14-Day Private Pilot Training

I began my flight training in the “traditional” way two years before I contacted AFIT. At that time, I spent several months with local flight schools, with multiple instructors and equipment that was outdated to say the least. Disappointed with the quality of instruction, cost, and slow pace of the programs, I elected to cease taking instruction until I found a better program that fit my busy schedule, and allowed the concentrated study that I was looking for. I found AFIT after scouring the internet, and got in touch with Tony. I was immediately impressed by the professionalism, and the organization of the course. The course offered exactly what I was looking for; organization, time efficiency, and a remote location with a one-on-one instructor experience at a small airport with a good airplane.

After signing up, Tony sent me a very organized and structured syllabus, and both he and my assigned instructor, Todd Gilbert, guided me through the necessary pre-planning steps to prepare for my arrival in Idaho for flight instruction. I was scheduled with an online ground school, and taken through all of the necessary steps of filing for my student pilot certificate with the FAA. They took care of every step, and contacted me when anything was needed so that when I showed up, we could hit the ground running. After I had completed all of the necessary steps, and passed my written exam, all that was left was two weeks in Rexburg, Idaho to complete the flight instruction and check-ride.

After arriving in Rexburg, I found I really enjoyed the small town feel of the community, and the small airport we were based out of. It didn’t take long before I felt like I had made some good friends at the small FBO, and in the surrounding hangars where everyone seemed to know everybody. Todd and I hit it off immediately, and he consciously adjusted his style as we went to fit my personality, and the challenges of whatever maneuvers we were working on every day. They had me soloing on day 5, and we continued to build hours all the way until the last day. The aircraft was a great change from what I had been used to before, and gave us only one small hiccup with a magneto, which was quickly corrected by our friends at the FBO.
At the end of the program, I walked away a licensed pilot, and extremely happy with my experience. This was exactly what I was looking for, and allowed me to pack a lot of experience and learnings into a shorter amount of time, rather than dragging out the same instruction over the course of months, or even years. If you are looking for a program like this, that allows you to take time out of your busy schedule, and really challenge yourself to get it all done, I recommend AFIT!

Ken Boothby
The Woodlands, Texas

• Ken Boothby - The Woodlands, Texas