As the aviation industry grapples with a persistent pilot shortage that threatens flight operations nationwide, Hillsboro Aero Academy (HAA) is positioning itself as a critical solution through its accelerated Professional Pilot Program and strategic partnerships with major airlines. The Oregon-based flight school's comprehensive approach addresses both the speed and accessibility barriers that have historically limited pilot pipeline development.
“I am glad I chose HAA as my flight school,” said Leandro Suruagy, Airline Captain. “Their large fleet and infrastructure combined with the mountainous terrain and weather in the PNW definitely gave me the confidence to move forward with my career.”
The pilot shortage has reached critical levels across the aviation sector, with airlines struggling to maintain schedules and regional carriers particularly affected. HAA's response centers on the Hillsboro Aero Academy pilot training program, which expedites the path from student to commercial pilot, and strategic partnerships that provide direct routes to major airline careers.
"The pilot shortage isn't just an industry challenge, it's an opportunity for us to demonstrate how strategic training partnerships and financial accessibility can create real solutions," said Natalia Cimpean, President at Hillsboro Aero Academy. "Our accelerated programs, combined with our global alumni network spanning over 75 countries, create pathways that get qualified pilots into cockpits faster while maintaining our certified safety and training standards."
The academy's approach extends beyond accelerated aviation training to address financial barriers through financing options, including loans and training stipends making pilot careers more accessible to a broader pool of candidates. This strategy directly addresses the industry's need to widen the pipeline of new pilots entering the profession.
HAA's global reach provides students with connections to major airlines worldwide, leveraging relationships built over four decades of training pilots who now serve in aviation roles worldwide.
About Hillsboro Aero Academy
For over four decades, thousands of pilots from more than 75 countries have started their career training with Hillsboro Aero Academy. With a fleet of 100 aircraft, the academy’s focus on career readiness is matched by its founding belief in personal attention, instructional quality, and student support. HAA’s students have pathways to commercial aviation opportunities with airlines, executive charter operators, and freight operators. Hillsboro Aero Academy is also a trusted partner for top helicopter operators training pilots for careers in offshore oil support, emergency medical services, and search and rescue. With strong industry partnerships and a commitment to safety and quality, many aspiring aviators select HAA for their pilot career training. In 2025, Hillsboro Aero Academy launched its Aviation Maintenance Professional Program to address the growing demand for skilled technicians with the first class in September 2025. For more information about the school and its aviation training programs, visit www.flyhaa.com.
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Media Contact
Amy Smith
Hillsboro Aero Academy
3565 NE Cornell Rd, Hillsboro, OR 97124
