Menu
What our customers say
Graham Goodrich
Des Moines, Washington

John was the perfect professional during the entire process, a natural flight instructor. Even though we lost some time due to abnormal weather, we still finished on time. I was very impressed with his methods and would definitely use AFIT again.

Overall, I had a “great experience” and it was a vast improvement over the flight school I was using before.

Zach Weber
Baggs, Wyoming

I would like to thank John my instructor, not only for helping me get my Private pilot’s license in 40 hours but for becoming a great friend. He is a “Great Instructor” and a great person to be around which made my training not feel like a school but just another day with a friend who has great knowledge in aviation.
I don’t know of anywhere else that someone can learn in that short of time and feel as confident and as proficient as I do with the instruction. After completing my check ride, I flew my own plane home on a 3 hour flight with confidence and ease. I am grateful that I was able to have such a knowledgeable instructor that I rate as second to none.

Thank you AFIT and John for everything that you have done for me, I will recommend my experience to anyone interested in aviation.

I look forward to continuing my training into IFR with AFIT and John in the future.

Douglas Wilson
Cheyenne, Wyoming

Both You and John were great to work with. It does not seem that it should be so difficult to find good IFR training. I have been pleasantly surprised by your communication and service. I have put a great deal of time and effort into IFR training and now that I am finished I wish I had started with you.  Thanks again.

Jonathan Gallmeier
Austin, Texas

I have had a fantastic week in Addison TX with Lou and I’d like thank you and AFIT for everything. Lou is a fantastic instructor! I had 80 hours of instruction prior, but still had cross-country solo work to do as well as a number of other requirements to wrap up. Lou was able to diagnose my failure points immediately and got my skills up to PTS standards in a matter of days. Experience makes a difference!
I’d highly recommend AFIT and Lou to anyone interested in flight training. There is none of the “time building” and “dollar wasting” activities you may find at other flight schools. You may pay a little more through AFIT from the hourly cost perspective. However, you won’t spend as much time learning so your total cost is less.

Feel free to share my contact information, I will give a hearty two thumbs up for AFIT and Lou.

Stephen Fink
Sacramento, California

Thank you Tony and Cholena for making a dream of mine a reality. Anyone who is skeptical about an accelerated program really shouldn’t be, and I’m proof. After struggling with instructors schedules, meeting with multiple different instructors, forgetting what I learned and spending much of lessons relearning everything, I found AFIT. Before AFIT, I felt like I was tiring out an instructor if I wanted more than the normal 2 hours typical lesson. The instruction was everything you told me it would be Tony when you signed me up. The plan was completely laid out from start to finish, I felt like every day had a purpose. The program is great it not only prepared me for the checkride, but made me a confident, proficient and safe pilot.

Thanks again!

Jamie Coulson
Nairobi, Kenya

I really enjoyed my training with John and AFIT and can only add praise to what is a very slick operation. “John is a fantastic instructor”. I certainly have no regrets in making the trip over here to get my training done.

I can confirm that in the next year my sister and law and nephew will be joining you for training.

Chip Baker
Arcata, California

I had struggled to get my pilots license for three years . Weather, timing, money and business all contributed to such a long road. I’ve been to four different FBO’s, and had numerous low time flight instructors. At 80 hours I had learned the basics, however my skills were poor and I still needed night landings and solo time to finish my requirements.
After calling several accelerated flight programs throughout the country I finally talked to AFIT. Tony assured me that I was no different than many of their other clients and he was glad to help me.

Tony scheduled me with John at their Boulder, Colorado location. “John was the instructor I needed.” He has thousands of hours of dual given and 40+ years of experience in aviation.

We started working immediately. John evaluated my flying skills and aviation knowledge . After identifying my numerous flaws and bad habits, John was actually able to teach me how to safely fly a single engine aircraft . The whole process only took 10 days of actual training.

Now that I have my pilots license I will definitely use AFIT for my instrument rating. Many Thanks AFIT.

Randall K. Johnson
Longmont, Colorado

Training with AFIT was a “Great Experience.” John was always Professional, Enthusiastic and really went out of his way to make sure I understood the material.

I’m looking forward to aviation being a part of my life and will definitely be back with AFIT when I’m ready to pursue my instrument rating. Thank You!

Emma Beebe
Reno, Nevada

My flight training with Todd was wonderful! He really helped me understand a lot of concepts I’d been struggling with and I now feel that I’ll be a safe and competent Private Pilot.

Despite weather delays that impacted both the training and the check ride, it all got done.

I look forward to working with AFIT again soon!

