The US Aviation Academy has announced the signing of a 10-year contract valued at $835 million with the US Air Force (USAF). This agreement aims to provide comprehensive initial pilot training to USAF flight officers, with courses including Private Pilot, Multi-Engine, and Instrument Rating programs. The training will take place at several campuses located across Texas and Georgia, specifically in Denton, San Marcos, New Braunfels, and Peachtree City.
The academy's training program will employ FAA-approved syllabi, glass cockpit aircraft, and standardized instructional methodologies aligned with USAF standards. According to CEO Mike Sykes, this partnership underscores the confidence in the academy’s facilities and instructors, and it extends the company's longstanding involvement in government and civilian flight training sectors.
Expanding Facilities and Investment
In preparation for fulfilling the contract, US Aviation Academy has committed over $30 million in 2025 to acquire more than fifty Tecnam and Cessna glass cockpit aircraft, and to establish new infrastructure. Notably, a 14,000-square-foot hangar in Peachtree City and a 20,000-square-foot complex in New Braunfels are scheduled for completion in 2026. The acquisitions and facility development plan also includes a 22-acre tract adjacent to Denton Enterprise Airport for a flagship training center.
Since its founding in 2006, the academy has grown considerably, now boasting a fleet of 230 aircraft, approximately 2,000 active students, and a facility footprint of 260,000 square feet. CEO Mike Sykes expressed pride in supporting the USAF’s next generation of pilots, emphasizing the academy's ability to deliver consistent, high-quality training outcomes.
This contract marks an important milestone, reinforcing US Aviation Academy’s role in both military and civilian pilot education, with continued investments planned for the foreseeable future.
