Top Hawk is leading the way for aviation programs to continue training the next generation of pilots. Top Hawk provides students with access to the world’s most popular trainer aircraft, the Cessna® Skyhawk® piston.
Select universities and Cessna® Pilot Centers will participate in Top Hawk to promote general aviation and connect future pilots to higher education. They will receive a factory new, custom branded Cessna® Skyhawk® aircraft to use for the duration of the program to promote aviation at air shows, aviation contests, and recruiting events. Top Hawk aircraft also allow schools to showcase their connection to Textron Aviation’s reputable internship program and support discovery flights and learn to fly programs.
Congratulations to Brazos Valley Flight Services, Executive Air Taxi Corporation, Fairmont State University,
Sterling Flight Training and Victors Aviation who are participating in the 2026 Top Hawk program to promote general aviation and connect future pilots to higher education!
Brazos Valley Flight Services
Brazos Valley Flight Services (BVFS) was established in 2006 and has been under its current management since 2016. Located at Easterwood Field (KCLL) in College Station, Texas, BVFS serves as a cornerstone of aviation training in the Brazos Valley region. As a proud Cessna Pilot Center, BVFS upholds the highest standards of flight instruction under 14 C.F.R. Part 61, offering comprehensive and compliant training programs that consistently achieve an exceptional record of success, with over 85% of students passing their check rides on the first attempt.
Our operations run seven days a week, supported by a fleet of 10 Cessna® aircraft and a dedicated team of 15 certified flight instructors, along with in-house maintenance staff and administrative support. BVFS provides training through the Cessna/King Schools curriculum, combining flexible, self-paced online learning with personalized in-house ground instruction. To enhance student experience and streamline progress tracking, BVFS utilizes the Cessna Tracking Application, ensuring students can seamlessly monitor their progress from first flight through certification.
As a Cessna Pilot Center, we take pride in representing the quality, safety, and innovation associated with the Cessna name. We are honored to be a recipient of the 2026 Cessna Top Hawk.
The content of this bio was written and provided by Brazos Valley Flight Services.
Executive Air Taxi Corporation
Since its founding in 1973, Bismarck Flight Academy, a division of Executive Air, has aimed to make learning to fly affordable, accessible and enjoyable for people in central North Dakota. Based at the Bismarck Municipal Airport (KBIS), we are a trusted flight training program to meet the goals of our students. As a flight school, our mission is to reach maximum proficiency and instill the utmost confidence within our students. As a part 61 flight school, our program offers flexibility to fit our students schedules to ensure they are training at a pace that suits them. Operating a fleet of exceptionally maintained Cessna 172 Skyhawks, our aircraft offer a professional platform for our students to train in. Our team of professional flight instructors offer a wide breadth of knowledge and experiences to help our students grow and flourish as pilots.
At the Bismarck Flight Academy, we pride ourselves on our community involvement by partnering with local schools and programs to expand our outreach. We are honored to be a Top Hawk flight school and are looking forward to welcoming in the next generation of pilots and watching them grow in our new Cessna 172 Skyhawk!
The content of this bio was written and provided by Executive Air Taxi Corporation.
Fairmont State University
Located at the North Central West Virginia Airport (KCKB) in the heart of Appalachia, the Fairmont State University Aviation Program’s flight center is a true Cinderella story. In 2017, a group of retired military evaluator pilots worked with the University administration to stand up the first higher education-situated Part 141 program in West Virginia. Choosing the Cessna 172 as the preferred platform and beginning the program on a $300,000 budget, it has since become one of the most respected and desired training centers in the Northeast. Now in its 8th year, the selective self-examining program—with 11 Cessna 172s, 3AATD simulators, multi-engine as well as rotary wing training—has made a significant impact in the region for aspiring aviators who desire world-class flight training. The Flying Falcons’ “quality, not quantity” approach, combined with a focus on proficiency and integrity, has produced impressive outcomes. As the first, most productive, most cost-effective, most versatile, most highly qualified, and most successful flight training in the region, Fairmont State University has surpassed all initial expectations. We are a one stop aviation career launching pad and offer a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with a concentration in Professional Flight, including Private Pilot through Multi-Engine Instructor and Helicopter ratings. Fairmont State University is honored to be chosen as recipient of the 2026 Cessna Top Hawk.