Larry Norcross
Clinton, Missouri

I just wanted to tell you that AFIT was the only way I was going to get my IFR. John was great and easy to work with around my busy schedule. John knew my Bonanza inside and out..

I will recommend your course to anyone who is serious about getting a Instrument rating. Your training program was “Excellent”.

Josh Bellamy
Peoria, Illinois

Thank you for your time and instruction in my Bonanza G36. I engaged AFIT to get more comfortable flying my Bonanza. I appreciate your working around my busy schedule and your willingness to fly at my convenience. Your guidance was a great benefit to my becoming comfortable flying the Bonanza.

Your guidance and instruction is invaluable to my training and more importantly my safety as a pilot. Thanks for everything.

Chris Crabtree
Mooresville, North Carolina

I really enjoyed flying with Todd. He was patient, helpful and very informative. You guys have been great to work with to get everything worked out so quickly and thoroughly.

Thanks for your help.

Francesco Alvarado Sampieri
Maracaibo, Zulia, Venezuela

I’m back in Venezuela, and I just want to thank you and John for all your attention and help provided to me during those days of hard intensive training. I had the opportunity to fly in a complete new enviroment, in a place that I`ve never visited before (Colorado). During those days I visited more than 7 different airports, even different states. John is a really good instructor with knowledge in every single area of the aviation world, from gliders to Boeing 777`s, from the Surface as a certified mechanic to as high as taking samples of air at 26.000 ft for government institutions.

I’m really thankful for all the knowledge that I acquired and for your services and excellent attention everyday, and of course with AFIT to be there 24/7 and answer my emails in SECONDS! With any doubt I will come back for my instruments training soon. 101% recommended for everyone, even International students like me.

If you ever need help or have any spanish speaking student who want references of the school or specifically with John, you can give them my email and with pleasure I`ll share my experience.

Again, thank you very much.

Susan C
San Diego, California

John is an excellent instructor and is committed to getting his students through this very demanding but ultimately rewarding IFR program. I was an inexperienced pilot having received my private and cross country flight experience in a cessna 150 thirteen years ago and had not flown meaningfully since. I managed to accomplish a high performance rating, biannual VFR flight review and my IFR rating all in 10 days of flying.

John not only saw me through the IFR course but worked on my overall flying skills, landings and pattern work. He kept me going on a few rocky days when I wanted to quit. By the time the check ride arrived I felt properly prepared. I am proud of the amount of work we accomplished in such a short period of time. Thanks for everything.

Kenneth Bacow
New York, USA

I’m thrilled to have passed my instrument checkride. I really can’t say enough good things about the whole experience, and John in particular. John was really good at maintaining a pace and cadence to make sure that I didn’t burn out.

In addition to everything I learned about instrument flying and procedures, I may have learned even more from John about aviation in general. He helped me get more out of cockpit automation, get more use out of my iPad when flying, taught me about aircraft systems and maintenance, and real world weather tips. In addition, he’s just an all around nice person and very easy to be around.

Given we finished our training early, I’m very excited to be able to get some complex / multi time during our last day and a half. I would be thrilled to recommend John and AFIT to anyone.

Many thanks for helping me become an instrument pilot.

Don Huskey
Leesburg, Texas

It was a goal of mine to get instrument rated by year end. I was a 150 hour VFR pilot with no high performance or complex time plus a twenty year hiatus since earning my wings. Our A36, N999SG came to us in May of this year and I began flying a handful of aircraft. After the required hours of dual in type for insurability plus a healthy premium I was ready to commit to earning my rating. I utilized Aviation Seminars for their expertise in preparing for the written test and passed comfortably. A week later I spoke with you and A.F.I.T. Todd my Instructor came to my home airport December 5th to begin our ten day training.

Todd was relentless and somewhat diabolical in reinforcing what would be required to meet the Practical Test Standards. Unusual attitude recovery, holding, three approaches and a congratulations from the DPE on earning Instrument Rating.

Within one month I went from Written Test Prep course to A.F.I.T. to check ride and having my Instrument rating. And… I did it by year end!

Thank you Tony and thank you Todd.

Dr. Lance M. Hill
Lewisville, Texas

Today I finished my PPL. I passed my check-ride with flying colors. Also my baby girl was born late last night at 9lbs 1oz. She is so beautiful and amazing. This has been an amazing year. I want to whole heatedly thank AFIT and John for all the skills taught me during my time in Colorado. John helped me obtain a life-long goal, and I am very appreciative for the time and talent.

Martina Reik
Novi, Michigan

Thank you for all your help on my way to finish the instrument rating.

I was always very impressed with the fast, thorough and patient responses to my e-mails, even when I sent them late in the afternoon or even during the evening hours. The positive impression I gained from our discussions was very comforting, I therefore decided to finish my instrument rating with you.

