Epic Flight Academy Celebrates Graduation of First US Air Force IPT Batch

Florida, USA - Epic Flight Academy recently celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of U.S. Air Force pilots who completed Initial Pilot Training (IPT) at Epic’s New Smyrna Beach campus. Epic trained these officers under an Educational Service Agreement with the Air Force.

Following the successful completion of the inaugural cohort in New Smyrna Beach, training operations have transitioned to Epic Flight Academy’s Denison, Texas campus. The move enhances training efficiency by employing Epic’s quality training in closer proximity to the next phase of Air Force flight training, creating a more streamlined pathway through the pilot development process. There, new cohorts of Military officers are set to arrive throughout 2026 and 2027. During the program, pilots earn their Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating (IR), and Private Pilot Multi-Engine Add-on (AMEL). Officers complete their training in 139 days or less.

Epic Flight Academy has been training aviation professionals since 1999 and has grown into one of the nation’s leading aviation education organizations. As the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the United States, Epic provides comprehensive aviation training through its nationwide network of flight training and aircraft maintenance campuses. Through its commitment to developing both pilots and aviation maintenance technicians, Epic supports the long-term growth of the aviation industry and helps meet the increasing demand for skilled aviation professionals.

Epic’s highly structured training environment, standardized fleet of modern aircraft, advanced flight simulators, and proven curriculum allow students to progress efficiently while maintaining the highest standards of safety and professionalism. After completion of IPT, these officers will continue Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) on the T-6A Texan II.

Epic founder and CEO Danny Perna remarked, “These officers are incredibly disciplined and focused. It is a privilege to support the Air Force in this initiative. My grandfather, Anthony Perna, was a Colonel in the Air Force. He began as a flight instructor in a B-17, so it is especially meaningful to see these pilots training at Epic. As our organization continues to grow, we remain committed to serving the aviation industry by developing the next generation of pilots, maintenance technicians, and aviation professionals.”

Source: Epic Flight Academy