Austin Academy of Aviation, Austin

Founded by a U.S. Air Force pilot in 1993, Austin Academy of Aviation helps students of all levels learn their way around the cockpit of a plane for both recreational and professional purposes. More experienced pupils can accrue flight hours for certifications, while newbies can opt for the hour-long introductory flight package and fly alongside a savvy instructor. Unlike the intro flights at many schools, the experience includes actual hands-on flight time, with students acting as the sole manipulator of the aircraft for at least part of the time its in the air.