Epic Flight Academy
Epic Flight Academy is a flight school serving Tucson, AZ.
About Epic Flight Academy
Epic Flight Academy is a flight school serving Tucson from its FAA-approved Part 141 facility at Tucson International Airport. Located inside the Million Air FBO building, the Tucson campus provides training for students working toward professional pilot careers, including those interested in becoming commercial pilots and flying for the airlines. The school offers both full-time and part-time pilot programs, along with a structured airline pathway and financing options for eligible students.
Training at the Tucson location can begin with the Private Pilot License, followed by an Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot certification. Students may then continue into flight instructor training, including the Certified Flight Instructor and Certified Flight Instructor Instrument ratings. Epic also lists an Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program among its broader course offerings. The school serves both U.S. and international students, with training plans and timelines varying according to the ratings pursued, student progress, weather, aircraft availability, and FAA requirements.
Epic's Tucson students train in new aircraft, including the Cessna 172 equipped with a G1000 glass cockpit. The school also uses Advanced Aviation Training Devices, allowing students to practice maneuvers and build knowledge in flight simulators. According to Epic, simulator access supports preparation for FAA exams and checkrides while helping students develop skills in a controlled setting. The Tucson website describes full-time training as five days per week with up to two activities per day. Part-time training is more flexible, although Epic recommends scheduling lessons three to four times weekly to help students maintain proficiency.
The Tucson campus is part of a larger aviation school with headquarters in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Epic Flight Academy was founded in 1999 by CEO Danny Perna as Epic Aviation, initially offering pilot training and FBO services. In 2002, the company shifted its focus solely to flight training. The school says it offers FAA Part 141 and Part 61 pilot training, as well as FAA Part 147 aircraft mechanic training, and that its students have gone on to fly for more than 300 airlines. Epic also reports that it has trained students from more than 110 countries and maintains airline and aviation industry partnerships. Its history includes an early adoption of standardized glass cockpit aircraft in 2005. The company has also received Cessna's "Flight Training Excellence" award and was recognized as an authorized Cessna Service Center for maintenance.
Tucson gives students access to a broad regional training environment, with nearby airports including Phoenix International Airport, Yuma International Airport, and Nogales International Airport. Epic notes that Arizona has more than 80 airports, creating opportunities for varied flight routes and practice. Students can also take a discovery flight or begin by completing the school's online eligibility form. The Tucson site offers a video tour and reviews from Tucson graduates for prospective students considering the campus.
Epic describes the Tucson facility as a full-service flight school, and visitors can learn more about its programs, aircraft, simulators, financing, and student eligibility before enrolling. The campus offers both part-time and full-time options, making it possible for students to select a schedule suited to their training plans. The Tucson location is FAA certified, though the website states that it is not accredited by ACCSC. Epic also invites prospective students to visit its other locations and consider aviation careers in Tucson.