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What our customers say
Scott Connelly
Corona Del Mar, California

Bill is, without qualification, a superb instructor. His vast experience in many domains of aviation allows him to impart important “real world” insights into the procedural guidelines mandated by the FAA. His approach allows the trainee to embrace flying as a dynamic process, sidestepping the pedantic trappings of conventional flight school syllabi.

For the owner/operator who desires an efficient and pragmatic method to advance his or her skills/ratings, the AFIT programs represent a truly exemplary opportunity to attain their goals.
Thank You.

Tulane M. Peterson
Arcadia, California

I successfully completed the IFR certification this week. Thanks for all your help in the training process. Due to some extraordinary work pressures of my law practice, Mark and I had to work with an extremely compact schedule to complete both the instrument written exam and the practical training while he was here. Mark graciously took on the challenge and provided outstanding training and guidance throughout the instrument training process. Mark conducted the instrument training with an extremely high level of professional competence, tailoring the training process to both my personal situation and my personal training needs. Southern California is an extremely congested and complex training ground for instrument construction. Mark was able to craft training exercises in this real-world context that well prepared me to fly safely and competently in the Southern California instrument environment. My hat is off to Mark for a job very well done.

Kris J. Storkersen
Temecula, California

I want to say working with Bill was a real pleasure. He was calm and VERY professional. My experience with Bill and AFIT was nothing short of excellent. I cant believe I am instrument rated. I have talked about doing this for many years. I thank you and your company for allowing me to fulfill my dream.

Ron Waddell
Houma, Louisiana

Thank you. Ed is a great guy and a fantastic instructor. I went in to the flight training with only the 6 hours of basic instrument that I received when I got my Private license. Ed took it from there. He and I, literally, spent all day every day together working on this for 10 straight days. I can’t thank him enough. Ed polished my flying skills, my thinking skills, my communication skills, definitely my multitasking skills. I definitely received more than just a IFR certificate from this. I “know” that I am a better “pilot” today than I was ten days ago. Now all I have to do is keep up my skills.

Andre C. Broussard, Jr
Houma, LA

I had an excellent experience with Ron and I would recommend him and AFIT to anyone aspiring to attain an instrument rating. Ron is extremely knowledgeable, patient, and is a talented instructor and motivator. My training with Ron will certainly serve me well in the future and I wish you guys continued success.

Douglas F. Mology
New Jersey

I wanted to drop you this letter of appreciation on what I great choice I made in selecting AFIT for my instrument training. It’s probably the story you hear quite often. Started my training elsewhere, 2 hours here, 3 hours there seemed like it was taking forever. Trying to book time with busy instructors, scheduling planes etc. Then when I had the opportunity, the aircraft and the desire to put aside 10 days, Ron came here and did such a fantastic job. I saw the difference the very first day. The syllabus of ground, followed up by airwork in such an organized, step by step process. I felt like I had learned more in the first day then I did in months of previous lessons here and there.

Ron knew the plane inside and out. One of the things I had requested from your company in the beginning. Please don’t send me someone who is unfamiliar with the aircraft. You didn’t and he knew everything there is about the Cirrus. He made the whole learning process both fun and enjoyable all while learning what it takes to fly instrument single pilot. At the end of the course I passed the check ride and now have level of confidence I’ve never had before. When you recommend Ron to future students, let them know, they will talk instrument flying all day, at ground school, in the plane even while we were having lunch. This type of process worked so great for me, we were always talking about rules, regulations and steps to follow while flying.

I look back so fondly of the 10 days with Ron. I’ve kept in touch with him since he left and look forward to using your company for future ratings as I see fit. Thanks so much. All the success to you and AFIT. Please if you have anyone who wants to hear from a student of AFIT , tell them to give me a call. I would be glad to recommend AFIT to them first hand.

