US Flight Co Team Photo

Our Mission

At US Flight Co. we exist to Make Becoming a Pilot Faster, Clearer, and More Achievable Than Ever Before

Our Fast Track Airline Pilot Program is designed to get you flying professionally in as little as 2 years. Whether you’re starting with zero experience or picking training back up, we’ll guide you through every step from Private Pilot to the airlines.

We’re here for students who want a better, faster, more focused path to the cockpit.

Why We Started US Flight Co.

“We didn’t plan on starting a flight school.

As aircraft mechanics and pilots, both of us — Michael Sawyer and Anthony Fowler — were busy running our own aircraft maintenance shops. Day in and day out, we worked on the same planes flown by students in local training programs.

But the more time we spent around flight students, the more frustrated we became.

We kept seeing the same patterns:

  • Instructors who only taught part-time and weren’t truly available
  • Students being strung along with no clear path to becoming career-ready
  • “Mom-and-pop” flight schools with no structure, no support, and no urgency
  • And on the other extreme — overpriced, overhyped programs that promised the world but often underdelivered

For many students, their only options were:

  • Spend 4+ years and $250,000+ on a college aviation program
  • Take a gamble on a high-cost, high-volume school with mixed reviews
  • Or piece together training from scattered part-time instructors with no end in sight

Frankly, it didn’t sit right with us.

We knew there had to be a better way — a faster, more affordable, and more structured path to becoming an airline pilot.

So we built it.

We started US Flight Co. with one goal in mind:

Make airline pilot training faster, more affordable, and more structured — without sacrificing quality or safety.

Our backgrounds as mechanics give us a deep respect for aircraft. Our experience as pilots gives us real-world insight into what matters most in training. And our approach to flight instruction is built on one core belief:

Flight training should be focused, career-oriented, and built around the student — not the other way around.

At US Flight Co, we don’t treat students like customers. We treat them like future colleagues in the cockpit.

And if you’re ready to take the first step toward that career, we’d be honored to help you get there.”

  • Flight training should be structured and transparent — with a clear path to your goals
  • You shouldn’t need a 4-year degree or military background to fly for the airlines
  • Instructors should care just as much about your progress as you do
  • The aircraft should be ready, the scheduling should be simple, and your timeline should be respected
  • Every student deserves a clear plan and a team that’s got their back

What Makes Us Different

There are a lot of places you can learn how to fly. But if you’re serious about becoming an airline pilot — and you don’t want to waste years or rack up unnecessary debt — you need more than a local flight school.

You need a team, a strategy, and a program designed for real-world results.

We don’t try to be everything to everyone.

We focus on helping students go from zero experience to airline-eligible in as little as 24 months through our Fast Track Program.

We’ve trained pilots who now fly for various airlines — and it all started right here at our Des Moines campus.

We may be smaller than the giant national schools, but that’s exactly what makes us better.
Our students don’t get lost in the crowd. They get seen, supported, and pushed to succeed.

Here’s what sets US Flight Co. apart:

Fast Track Focused

We don’t do “on the side” training. Our entire model is designed around getting students airline-eligible in as little as 2 years — without cutting corners. Whether you’re starting from zero or coming in with a few hours, we’ll map out a custom path to your goal and guide you every step of the way.

Train at a Real Airport, with Real ATC

Located at Des Moines International Airport (DSM), our students train in tower-controlled environment from day one. This means earlier exposure to radio comms, procedures, and real airline operations — making you more confident, professional, and prepared. At our location you get all of this without the downside of waiting on traffic like at the bigger busier airports.

Financing That Works for Students

We know flight training is a big investment. That’s why we’re building in-house financing options and support every student in finding the right funding strategy. Our team is transparent about costs and timelines — no surprises, no fine print.

Student-Focused One-on-One Training

We don’t believe in cookie-cutter curriculums. Every student works closely with experienced, committed instructors — many of whom have thousands of hours of flight time in demanding real-world conditions.

Our instructors aren’t just here to time-build. They’re here to teach.

A Culture of Excellence, Not Just Aviation

We’re not the cheapest school. We’re not the flashiest.
We’re the school that actually gives a damn. We’re the school that will get you where you want to go!

We focus on professionalism, preparation, and outcomes — not just logging hours. If you’re serious about becoming an airline pilot, there’s no better place to start.

Instructors with Real-World Flight Experience

Flight training is only as good as the people doing the teaching.

Rick brings decades of aviation experience, including flying helicopters overseas, working as an FAA examiner, and logging thousands of hours in multiple aircraft types.

Anne has flown professionally in some of the most demanding environments in the world, including Alaska.

Daniel adds even more depth with a 4-year degree in meteorology, helping students become safer, more informed pilots.

Jayden and Marwan are Gold Seal Instructors which means they have an exceptionally high first time check-ride pass rate!

Josh flew jets in the military and brings a ton of experience over to the civilian side now working as an instructor.

Ambitious Pilots Training the Next Generation

Many of our instructors came through our Fast Track Program themselves — and now they’re helping guide the next generation. These are driven, passionate pilots who know the program from the inside and are committed to helping others succeed.

Student Advocacy That Actually Works

Mykal, our General Manager, is a pilot herself — and she gets it. She grew up in an airline family and now acts as a true student advocate, helping every student:

  • Stay on track with scheduling and prep
  • Avoid delays with check-rides — she even books hard-to-get DPEs so you don’t have to wait months or hunt them down yourself!
  • Get the right books, tools, and gear when you need it!

Built by Mechanics, Backed by Experience

Most flight schools are built by marketers or managers. We’re different.

Both of our founders — Anthony Fowler and Michael Sawyer — are licensed aircraft mechanics and pilots who ran aviation maintenance shops for years prior to starting US Flight Co. And they’re not alone:

Dan and Robert each bring over 30 years of maintenance expertise to our team

Our students train in well-maintained, safe, and spotless aircraft (thanks in part to Kenny, a current student who keeps our fleet gleaming)

Who We’re For

You’ll thrive at US Flight Co if you’re:

✅ Motivated to build a real aviation career

✅ Ready to train hard and stay focused

✅ Looking for structure, not chaos

✅ Tired of generic programs and want something real and results-driven

Look, if you’re just starting to explore aviation, this may feel big.

But here’s the truth:
Thousands of pilots start just like you — no hours, no experience, just ambition.

The difference between “maybe someday” and “hired by an airline” is a clear plan and the right training environment.

You’re now connected to a team that’s built that environment — and we’re ready when you are.