Training & Certification
US Aviation Academy Awarded $835M Air Force Contract for Pilot Training
US Aviation Academy secures $835 million contract to provide Initial Pilot Training for the US Air Force across Texas and Georgia through 2035.
This article summarizes reporting by Denton Record-Chronicle and Lucinda Breeding-Gonzales.
The U.S. Air-Forces has selected Denton-based US Aviation Academy (USAA) to lead a major flight training initiative over the next decade. According to reporting by the Denton Record-Chronicle and official Department of Defense announcements, the company has been awarded an Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract with a ceiling of $835.6 million to provide Initial Pilot Training (IPT) services.
The agreement, which runs through December 18, 2035, positions the Texas flight school as a critical partner in the Air Force’s efforts to prepare the next generation of military aviators. Under the terms of the deal, US Aviation Academy will supply aircraft, flight instructors, and curriculum to screen and train officer candidates before they advance to specialized military undergraduate pilot training.
The contract was issued by the Air Education and Training Command (AETC) following a competitive acquisition process that attracted eight offers. As reported by the Denton Record-Chronicle, the award solidifies the company’s role in national defense and represents a significant economic development for the Denton region.
Operations for the Initial Pilot Training program will be distributed across three primary campuses:
The program is designed to serve as a “filter” for officer candidates. By utilizing contractor-owned single-engine aircraft, such as the Cessna 172 or Piper Seminole, the Air Force can assess a candidate’s aptitude for flight and teach core aviation skills in a cost-effective environment before investing in training on high-performance military platforms like the T-6 Texan II.
Founded in 2006, US Aviation Academy has grown from a small local flight school into one of North-America’s largest aviation training organizations. The company currently operates a fleet of over 130 aircraft and maintains partnerships with major airlines and universities.
In a press statement regarding the company’s recent expansion into Georgia, CEO Mike Sykes highlighted the strategic importance of broadening their footprint:
“This acquisition represents a significant step forward in our mission to expand access to quality aviation training nationwide.”
, Mike Sykes, CEO of US Aviation Academy
The company has previously served as a subcontractor for military training and maintains collegiate partnerships with institutions such as Texas Woman’s University and Tarrant County College. These academic alliances allow students to pursue flight training alongside degree programs, creating a steady pipeline of professional pilots for the civil aviation sector.
The decision to award an $835 million contract to a civilian flight academy underscores a broader trend in military aviation: the increasing reliance on private sector partnerships to address capacity bottlenecks. The U.S. Air Force has faced chronic pilot shortages for years, and outsourcing the initial screening phase (IPT) allows the military to focus its internal resources on advanced tactical training.
By utilizing off-the-shelf civilian aircraft and private instructors for the initial phase, the Air Force significantly reduces the cost per flight hour. Furthermore, this contract validates the “dual-use” nature of modern flight academies, which can simultaneously feed pilots into commercial airline pathways, like United’s Aviate or Southwest’s Destination 225°, while serving national defense needs. For Denton and the surrounding areas, this long-term contract likely guarantees stability for the local aviation labor market, insulating it somewhat from the cyclical nature of commercial air travel demand.
What is Initial Pilot Training (IPT)? How long does the contract last? Where will the training take place? Sources: Denton Record-Chronicle, Department of Defense, US Aviation Academy
US Aviation Academy Awarded $835 Million Air Force Contract for Pilot Training
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Frequently Asked Questions
IPT is the introductory phase of Air Force flight training. It is designed to screen candidates for flying aptitude and teach fundamental skills, such as takeoffs, landings, and emergency procedures, before they progress to military-specific aircraft.
The contract has a 10-year performance period, concluding on December 18, 2035.
Training will be conducted at US Aviation Academy campuses in Denton, Texas; San Marcos, Texas; and Peachtree City, Georgia.
Photo Credit: US Aviation Academy