Story ID: 
Skyfarer Academy Expands with In-person Flight Training
By: Sarah Rose
Caption: Hybrid aviation training aims to connect students, instructors
Word Count: 253
Skyfarer Academy, an aviation training platform originally focused on live online education, has announced an expansion into in-person flight instruction. The move aims to connect student pilots with local flight instructors and schools, providing a hybrid approach to pilot training that combines online coursework with hands-on flight experience.
“Many students still struggle to find quality instruction locally, and many instructors and schools lack a streamlined way to showcase their services and connect with students,” said Todd Davis, chief aviation officer of Skyfarer Academy. “This expansion is about creating that trusted, all-in-one place where both sides can connect more easily and effectively.”
Skyfarer Academy’s new model is designed to address common challenges in flight training. The platform offers instructors and schools a dedicated online presence where they can highlight their credentials, training specialties, and availability. Students, in turn, can use advanced search tools to find instructors based on location, expertise, and specific training needs, such as tailwheel endorsements or high-performance aircraft checkouts.
The company’s leadership, which includes experienced pilots and aviation advisors, emphasizes the importance of accessible, high-quality instruction. COO Alex Witherspoon noted that the expansion stemmed from feedback within the aviation community. “One thing we kept hearing from pilots was how difficult it was to find the right instructor—especially for specialized training needs,” he said.
Skyfarer Academy is currently available in five states—California, Arizona, Florida, Texas, and Washington—with plans for further expansion to serve pilots and instructors nationwide.