Delta Connection Academy

In October 1989, Comair Airlines established Comair Aviation Academy to ensure the availability of professionally trained, highly qualified pilots for its growing company.  In January 2000, Delta Air Lines purchased Comair and its subsidiaries to include Comair Aviation Academy.  Now Delta Connection Academy, our main facility in Sanford, Florida offers a focused program that concentrates on quality flight training for a career in the airline industry. Our commercial airline pilot program can be completed in approximately two years.

Located about 30 miles from downtown Orlando, the Orlando Sanford International Airport consists of four active runways and operates in Class C airspace. The airport began as a Naval Air Station on November 3, 1942. From 1942 until 1968, the airport served as a training facility for naval fighter and reconnaissance aircraft. Congress closed Sanford in 1968, and the City of Sanford assumed control in 1969. In 1992, major portions of the action film Passenger 57 starring Wesley Snipes, Tom Sizemore and Elizabeth Hurley were filmed at the airport. Shortly after filming, a new control tower was constructed and the FAA assumed air traffic control operations. In the 1990s, a new passenger terminal capable of accommodating commercial jet airline service was constructed to meet the heavy British tourist traffic. Now, due mostly to Delta Connection Academy flight training, the Orlando Sanford International Airport is consistently in the top 30 busiest airports in the world in terms of total flight operations (takeoffs and landings).

The Delta Connection Academy program takes zero hour students from Private/Instrument, Commercial Multi-Engine, Commercial Single-Engine Add On, through the Certified Flight Instructor Rating. Becoming a flight instructor is an integral part of our program, and we encourage all students who complete our training to interview for one of our flight instructor positions in order to build flight time and dual-given flight hours. As Delta Connection Academy Certified Flight Instructors, students have the opportunity to earn their Certified Flight Instructor Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings.

Being the “Sunshine State”, it is easy to understand why Sanford, Florida makes a logical place for flight training. Sanford is a year round flying facility. Students have the ability to train within the challenging airspace of central Florida, while also practicing flight maneuvers in our local practice areas. During their off time, students can enjoy local entertainment from Sanford’s convenient location. Disney World, Universal Studios, Sea World, Busch Gardens, Daytona Beach, and NASA are all nearby. Besides great flying, there is always something to do in and around central Florida!