I flew from Michigan to California to meet with John at the Van Nuys Airport. On the same day we began with the training and an initial flight to get me accustomed to the plane and the airspace as well as to give John an idea of which topics had to be covered and what needs to be practiced in order to get me ready for the instrument check ride. John is a great and experienced teacher who did an excellent job with pushing me to my limits but also with polishing my skills and in deepening my understanding of the instrument flying system. I learned a lot from John, inside and outside the plane, about flying and aviation in general.

The check ride took place on January 1st. Thanks to the intense training with John, his constant pushing and pointing to things that I missed during the training, I passed with flying colors. Is there a better way to start the New Year?

The G1000 equipped Cessna 172 we used for the training was fun to fly and in great condition. It was a great and thoroughly enjoyable experience working with John. I don’t want to imagine, how much more time I would have had to spend in Michigan (conditions are currently 5°F degree F, snow and ice) to finish the instrument training.

Thank you, I will certainly recommend AFIT and John to other pilots.

Andrew Dirkes
Hanford, California

Just want to say thanks to you both (Tony and John) for the finishing course for my PPL. From calling on a Friday to starting flights on Monday it was great to walk away 7 days later with my Private Pilot’s License. John did a great job of blocking off time for an airplane ensuring I could make the timeline while working with me to make sure I was confident for the check ride. I had 36 hours over the previous 5 1/2 months and now have my license and 60 hours.

Kate Pottebaum
Winterset, Iowa

A teacher is only as good as their ability to impart knowledge, and Eric is exemplary. He has a way of reducing complex aviation concepts into digestible pieces. He is able to explain, re-explain, and then interpret his explanation until his student comprehends. Eric is long on patience and is meticulous in his instructing. Accelerated courses must have been designed around Eric, as his ability to teach flight in 13 days is down to a science. He also walks the exact same walk that he expects of his students. If I went home exhausted from a long day of flight, I knew that Eric was still working. He cares about his students success because he cares about putting safe, competent, and critically thinking pilots out into the sky. I appreciate that I have been connected with him and am grateful for the above-and-beyond instruction I received from him. I am a better pilot than many other instructors could have produced. Any advertisement is only as good as it’s product; AFIT is extremely lucky to have found a fit with Eric and I am glad that it connects him with exactly what he was designed to do- teach people how to fly. Thank you for the experience!

Tony, thanks again for the connection! You’ve got a great product with AFIT!

Dayer Worrall
Salt Lake City, Utah

I couldn’t have completed my instrument training without AFIT!!!! In spite of two mechanical issues and weather that postponed our flying time, my trainer John still made it happen. I can’t say enough about his patience and commitment. My overall piloting knowledge and confidence grew beyond my expectations with John and AFIT….My recommendation is more of a question. Why would you choose anyone other than AFIT?

I really enjoyed my time with John and plan on doing some recurring training with him in the future. Thanks again for your help and swift follow up every time.

Dr. Goody Thomas
Rock Hill, South Carolina

AFIT is a very professional organization. I enjoyed my training with John, he was very informative and brought me up to speed on my G480 and gave me a great deal of confidence to fly in IMC. I would recommend their expertise to anyone who is interested in upgrading their level of flying.

Yu Jin Tay
The Makena, Singapore

I’m writing to convey how happy and appreciative I am to have finally obtained my long desired and coveted private pilot’s license!

Having trained previously (unsuccessfully I might add) with another school based out of Caldwell Airport in New Jersey, I know first hand the difference a proper program and instructor makes. And an experienced, skilled and dedicated instructor like Cholena was exactly what I needed. She spotted and worked with me on ironing out bad habits I had as a student pilot, and made sure that my progress was always on track. In the end I was not only able to pass the checkride; more importantly I felt I was able to pass it confidently as a safe and competent private pilot.

Thank you both Cholena and AFIT, and I’m looking forward to returning and getting my instrument certification!

Ken Weissenburger
Grand Junction, Colorado

I am very’ happy with the training. Eric is an incredible guy with an amazing background and he was able to constantly adapt the program to the changing conditions during the week.
With 38 years away from flying, I was looking to get a starting point for getting back, and to a get a sense of my abilities, the state of the aircraft and its equipment, and a feel for the current environment of general aviation (flying, airspace, ground operations, communications, etc). Eric covered a lot of information. It was intense, but incredibly worthwhile and the feedback/advice provided by Eric was clear and honest.

