Pray Aviation

Pray Aviation was founded by Matthew Pray, a former U.S. Army Blackhawk Air Assault Pilot with 13 years of military service and more than 5,000 flight hours, who holds a Master's degree in Commercial Aviation earned Summa Cum Laude. The school's Ozark, Alabama location operates at Blackwell Field (71J) and is one of four national campuses — alongside locations in Kansas, Florida, and Maryland — giving students scheduling flexibility across multiple sites.

Pray Aviation is approved under both FAA Part 141 and Part 61, with an emphasis on accelerated programs designed to minimize cost and time-to-certificate. The school is VA-approved, VR&E-eligible, Skillbridge-certified, and SEVIS-registered for international students on M-1 visas — making it one of the most accessible flight schools in the region for military veterans and active-duty personnel pursuing a career transition into aviation. A fleet of more than 50 aircraft, including nine multi-engine trainers, is spread across the network's locations.

The school's curriculum covers Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine, CFI, and Rotary Transition programs. Handpicked CFI-I/MEI instructors maintain a philosophy centered on student success and efficient training, and some locations offer on-site student accommodations and transportation to reduce costs for out-of-state students.