Our History
Flight School Overview
A Legacy of Excellence in Aviation Training
Sanders Flight Training Center was founded in 1996 by Joseph Gordon “Gordo” Sanders Jr., a highly respected aviator with a passion for developing the next generation of pilots. What began as a small, local flight school at Walker County Airport – Bevill Field in Jasper, Alabama, has grown into one of the most respected FAA Part 141 flight training centers in the region.
For nearly three decades, Sanders Flight Training Center has been at the forefront of aviation education, offering structured, efficient, and career-focused training for aspiring pilots, military aviators transitioning to commercial aviation, and seasoned professionals seeking advanced certifications.
Training programs that get students to their aviation goals faster, without wasted time.
Experienced instructors, including airline captains and military aviators, providing real-world expertise.
A direct pathway from flight training to professional aviation careers.
Building a Flight School with Purpose
Gordo Sanders envisioned a flight school that eliminated the common barriers to pilot training—long delays, inconsistent instruction, and uncertainty about career opportunities. He built Sanders Flight Training Center on three guiding principles:
Our Locations
Expanding Our Reach and Impact
With growing demand for professional pilot training, Sanders Flight Training Center has expanded beyond its headquarters in Jasper. Today, the flight school operates three training locations in Alabama.
Main Office - Jasper AL
Walker County Airport - Bevill Field (KJFX)
Huntsville, AL
Huntsville International Airport (KHSV)
Tuscaloosa, AL
Tuscaloosa National Airport (KTCL)
Supporting Military Pilots in Their Civilian Transition
As a veteran-owned and operated flight school, Sanders Flight Training Center has long been committed to helping military pilots transition into commercial aviation. With GI Bill-approved programs and a specialized Military Competency to ATP pathway, the school has become a trusted training partner for military aviators looking to enter the airline industry.
Through partnerships with major airlines and corporate aviation firms, Sanders Flight Training Center provides structured career guidance, ensuring that military pilots make a smooth and successful transition into civilian aviation.