Eric Gravatt
Idaho Falls, Idaho

I just wanted to drop a note to thank you and your Phenom instructor Todd. As you probably remember, I was referred to you by Don Berman and on my way home from his Aviation Ground School Seminar in Reno, Nevada, I shot you an email. Before I hit the freeway I had a reply from you and less than 2 months later from our initial conversation I have had my instrument training and have passed my check ride…and that included a five week break because of bad weather and DPE scheduling issues!

The long and short of it… I couldn’t have asked for a better instructor. Todd was able to note my weaknesses and focus my attention to make them stronger. His “real life” approach to teaching was invaluable to me.

I will definitely be using the AFIT/Todd combination when it comes time for my Commercial Ticket.

Thanks again to both of you!

Michael Nayak
San Francisco, California

I just wanted to write to you to sum up the 14-day PPL course I took in Boulder. John was a great instructor and a total professional. He knows his stuff! He spent a lot of time teaching me how to “be one with the airplane, kimosabi”, and it was certainly helpful – I passed my check ride on the first try!

As you know, I flew out from California to do this course, so finishing on time was very important to me. We hit a patch of bad weather, and I was worried that I’d be headed home without my license. But John kept us on track! As soon as we had a good day, he pushed me to knock requirements out, one after the other, and I ended up completing right on time. Keeping my goals in his mind and helping me get to them was very much appreciated!

Another great thing about learning from John was that he put things into larger perspective. For example, we practiced an instrument-only approach, just so I could see how it worked. This was great to see, and I’ll be back when I’ve racked up enough time for an IFR rating :)

Thanks to you as well, for dealing with the scheduling twists and helping me to get this done! My experience with AFIT was professional from start to finish, I’m thrilled to be a new private pilot, and I’m looking forward to flying in California in the days to come!

Sean Gorman
Superior, Colorado

Tony, I had a great time doing my flight training. It worked out really well. I felt like John really likes what he does and he knew what areas to focus on to get through the testing.

The examiner said I knew everything exactly like he hoped and better. He also said it was about essentially a perfect score, which is always good to hear.

Andrew Walton
Rocklin, California

I want to thank you for all AFIT did to help me get my private pilot license, purchase a plane and get a high performance endorsement. I was amazed when you helped me look at ads for planes and advised me as I made an offer on the most promising one.
I was also impressed with the flight instruction I received from AFIT. John did an excellent job building my skill and confidence while I learned to fly in very busy airspace. It has been gratifying to build piloting skills so quickly. John saw my training through to the point where I passed my check ride and got transition into the Cirrus SR-22 I purchased.

It was a pleasure to work with AFIT and I look forward to getting my instrument rating with AFIT in the future.

Josh M. Holtzman
Kensington, California

John is an incredibly capable, patient, and insightful instrument instructor. He picked up on my strengths and weaknesses almost immediately, and tailored my course to ensure I was up to speed in every area. The training was intense, but it never felt overwhelming. After a week of training, though, I still had doubts in my ability to ever fly IFR because I kept making mistakes on our practice approaches. “When the pressure is on”, he explained, “the only option is to execute an approach perfectly” and that it will all come together for me. He was right. I’ve never flown as precisely or been so ahead of the airplane as I was on my checkride. I now feel more confident than ever in my abilities as a pilot, whether IFR or VFR, and appreciate the flexibility an instrument rating affords. I’m looking forward to staying IFR current, but if I don’t, I’ll be looking to John for recurrent training or an IPC. Thanks John!

Jeffrey R. Slay
Santa Barbara, California

Todd was critical to me passing my instrument rating. Having had lessons from other instructors, Todd was able to put all the pieces together and fill in the gaps over three days of intensive training. More importantly I felt confident in taking my check ride. At the end of the check ride the Examiner said he had no doubts about passing me and I am confident that I can fly safely in real IMC.  Thank you Todd and AFIT.

Mark A. Rollins
Alpharetta, GA

Just wanted to say thanks for the opportunity to work with Cholena to complete my Training

You and your team are a first class operation, and best in class in the flight Training business! There are a lot of bad apples in flight training; AFIT is a stellar example of how to be in the Flight Training business.

Your value proposition provided a unique combination of efficient quality training that achieves proven results, while also doing so with the highest level of integrity. Thank you.

Dr. David G. Barnes
Burleson, Texas

Thanks again for your organization and help setting everything up Tony. Bill was an “Excellent Instructor”and had a great time getting to know him and learn from him! This was a very nice experience and am glad to be finished with my instrument rating as planned.

Thanks again.

Ron Waddell
Houma, Louisiana

I had an awesome refresher course in the Cirrus and had a great time as well. Bill is a great guy and great instructor. He taught me several things that became very useful.

Let’s keep in touch.

