My 14 Day Private Pilot Training Course.
I’m Super happy with the training course, John is an excellent instructor. I am definitely looking forward to instrument rating and commercial certification with John in near future. Also you have been a wonderful coordinator, thank you so much for your help.
I’m also going to recommend AFIT to many cousins and friends of mine, Hitarth is already on the list.
Private Pilot Finish-Up Course
My experience with AFIT has been great, I originally signed up for a 7 days PPL finish up and ended up passing my checkride using only 6 days. Tony you have been very responsive to any email and inquiries answering in a matter of “minutes” regardless of the hour. I really appreciated that timely and clear communication. Andy is a phenomenal instructor. One can really feel his 22,000 + hours during flight training. He is always intimately knowledgeable of what the airplane is doing and why it is doing it. His teaching is very effective and on top of that, it has been a real pleasure to work with!
14-Day Private Pilot Training
The AFIT program was a perfect solution for me. Previously it took me 3 months to get 8.8 hours of flight time. During which every flight I had to relearn half of the previous information. I finally made flying a priority and was able to utilize AFIT and Andy’s help to achieve a life long dream of becoming a pilot.
Andy and his family were nothing but kind and welcoming. Andy is a very knowledgeable and experience pilot, I have nothing but great things to say about my 2 weeks in Lincoln CA. While I was there, I was able to go from 8.8 hours that I previously had to 53.0 hours and a pilots license.
Andy’s teaching style allowed me to make my own mistakes and learn from them while remaining safe. He was very hands off the entire time, and with his instruction I was quickly able to gain confidence and solo within the first week I was there. The learning environment was very comfortable and I never felt talked down to, in fact questions and learning, why, instead of memorizing facts were encouraged.
I feel as though through my questioning and his very in depth answers, I got more of an education than what was required of just a private pilot. We covered how every system in the aircraft worked and why, the advantages of certain types of systems over newer or older systems and how to even perform some small maintenance tasks. (extremely interesting to me due to my military background in avionics maintenance).
I plan to use my flying experience to work towards becoming a military fighter pilot.
Thanks for putting on a fantastic program.
10-Day IFR Training
I am glad I called AFIT to finish my Instrument rating. I was only a few weeks from my written exam expiring when I called. You made the whole process easy. My instructor Todd Gilbert is truly an aviation professional. It is clear he is passionate about flying and enjoys passing along his knowledge. After training with Todd for a week, I am glad to say my oral was a breeze and my check-ride was easy. I was well prepared. I have gained the skills needed to enjoy my rating and I feel have gained a friend. I highly recommend Todd and AFIT to anyone who seeks an Instrument rating.
10-Day IFR Training
John did it again!! Thanks to John’s skill, patients, and passion for flight, I am now an instrument rated pilot. After working with John on my private pilot certificate and completing that last year, when it was time start working on my instrument rating I know exactly who I wanted to train with. Even know we had a number of equipment problems with the airplane I choose to fly, John stuck with it and gave me the skills and confidence that I needed to become a safe and proficient instrument pilot. When I took my check-ride I had over 30 hours of actual instrument time, anyone that has flown in actual IMC knows there is a huge differences between actual and simulated. Even though I will not be flying an approach to minimums anytime soon I will be flying safely and for that I cannot thank John and AFIT enough.
14-Day Private Pilot Training
Hello Tony & Sam,
Thank-you for the note of congratulations. Working with you and Sam was a pleasure. The last 14 days was the final step of 3 months’ prep to PPL and the first steps in my journey as a pilot.
Sam, you made me do it! We both learned, had fun and made it a success. You are a great instructor because you tailor the coaching & message to how each individual student learns. As you know, I would have loved to have flown many more hours with you or solo during my 14 days – I guess I love to fly!
Tony – I know you were there in the background throughout, so I appreciate your support to Sam and I.
Best regards,
Craig Nottingham
14-Day PPL Training Course
Tony,
It really was a pleasure to work with you and John. John is an incredibly skilled instructor and it is obvious that he cares about his students learning how to fly the right way. The fact that I flew solo after 3 days really is a huge testament to the type of instructor that John is and his ability to teach people these skills very quickly. It was a joy to be his student for two weeks. Not only is he a very talented instructor, he is a very fun guy to be around. I will absolutely use John and AFIT for my next rating.
