It’s not every Saturday you get to take the controls of a brand-new Cessna 172, help ascend to 4,000 feet, and feel the thrill of lift-off firsthand—but that’s exactly what happened at the grand opening of Epic Flight Academy’s newest location at the St. George Regional Airport.
Epic, the largest FAA Part 141 flight school in the nation, has landed in Southern Utah with a fresh focus on immersive flight training. With one gleaming plane and one experienced instructor to start, the team plans to scale from here—next stop: Provo.
Visitors at the June 28 grand opening were treated to a celebratory ribbon-cutting hosted by the St. George Area Chamber of Commerce, alongside tours, refreshments, and the chance to fly. And yes, I took them up on the offer—literally.
My discovery flight was more than a joyride. After a full pre-flight inspection and checklist session, I climbed into the cockpit like a true student pilot. The aircraft, a less-than-year-old Cessna 172 outfitted with a sleek Garmin G1000 glass cockpit, felt like a luxury car for the skies.
With the instructor by my side, I helped guide us up to 4,000 feet and took a smooth right turn over the stunning red rock vistas. The entire experience—part adrenaline, part zen—was humbling, empowering, and just a little addictive.
Epic Flight Academy officially opens its St. George location with a celebratory ribbon cutting. The sky’s the limit for this newest flight training hub in Southern Utah.
Back on the ground after a hands-on flight experience. With personalized instruction and real-time participation, students get a true feel for flight from the very first session.
Epic’s St. George base operates out of the Million Air building, providing state-of-the-art facilities for flight students and aviation enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re dreaming of a career in aviation or just want to cross “fly a plane” off your bucket list, they make it approachable and unforgettable.
Discovery flights, simulators, and private tours are available by appointment. With a vision rooted in accessibility, precision training, and a passion for flight, Epic is elevating aviation in Southern Utah one takeoff at a time.
Visit their website to learn more or schedule your flight.