Scott J. Saldana
Chicago

I wanted to send you a short note to express my satisfaction with AFIT’s Instrument Training Program. I found my trainer, Mark, to be a professional who really knows the material and how to present it. And I especially appreciated the flexibility afforded me during the days of training. It was a real benefit to me since my work schedule is demanding and at times unpredictable. I am looking forward to working with Mark again next month for my Commercial rating.

I would readily recommend Mark and AFIT’s training program to any pilot.

J. Paul Cooper
Atlanta, Georgia

! wanted to personally thank you and your team at AFIT on a job well done! I finally received my Instrument Rating and couldn’t be happier with the professionalism Ron demonstrated as my flight instructor. We had a great relationship as instructor and student and Ron covered all of the material I was to be tested on to my comfort level, so that when I took the test, I felt absolutely sure that I would pass, and I did! Ron was a pleasure to work with and I hope to maintain my relationship with him in the future.

My company, Cooper-Atlanta Transportation Services (CATS), is a luxury limousine service headquartered in the Atlanta area and we service our customers on a global basis. I noticed many similarities in the professionalism and customer service that AFIT and CATS’ provide to their customers; therefore, it makes me feel even more secure to know I have been trained by what I believe to be the best in the Aviation industry.

On another note, I have been looking at the Pilatus PC-12 as my next possible aircraft and may need some training to familiarize myself with its avionics and flying ability. I was reading on your website that you now have a Pilatus Training Course. That’s great and when I do find my Pilatus, I will again be calling you and your team of professionals!

Again, thanks to Ron and to you at AFIT for providing a great training program and helping me conquer another goal in my flying journey! Safe skies,

Rod Tuttle
Alpine, CA

I just wanted you to know Bill E. was a pleasure to work with. He was able to stay calm and worked with my bad habits, no matter how stubborn I was. Bill is very understanding, patient, and a genuinely nice and sincere gentlemen. He even worked our a second weekend trip so that I was able to pass my checkride. I’ve been flying VFR for over 10 years and have always worried about being stuck someplace or having to delay departure. It sure adds undue stress to the situation. I had taken a traditional IFR course with my local CFI and passed the written. With my business growing fast it seems I never had the time to get my instrument rating. But I did update my Saratoga with the latest GPS, HSI, Mode S, etc, for that day when I would have to enter the clouds.

The stress finally got to me after being stuck in TX for 2 days. I saw your ad in one of the flying magazines at the FBO, called the number and got the ball rolling. I studied on my own and, based on my old instructor’s endorsement, took the written exam ( got a 97% ). Bill E. then stepped in and we logged 18 hours of training over a 5 day period. I enjoyed every minute. Even the ground training. I have never worked with an instructor that has such a broad spectrum of flying experience. With Bill’s confidence I was able to pass the check ride and I now have my IFR rating. I almost immediately put the rating to use on a trip with to the San Juan Islands ( near Seattle ). With my wife ( a VFR pilot ) in the right seat to crosscheck, we were able to make 3 IFR departures and 3 full approaches at 4 different airports on that trip. We were able to make all of our planned departures and stops on schedule. No more undue delays waiting for the morning marine layer to break up. That trip was made possible by my training at AFIT.
It was a pleasure having the chance to work with AFIT and especially great to receive training from an instructor with such experience and knowledge as Bill E. AFIT would be my number one recommendation for any experienced pilot wanting to efficiently earn an instrument rating.

Oscar Hernandez
Miami, Florida

Thanks for the email, I had it on my mind to call both you and Ed and thank you for all your help. I did very well on my test and I have high marks for Ed. He was pleasant, courteous, timely and easy to work with. My family and I will fly safely thanks to your teaching and dedication. Stay in touch.

James W. Vick
Chicago, Illinois

Tony, thanks, Ed was very accommodating on my schedule and was a pleasure to work w/. We covered quite a few things in the 4 days preparing for the check ride. You can know that my biggest disappointment is all of the time i have spent (1 year) getting to this point. if i were to do it again, i would go through your 10 day program and be done. the one time economic hit may be higher in appearance, but, the overall costs would be lower.

Thanks for your help and for sending Ed down to work with me, you and your staff did a great job.