Thanks for giving me such an incredible experience.
See you soon,
Davis Keene
Southlake, Texas
Private Pilot Training Course
Hi Tony,
I really enjoyed my AFIT experience and apologize for not sending you this note earlier.
First off, thanks to you and Andy for helping me accomplish my goal of becoming a Private Pilot. The whole process was great, from getting signed up, to last minute review for the check ride. I really appreciate your professionalism and patience, working with me to fit the training into my schedule. Furthermore, I could not have asked for a better instructor than Andy. He is very knowledgeable and confident in his skills/abilities. His calm demeanor and patience allowed me to learn in a stress free environment. I would recommend him as an instructor to anyone looking to become a pilot.
I also really enjoyed the accelerated training program schedule. It was very beneficial to be fully immersed in the flight training. It allowed me to minimize distractions, get a better grasp of the knowledge (i.e ‘why’ instead of just ‘what’) and get a better feel for flying since I was doing it constantly.
I look forward to continuing my flight training with you all in the future.
Hope everything is going well,
Robby Apfel
San Francisco, California
Private Pilot Training Course
Tony,
AFIT was great. Training was very intense, long hours, lots of studying. Micheal made it fun. He used just the right amount of comedy to make it fun, but also the correct amount of sternness to make it real. Micheal is a great motivator and instructor.
I would recommend this training to anyone who is serious about becoming a pilot.
Respectfully,
Larry Foster
Walker. Louisiana
Private Pilot Training Course
Hi Tony,
Thank you for all you have done for me, I couldn’t be happier with the results. Sam is an excellent instructor, his patience with me and ability to find a training approach which suited my style of learning was exactly what I needed. Prior to your program, I averaged one or two hours a month over the course of a year and without much progress. Three different instructors during that time meant I was doing a lot of re-work and I felt my training had stalled. Ultimately that is what led me to seek out your program. With Sam we averaged four hours a day and the rest of the time was on the ground preparing me for the Checkride. Sam brought me to my first solo in only three days! Something I would not have believed possible had you asked me the week prior. We had a lot of fun especially on cross country flights to Nappa, Modesto, Chico and Redding just to name a few.
There were no surprises on the check ride and that is because Sam was sure to prepare me for every eventuality. The whole experience was awesome, and I really enjoy our time together. I’m looking forward to getting the most out of my new private pilot license this summer! and would like to continue on with your instrument rating program next year.
Regards,
Arthur Masleanca
Forest Hills, New York
10 Day IFR Training – Columbia 400 / Garmin 430
Tony,
I appreciate the help from Michael and AFIT. I am proud and relieved to have the process completed and my instrument ticket.
In regards to passing my instrument check ride and becoming comfortable operating in an IFR environment – mission accomplished. The time that Michael took to make sure that I was prepped and ready for the check ride had me more prepared than it turns out was necessary. The examiner that you paired me with was an excellent choice and I felt very comfortable on the check ride. Michael pushed me every day and to say that the training was intense would be a bit of an understatement. I think that the intensive nature of getting it done in 10 days is challenging, but also helpful in maintaining consistency in training. The level of preparation and training prior to the check ride made the check ride a non-event. Overall I am happy and pleased with my decision and the training.
I am grateful to Michael for his knowledge and commitment to me during my training
Thank you.
Kevin Kendall
Blacksburg, Virginia
14 Day Private Pilot Training
Hi Tony,
First of all, I want to say thanks to your whole AFIT organization and support staff for making this dream of mine come true. Especially, I want to show my immense appreciation my instructor Sam for his patience and for believing in me even when I doubted myself. His experience, safety-oriented attitude, and engagement made for me to become a safe and proficient pilot. He will not settle for anything else but perfection.
The training was intense and challenging but the result was as promised; I became a Private Pilot on my 14th day. For anyone out there that is considering this training; it works! Nevertheless, show ready to live and breathe piloting as it’s going to require all you have and some more. However, it was fun and the best part is that you are in the controls right from day one and won’t let go all the way until the end.
Outstanding training concept and I will definitely come back when it is time for my IFR.
Thanks.
