Thank You! 14-day Private Pilot Training Course

Hi Tony-

Just wanted to thank you and Andy for helping fulfill a life-long bucket list item!

I’ve wanted to do this since I was 10 years old. The two-week private pilot course was exactly what I needed to get it done.

As you know, it is an intense two weeks. The training materials laid it all out and I knew exactly what to expect before I got there.

I was fortunate that you assigned Andy to fly with me…..he was awesome in helping me get through it! He was always “sunny”, calm and patient.

I’m incredibly happy and grateful that I found you guys.

I hope to be back next spring for my instrument training!

Best Regards,

Pete Glynn

Tampa, Florida

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

First off, I want to thank Tony for making my training happen. Your attention and willingness to adapt will not be forgotten.

Now on to Ruben, first off, I know you were supposed have a week off and instead you stepped up to fit me into your schedule. I am learning that in aviation and in life we have to adapt and overcome and that was my first lesson of the journey. I truly believe that everything happens for a reason and that reason was that Ruben was supposed to be my instructor and it couldn’t have been better! For the 10 days we were together it was an intense and deeply satisfying experience, he always pushed me to do my best and brought a sense of calm, insight and knowledge to each situation I was faced with. There was never a time during the duration of the training that I felt that I couldn’t achieve what he was asking.

My time with AFIT and Ruben was one for the the memory bank and I feel that I have gained a friend in Ruben as a result. Again, I want to thank you both for helping me to achieve a lifelong goal to become a private pilot. I will be back soon for my instrument training. Until then, I’ll be talking to you on the CTAF!

Thank you,

Will Drone

Forest Hills, California

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

From the first contact with Tony and Accelerated Flight & instrument Training to the dinner with Paul, my Certified Flight instructor after a successful check ride, what a great experience.

Tony made sure all my questions were answered and the process of showing up to my flight training was seamless and that I was prepared. The prep course for the ground knowledge and ground test is well put together and if you study will have no trouble passing with a high score.

Let me share my experience with the actual flying portion of the course. First my CFI Paul, is just a good person. He is a man that has experience and knowledge that far surpasses his age, his patience and the ability to really teach was the key to our success. I can not overstate all the CFI’s that I meet in Lincoln California Paul, Ruben and Steve are what makes this program work. My actual flight experience the first day I showed up was nothing, I mean nothing, I had only rode in a few small planes in my life I had never touched a control or a radio. Not having any experience is fine, this program is set up for those like myself. I will warn you though don’t expect a passive learning experience from the first 5 minutes of sitting in the plane, tell the fist time you take flight probably within 30 minutes of sitting in the plane you will be actively learning and will be using the controls. Paul pushed me out of my comfort zone from the first flight. He needed to do this as it is an accelerated time frame, this never came with jeopardizing safety or control. Just be prepared to be out of your possible comfort zone for the first couple days. By the 4th or 5th day I felt more comfortable and by day 7 when I had my first solo flight I was comfortable and ready. After that first solo Paul and I spent the next 6 days working on my new skills and learning to be a good pilot. 14 days after my first day sitting in a plane with Paul I had my check ride one of the most nervous days of my life. My Designated Pilot examiner Mark was a great examiner who helped me with my nervousness and at the end of the day said I passed.

If you’re thinking of becoming a pilot this program will get you there. I am 51 one years old and I have a schedule that I understood the way to make this work was to block off 14 days to accomplish this dream. Tony and Paul with AFIT made this a reality and they are both a class act.

Mark Owens

Crane, Oregon

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

WOW, what an amazing two weeks of flying and training I had with My instructor Paul. He was an amazing instructor and very patient with the things I had to work on. I was able to complete my check ride and look forward to continue flying. I found the course to be intense and challenging, however I enjoyed this as flying was my life for two weeks. We were able to train in all sorts of environments out of Lincoln California, from the Bay Area, to the mountains, to Nevada. I was able to get a nice variety of terrain and fly into several airports as well which was helpful for my training. I feel well prepared and exited to continue flying and appreciated the opportunity to train with AFIT and Paul. Tony was also very helpful with setting everything up and making sure I was prepared for the course.

Once again I would extend my recommendation of AFIT to anyone interested in an intense and rewarding flight training program.

Thank you,
George Kwiecinski

New York, New York

10-Day IFR Training Course

Dear Tony,

My Ten-Day IFR course with Tom Kuhlman was some of the best instruction I could have asked for. Tom’s lifetime of knowledge and experience was evident every day we met. Tom was patient, honest, a fine communicator, and everything else a true teacher can be. Tom did not give me typical cram-course answers, but rather the thorough understanding that was required to comfortably pass my check ride. Tom knew exactly how to judge my progress and how my skills compared to FAA standards. Beyond the check ride, Tom mentored me to become a better pilot for the rest of my life. Soon after I started training, 8-10 hour days with Tom became truly enjoyable. Whether it was talking in the car, the hangar, the airplane, or the restaurant for lunch, I was immersed in Tom’s knowledge of flying. My time spent with Tom patched me into decades of lessons and wisdom. Tom’s teaching is rooted in passion. While raising a fine family and creating a home in Salt Lake, Tom still dedicates a piece of his heart to teaching pilots.