Edward C. Marcinko
Windber, PA

I just wanted to say thanks to you and your excellent staff at AFIT. First off, on initial contact you explained everything that AFIT could and more importantly would do for me. I already had my private pilot license and instrument rating and was looking to obtain both the Commercial SE and the Commercial ME with Instrument privileges. Prior to contacting AFIT, I was slowly crawling along facing all the hassles associated with a traditional flight-training program.

All that changed when I contacted AFIT. Believe me when I say no false promises were made. You laid it all on the line and covered everything in detail. When you indicated that I could get it all done in eight days, I have to admit I was very skeptical and doubted you and the instructor about getting this done within that established time frame. You indicated it would not be easy and that it would require a very serious commitment. I like a challenge, so I took you up on it.

As you know, I managed to successfully pass four ratings in eight days. I now hold a Commercial Multiengine with Instrument and a Commercial Single Engine with Instrument. Add to that, the fact of having a truly enjoyable experience while getting it all accomplished. I highly recommend your services. Thanks again for everything.

Christopher A. Burton
NC

Ron and I had a great time and the training was fantastic. I can highly recommend your program to any pilot who wants to earn their instrument ticket. Thanks again.

Bill Eve P.E.
Springfield, Illinois

I just wanted to let you know that I thought your accelerated instrument course was fantastic! On the Morning of June 5th, I had never had an instrument lesson in my life. With the exception of the minimal instrument training required to get my private ticket and a couple of hours during my BFR’s, I had almost no instrument time. By June 15th I had my instrument rating! Your system works!

I can’t begin to say enough about the instructor, Ronald, Simply put, Ronald was probably the best teacher that I’ve ever had in any subject. There were moments (about the 6th day of training) when I had no idea how I was ever going to pass the check-ride. Between his expert instruction and his role as my personal cheerleader, Ronald was able to reassure me that we were right on track. And he was right. By the end of the 8th day everything made sense, I knew what I was doing, and I knew I was going to pass my check-ride. I’d be happy to talk to any of your prospective clients as a referral. When I get around to upgrading my plane I’ll be sure and schedule another round of training!

David M. Lusk

Weather and schedules finally cooperated for my instrument practical Tuesday night. I passed with several compliments. Mark shared and taught me techniques that were easily understood, and repeatable, for all aspects of the practical. Most of these were noted and resulted in positive comments from my examiner.

I enjoyed working with Mark. He was very sensitive about my time, making himself available around my business and personal obligations. More importantly, for me, he was a very effective instructor. He clearly explained requirements, risks and preferred methods for safe and compliant instrument flight. He also went out of his way to use IMC for much of the training, invaluable experience, especially here in the Upper Midwest.

My only regret is that I waited so long to train this way. Thanks for your help and support.

Larry Cochran
Santa Barbara, California

My recent experience with Ronald from AFIT was nothing but perfect. Ronald came to Santa Barbara and spent several days in our home as well as my airplane. As a flight instructor Ronald provided all the necessary flight training and oral preparation to pass my commercial check ride. Ronald has the ability to pass along his vast knowledge of flight. As a guest, he was a delight to have with us. With a very busy schedule, using the services from AFIT was an ideal way to get the training needed to pass the FAA Check Ride and I thank you.

Dr. Larry D Sumerlin
El Paso, Texas

I wanted to thank you for arranging the ten day course for me. It was most helpful. Instructor Mark tailored the course to my needs and my schedule. He was very patient yet thorough. Without his help, I could not have accomplished my goals. Thanks again

Justin Damore

Bill E. was great. He has a very subtle teaching approach which really instills confidence. He definitely doesn’t miss a thing. He’s very thorough and methodical. I had a great time with Bill and it ended with my instrument rating. I’d recommend AFIT and Bill to anyone, especially if they own a Cirrus. Turn, time, twist, throttle, talk…..think. worked for me. Thanks for everything.

