Ascend Pilot Academy is our exclusive partnership with Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. It offers aspiring pilots a direct path to a career with Alaska, and the financial help to get there: Enrolled cadet pilots receive a stipend of up to $27,000. Through our partnership with Austria-based Rotorsky, European students seeking a career as global pilot can complete both FAA and EASA commercial pilot programs in one location, under one program, with the potential for major savings. Train to become a certified A&P mechanic at one of the largest aviation academies—and launch your career training in aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection. Four decades ago, we began with a single aircraft and a vision: to create a community with a shared passion for aviation, dedicated to the success of each student. Today that community has grown to include thousands of alumni flying for airlines and helicopter operators across the globe, and our focus on career readiness is still matched by our founding belief in personal attention, mentorship, and support. Want to fly search and rescue missions? Fight fires? Make movies? Fly utility operations in remote parts of the world? Our FAA and EASA approved helicopter pilot training school builds your skills in the rugged and dynamic Pacific Northwest, preparing you for operations anywhere in the world. Our reputation and international certifications help open doors for graduates of our airplane pilot training school. Our training courses and skilled staff provide the learning experience students need for commercial operations. And with long-term pilot demand at an all-time high, now is the right time to start your training. Train to become a certified A&P mechanic at one of the largest aviation academies—and launch your career training in aircraft maintenance, repair, and inspection. Join a community in the Pacific Northwest with a shared passion for aviation.
Learn about Ascend Pilot Academy, our exclusive training program with Alaska Airlines.
Ascend Pilot Academy
Become a global pilot. Announcing our Joint EASA/FAA airplane program on the F-1 visa.
Announcing Joint EASA/FAA Certification
Join our new Aviation Maintenance Program.
Now accepting applications.
Aviation Maintenance Training
Hillsboro Aero Academy - Aviation Training School
At HAA, we’re here for our students every step of the way.
Helicopter Pilot Training School
Airplane Pilot Training School
Aviation Maintenance Training School
What Makes Us Different?
Community
We’re not just a school – we’re a community of people bound together by our love of aviation, forging friendships that extend across the globe and throughout our careers.
Support
We are committed to the success of each student, offering support through a range of resources – from mentorship and career events to our on-site repair station and safety program.
Consistency
Consistency in training is what sets a great school apart and produces great pilots and mechanics. For us, that means ensuring consistent student progress, aircraft availability, safety, and maintaining a high standard of instruction for every student.
Career Readiness
Our graduates are valued in the industry, because every aspect of our training – from partnerships to curriculum to support services – is designed to produce career-ready professionals.
Financial Access
HAA strives to make aviation training more financially accessible, with up to 100% loan coverage, airline incentives, 529 college savings plan eligibility, and transparent pricing.
Prestige
For the last four decades, thousands of pilots from more than 75 countries have started their career paths with HAA, earning us a reputation in global flight training.
Leandro Suruagy
Airline Captain
I am glad I chose HAA as my flight school. Their large fleet and infrastructure combined with the mountainous terrain and weather in the PNW definitely gave me the confidence to move forward with my career. As a CFII, I had the opportunity to teach my instrument students in actual IMC, and I was able to fly a total of 1000+ hours in a little over a year.
Leandro completed his professional pilot training at HAA’s airplane flight training school and worked as a CFI to build flight hours for the next step in his career.
FAQ: Training, Career Paths & Student Support at Hillsboro Aero Academy
What career pathways does HAA provide for aspiring pilots?
HAA provides pathway opportunities to becoming a commercial pilot through FAA and EASA-approved airplane and helicopter programs. Students receive structured, career-ready training, access to airline-aligned programs like Ascend Pilot Academy with Alaska Airlines, and mentorship that supports a clear progression from student to professional pilot.
Can international students train at HAA and apply for visa options?
Yes. International students have the opportunity to apply for the F-1 Visa through eligible programs, allowing them to complete flight training and participate in internship-based flight time building. HAA also offers a joint FAA/EASA certification track through its partnership with Rotorsky for those seeking careers with both U.S. and European aviation authorities.
What makes HAA’s training environment different from other aviation schools?
HAA stands out for its strong sense of community, global alumni network, and consistent training standards. With four decades of history, an on-site repair station, a robust safety program, and reliable aircraft availability, HAA creates a supportive, career-focused environment that prepares students for real-world aviation operations across the globe.