CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION PROGRAM
This accelerated program is designed for pilots who already hold a commercial multi-engine certificate with an instrument rating and are ready to take the next step toward Part 135 charter flying. Built on the same professional standards and career-focused principles that define Discovery Flight School, this program is designed to help pilots develop true multi-engine mastery while also gaining deeper understanding of Part 135 regulations, operational knowledge, international flying experience, and the professionalism expected as a Part 135 Captain.
Program Overview
The Charter Pilot Transition Program is built for commercially certified multi-engine pilots who are ready to bridge the gap between qualification and opportunity. Designed for pilots who already hold a commercial multi-engine certificate and instrument rating, this program provides the advanced training, operational knowledge, and professional development needed to meet Part 135 hiring minimums and become more competitive in the charter industry. At Discovery Flight School, this training goes far beyond logging hours. This program emphasizes multi-engine technical mastery, Part 135 regulatory knowledge, operational ground training, and the professionalism standards expected of charter pilots. Every aspect is designed to help pilots sharpen their skills, elevate their decision making, and prepare for real world charter operations at the highest level of precision and excellence.
TIMELINE
CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION PROGRAM
START WITH COMMERCIAL AMEL + IFR
PART 135 ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL
ADVANCED
PART 135
TRAINING
ATLAS
ME XC IFR
PART 135 INTERVIEW
DAY 1
2-4 MONTHS
MULTI-ENGINE COMPETENCY CHECK
COST
Each applicant receives a personalized training quote based on their current aeronautical experience and Part 135 regulatory minimums to ensure all graduates are eligible for Part 135 PIC job opportunities immediately upon program completion. Minimum training of 75 hours is required to participate in the Charter Pilot Transition Program, and 100 hours of total multi-engine time is required for guaranteed interview with one of our Part 135 partners due to their insurance requirements for PIC and SIC positions.
LOCATIONS
Our headquarters location is in South Florida, and we provide training at the following locations:
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KPMP - Pompano Beach Airpark - Pompano Beach, FL
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KFXE - Fort Lauderdale Executive - Fort Lauderdale, FL
We are actively working to open new locations in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, & Colorado.
EXPERIENCE REQUIRED
To enroll in the Charter Pilot Transition Program, pilots must already hold a commercial pilot certificate with a multi-engine rating and instrument rating. This program is designed for qualified pilots who are ready to build advanced multi-engine experience and prepare for Part 135 charter operations. There is NOT a total time requirement to enroll, but there are additional admissions requirements listed below.
JOB PLACEMENT
Get the competitive edge to fast track your career with access to exclusive charter hiring partnerships and access to airline cadet programs if flying for a charter company is simply one stage of your aviation career goals. This means that Discovery Flight School has been vetted and trusted by professional Part 135 charter companies to provide a pipeline of highly trained professional pilots who meet the hiring minimums to be eligible for Part 135 pilot in command positions immediately upon program completion. Many schools promote "pilot pathways to the airlines" but rely upon working for their flight school as a CFI to build minimum flight time hiring requirements for the regional airline level. Students who graduate from the Charter Pilot Transition Program gain exclusive access to a secure and structured career path that provides a guaranteed interview with one of our Part 135 Charter Partners upon program completion.
CLASS START DATES
Classes start on the first Monday of every month. Reserve your class start date today with a Charter Pilot Transition Program deposit of $995 - this deposit is automatically applied to your total training cost on your first day of training.
Direct Part 135 Charter Pathway
Discovery Flight School partners directly with select Part 135 charter operators to help identify, train, and prepare qualified professional pilots for real-world charter operations. Our role is to serve as a trusted training and recruitment pathway by developing pilots who meet FAA regulatory requirements, company-specific insurance minimums, and the professional standards expected in Part 135 operations. To protect the time and privacy of our partners, we do not publicly advertise the companies we work with or disclose partner names for the purpose of preventing unsolicited applications from being sent directly to busy flight departments actively operating aircraft around the world. Qualified operators interested in building a recruiting relationship with Discovery Flight School are invited to contact us directly to discuss partnership opportunities and pilot pipeline needs.
ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
The Charter Pilot Transition Program is an intensive, full immersion style professional-grade pathway. We select candidates based on commitment, aptitude, and readiness for a high-performance aviation environment.
MINIMUM PILOT CERTIFICATES
Applicants must already hold a commercial pilot certificate with a multi-engine land rating and instrument rating. A FCC restricted radio operators permit is required prior to international flights.