John Fenley

I have to say, Dealing with AFIT and Michael has been a pleasure. You and your team are on top of everything every step of the way. I greatly appreciate your help and being associated with a group of people so thorough. Great Job,

Tom Crane
Crestwood, Illinois

“An instrument rating makes you a better pilot” I was told by many aviators. I was having trouble fitting the additional training into my schedule. I read an ad in an aviation magazine about AFIT and was more than intrigued. After a little more research I decided to immerse myself in my instrument training. I scheduled a block of ten days and committed myself to the training.

Their trainer, a 8,000 hour plus pilot, and I formed a fast friendship and I learned about more than just instrument flying during those ten days. I passed my check ride with confidence. Now I am a better and SAFER pilot, thanks to AFIT.

I recommend them to everyone!

Marty Sprinzen
Santa Monica, California

Well – I did it. Ron is a very nice guy and put in a great effort – as well as me. He knows all aspects of instrument flying. I felt very safe and comfortable with him. He also setup my checkride in a way that helped me succeed (a meeting and Q’s for the DE). He did a great job of training me. Thanks you, I am a very’ satisfied customer.

Robert A.Benson
McAlester, Oklahoma

My training was completed with achievement of a successful IFR checkride! Thanks for your program. I want to let you know I very much appreciated Ron for his commitment and efforts to help me. I would recommend AFIT and Ron very highly.

Tom Dolan
Northport, New York

Tony, I would like to thank you for arranging the Ten Day Instrument Course. I had over the years, attempted to start my instrument training several times before, only to let it slip away as a thought in the back of my mind. Now having 20 years on the Nassau County Police Department and starting the Homeland Security Business after being at the 9-11 WTC site I decided it was time to complete my flight training. The course was scheduled to coincide with my vacation, so I could attempt to get what I thought was an unobtainable rating due to the mystifying nature of the instrument rating, work and things that always seemed to arise. I decided the only way to get my rating was to do it in the shortest amount of time, thus the choice to use AFIT seemed to be the only logical choice. You set me up with an instructor whom you thought would be best suited for my needs, Mark A.

Mark and I spoke several times on the phone prior to beginning the training, we hit it off well (found out he also has a Law Enforcement background). He believed that with the majority of my flight experience in helicopters (in an airline and in law enforcement) with a few hundred hours in airplanes that I would accomplish my goal in only 6 days! The course was adjusted to reflect a 6-day time frame, however I still blocked out 10 days for the rating! The next change in the course came about when I tried to schedule an aircraft here on Long Island, New York. Most FBOs would only rent me an aircraft if their instructors would train me, citing clauses in their insurance policies. Mark made the suggestion to train near him in the St.Louis area, where AFIT had an aircraft available at a very reasonable rate compared to New York prices. We then made all the necessary arrangements. I still thought that 6 days was a rather aggressive task, but by total immersing myself in the instrument course could only help me to achieve my goal.

I arrived in St.Louis on Monday, late in the day, Mark picked me up at my hotel and we immediately got started. The hardest part of the exam for me would be the oral, which Mark did a great job of de-mystifying any doubts that I had on our daily drives to and from the airport. Once airborne, Mark polished my strong points and keyed in on what needed the most attention to make those maneuvers shine also. To my amazement, my Sunday morning check-ride went off with out a hitch, successfully obtaining my instrument ticket. However, I still had 4 additional days booked, Mark then helped me to begin my Instrument Helicopter add-on training that same day, through contacts he had in the area. By Wednesday morning, I successfully passed my helicopter instrument add-on with the same check-pilot, just in time to catch my flight home that afternoon.

It was a pleasure doing business with AFIT and flying with Mark. The course proved to be valuable with Mark arranging things so I could completely concentrate on my training, which ended with the successful gaining of my instrument rating. If you have any potential students requiring information on your program, I would be happy to speak with them regarding my experience with AFIT on your behalf. Thanks again.

Mike Montgomery
Fenton, Missouri

Sorry this letter has taken me so long to get written. I just wanted you to know Ron was a pleasure to work with. He was able to stay calm no matter how frustrated I was getting. After working with him for 6 days I was able to take my checkride and pass. Thank you both for the help.

