LET'S FLY

Personalized flight training in Florida for the next generation of pilots, professionals, and passionate flyers

About D&J Aviation

Not Your Average Florida Flight School

Step inside our hangar and you’ll feel it immediately: We love teaching people how to fly.

From your first discovery flight to advanced certifications, we are personally invested in your journey to become a pilot.

We have great planes, skilled instructors, and on-site maintenance you can trust. But the real difference here are the friendships built around a shared love of flying.

pilot icon
0 +
Pilots Trained, Now Flying The Skies
airplane location icon
0 +
Convenient Locations, Sanford & Apopka, Florida
staff member icon
0 +
Staff Members Ready To Get You In The Air
modern aircraft talking off
0
Modern Aircraft With Advanced Avionics

D&J Aviation Flight Paths

Our Flight
Training Programs

Personalized aviation training designed for your goals — from first flight to professional pilot certification. As Florida’s premier flight school, we offer expert instruction, modern aircraft, and tailored programs that take you from private pilot to airline transport professional with confidence.

PXL_20250315_124255167-scaled.jpg
Airline Pilot Program

Zero to Airline-Ready: Professional Pilot Training

Turn your aviation dreams into a professional career. This full-path program takes you from Private Pilot through CFI, CFII, and MEI — with structured mentorship and advanced fleet training.

TTail-Lineup.jpg
Multi-Engine Rating

Accelerated Multi-Engine Training to Master Advanced Flight

Our nationally recognized 5-Day Multi-Engine Program. Guaranteed checkride scheduling and dedicated examiner availability ensure an efficient, uninterrupted path to your next certification.

FH2A2512-scaled.jpg
Commercial Pilot Program

Commercial Pilot Training to Begin Your Aviation Career

Take the next step toward an aviation career. Build advanced flight skills, earn your certification to fly professionally, and lay the foundation for your future career.

IMG_8822-scaled-e1772994009516.jpeg
Instrument Program

Master Precision and Confidence with Instrument Training

Our Instrument Rating Program develops your technical precision and situational awareness — essential for commercial operations and advanced pilot training.

FH2A2454-scaled.jpg
Flight Instructor Ratings

Become a Certified Flight Instructor

Share your passion for aviation and advance your career as a CFI, CFII, or MEI. Gain valuable flight hours, earn while you teach, and mentor the next generation of professional pilots.

db92d21d-fc39-435d-b6f3-c37c28da8edd-scaled.jpg
Private Pilot Program

Learn to Fly as a Private Pilot

Pursue your passion with recreational flight training in Central Florida. Try the famous $100 hamburger, plan weekend getaways, and discover the freedom only a private pilot’s license can offer.

Ready to Start Your Aviation Journey?​

Award-Winning Excellence in Flight TraininG

D&J Aviation is proud to be recognized as an AOPA Distinguished Flight School for four consecutive years (2023, 2024, 2025, and 2026), an honor awarded to only the top flight training institutions nationwide. This prestigious recognition reflects our unwavering commitment to excellence in flight training and the exceptional dedication of our instructors and staff. We’re grateful to our students and aviation community for trusting us to be part of their journey to the skies.

2024 distinguished flight school
AOPA DISTINGUISHED FLIGHT SCHOOL 2024
distinguished flight school badge
AOPA DISTINGUISHED FLIGHT SCHOOL 2025
D&J distinguished flight school award 2026
AOPA DISTINGUISHED FLIGHT SCHOOL 2026

Piper Aircraft Fleet

piper logo

D&J Aviation proudly flies with Piper Aircraft to provide our students with a modern, reliable fleet for their flight training experience. Our Piper aircraft are renowned for their safety, performance, and advanced avionics, giving our students the confidence and skills they need to excel as professional pilots. Our fleet ensures students train on industry-standard aircraft that prepare them for successful aviation careers.

What our STUDENTS say

Real Pilots.
Real Journeys.
Real Success.

From initial training to advanced certifications, D&J Aviation students earn more than their wings — they gain the skills, discipline, and confidence that define true aviators.

These success stories highlight the real outcomes of focused instruction, personalized mentorship, and a culture built on safety and professionalism.