FAA MEDICAL & VALID PASSPORT
A valid FAA 1st Class Medical Certificate and valid passport is required prior to beginning flight training in the Charter Pilot Transition Program.
ENGLISH PROFICIENCY
Ability to read, write, speak and understand the English language is mandatory for FAA certification and international charter operations.
EDUCATION
High School Diploma or GED minimum. Post-secondary education OR work experience is beneficial for advanced career placement but not required.
FINANCING OPTIONS
We provide full financing with housing support and structured payment plans to help fund your career journey.
PROGRAM COMMITMENT
This is an accelerated pathway requiring full-time commitment and a professional mindset for real-world job readiness.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION
PROGRAM
WHAT IS THE CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION PROGRAM?
It is a structured, career-focused flight training path designed for commercial pilots who already hold a multi-engine rating and want to build the skills, experience, and professionalism needed for Part 135 charter opportunities. The program focuses on multi-engine proficiency, instrument flying, Part 135 operational knowledge, and career preparation.
HOW LONG DOES THE TRAINING TAKE?
The timeline varies based on your required training hours. For students that need to complete 75 hours of flight training, the program is optimized to reach the required experience for Part 135 eligibility in as little as 2-4 months.
IS FINANCING AVAILABLE FOR THE PROGRAM?
Yes, full financing options are available for eligible students. Additionally, students may qualify for up to $2,000 per month in living expense support while enrolled in the training program. Visit our Financing page for more details.
CAN I WORK WHILE COMPLETING THE PROGRAM?
No, students enrolled in the Charter Pilot Transition Program are expected to be fully committed to their training. This is an immersive fast-paced program designed to get you eligible for employment as a pilot in the least amount of time possible. We offer full financing and $2,000 per month in living expense support to help you focus exclusively on your flight training. If it is not possible for you to commit to this style of training, we recommend you enroll with a flight school that is not designed for career placement and will allow you to pick your own training schedule and frequency of flights.
DOES THIS PROGRAM PREPARE ME FOR THE AIRLINES?
Yes. While this program is built around charter pilot career preparation, the experience you gain will also make you a stronger airline candidate if that is your ultimate goal. Working as a Part 135 charter pilot is a strong alternative to building time as a traditional flight instructor. Instead of only teaching in training aircraft, charter pilots gain real-world operational experience while building total flight time toward the 1,500-hour airline requirement. For many pilots, Part 135 charter flying is not just a job before the airlines. It is a valuable professional stepping stone that helps build confidence, experience, professional connections, and a stronger aviation resumé.
DO YOU GUARANTEE JOB PLACEMENT?
While no flight school can legally guarantee future employment, Discovery Flight School provides a guaranteed interview with one of our Part 135 Charter Partners upon successful completion of the program. Our curriculum is specifically designed to meet their hiring standards and we provide interview preparation and career support to help you launch a successful career.
WHAT ARE THE NAMES OF YOUR PART 135 PARTNERS?
Out of respect for our charter partners and their internal hiring process, Discovery Flight School does not disclose partner company names, contact information, or hiring personnel information during early stages of training. Our Part 135 partners rely on Discovery Flight School as a pilot recruitment, training, and candidate-development resource. This allows them to reduce the burden of receiving unsolicited phone calls, resumés, emails, and in-person visits while still gaining access to professionally trained, well-prepared pilot candidates. These are active Part 135 companies operating flights, serving customers, coordinating crews, and managing a professional aviation business.
WHERE ARE YOUR PART 135 PARTNERS LOCATED?
We currently work with 135 charter operators based in Florida, Georgia, Texas, Colorado, and New York. Upon successful completion of the training program, Discovery Flight School will coordinate your interview with one of our charter partners depending on job availability and eligibility requirements. Once you pass the initial interview and performance based initial checkride, you may be required to relocate to one of the states listed above to accept the job position.
WHERE IS DISCOVERY FLIGHT SCHOOL LOCATED?
We are currently headquartered in South Florida, operating out of Fort Lauderdale Executive (KFXE) and Pompano Beach Airpark (KPMP). This location provides ideal year-round flying weather and proximity to a major aviation hub. We are actively working to open new locations in Texas, North Carolina, Georgia, and Colorado.
GET A FREE
PERSONALIZED QUOTE
CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION PROGRAM