Contra Costa-Based Flight School Honored With Prestigious Award

CONCORD, CA —A Concord-based flight school has been recognized with a prestigious award and invites the public to help celebrate the recognition.

Pacific States Aviation Flight Academy was selected as a 2025 Distinguished Flight School by the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association, the world’s largest aviation community. The award is given to flight schools that demonstrate excellence in training, customer service and student success.

Each year, AOPA's Flight Training Experience Survey collects input from flight students nationwide. Based on this feedback, the organization selects a few schools for the Distinguished Flight School honor.

Having trained international and domestic pilots for decades, Pacific States Aviation has established itself as a cornerstone of the aviation community in Contra Costa County. This recognition by AOPA solidifies the academy as a leader in flight training and a premier destination for aspiring pilots.

To celebrate, Pacific States Aviation invites community members, local officials and aviation enthusiasts to an open house from 2 p..m.-4 p.m. Saturday, June 14.

"This is a huge honor in the aviation world and reflects the amazing work our instructors, staff, and students put in every day," said Kimmie Snow, flight academy manager for Pacific States Aviation. "Only a handful of schools across the country receive this award, and we’re proud to represent Contra Costa County and the Bay Area in such a big way."

See more information below about the open house and mark your calendars for June 14.