Every testimonial reflects the D&J Aviation difference: exceptional training that prepares pilots for every stage of their aviation journey.

Had a great experience with the 5 day multi engine program at D&J Apopka! My instructor, Alex M. is very experienced and taught me everything I needed to know to pass my checkride.
Kaito S.
4/18/2026
media thumbnail 0
I just finished up the commercial multi add on course and it was fantastic! Although I was on track to finish in 5 days, the Florida weather had other plans. I was able to get the oral portion done, but low clouds made the flight a no go. Owen and Dom were able to get me two other dates and was able to get in for the flight 11 days later. Despite the break, the procedures that Joel (all the best at SkyWest!) taught in 4 days were still sharp. If you sign up for the accelerated course, do yourself a favor and put in the work ahead of time and learn the aircraft and systems! D&J is the place to go if you want to put in the work and get it done. To Owen, Dom, Joel, Leila, and the rest of the amazing staff, thank you! And thanks for letting my kids check out the planes, they loved it.

JJ Brodbeck
James B.
4/15/2026
Your experience will be what you make it. If you come prepared, you'll have a great time learning a new airplane and earning a new rating. I was a student for the 5-day accelerated multi-course, and from the moment I enrolled I had access to all the training material I needed, thanks to Owen at the desk who has been helpful from day zero to day 5. The aircraft are well maintained, the school is organized, the hangars are tidy, and the staff + chief pilot are the best spread of people you could want rooting for you. Shoutout to my IP Nick for getting me past the finish line!! I made the right decision trusting this school to get me my multi. Pro tip: Pack a Hawaiian shirt
August L.
4/06/2026
I recently completed my multi-engine add on with D&J. This was through their accelerated multi training program, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the experience. It is a 5-day long course that provides a wealth of ground knowledge alongside high quality flight instruction.
I had the privilege of training with MEI Leila. With her professionalism, expertise, and dedication it led me to the success of passing my multi engine add-on check ride by the end of the 5-day course. I would highly recommend her to anyone pursuing their multi engine rating or multi engine instructor licensure for their training.
D&J itself is an outstanding school; with clean, well kept aircraft, a welcoming environment, and a team of courteous and knowledgeable instructors and staff. I highly recommend this program to anyone looking to take their training in a supportive and professional school.
Sam L.
3/27/2026
Just wrapped up my commercial multi add on and would highly recommend D&J for your multi! Came in prepared on monday and with only 7 hours of flight time passed my checkride on friday.

Owen was great at the desk making sure everything was handled on the backend and my instructor Joel was great in preparing me both for the checkride and real world multi engine flying!

Come in prepared with maneuvers, flows and systems down and you can knock this 5 day course out with no problem.
Andre W.
3/13/2026
media thumbnail 0media thumbnail 1media thumbnail 2

D&J Aviation FAQ

FAQs, Insights, and Stories

From flight training tips to industry updates, get the inside scoop on everything aviation.

Man standing next to an Archer Airplane

training facts vs. fiction

Keeping It Real

The aviation training industry is filled with misleading marketing and unrealistic promises designed to get you in the door. From schools advertising impossible minimum-time completion to claims that all training programs are the same, misinformation is everywhere.

As a family-owned flight school with decades of experience, we believe you deserve honest, transparent information to make the best decisions about your aviation career.

Minimum Time

Schools advertise private pilot licenses in 40 hours or commercial ratings at FAA minimums. The reality? We don't know anyone who's passed in minimum time. We price based on realistic industry averages, not fantasy numbers.

Part 141 vs Part 61

Airlines don't care whether your training was Part 141 or Part 61. What matters is training quality, flight experience, and pilot competency. Choose based on instruction quality, not regulatory structure.

Aircraft and Equipment

Not all training aircraft are the same. Modern avionics, glass cockpit displays, and well-maintained aircraft prepare you for contemporary aviation careers and safer operations.

Checkride Scheduling

Most schools leave you on your own to find and schedule checkrides with Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs). Our established DPE relationships help streamline the scheduling process.

Stop Dreaming. Start Flying.