Milton Castro
Seattle, Washington
My Private Pilot Training
John,
Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for helping me fulfill my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. Who knew that at age 53 I could go from a casual aviation observer to a certificate pilot in a few calendar days! Your knowledge and experience are exceptional and your kind patience and persistence helped bring me to the finish line at times when I began to doubt myself.
I will be forever grateful to you for helping me reach this goal. I enjoyed working with both you and Tony and will definitely recommend you guys.
Sincerely,
Stacey Sparks
Decatur, Georgia
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
14 Day Private Pilot Training
My flight instructor Michael K. was very knowledgeable in all areas of aviation. He has extensive experience flying numerous types of aircrafts, which contributed largely to the level of training I received. Michael’s teaching style reflects what I like to call a more “real life training” style. What I mean by that is in addition to the requirements, he not only will teach you how to fly and fly well but will train you on certain situations in which you may encounter in the region you will be primarily flying in. He does this using real life examples on the ground and in the air. In my first several months of flying I cannot tell you how many times his teaching points I have thought back on.
I thoroughly enjoyed our time together off the runway as much as I did on the runway. Michael is a great guy, someone who definitely makes you feel comfortable and want to be around. Best of all I can honestly say he would do anything to help his students be successful. I would highly, highly recommend Michael for anyone looking for a great education, a great friend, and a great flight instructor!
Michael Baxter
Des Moines, Iowa
14-Day Private Pilot Training
Tom,
Thanks again for your steadfast support in getting me through the program and getting certificated. Your continued confidence in me and commitment to getting me through was key.
I appreciate it.
Keith Congleton
Danville, Kentucky
My 14-Day Private Pilot Training
Tony,
Great concept. I personally learn better when immersed in the subject. I really enjoyed my time with Andy. I think he’s a great CFI. Whenever I was struggling with something, he’d show me the technique, and that seemed to help a lot. Andy was awesome.We were both flexible with our starting/ending times and I really appreciated that. He answered every single question I had and never indicated that “our time was up”. I can’t say enough good about Andy.
All in all, I had a “Great Experience”. It ended up with me getting my Private Pilot’s License in 14-days, and that was the goal. I’m currently looking at a plane to build some hours in and I look forward to coming back for my IFR once I have some more time in the air.
Thank you both for working with me!
Regards,
Dustin Mykyte
Houston, Texas
Instrument Training in my Cessna 210
Tony,
I wanted to tell you how amazing John was! I went from not knowing anything about instrument flying to a successful check ride in six days!
I have and would recommend you all to anyone seeking any type of rating.
Thanks
Bruce Yancey
Collierville, Tennessee
10-Day Instrument Flight Training DA-40 G1000
After a lot of messing around with the local flight schools and independent instructors, I thought that I would never get my instrument rating. However, I knew that it would make me a safer pilot and also expand my flight envelope. Finally, after speaking to you and reading the testimonials (specifically Doug White’s), I decided to bite the bullet and take off of my busy work schedule as an Orthopedic Surgeon to get the rating done. My instructor, Bill, has a wealth of flying experience. I received his flight experience summary and forwarded it to a friend who is a Southwest Airlines check airman. He easily approved. Bill proved to have a wealth of knowledge and I very much enjoyed our meal time conversations on aviation. I learned many things, not just instrument flying from Bill. Overall, Bill is a very patient man in contrast to my impatience. Although we had some weather issues and unexpected mechanical issues with my aircraft that were luckily able to be repaired, we worked through the obstacles and I ultimately passed my instrument check ride. Now, with my kids’ soccer season coming up, I won’t be grounded by 1500 foot ceilings when going to regional tournaments. I’m glad I put the time in and got it done. Although I’m finally an instrument rated pilot, as Bill put it “I have a license to learn.”
Thanks Bill and Tony.
IFR Training
Just wanted to take a moment to say thanks to you and Todd for a great experience. I think I had 25-ish hours of instrument training in the 12 months before I arrived in Rexburg to train with Todd. He did an excellent job of identifying the areas I need to work on and not dwelling on the areas that I had a good handle on. Todd has a knack for remaining patient but not hesitating to let you know when you need to focus a little bit harder.
I enjoyed my time in Rexburg and will recommend AFIT and Todd to my pilot friends. Looking forward to using my new instrument rating! Thank You!
