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 MEL + IFR
PART 135 ONLINE GROUND SCHOOL
PASS FAA
DRUG TEST
PART 135 MULTI-ENGINE CHECKRIDE PREPARATION
ATLAS XC
MULTI-ENGINE
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 purchase 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 pilot in command positions.
LOCATIONS
Our headquarters location is in Pompano Beach, FL, and we provide training at the following locations:
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KPMP - Pompano Beach Airpark - Pompano Beach, FL
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KMLB - Melbourne Orlando International - Melbourne, FL
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 Tuesday 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 prepares pilots for direct entry into professional charter operations. Our program creates a seamless transition from advanced training to job readiness, bridging the gap with real-world SOPs and pipeline networks that connect you to top-performing Part 135 fleets nationwide.
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 operator 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 or 2nd 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 guidance on specialized aviation financing 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.
GET A FREE
PERSONALIZED QUOTE
CHARTER PILOT TRANSITION PROGRAM