The content of this bio was written and provided by Fairmont State University.
Sterling Flight Training
Sterling Flight Training, headquartered at Jacksonville Executive at Craig Airport (CRG) in Jacksonville, Florida, is a nationally respected aviation training institution committed to shaping the next generation of pilots with exceptional skill, confidence, and professionalism. Serving students from across the United States and abroad, Sterling has built its reputation on a foundation of safety, personalized instruction, and a deep understanding of the aviation industry’s evolving needs.
Guided by a leadership team with extensive airline and commercial aviation experience, Sterling Flight Training offers a comprehensive portfolio of FAA-approved Part 61 and Part 141 programs. These include Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, Multi-Engine, and a full suite of Flight Instructor certifications (CFI, CFII, and MEI). Each training path is designed to meet students where they are; whether they are taking their first flight or advancing toward a professional pilot career. It provides a structured, efficient, and supportive learning environment.
Sterling’s training fleet and facilities reflect the organization’s emphasis on quality and safety. Students have access to a diverse lineup of well-maintained aircraft and modern flight simulators that enhance learning, accelerate skill development, and prepare pilots for real-world operations. The school’s experienced instructors bring thousands of combined flight hours to the classroom and cockpit, offering students the individualized attention and mentorship needed to succeed.
In addition to its core training programs, Sterling Flight Training has established academic partnerships with accredited universities, enabling students to pursue collegiate aviation degrees while completing their flight certifications. These pathways support a seamless transition into professional aviation roles and help graduates stand out in a competitive job market. Sterling is also proud to be a veteran-friendly institution, accepting VA education benefits for eligible programs and offering structured opportunities for military personnel transitioning into civilian aviation careers.
What truly sets Sterling apart is its student-centered philosophy. From enrollment through completion, every student receives tailored guidance, transparent progression tracking, and career-focused support. Whether the goal is recreational flying, corporate aviation, or an airline cockpit, Sterling Flight Training provides the knowledge, experience, and confidence students need to excel.
With a commitment to excellence, a passion for aviation, and a proven history of training successful pilots, Sterling Flight Training continues to serve as a leading choice for aspiring aviators who seek high-quality instruction and a clear pathway to their aviation dreams.
The content of this bio was written and provided by Sterling Flight Training.
Victors Aviation
Victors Aviation began in Troy, Michigan in July 2025, born from a passion for serving others and a commitment to providing a front door to aviation throughout southeast Michigan. Founded by a team whose backgrounds are firmly rooted in service, the organization was built to provide career pathways for young aviators, and promote all generations to push their personal limits, discover their potential, and achieve their aviation dreams. The founders bring extensive experience in both military and general aviation, blending the precision, discipline, and instructional excellence of military training with the broad, adaptable skill set of civilian flight operations. This foundation fuels a professional environment centered on teamwork, collaboration, and mentorship. With a full-motion simulator mimicking a TAA Skyhawk integrated throughout the curriculum, students benefit from a standardized fleet and teaching techniques shaped by the military aviation and Blue Angels experiences of the Victor's President. The Blue Angels experiences provide a unique vantage point to the aviation industry and allows Victors to train students with an extreme focus on professionalism and performance.
Victors Aviation’s mission is to revolutionize flight instruction by investing in each customer’s personal and professional development, training them not only to become pilots, but to grow as leaders, professionals, and pioneers within the aviation community. Every aspect of the program is designed to build confidence, competence, and character. We are deeply honored and humbled to be named a Top Hawk 2026 flight school, a recognition that affirms our impactful beginning and the strength of our vision. We are grateful that Cessna has entrusted us to represent them through the use of the newest Cessna® 172 Skyhawk, allowing us to introduce the next generation of aviators to the very best training platform available.
The content of this bio was written and provided by Victors Aviation.