Welcome to High Tide Aviation
The Southeast Shores' Leading Pilot Training Center
Southport, NC | St Simons Island, GA | Wilmington, NC
We’re excited to announce a major upgrade to High Tide Aviation’s advanced training fleet. Our Beechcraft Bonanza V35B has been outfitted with a cutting-edge Garmin glass cockpit, featuring dual G3X Touch displays, a Garmin GI 275, GTN 650 GPS, and the Garmin GFC 500 autopilot—providing the same modern avionics environment found in today’s high-performance aircraft.
Why High Tide?
Welcome to High Tide Aviation!
High Tide Aviation offers flight schools and training facilities at Cape Fear Regional Jetport (KSUT) in Southport, NC; McKinnon St. Simons Island Airport (KSSI) on St Simons Island, GA; and Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in Wilmington, NC. Specializing in both airplane and helicopter training, we provide professional pilot training for commercial licenses, instrument ratings, helicopters, flight instruction, and more. Pursue your aviation dreams through our zero-to-hero flight training programs.
Book an intro flight over North Carolina or Georgia’s scenic coastlines, or call to tour our premier flight schools at either location today!
Call Anytime
(910) 294-5871Our Newest Location at ILM
High Tide Aviation is now open at Wilmington International Airport (ILM)
Student Support Specialist
Personalized Guidance at High Tide
As such a specialized skill, flight training can be confusing on even its best day. We understand that each student comes to us with different learning preferences and a diverse range of experiences. To better support our students, we have an in-house Student Support Department and assign a specific support specialist to every High Tide student in Southport, St Simons Island, and Wilmington.
Contact us today and receive tailored flight instruction at High Tide Aviation.
New to Flying
Become a Pilot with High Tide
We pride ourselves at High Tide Aviation for our dedication to guiding students confidently through every step of their training journey. Our Training Support Specialist will introduce you to our various training programs including PPL through CFII, Multi-Engine, and Helicopter, tailored to your learning speed and location.
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Meet Our Fleet
Visit High Tide Aviation
Free eBook
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Any Level, Any Time
Pilot Training Programs
Private Pilot
Start Your Journey
If you're new to flight training, we have the resources and training to help you earn your wings (and rotors).
Commercial Pilot
Fly for Your Career
No matter how far you want to venture down the pilot career path, it all starts here.
Flight Instructor
Train the Next Class
Interested in training the next class of pilots? Perhaps you want to give back to the community that trained you? Become a CFI, CFII, & MEI with High Tide.
Helicopter Training
Southport Exclusive
Our helicopter training is reknowned across the banks of the Southport, North Carolina region. Come train with High Tide and earn your helicopter certification.
View all training programs
Combined flight hours
Dedicated flight instructors
Unique fixed-wing aircraft
R44 Helicopters
Student Feedback
High Marks for High Tide
Interested in flying?
Come try it out with an Intro Flight at High Tide Aviation
Flying can be daunting task; manning the controls even more so. If you want to see what it’s like to be in the pilot’s seat, come visit us for an introductory flight where we’ll show you the ropes and see if flying is the right choice for you.
Become a Pilot
Ready to Take Off?
Thinking about learning to fly but not sure where to begin? You’re not alone, and the first step is easier than you might think. At High Tide Aviation, we created a quick and practical Flight Training Readiness Assessment to help you understand what’s involved in earning your wings.
Whether you're in Southport, NC, Wilmington, NC, or St. Simons Island, GA, complete the assessment and get 15% off your next Discovery Flight as our way of helping you take that exciting first step.
Take the Assessment & Claim 15% OffFrom the Blog Posts
Checkout latest aviation news and articles
High Tide Aviation's Revolutionary Cessna 172K Takes Flight Training to New Heights
Discover High Tide Aviation’s upgraded Cessna 172K (N79475), now a Technically Advanced Airplane (TAA) with a full Garmin glass cockpit—ideal for modern flight training across Southport, Wilmington, and St. Simons Island.
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Top 5 Study Tips to Ace Your FAA Knowledge Test
Prepare to ace your FAA Knowledge Test with these top 5 study tips! Discover effective strategies for mastering aerodynamics, navigation, FAA regulations, and more. Learn how to create a study schedule, use the best resources, and practice real-world scenarios to boost your confidence and pass with flying colors. Perfect for aspiring pilots training for their PPL, IR, or CPL.
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Now Boarding: High Tide Aviation Lands in Wilmington NC
High Tide Aviation is proud to open its newest flight school in Wilmington North Carolina. We are already trusted by students in Southport NC and St Simons Island Georgia. Now we are bringing our experience and training programs to the Wilmington area.
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