Epic Buzz Newsletter

Epic Flight Academy Becomes Largest Part 141 Flight School in the United States On Wednesday, April 23, 2025, the FAA completed inspections on three of Epic’s newest flight training campuses and certified them for Part 141 training. This brings the total of Epic’s Part 141 schools to 9, the most in the country.  Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna said, “It’s quite a milestone, especially considering the fact that we are actively developing additional flight training sites that will also be Part 141 schools.” Director of satellite operations Brock Rees added, “FAA Part 141 training is a structured, FAA-approved program that offers a faster, more efficient path to earning pilot certificates with fewer required flight hours.” Flying Magazine shared the full story.  Aircraft Mechanic Students … Read more

Volume 8, Issue 4 | April 2025 Airline Bound: An Aviation Career Seminar We are excited to sponsor Airline Bound: An Aviation Career Seminar on May 3rd, 2025 at the Hyatt Regency Denver Tech Center. Please join us there to meet airline representatives and learn how to navigate your pilot or aircraft mechanic career path!   Multiple Open Houses Last Month We held multiple events last month including an Open House in Ocala (above) where folks enjoyed free Discovery Flights and another in Jacksonville. If you weren’t able to join us, check our calendar for upcoming events, or stop by any of our locations. We love offering tours of our aircraft mechanic schools and flight schools and look forward to welcoming you! Welcoming New Students … Read more

Epic Flight Academy Receives Accreditation from ACCSC We are proud to announce that Epic Flight Academy is now accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC) for its pilot and aviation maintenance technician (AMT) training programs in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Epic has undergone a years-long self-assessment with students and staff to achieve this accreditation. CEO Danny Perna acknowledged the commitment of staff and students for collaborating to achieve accreditation. We have leveled up! Aircraft Mechanic Graduates Congratulations to Epic’s most recent aircraft mechanic graduates in New Smyrna Beach! Friends and family attended the graduation last month to celebrate 19 months of hard work. These grads are now FAA-certified Airframe & Powerplant mechanics! Five New Cessnas Epic … Read more

Volume 8, Issue 2 | February 2025 Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening in Addison, Texas Our thanks to the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce for hosting the Ribbon-Cutting and Grand Opening of our newest flight school located in Addison, Texas on Jan. 31st. Director of Satellite Operations Brock Rees expressed his gratitude for the warm reception Epic has received in Addison where students have already enrolled for training. We look forward to serving the community there.   United Aviate Recruitment Event Since partnering with United Airlines’ Aviate Program three years ago, Epic has sent dozens of cadets to the legacy airline. Last month, we hosted a well-attended event for Epic pilots who are interested in flying for United. We appreciate our airline partners and … Read more

Epic Expectations in 2025 A note from Epic’s founder and CEO, Danny Perna: Happy New Year! Thank you to all students, staff, and instructors who for the past 25 years have contributed to Epic’s success. From my very first flight student Sam (above left) in 1999, to the hundreds of students currently attending, I appreciate each and every one of you. We began with a used Cessna 152 (pictured with Sam and me), and we now purchase all training aircraft brand new from the factory. Our fleet continues to grow as does our staff with more than 200 employees. In 2025, we will open new locations, add to our fleet, and continue to welcome students from around the world for pilot … Read more

Congratulations to Our 2024 Scholarship Recipients! Winners (L-R): Joseph Lavdas ($5,000 Pilot – OCF); Qayla Bailey ($20,000 Captain Judy Rice Pilot – EVB); Russell Shipley ($20,000 Aircraft Mechanic – EVB); and Wes Glaser ($5,000 Pilot -TLH). [Not pictured: Brayden Tucker ($20,000 Aircraft Mechanic – CVG); Anvita Kulkarni ($5,000 Pilot – EVB); Jack Carda ($5,000 Pilot – TUS); and Casson Dennison ($5,000 Pilot – HEG)]  On Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024, we presented our 9th Annual Aviation Scholarships! Judges reviewed more than 50 applications from 14 states and awarded $85,000 in scholarships this year. We are excited to welcome these outstanding students to the Epic family! Welcome to Our New Students in November! Welcome to our newest students! Pictured here are incoming flight … Read more

Epic Receives 2024 Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame Award Brad Schwandt (L) presents Danny Perna (R) with the 2024 Aviation Achievement Award at the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame gala on Saturday Oct. 19, 2024 in Lexington, KY. (Photo by Mark Mahan Multimedia) On Saturday, October 19, 2024, the Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame awarded the 2024 Aviation Achievement Award to Epic Flight Academy for the opening of Epic’s new aircraft mechanic school at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport located in Erlanger, KY. The Aviation Museum of Kentucky hosted the gala event. Kentucky Department of Aviation Deputy Commissioner Brad Schwandt presented the award to Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna. We are incredibly grateful for this recognition. Read more and watch the video! New Students in October Welcome to all of the new students who … Read more

Volume 7, Issue 10 | October 2024 Orlando Sentinel Names Epic a Top Workplace for 2024 For the third year in a row, Epic Flight Academy has been named a Top Workplace by the Orlando Sentinel. Staff attended the awards event in Orlando on Sept. 27th. This award is based on feedback provided by Epic employees to the Orlando Sentinel, so we are grateful to our staff and celebrate this achievement in their honor.   New Flight Students in September Celebrating our newest flight students who arrived in September! Regardless of which campus you decide to train at, we look forward to welcoming you to the Epic family! Student & Staff Appreciation at CVG Every now and then we need to have a little fun! We … Read more

New Class Begins at CVG Part 147 School Our second class of aircraft mechanic students at our Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport campus started last month. The school is humming under the leadership of its new director, Terry Dunaway, whose years of experience bring tremendous value to Epic’s team.  New classes will begin at both of our AMT schools on October 14, 2024. We invite you to prequalify if you’d like to earn your FAA-approved aircraft mechanic certificate. If you have questions, stop by one of our upcoming Open House events for a tour. New Flight Students in August Smiling faces! Welcome to these New Smyrna Beach flight students who arrived last month. We also welcomed students to our other campuses and are looking forward to … Read more

Volume 7, Issue 8 | August 2024 Ribbon Cutting in Jacksonville, FL We have a new location! Thanks to the JAX Chamber of Commerce members for hosting the ribbon cutting at our grand opening last month. Our 5th flight training school is located at the Herlong Recreational Airport in Jacksonville, Florida, and we are already training pilots there! New Flight Students in July We’re here and ready to fly! Welcome to our newest flight students. With orientation completed, they are ready to soar! We invite you to stop by any of our campuses and take a Discovery Flight and tour to see if you’re thinking about pilot training.  Happenings at our CVG Aircraft Mechanic School Aircraft mechanic students at our Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport (CVG) … Read more