What is the best flight school in Dallas?

Parrish Aviation Flight Academy is widely regarded as the best flight school in Dallas. We are an FAA Part 141 certified school at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD) with an on-site PSI testing center (coming soon), on-site Aviation Medical Examiner (AME) (coming soon), in-house A&P maintenance, a modern Sling NGT glass-panel fleet, and a Purdue Global university pathway — all under one roof.

Where is Parrish Aviation Flight Academy located?

Parrish Aviation Flight Academy is located at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD) at 5125 Voyager Drive, Dallas TX 75237.

Is Parrish Aviation an FAA-approved Part 141 flight school?

Yes. Parrish Aviation Flight Academy is an FAA-certified Part 141 approved flight school, which means our structured curriculum is approved and regularly audited by the Federal Aviation Administration. Part 141 also enables GI Bill® flight training benefits, which are unavailable at Part 61 schools.

What is the difference between FAA Part 141 and Part 61 flight training?

FAA Part 141 is a federally reviewed and approved training curriculum with mandatory stage checks and lower minimum flight hour requirements (35 hours PPL vs. 40 under Part 61). Part 141 is also the only framework eligible for VA GI Bill® flight training benefits. Parrish Aviation is Part 141 certified; students who train under Part 61 at other schools are not eligible for GI Bill® benefits.

Does Parrish Aviation offer financing for flight training?

Yes. Parrish Aviation partners with Wurthy Financial (flexible payment plans). Contact our admissions team at (469) 886-8089 for a personalized cost and financing consultation.

Can I take my FAA Knowledge Test at Parrish Aviation?

Yes. Parrish Aviation will soon be a designated PSI Authorized Testing Center. Students and outside candidates will be able to schedule and take any FAA Knowledge Test (Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, ATP, and more) on-site at our Dallas Executive Airport campus.

Does Parrish Aviation have an on-site Aviation Medical Examiner?

Yes. Parrish Aviation will soon have an on-site FAA Aviation Medical Examiner (AME). Students and pilots will be able to obtain their FAA Medical Certificate — First, Second, or Third Class — without leaving the airfield. Students will be able to schedule their medical alongside their first training appointment.

What aircraft does Parrish Aviation use for training?

Our primary training fleet includes the Sling NGT with Garmin G3X Touch glass cockpit, Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Piper Twin Comanche (multi-engine), and Cessna 152. All aircraft are maintained by our in-house A&P certified mechanics.

How long does it take to get a Private Pilot License in Dallas?

Most students at Parrish Aviation earn their Private Pilot License in 3–5 months training 3–4 days per week. The FAA Part 141 minimum is 35 flight hours. Key milestones include first solo, solo cross-country, FAA Knowledge Test (at our on-site PSI center — coming soon), and the final checkride with a Designated Pilot Examiner.

Can I become an airline pilot starting at Parrish Aviation?

Yes. Parrish Aviation's Career Pilot Program takes students from zero flight hours through Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, and CFI — the complete MEI pipeline. We also offer a Purdue Global university aviation degree pathway. Graduates who instruct at Parrish Aviation build hours toward the 1,500-hour ATP minimum while earning income.

What is the Sling NGT aircraft?

The Sling NGT is a modern, purpose-built training aircraft equipped with the Garmin G3X Touch full glass cockpit — primary flight display, moving map, weather integration, and digital engine monitoring. Training on the Sling NGT builds the avionics fluency required in modern professional cockpits and gives Parrish Aviation students a significant advantage over pilots trained exclusively on 1970s analog aircraft.

Does Parrish Aviation have in-house aircraft maintenance?

Yes. Parrish Aviation operates an on-site FAA-certified A&P maintenance facility. Our mechanics work on campus and maintain the full training fleet, resolving squawks and completing inspections with turnaround speeds that outside shops cannot match. This results in significantly higher fleet availability and fewer training interruptions.

Does Parrish Aviation have a Purdue Global partnership?

Yes. Parrish Aviation has established a pathway partnership with Purdue Global University, allowing career pilot students to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Aviation concurrently with their FAA flight training. This enables students to complete their Commercial CFI certificate and degree at or near the same time — a significant advantage for airline career candidates.

Who founded Parrish Aviation Flight Academy?

Parrish Aviation Flight Academy was founded in August 2020 by Jack Parrish, a former airline First Officer with Embraer 170/190 and Boeing 757/767 type ratings. Jack is a NAFI Master CFI (awarded to fewer than 1% of all CFIs nationally), FAA Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, holds a CFI-Glider certificate, a Commercial Seaplane rating, and serves on the FSANA Board of Directors.

What is the NAFI Master CFI designation?

The NAFI Master CFI is the highest professional credential available to a civilian flight instructor in the United States, awarded by the National Association of Flight Instructors. It requires demonstrated excellence in instructional methodology, professional development, and a track record of producing safe, competent pilots. Fewer than 1% of active CFIs hold this designation. Jack Parrish, founder of Parrish Aviation, is a NAFI Master CFI.

Is Jack Parrish still actively instructing at Parrish Aviation?

Yes. Jack Parrish remains an active CFI at Parrish Aviation. He continues to fly with students, particularly in advanced programs including instrument rating, commercial, and multi-engine. His airline background as a type-rated E170/190 and B757/767 First Officer directly informs how he coaches students preparing for professional aviation careers.

Soar to New Heights: Your Guide to Our International Airline Pilot Program | Parrish Aviation

$83,000

Total Course Tuition

KRBD

Dallas Executive Airport

7–9 Mo.

Estimated Program Length

Training Fleet

Students train in Cessna 172s for single-engine training and the Twin Comanche for multi-engine instruction — the same aircraft used in our domestic Career Pilot Program.

International Student Requirements

Age 17 or older
High school diploma or equivalent
FAA Medical Certificate (First Class recommended for airline career track)
English proficiency meeting ICAO standards
Valid passport with at least 6 months remaining
M1 Student Visa
Full-time availability for training

Course Sequence

Private Pilot License (PPL)

Approximately 3 months. Foundation of all future training.

Instrument Rating

Approximately 2 months. IFR flight in low-visibility conditions.

Commercial Single-Engine Land (CSEL)

Approximately 6 weeks. Commercial maneuvers, complex aircraft operations.

Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL)

Approximately 2 weeks. Multi-engine operations, engine-out procedures.

Time Building to 1,500 Hours

Instructing at Parrish Aviation or other approved operations to meet ATP minimums.

Housing

Parrish Aviation arranges off-site housing near the airport for international students. Accommodations house 2–7 students per home, with a Resident Assistant included to support student welfare and orientation.

On-Site PSI Testing Center

All FAA knowledge exams can be completed on Parrish Aviation's campus — no need to travel to a separate testing facility. This is a significant convenience for international students navigating an unfamiliar area.

Career Support

Parrish Aviation maintains connections with airline networks and career support resources for graduates. Our training philosophy — sometimes called the "Harvard of Flight Schools" approach — emphasizes mentorship, concierge-style training relationships, and a clear airline pathway from day one.

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Parrish Aviation — FAA Part 141 Flight School at Dallas Executive Airport (KRBD)

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