14-Day Private Pilot Training, Complex, High Performance and Tailwheel Endorsement
What an incredible two weeks! I came across AFIT after becoming frustrated with the slow pace of my training here in New York – things like constant cancellations due to weather and only being able to fly on weekends, which I’m sure a lot of student pilots can sympathize with, were getting me down as I realized it would probably take me a good 8-12 months before I’d be checkride ready.
I had the benefit of coming to AFIT with ~33 hours in a Cessna 172 in 2011, and more recently, about another 8 hours between June-July this year flying in the busy New York airspace. Michael was a fantastic instructor that dove right in and pushed me to my limits each and every day, both tailoring every flight to very specific purposes yet ensuring I never forgot how much fun it is to actually get out there and fly.
Even on the first day in an immaculate condition 1978 Cessna 172, I felt like we did more flying in a single flight than I’d done in my previous 40 hours combined! Taking off from Van Nuys we headed over the hills to Santa Monica, maneuvered low and slow over the many boats whilst practicing ground reference maneuvers, took it down low and zoomed past the pier, tracked back over KSMO and orbited the L.A. downtown area, flew over the plethora of mansions in the Beverly Hills area and got some great snaps whilst zipping past the Hollywood sign, nipped over to Whiteman then Burbank for some pattern work, then headed out to the Mojave Desert’s boneyard airport to practice some insane crosswind landings (90 degrees and at least 15-20 knots!), then simulated instrument flight back to Santa Paula where we stopped and got some fuel, then shot an ILS approach on the way back to Van Nuys. Final tally was north of 20 landings and 3.5 hours XC time. In a single flight! On the first day! That was mind boggling to the student pilot in me that was used to the usual (boring, in retrospect) “takeoff, practice area, maneuver, head back and land”.
I ended up soloing in the pattern at Whiteman on day 3 (then immediately being sent out to practice pattern work hopping between KVNY then KWHP), did my first XC solo to Santa Barbara with a gorgeous picturesque sunset accompanying me all the way back on day 5, did my long XC down to Palomar (north of San Diego) on day 6, then ended up sitting my checkride six days early on day 8! That was absolutely unexpected and a testament to Michael’s ability as an instructor to continually get the best out of me and tailoring everything to maximize my time in SoCal.
With six days up our sleeves, I ended up getting my tailwheel endorsement after two intense full on days flying a beautiful 1948 Cessna 120 taildragger… and then complex and high performance endorsements (and a flight to Vegas!) in an awesome 300 HP retractable gear constant speed Piper Saratoga. It was an unforgettable experience overall and I could not recommend AFIT and Michael high enough!
10-Day Private Pilot Finish-Up Program
I can’t possibly say enough positive things about my experience with Todd and the accelerated program. Rexburg had ideal airport access and was a great jumping point for gorgeous and challenging cross country flights in and around the mountains. Todd made the training fun, safe, and efficient. All in all, it was an amazing 10 days and am proud to have walked away feeling confident and very comfortable flying with my license in hand! I hope to fly with AFIT and Todd again in the future for other certifications and my instrument training… but for now I’m enjoying my first few weeks as an official PILOT!
Thanks again. I’ll be in touch early next year or so when I start planning for the next steps!
The AFIT team did an amazing job at working me in on short notice with a strict time line. Erwin my instructor maintained a goal oriented mind set and was willing to put in the extra effort and long days to complete the necessary flight time and requirements in order to complete my private pilot license training, in less than the normal 14 day program. I was able to attain my pilots license in 12 days. I could not have done it without the dedication of my instructor. A special thanks to you Tony and the awesome service and support from the folks at Lincoln Sky-ways. Thanks again for everything.
14-Day Private Pilot Training
Just wanted to send a quick note of appreciation to you and the AFIT program. I’ve been dreaming of getting my private pilot’s license since I was a teenager, and I’ve tried throughout the years to commit the time to get all the hours in – to no avail. When I saw your 14-day program, I knew it would be the best way for me to finally achieve that dream. My CFI, John could not have been a better fit or a more experienced, capable instructor. John has the perfect personality for flight training – he introduces information in a logical, straight forward way without making it overwhelming, and he has a great blend of patience, persistence and expectation that make you want to get up each day and jump in the plane.