Rick Elliott
Florence Alabama

You were right about Ron, He was great!, an awesome instructor and extremely knowledgeable. I learned a great deal more than just IFR training. I was also able to finish up in eight days. Thanks for everything, It’s nice to do business with a company that stands behind their service. Well done.

Evan Dick
Merritt Island, Florida

Bill E. was very flexible with his time, and allowed me to devote most of my training in the air since I felt the knowledge portion I had well covered prior to his arrival. Despite us scheduling 9 days, Bill leveraged off my prior experience and mainly focused on the areas I needed improvement on. Because of that, we were able to finish earlier than expected. In fact we built up all the instrument time I needed in the first 5 days. By the 6th day, we had done approaches in well over 20 airports in Florida and we were both feeling very comfortable I would pass my practical, so we took the 7th day off to visit Sun-and-Fun. I took my check-ride on the 8th day and passed despite having conditions the examiner said he would normally not go up in [eg 30 knot crosswind for the practice ILS, and a lot of turbulence for doing the maneuvers]. The examiner even called me up later that evening and told me how impressed he was that I was able to do those approaches given the conditions.

Anyway, that left me completely free on the 9th day, which I spent with my family and relaxed before having to go back to work. I don’t think it would have been possible to complete my training this quickly if it wasn’t for the patience and experience that Bill possessed. He was willing to fly with me for over 6 hours some days and his gentle, upbeat tone kept me learning that whole time.

I had two other instrument instructors before Bill, but I knew it would take a long time to finish my instruction with them. I learned you are much better off with an instructor who has the experience of training hundreds of instrument pilots rather than trying to become the 3rd or 4th student of a younger instructor.

I recommend AFIT without reservations.

Tom Leonard
Glen Allen, Virginia

It’s hard to believe I have been signed off and finally have my instrument rating. The truth is, ever since I started flying years ago I’ve suffered and worried about being stuck someplace. Frankly, it took a lot of fun out of flying for me.

I can remember years ago someone suggesting I take a weekend crash course to pass the written. I did, learned little, passed the test, became busy at work, you can guess the rest of the story. With my business and family growing fast it seems I never had the time to get my instrument rating.

One cloudy day I watched as my friend in the hanger next to me loaded his wife in his plane for a weekend get away. That was the straw that broke the camels back for me.

My personal friend Miles as well as Richard at “Mooneyland” told me about AFIT and suggested I give you a call. After talking it over with my wife, I decided to give it a try. It was a big step taking 10 days off from work, not to mention once your instructor

Ron arrived, we did over 40 hours of flying and another 40 hours of ground. Ron worked my tail off that’s for sure and I enjoyed every minute. I have never worked with an instructor that has so much knowledge and patience, not to mention, Ron was a genuinly nice and sincere genltemen.

It took a few days to sort things out once I returned back to work 2 weeks later, but guess what …. I passed the check ride first time up, and just like you promised Tony, I have my IFR rating now. It was a pleasure having the chance to work with you and all the folks at AFIT. Well done, and thank you.

Leigh Gunn
Sacramento, California

I had a great experience with Mark – he is a very good instructor. By the time the checkride came, it was almost routine. The training was harder than the checkride! Mark was very thorough and patient and I feel like I learned a great deal. I was very prepared for the checkride, and feel that I am ready to begin flying in IMC conditions.

I am very pleased with the AFIT program and would happily recommend it to anyone else.

Nat Rich
Grand Rapids, Michigan

Ed was a pleasure to work with, extremely knowledgeable and a great instructor. I guess it comes from 18 years as a flight instructor? That’s not a very easy job I don’t think. I passed the checkride on my first attempt and couldn’t be more pleased. I told Ed my goal would be to see him again soon to work on the commercial license. Thanks for all your help, AFIT was the perfect choice for me.