After the unexpected mechanical complications of my airplane midway through, I thought that my training had come to a premature end. Despite the seemingly prohibitive circumstances, Tom went out of his way (pulling every string he had in Salt Lake) to find another comparable airplane to fly, and teach me how to fly it. And that he did, in less than two days. I passed my check ride on the morning of the day originally scheduled. Tom knows flying. Whether it’s high wings, low wings, jets, helicopters- anything, Tom can tame it and operate it beautifully. Tom is nothing short of the hardest working and most thoughtful instructor I have had and may ever see. After all we went through, I regard Tom as a dear friend and an asset to the aviation community.

Working with you, Tony, has been great as well. You’ve been fabulously responsive and I can tell you take pride in the quality of business you run. While going to Salt Lake instead of Sacramento was a large change of plan, you addressed the situation early and professionally. Changing plans for Salt Lake was a major “recalculation” for me, but you were true to your word about the quality of instruction I’d be receiving with Tom. If Tom is available in the coming years, I’d like nothing more than to work with him (and you) for my commercial.

I wish nothing but the best for Tom, you, and AFIT.

Cole Cross

Boulder, Colorado

14-Day Private Pilot Training

AFIT’s program was perfect for my goals. I wanted to earn my Private Pilot’s License quickly, and without wasting any time. Beyond this, however, I wanted to be prepared for real world issues that I may face as a pilot. My CFI, Paul Vera, was remarkable. With him, I wasted no time and by the time of the check ride, I was beyond prepared. Each flight hour was taken seriously, and each maneuver was an opportunity to learn something and work on technique. Each hour on the ground was spent reviewing relevant material beyond the expectations in the ACS.

Of note to any potential customers: AFIT takes this very seriously. They expect you to show up and be prepared to be serious about flight training for 14 days. Every lesson spent builds on the last, so reviewing your notes outside the classroom is essential. However, if you show up ready, and bring a positive attitude, you will be more than prepared for your check ride, and your future as a pilot.

Thank you AFIT!

Samuel Bunch

Winston-Salem, North Carolina

My 10-Day IFR Training

Hello Tony,

Michael is easily the best instructor I’ve ever had. He had an excellent sense of my progress and tailors the program day-by-day to build my skillset. His teaching style is encouraging and constructive, and the knowledge he shares is easily digestible and engaging. He shows consideration for me as a person and it’s obvious he’s engaged in helping me succeed. I highly recommend AFIT and Michael.

Thanks,

Kenton Roberts

Sunnyvale, California

14-Day Private Pilot Training

Tony,

I would like to extend my sincere appreciation to you and Ruben for all of your assistance during my recent flight training. Together you made the entire process seamless and enjoyable. From the initial contact and my inquiry of what to do and what happens next all of my questions and concerns were answered quickly and adequately. While the online training was intense and loaded with information I feel that it definitely prepared me for Rubens arrival. Immediately upon Rubens arrival he sat down and went right to work conversing about things that would prompt him to know what we needed to work on. He was able to quickly pick up on my strengths and weaknesses and jump right in to training. Although I was nervous about testing I felt completely confident in his ability to give me all of the information I needed to pass.

Ruben was very professional, polite and always willing to go over things a second or even a third time if necessary but most of all FULL OF KNOWLEDGE! It was definitely a rewarding experience and I am so happy to call myself a pilot! Thank you again for all of the assistance!

Bryan Teel

Livingston, Texas

My 10-Day IFR Training

It’s Understood that bush pilots are some of the world’s best aviators, With Andy having a background in that field, he was able to provide a level of insight and skill that other CFII’s simply can’t match. He made it easy to learn and I really enjoyed my time at AFIT.

Ben Weldon

Chico, California

10-Day IFR Training Course KAUN

Tony

The flight training was great. Mike is a excellent instructor. I have already recommended some other local pilots to AFIT.

Thanks,

Chad Bethers

Bend, Oregon

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

I can’t thank AFIT and my instructor Jacob enough. Looking back on the last two weeks, it’s crazy to think I started with very minimal knowledge and skills to walking away with my private pilot’s license. Jacob was very knowledgeable and a great pilot/instructor to learn from. The accelerated program is the way to go.

Overall the whole experience was great and I couldn’t recommend AFIT enough!

Thanks again.

Elaine Evischi

Nashville, Tennessee

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

Tony,

When I signed up for the AFIT accelerated flight training course to obtain my Private Pilot’s License in 14 days, I definitely did not know exactly into what I was getting. This accelerated course is intense and requires complete focus and commitment to the goal. For me, the most important key to successfully completing this flight training “Boot Camp” was having the right instructor. Ruben was an amazing CFI because he is patient, encouraging, and really knows how to teach aviation and build the confidence required to fly solo. He has a special chair out by the runway and when you solo for the first time, he goes and sits in the chair and watches you take flight and land the plane all on your own. I won’t forget that moment and seeing his fist pump in the air as I taxied back after landing.