I would highly recommend this program and John as an instructor to anyone looking to gain their private pilot certificate in a short period of time.
10-Day Instrument Training
The training I had in Van Nuys was one of the most enjoyable experiences I’ve ever been apart of. When I went out there, it had been over a year since I made any contact with ATC and I had a minimal understanding of instrument flying considering I’m in the Ag aviation business. Within 10 days I felt completely comfortable with all aspects of flying IFR, I couldn’t believe it. John was an absolute joy to work with, it’s always nice to have an instructor who knows exactly what a student needs but can also make you laugh throughout the entire experience! The guy is a riot! Great experience out there, beautiful flying, and I picked up my first tattoo on the sunset strip…can’t beat that trip!
Thanks for everything!
14-Day Private Pilot Course
Tony,
I wanted to follow up and thank you for delivering on the promise AFIT gives it customers to get up in the air and get flying! I owe every bit of this new passion of flying to AFIT and your incredible flight instructors. Both were just great to work with and each certainly pushed me as I worked my way up from knowing very little about flying and/or about aircrafts, to earning my private pilot license. AFIT, and accelerated flight instruction, was perfect for someone like myself with a busy work and travel schedule to earn a license in the most efficient way possible. I knew that if I held to the conventional method of weekly instruction at my nearest flight school, an hour from home, I may not have had the time over the course of the program to stick to the schedule. I most certainly would have regressed over weekly and monthly classes. With AFIT and the one-on-one daily instruction, learning to fly was engrained in my mind in a routine and daily basis.I want to sincerely thank you Tony for opening the wonderful world of flight! Looking up when I hear a plane in the sky doesn’t make me jealous anymore! Now it’s time to go shopping for one of my own.. 1,000 Thanks,
10-Day Private Pilot Finish-Up Course
Thank you AFIT!! The program was everything I expected, and more. The Rexburg training center in February was extreme weather conditions. Being from Texas I flew in conditions I would have never encountered at home and for that I am thankful! Todd is a very personable guy, and so easy to get along with. Made me feel very comfortable and at ease.
I highly recommend AFIT and the staff.
IFR Finish-Up Course
Tony,
Thank you so much for your fast response to my need for accelerated training! Being self employed with a family, I set the time apart to focus on instrument training and was attempting to knock it out in a short period. I started training January 15 and a month now down the road it was already taking way longer than expected. I could not find instructors with a schedule or the desire to spend the time with me that i needed. I started calling random flight schools and instructors all up and down California in an attempt to find someone, and I was recommended by a fella in Visalia CA that flying with AFIT was the best decision he had ever made. Not even an hour later, you set me up with Michael. He has been the most professional, serious, energetic,concerned instructor Ive ever had. He has the ability to teach information specifically tailored to my flying level skill and knowledge as if he has flown with me for years. In three long days, I have never learned so much and felt like it has built me up as a pilot rather than show me how little I know. I would say most instructors I have flown with end up teaching less and pulling you back.
This has been the best use of my money towards flight training, and I wish I had found AFIT earlier on, I would have actually saved more money in the long run!
Thank you Tony!
10 Day IFR Training
Tony,
Training with Andy is highly recommended. Andy is an “old soul” in a young body. His demeanor and teaching style matched my learning style perfectly, which is learn from your mistakes. We had several phone calls before I signed up to make sure we would be compatible. He recommended taking a few days off during the course, whcih I did. I don’t think I could have done 10 days straight. I was very nervous signing up for the program because it was a large sum of money and huge time commitment to be away from work and family. Also, I just got my PPL 3 months before signign up. Lots of “External Pressure” to do well. I was also very concerned with the pace of the course which has its pros and cons. Cons: not much room for delays, lots of information to grasp in a short amount of time, and a huge mental and physical toll due the amount of flight training in a short period. Pros: able to build and improve new skills quickly without having to relearn from each previous lesson, receive instrument rating quickly, and AFIT has systems in place that set you up for success. However, a few days into my training I had an afternoon flight that was horrible, I just couldn’t seem to do anything correctly. I was about to give up and drive back home, but Andy told me that when his students have a bad day, the next day and the rest of the training is much better. It was so bad that I am suprised Andy didn’t quit on me. Something must have clicked that evening because the next day and the rest of my training was dramatically better than that horrible afternoon. Goes to show that they really want you to learn and not just take your money. AFIT arranged for Lincoln Skyways to provide the rental plane, which was very fine. Bryon from Lincoln is a good operator. At one point, the vacuum pump stopped working and the crew at Lincoln Skyways got the plane running by coming in and working on the plane at 6am in the morning. They are dedicated to keeping their planes in the air, which is good for AFIT students.