Harry Fisher Jr.
Chalmette, Louisiana

Just a short note thanking AFIT for all the help in obtaining my instrument rating. I passed my check ride with ease.

Linda Corcoran
Bourbonnais, Illinois

Just wanted to let you know that I had a Great experience with Bill during my training. He was very patient and knowledgeable. It was great having him here and on my schedule. I would not have been able to complete my IFR training without this flexibility. With the challenges of Chicago weather and busy airspace, it all came together nicely. I’ve had the chance to do some easy IFR since and fly our Bonanza with confidence thanks to Bill.

Erik Molden
Frazer, Pennsylvania

I just wanted to write and express what a tremendous experience my accelerated instrument training has been with AFIT. Ralph was one of the best flight instructors I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. His extensive, real world, knowledge, and his ability to breakdown concepts has taught me far more than just what was required for my instrument checkride. Being a fairly new pilot, I was a bit hesitant in doing the instrument training in the accelerated format, however I am extremely happy that I went through with it. The program’s structure and focus, combined with quality/professional instruction from a dedicated CFII like Ralph was just what I needed to get my instrument rating and obtain a wealth of knowledge beyond just the requirements of the PTS. I would highly recommend this training to anyone seeking their instrument rating. I truly feel confident departing into IMC conditions due to the training I received.

Please feel free to have any potential students contact me if they would like to discuss my experiences with AFIT.

Thank you once again and please pass on my gratitude to Ralph.

Andrew Stephens
Chicago, Illinois

Just wanted to let you know how satisfied I am with the Accelerated Flight & Instrument Training program I received from AFIT and John in Boulder Colorado, The idea of getting away from my hometown to prevent distractions was the right choice. Boulder in the Spring this year proved to be challenging from a wind/weather standpoint but in the end I know I am a better pilot for it! John, was very committed to teaching and instructing me to get the job done. I was also appreciative of him taking a personal interest in my overall piloting skills and helping me work on some deficiencies that needed attention. At the end of the session I not only walked away with my IFR ticket but felt like I knew my plane better than I ever had and gained confidence in precision flying skills that I did not have when I arrived. I would not hesitate to recommend AFIT and John to any future potential client you have that inquires!

All the best.

Peter Fennelly
Kalispell, Montana

Thank you for Hal. He is a great instructor. You were right on when you said I would be happy. I passed my check ride on Monday as you know. Hal is so patient and professional, and has become a good friend. His unrelenting confidence in me was so reassuring. The thought of being Taught by an instructor with Hal’s experience and safety was everything. From day one of flying we were in the system and clouds. After all my concerns when talking to you on AFIT’s training, I really see the benefits of actually flying in the system Vs. Simulation. Some of the situations we were put into with ATC you just can’t simulate. I can’t say enough about Hal and his Love for IFR training and his positive attitude every day. He made the difference in my abilities as an Instrument pilot. My flight examiner said he did a good Job. Please use me as a reference any time and I would love to talk or answer any Questions for someone considering AFIT.

Thanks again,

Neil Amin
Chester, Virginia

I want to thank you for all your help with obtaining my instrument rating. Ron was a delight to train with and you were always there to answer any questions. I needed to have my rating in 5 days and was barely vfr proficient when Ron arrived. We trained hard for 5 days and I had my rating by the end of the 6th day. More importantly, Ron rekindled my interest in flying. He took me to Class Bravo airports, into snow and icing conditions and helped me experience other real life scenarios. We’ve become great friends and I look forward to earning my commercial and multi-engine license with his help. Thank you again Tony for telling me that simulators are not capable of teaching real life flying. You not only helped me earn a rating, but prepared me for years of flying.

Please feel free to pass on my name and number to anyone who has any questions.

Peter Levy
Garden Grove, California

AFIT, wow what an experience.

I decided to take on a 10 day IFR course in my Cirrus SR-22 and never expected it to be so easy, accommodating, and fulfilling. The experience began the second My instructor Ron stepped off his flight from Florida at LAX. He was accommodating confident and organized. Never through the 10 days did I feel rushed, or feel the repetitive nature of this training to take its toll on Ron, his relaxed nature made flying for so many hours with a hood on calming and very instructional. If you are thinking of this course and have the time to put in, your results will unquestionably be the same as mine. I passed almost without one negative comment from the FAA Examiner that performed my check ride. I had plenty of time to continue managing the demands of my company and never missed a beat in the training. Ron not only was a wonderful instructor but became a friend. Thank you AFIT for the time and the confidence to get my IFR ticket in a short 10 days of fun.

© 1990-2024 A.F.I.T Accelerated Flight & Instrument Training