Ruben is extraordinarily experienced in flying everything from single engine land aircraft to helicopters. This is someone who lives, eats, breathes, and sleeps aviation. In addition to making flying fun and being a great teacher, he also knows precisely how to prepare his students for the all-important check-ride.

I could not have accomplished my goal of earning my Private Pilot License without Ruben’s instruction and encouragement.

Thanks so much for a successful mission, Ruben!!

Melissa Kong M.D.

West Lake Hills, Texas

Private Pilot Finish-Up Course

After over thirty years of being inspired by flight, I finally began my journey in March of this year. My beginning attempts in the weather of the Pacific Northwest, where I live, led to six months of frustration battling minimums, Covid bouts, and over 85 flight hours with no Private License.

I contacted Tony at AFIT and he set me up with Adriel in Lincoln, California. In six days, Adriel had me transitioned over to the six-pack from my G1000 familiarity, re-soloed, pinned-down some landing challenges I had, and had me prepared to pass my check ride. Everything was smooth, communication great, and the end result was priceless. Achieving my Private Pilot License was a dream thirty years in the making and I’m finally on track to continue pursuing my transition into a new career in aviation.

Thanks Tony and Adriel for propelling me forward on my journey! I’m rolling on ground school for my instrument with King’s and will get my knowledge squared away for my IRA test. I’m hoping to get set up for your instrument course ASAP.

Klayton Lewis

Port Townsend, Washington

10-Day Private Pilot Finish-Up Course KVNY

I wanted to write to you and let you know about my experience at Van Nuys with Annelie and Alex these past 10 days.

First of all, I can’t say enough about the professionalism and patience of Annelie. As my flight instructor she was methodical in her approach and instilled in me the information that I needed to learn effectively and quickly. I had come in with a 10-year background of flying so she quickly figured out what I still needed to learn and improve upon in order to be successful in what we were about to do.

My second point is to the demeanor of Annelie and Alex. You will not find anyone nicer and more patient than these two wonderful people. I would suggest and encourage anyone looking to expedite their flight instruction to come to Van Nuys and learn under Annelie and Alex. They both have a wealth of knowledge. Alex’s background in airplane mechanics makes him a huge asset to the program too.

Thanks for what you’re doing to help student pilots everywhere achieve success in their continuance of aviation education.

Michael Clay MD

Foley, Alabama

14-Day Private Pilot Training Course

Hey Tony,

The experience I had the last two weeks while working towards my Private Pilot’s License has been incredible. The hotel worked extremely well, its location was ideal. Ruben took great care of me and made me feel extremely comfortable along the whole journey. You can really tell that Ruben has been instructing for a very long time. The procedures were taught in a very easy to understand way. If there was ever anything I wanted to work on more we hammered it out until I was a master at it. We got along very well and I enjoyed our time together. I felt safe and well taken care of the whole time. The Lincoln location was great from the friendly office staff and the benefit of having a group of friendly mechanics on site. A few mechanic needs came up along the way and they were taken care of immediately. One Mechanic came in after hours to change a tire for us so that we could complete our night flight. From start to finish everything was a well-oiled machine and a great process.

I would recommend AFIT and more specifically Ruben to anyone that wants to further their aviation knowledge.

Thanks,

Trevor Comes

San Francisco, California

14-Day Private Pilot Course KLHM

AFIT is the way to go!! They paired me with Ben and he made the experience great! He worked as hard as I did! Two weeks of constant learning. Doing this accelerated program is hard but is certainly worth it. No getting screwed around by schools trying to delay your training doing an hour here hour there. This knocks out your hours! Fastest way to learn!

Ben was my instructor and not only is he very patient but he’s full of knowledge and wanted me to do well as much as I did! All the hard work paid off and I passed my check ride!

Becky Hill

Tacoma, Washington

14-Day Private Pilot Course

Hello Tony!

I just wanted to take the time to let you know about my experience with Ricardo.

In the two weeks that I spent in Lincoln learning with Ricardo, he remained consistently positive and when I would start to doubt my own capabilities, he was always reassuring with a kind and empathetic attitude. He constantly checked in as we were flying to make sure that I was feeling healthy during flight and was verifying that I was understanding what he was teaching to me.

Something that I’ve been bragging about to my friends, who are also in the beginning phases of their flight career, is Ricardo’s knowledge and ability to convey that information in a clear and easy to understand manner. I strive to have the knowledge base that he has going forward.

All this to say, I think that Ricardo is an awesome instructor and I am happy that I was paired up with him for training.

Thank you again Tony for your time! I look forward to sending more business your way with my friends when they are ready to start the flying portion of their training.

George Copelin

Newport, Washington

6-Day Commercial Training Course

I just want to start by saying thank you to Ruben and the rest of the staff at AFIT. All of the instructors are more willing to give you the time necessary to get you where you need to be as a pilot. I was able to earn my private pilot rating in November 2021 with the help of Ruben. I have since been able to get my instrument rating and now my commercial pilot license. I did all three ratings in a shorter time than I thought was possible. Ruben was my instructor for all three ratings, and I can’t say enough about how much he did to help me accomplish my goals. Thank you again to Ruben and all off the people at AFIT for everything, I couldn’t have done it without you.

Tyler Liburdi

Modesto, California