Overall, it was one of the more challenging things I have done. The learning will never stop, but I now have a very good foundation to build from due to my training with Andy and AFIT. The course is like ripping off a Band-Aid, the anticipation and studying is difficult, the event (flying) is painful, however once you are done you are glad you did it and realize it wasn’t that big of a deal.
10-Day IFR Training Cirrus SR-22
Tony,
I wanted to send my thanks for the AFIT training I received from Shawn. When I decided to pursue my Instrument Rating, the thought of flight lessons every weekend for months made me feel…UGH!!. It was awesome getting IFR training in my Cirrus SR22 and not some simulator. Shawn was constantly searching for actual IMC conditions so we could train in conditions that gave me the confidence to handle actual IMC conditions on my future flights. Shawn allowed me my dream list for my long cross country, our first leg was Lincoln to Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara then into John Wayne Orange County for a ILS 20R night landing….Awesome!!
The next morning the fun continued on to San Diego, Palm Springs then a long return to Lincoln. The experience was amazing, all the airports my wife and I love to visit & I was able to shoot approaches and gain real time experience. I’m not saying this was easy, it was work….as a student I put in the required work, I followed all of your course recommendations and needed every one of them-ha ha….Passing my IFR check ride was an AWESOME feeling, feel free to share my contact info with any future students, I’d be happy to talk with anyone about flight training and my experiences with Shawn & AFIT.
Thanks again Tony, and Shawn, 2 thumbs up buddy
Transition Training Saratoga II TC
Tony,
Everything was perfect. I learned everything I needed to feel comfortable in the aircraft and we had a great time too.
Best Regards
14-Day Private Pilot Training course
The two week accelerated private pilot program were the most challenging and rewarding weeks of my life. Day one I was worried about taxing the plane, day 6 I did my first solo landing, day 9 first solo cross country, by day 14 I was ready for my check ride. It’s incredible what you’re capable of doing in a short period of time, especially when you have a patient and passionate instructor like Jason. He showed up every day with a smile on his face and a tactful way of pushing me to my fullest potential. Looking back, today, with the license in my hand, smile on MY face, I wouldn’t have done it any other way….thank you!!!
Thank you again Tony, it was honestly a pleasure working with Jason, I got lucky.
14-Day Private Pilot Course
As a fresh private pilot license holder I would like to send an enormous thanks to the A.F.I.T. team for helping me achieve this great feat. Most of all I would like to thank Erwin for putting in the effort to train me from dusk till dawn, day after day to be the safe, professional pilot I am today. Erwin didn’t cut any corners in my training and it is obvious to me that he takes great pride in instructing his students. In my brief time as an aviator I have witnessed numerous other pilots behaving like complete amateurs. I’m glad to say that Erwin game me the proper training and set me in the right direction so that when I’m in the sky I will be setting the example for others that have had instructors that lead them wrong. Erwin made the most of our time and never for a moment gave up on me. Erwin constantly challenged me to give me the best odds to passing my check ride when the day came. An accelerated flight program can be very stressful on a student and at times Erwin and I found ourselves laughing until our eyes were watering. It was this aspect of my training that I believe kept me from going insane. Through the flight program I not only gained my pilots license I also gained a friend that I have spoken with various times since I have finished training, and I feel that I can approach at any time I need guidance or advice.
I would also like to thank you Tony for working with me from the very first email to after completing my training. Some of the obstacles I encountered were in neither of our control but I am very thankful that you worked with me to give me a fair chance at finishing my flight training and obtaining my certificate. Overall I had a great experience with my flight training, and even though at times I wanted to jump out of the plane (without a parachute), in the end I am glad I went with A.F.I.T. to get my training and I would do it again without any doubts.When the time comes for me to seek additional training I will definitely be getting ahold of you for further business.
