At Buckeye Flight Academy, we believe great pilots aren’t defined by how many hours they’ve flown but by how they’re trained. That’s why we model much of our curriculum around the principles of the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), a modern training philosophy used by professional flight departments and flight training facilities around the United States.
What Makes Our AQP-Inspired Approach Different?
AQP has a reputation for sounding complex or “advanced,” but the truth is much simpler:
it’s a mindset, not a barrier.
When training is structured with clear goals, scenario-driven learning, and continuous feedback, pilots at every experience level can excel. Even student pilots can benefit from this style of training—it helps build strong decision-making habits early and creates a smoother transition into advanced ratings.
AQP Is Accessible to Everyone
You don’t need thousands of hours or airline experience to learn using AQP principles.
What you do need is:
- An open, coachable attitude
- The willingness to think ahead
- A desire to understand the “why,” not just the “how”
Bring the right mindset, and you’ll discover AQP-style learning is not only manageable—it’s enjoyable, structured, and confidence-building.
Why Buckeye Uses an AQP-Style Curriculum
Our approach helps pilots:
- Build real-world decision-making skills early
- Train the way professional aviation programs train
- Reduce training plateaus and improve skill retention
- Prepare naturally for future commercial or airline paths
- Think like a safe, competent PIC from day one
This training model aligns with our mission to produce confident, capable pilots who are prepared for the real demands of modern aviation.