Glenn Huelskamp
Indianapolis, Indiana

Had a great training session. Ed was helpful, proficient, and professional. Since I already had my Instrument Rating, Ed was able to tailor the program to fit my needs. He evaluated my strengths and weaknesses then put together a syllabus that maximized our time together. I feel extremely confident flying in the “System”.

Jack Hannigan
Irvine, California

I just wanted to let you know how satisified I am with the IFR training I just had. He has just the right combination of teaching style and forcefullness needed to teach an old student like me. I cannot stress enopugh how happy I am with his help. I felt qualified to pass the Oral and Practical tests after only six days. The rest was just honing my new found IFR skills. Thats remarkable.

Dr. John J. Rusek
West Lafayette, Indiana

I wanted to write you this note to express my profound gratitude to the folks at AFIT and your instructor Ed for an exceptionally good course. I started my instrument training in 1992 at the Aero Club at Edwards Air Force Base. The motivation was to be a better, more precise pilot; the weather in the high desert was generally severe clear, so there was never an urgency. I’m a professor in Aero/Astro at Purdue University, own my own business, and now live in the Midwest. I had about 30 hours of instrument training, finished my cross countries, however, my last logged time was in 1998. You were able to assess that five days would be sufficient to hone my skills.

I averaged 6.5 hours of Hobb’s time per day in the Cessna 182Q Five days later I was essentially ready to take my check ride. I confidently took my oral, and followed that with a very smooth check ride. I recommend your methods without hesitation to anyone who wants to become a better pilot, and wants to get their certificates or ratings in the most efficient manner.

Ross Wycoff
Georgetown, Texas

Our hard work has paid off immensely in the achievement of a goal I have had for a long time, obtaining my Instrument Rating. The education I received through your teaching, both practical and simulated was invaluable in helping me succeed. I appreciate the extra time you put forth to insure a positive and comfortable learning environment. I look forward to utilizing my instrument ticket. I will be contacting you in the near future to work towards my commercial rating. Thanks again. You and the folks at AFIT did a wonderful job and it’s greatly appreciated.

Terry Carroll
South Lake Tahoe, California

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the training I received from AFIT. Bill E. was always focused and made sure I understood the subject, which ultimately made sure I would pass the exam. It was great training with an instructor with such experience and knowledge. Thanks again!

Cliff Hoover
Arlington, Texas

The IFR training was great. Bill E. was a great teacher, very patient and knowledgeable with a lot of experience. I really enjoyed working with him! Thanks for everything! I couldn’t have asked for anything more.

If you need a reference in Texas, you have them contact me, anytime.

Mark Stefanov
Georgetown, Texas

I wanted to let you know, Bill E. was a great instructor with whom to work. He helped me to remember things that I had stored somewhere lost in my brain. I was prepared for the check ride. The oral, and flight portion times, indicated that I was well’ prepared. They both went swiftly compared to what I expected. I now have a license to continue learning.

Thanks Tony, It was hard and intense, but worth it!

Tim Fitzgerald
San Antonio, Texas

Thank you! I apologize for the delay in responding, but I’ve been a bit busy after being away for a week. I very much enjoyed working with Bill E. He’s very knowledgeable and offered me a practical approach to instrument instruction that was quite helpful. His study suggestions were also beneficial in preparing me for the oral examination, on which I did better than I expected I would. AFIT certainly proved to be the best choice for me. Thanks again for helping me obtain my instrument rating!

Devyn G. Damore
Wyomissing, PA

Hi Tony, Thank you for your help in accomplishing my IFR rating. Everything went exceptionally well, both with my training and the test. Bill E. is a very knowledgeable and patient instructor. Justin and I both enjoyed the program and the time Bill spent with us. Thanks again.

Joseph Cammarata
Manalapan, New Jersey

I wanted to say thank you for everything, I passed my checkride in the Cirrus SR-22 and did just fine. Ed was great to work with and an excellent instructor.

Dr.Robert A. Muggia
Andover, Massachusetts

The training with Mark was Fun and was worthwhile. Thanks again.

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