Welcome to the AOPA Flight Training Experience Awards

The Flight Training Experience Awards are back! If you’re a flight school or instructor delivering exceptional training experiences, this is your chance to share your story and be recognized for the impact you make.

How to Get Started

Create an account by clicking the “START APPLICATION” button below.

Start Application

• Please note that your AOPA.org login credentials will not grant access to this application.
• You will be creating a separate account for this award process using a valid email address.
• You may use the same email address that you use for AOPA.org if you prefer

You will need:

• Your AOPA membership number
• Flight schools must also have an AOPA Airport Directory Listing.

Check to see if your school has a listing here: https://www.aopa.org/travel/flight-tools/airports-directory
If not, you can request one by emailing us at airportdirectory@aopa.org

References

• Instructor applicants will need at least five (5) references and Flight Schools will need ten (10) references from customers you trained in the preceding year (12 months).
• Additionally, you may also request references from instructors and/or DPEs who have conducted business with you in the last 12 months.
• This is all included in the application process.

Key Dates

• Applications open at noon (ET) Monday September 1, 2025 and close at noon (ET) Friday October 24, 2025.
• Awards will be announced no later than March 4, 2026 at Redbird Migration.
• Distinguished and Regional Best winners will be notified prior to Redbird Migration

Please email us with any questions at ftawards@aopa.org