Mike Smith Aviation, founded by Australian flying instructor Mike Smith and his American wife Kimberley in 1993, has achieved a milestone by winning the prestigious Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) award for the best flight school in the United States.

Despite Smith’s roots in Australia, where he remains a director of AOPA, his reluctance to establish operations there due to what he perceives as burdensome CASA regulations has led to his flourishing aviation venture in the USA. Smith’s outspoken criticism of regulatory hurdles faced by flight schools in Australia was highlighted during his address at the 2018 AGAA Summit in Wagga Wagga.

“Because of the multiple restrictive regulations imposed on flight schools in Australia, for example, the need for a separate head of operations (HOO), and other roles, we simply couldn’t duplicate our successful model there,” Smith said.

Smith’s commitment to excellence in flight training has been recognized nationally following AOPA’s 2024 Flight Experience Survey, where Mike Smith Aviation was not only named the best flying school in the Pacific region but also secured the top spot across the entire USA.

In addition to their outstanding instructional quality, Smith takes pride in the diversity and inclusion fostered at his school. “On average over the last few years, 50% of our team has been female, as has between 25% and 30% of our students,” he said.

Mike Smith Aviation offers training using Cessna 162 and 172, as well as Beechcraft Type 76 Duchess aircraft, ensuring students receive comprehensive and top-tier instruction in a supportive environment.

Source: Mike Smith Aviation
Photo Credit: Mike Smith