facilities, well-maintained aircraft, and supportive staff created an excellent environment for learning. From the start, I felt confident I was in good hands.
Amazing Flight School! I recently completed my CFI certification through Pilot Rise! The Aircraft are very well kept. Maintenance is always addressed promptly and completed in a timely manner.
Airline Pilot Pathway
Private Pilot Estimates
Built on clarity, not fine print.
Cessna 150
$0Average per lessonCessna 172
$0Average per lessonLessons
0 - 0Timeframe
0 - 0 monthsFlight Hours
0 - 0 hCommon Questions
Straight answers before you commit to training.
What courses do you offer?
We train from first flight all the way to instructor:
- Sport Pilot
- Private Pilot
- Instrument Rating
- Commercial Pilot
- CFI and CFI-I
- Spin Training & Flight Reviews
See estimated costs, full course list, training process, timeframe, and requirements on our Training page.
Training Cost, Process, Timeframe?
It depends on your goals, schedule, study habits, and previous experience.
- Call us and we'll talk you through what your path would look like.
- Or visit our Training page to see the training process, estimated costs, timeframes, and requirements for each certificate.
Can I try before I commit?
Yes. You can start with a 30-minute Discovery Flight where you'll fly with an instructor, get hands-on time, and learn about the training process.
We're also pay-as-you-go. Unlike many schools, we don't require big upfront payments or long-term contracts.
When can I start?
Immediately. Call us or schedule Lesson 1 online.
Financing?
Yes. We work directly with Stratus Finance and Flight Training Finance, and we also accept several third-party financing options. Whether you're financing a single certificate or going Zero to Hero (all the way through CFI-I), we have options.
Aircraft?
We primarily use well-maintained Cessna 150s and 172s with modern instrument panels and avionics. We put as much into aircraft maintenance as we do into instruction, so you fly safe, reliable airplanes that match the level of training you're getting.
See current aircraft, details, and rental rates on our Aircraft page.
How do you maintain your planes?
Our on-site maintenance team of FAA-certified professionals keeps our fleet in top condition, with safety and reliability guiding every decision.
How we maintain our aircraft:
- FAA-certified mechanics (A&P/IA) with strict oversight
- All aircraft inspected every 100 hours
- Dedicated on-site maintenance facility
- Preventive maintenance beyond FAA requirements (including 500-hour magneto inspections)
- Fast repairs-often the same day
- Thorough airworthiness checks by our IA and verified by our Chief Instructor
- Consistent C150/C172 fleet so you can easily switch aircraft when one is down for inspection
- Modern avionics across the fleet
- For us, maintenance is an investment in safety and reliability
Read more on our Safety & Maintenance page.
How do you keep training affordable without cutting quality?
Our training is built to deliver faster progress and lower overall cost without sacrificing quality.
- BATD simulator: FAA-approved device, integrated into all levels of training. Our students get FREE use, so they can practice as much as they need without paying for aircraft time-often saving thousands.
- Smart training records: Our own element-based record system keeps lessons focused, prevents wasted flights, flexibility, and makes sure nothing gets forgotten.
- Highly adaptable training: We adjust lessons around conditions with two priorities-Safety and Training Quality. If there's a safe, productive way to adapt, our instructors find it. If not, we cancel.
- Instructor development: We don't just hire good instructors-we train them regularly so you get consistent, high-level coaching.
- Quality first: Better teaching means fewer plateaus, less relearning, and fewer extra hours later.
- Teaching you how to learn: We show you how to study and practice effectively so the skills actually stick.
Learn more about how we train and why it saves both time and money on our About Us page.
Part 61 vs Part 141?
We are a Part 61 flight school, but our curriculum is more structured than many Part 141 programs-while keeping the flexibility and cost advantages of Part 61.
- Structure with flexibility: You get a clear syllabus and standards, plus the ability to adapt lessons and scheduling around weather, life, and learning pace.
- Cost and speed: The 1,000 hours to the airlines path under Part 141 requires a 4-year aviation degree. By the time most students finish, they are close to or above 1,500 hours anyway. With a structured Part 61 school like Pilot Rise, you can complete training and build 1,500 hours faster and often 40-70% cheaper than many Part 141 programs.
- GI Bill exception: If you are using the GI Bill, a Part 141 program tied to a degree can be the best choice, since the GI Bill may cover a large portion of your costs.
- Foreign student exception: We can train foreign students, but we cannot issue visas. Some Part 141 schools are authorized to issue visas.
We break this down in more detail, with examples, on our Training page.
Get Started Today
Book online - No card required
Discovery Flight
$15030-minute intro flight with hands-on experience.
Book Flight
Discounted Instruction
Save $5/hrFor flying early morning or late evenings.
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Gift Certificate
$150Perfect for birthdays and holidays.
Gift CertificateThe Pilot Rise Standard
Quality • Mentorship • Safety • Value
Quality
Built around real flying, not just the checkride.
- Trained for Excellence, Beyond the Minimums
- Structured & Flexible Training
- Intelligent Training Records
- Scenario-Based Training
Mentorship
Instructors who mentor you, not just fly with you.
- You get a mentor, not just an instructor
- Training tailored to you
- Regular check ins and clear next steps
- Guidance for ratings, career, and beyond
Safety
Safety built into every flight.
- Real-World Training Within Safe Limits
- Teaching You to Make Safe Decisions Every Flight
- Maintenance Is an Investment, Not an Expense
- Risk Management - Every Lesson
Value
Efficient lessons, transparent pricing, no surprises.
- Affordable Without Compromise
- Flexible Scheduling
- Efficient Instructors
- Pay-As-You-Go Training