Thrust Aerobatic Training & Team
Join the Only Flight School-Sponsored Aerobatic Team in the United States. The Thrust Aerobatic Training Package elevates the Zero Time to Airline program with elite-level training. This premium add-on integrates eight hours of upset recovery and aerobatic training into the professional pilot program. Select students who complete the aerobatic program are invited to join the Thrust Aerobatic Team.
Propel Your Career Further with Aerobatic Training
The program transforms pilots into exceptional aviators as they gain aerobatic and upset recovery training. This exclusive program is designed to help pilots learn advanced flight controls while mastering the skills airline recruiters seek. Over the course of eight hours, students train through a variety of situations including:
- Upset Prevention & Recovery: Recognize and recover from developing loss-of-control scenarios.
- Critical Decision-Making: Prioritize flight controls and energy management under pressure.
- Aerobatic Fundamentals: Perform basic positive-G maneuvers with professional precision.
- Dynamic Orientation: Maintain total situational awareness in extreme attitudes.
Training is delivered exclusively by senior, highly experienced flight instructors who have mastered these skills and excel at teaching them to other pilots.
All of the training is performed in a high-performance fleet made up of the Super Decathlon and GB1 Gamebird. Students who choose to enroll in the Aerobatic Program will receive an upgraded headset.
The Thrust Aerobatic Team
Students who successfully complete the Thrust Aerobatic Training Program will become eligible to try out for the Thrust Aerobatic Team.
Thrust select pilots who demonstrate a high level of aerobatic skill, professionalism, and judgment. Members of the team will receive additional standardized training to improve their aerobatic skills and prepare them for competition.
Perform in Competition
Represent Thrust at IAC contests, competing against other elite pilots in a professional aerobatic environment.
Give Skill Demonstrations
As Thrust Aerobatic Team members build their skills they’ll be able to perform demonstrations for other pilots and give them upset recovery training.
Participate in Exclusive Events
From recruiting events to industry functions, Thrust Aerobatic Team members will be able to show off their skills with individual maneuvers and formation aerobatics (as approved).
How to Join this Elite Flight Team
Entry into the Thrust Aerobatic Team is selective and reserved for top-performing students. If a student would like to be considered for a spot on the team, here are the steps they need to take:
- Academic Excellence: Students maintain high standards throughout the Zero Time to Airline program through the CFI level.
- Advanced Enrollment: During CFI training, pilots complete the eight-hour Aerobatic Training Package at the Addison (KADS) or Denison (KGYI) campuses.
- Formal Application: Candidates submit an application for a formal interview and a demonstration flight with lead instructors.
- Team Induction: Successful candidates earn a spot on the only flight school-sponsored team in the nation.
This is the only flight school-sponsored aerobatic team in the United States, providing a level of visibility and prestige you won’t find anywhere else.
Our Aerobatic Fleet
GB1 Gamebird
The GB1 GameBird was designed specifically to be the best aerobatic and touring airplane in the world.
This sleek aircraft allows students to master spin and upset recovery training with modern precision. No other flight school in the country gives career-oriented students access to such an advanced aerobatic platform.
- Year model: 2023
- Avionics: Garmin G3x
Super Decathlon
The American Champion 8KCAB Super Decathlon is a proven, purpose-built aerobatic aircraft and a cornerstone of advanced flight training. It provides an ideal platform for aerobatic students as they learn foundational maneuvers and upset recovery techniques.
The “Super D” taildragger is capable of handling +6G and -5G, making it an excellent trainer for the Thrust Aerobatic Team. Few professional flight programs in the country provide students with access to an aircraft of this caliber.
Enroll in Aerobatic Training
The Thrust Aerobatic Training program is an exclusive upgrade for students actively enrolled in the Zero Time to Airline program. Current and future students may use the buttons below to access the correct application and secure a place in the next training cycle.
Testimonials
Posted on Google
Caleb M103 days agoTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
An excellent flight school dedicated to providing the highest quality training, aircraft, and facilities. The instructors and staff at Thrust Flight have given me the ability to develop into the best of my potential as a pilot. My exceptional CFI, Joshua T, has greatly boosted my confidence in an aircraft. His knowledge, expertise, patience, and top notch piloting ability make him one of the best CFIs that I've had the pleasure to learn from.Posted on Google
Grant A161 days agoSo thankful that I chose Thrust for my flight training! The quality of instruction is great, the instructors here go above and beyond to not only prepare you to pass a check-ride, but set you up for a successful career in aviation. Safety has always been exceptional and the aircraft are in great shape. If you’re deciding on a flight school, Thrust Flight is the way to go.Posted on Google
Jad A187 days agoPerfect flight school for anyone serious about flying. Very community oriented culture that really drives you and motivates you throughout your ratings. Beyond the culture and environment the flight school takes care of their students, making sure students have the proper knowledge to both be better and safer pilots.Posted on Google
Caylob K210 days agoI love it so muchPosted on Google
Richard B213 days agoReally enjoyed my training here. The program was fast and exactly what I was looking for.Posted on Google
Dominique G235 days ago0 to commercial in 5 months. Cannot recommend highly enough. No wait time for any stage checks or checkrides. Great instructors!Posted on Google
Will R241 days agoAs a student who completed the ZTA program from private, I loved my time here as a student and the community it brought me. The instructors, other students, dispatch, maintenance, and everyone else here would go out of their way to help me however they could. When you invest your time, money, and trust into a school you hope to get what you were signing up for. I can say that Thrust more than met my expectations for what I would receive from a flight program. I’m very thankful for the people and the excellent training that Thrust has given me!Posted on Google
Jason B254 days agoI highly enjoyed my time at Thrust. The planes are brand new, the airspace is ideal for gaining experience, there are many great instructors, and it's in the perfect area for having fun in your downtime. I'd recommend Thrust to anyone who wants to become a pilot quickly or needs financing for their flight school.Posted on Google
Dokatd264 days agoTook my son for an intro flight with John. Staff was great and everyone was friendly. Facility was clean and professional. Aircraft all appeared modern and very well maintained.+1Posted on Google
Jessica S283 days agoGreat school, great instructors, great management! Highly recommend for anyone going to start your piloting career!Posted on Google
Janna L284 days agoI continue to hear great things about Thrust Flight school!Posted on Google
Lane P284 days agoI had an excellent experience with Thrust flight KGYI zta program. The instructors are patient, knowledgeable, and genuinely invested in their students’ success. I always felt supported and confident throughout my training. Highly recommended for anyone serious about learning to fly!Verified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Talk to someone who has flown it.
An admissions advisor can answer the questions this page did not, and tell you which start date is realistic.
Talk to an advisor→