10-Day IFR Training Cirrus SR-22 / Perspective
Tony,
I passed the flight portion of my IFR check ride on Tuesday. This accomplishment would not have been possible without the instruction provided by John my senior instructor. John is a consummate professional. This became apparent when we first met. His signature tie and hat exemplify the precision and attention to detail that an IFR pilot must possess before safely taking to the air.
John’s quick wit made the IFR training fun. But he also was able to quickly get me focused on the multiple tasks at hand. For example, he had me shooting VOR and ILS approaches on day 2. That built a sense of confidence in myself that would translate into more effective training activities throughout the 10 days John trained me.
Another skill set of Johns’ is his ability to calmly and patiently review and explain a procedure or task that was challenging. For instance, we did holding turns until I felt comfortable and could demonstrate I had it down cold. In addition, the opportunity to listen to John’s unique radio skills talking to ATC was a great learning experience in itself.
Anyone contemplating accelerated training for the IFR certificate would be well served to consider John as an instructor. There is no question that my IFR performance benefited from John’s unique instructional capabilities.
10-Day IFR Training IN MY Bonanza G36 / G1000
Tony,
Absolutely another amazing AFIT experience! Very happy and couldn’t say enough positive things about my instructor John.
5-Day Commercial Training Course
Tony,
Overall great experience with John. He’s very knowledgeable and taught me everything I needed to know. His knowledge gave me the confidence to grow as a pilot and pass my commercial rating!
Many Thanks!
Hey Tony,
Mike was, outstanding as an instructor! He was able to take complex ideas and subjects and make them easily digestible. He somehow instantly knew what I was doing during a maneuver by how the plane was reacting. I learned and did more this week than I ever believed I could. And it was all thanks to Mike. I’ve had several other instructors and found that they are either too lax or too critical. Mike doesn’t let anything slip by and he’s able to correct the problem quickly, without being harsh or dismissive. I believe this past week was worth every penny just for the training I received from Mike.
Thanks to both of you for your support. I’ll be recommending AFIT to others who are in need of a similar program.
14-Day Private Pilot Training Course
Hi Tony,
Looking back, it’s hard to think that I came to AFIT not even knowing how to start an airplane and after only 6 days I was doing my first solo flight. Being fully immersed in the course was definitely the best choice as it helped everything come together as I kept building day after day. It’s great to be able to look back and see that only after two weeks, I have my pilot’s license.
Thanks for everything.
14-Day Private Pilot Training Course
Tony,
First of all I have got to say that my flight instructor Mike is an amazing guy and secondly a great flight instructor. The AFIT course was above and beyond what I expected of it and I couldn’t have been happier with the staff, facilities, and equipment. Mike made my experience one to remember as he went out of his way to make sure I not only passed my test but had a great time training. Mike I can’t thank you enough sir and consider you a good friend.
I can’t wait to come back and get my instrument rating!!!
10-Day Private Pilot Finish-Up Course
I spent ten days out in Lincoln California to finish up my private pilot certificate, and I couldn’t have been happier.
I started my training in a 141 school. The program was billed to me as a two-year program (since I had my gen eds out of the way) where I would finish with my four-year degree as well as a commercial certificate and maybe even my CFI certificate. That two-year program looked more and more like a three or four-year program just to get the flying done. The school spent a lot of time theorizing about how to get the max time from/for students, instead it pushed me behind. They also employed low time instructors (about 500 hours) who would spend several months trying to diagnose a problem. When I got fed up with the games I did some research and turned to AFIT.
The training was a lot more intense. Coming into AFIT I had about 30 hours and had not solo-ed. In the ten days I was with AFIT I flew more in ten days than I had with my previous school in six months. My instructor Andy, wonderful man, worked with me and had me flying solo in what seemed like no time after having been at a school that took over three months to teach me to properly land. He gave me a lot of tips and tricks to flying that a lot of younger kids may not think to teach. I don’t think I could have asked for a better instructor than Andy. While we certainly flew a lot, he made it a point to take breaks so that I was not completely burnt out.
Both 61 and 141 schools have their benefits, but for me starting 141 and ending 61 worked out wonderfully. Using the AFIT finishing course was definitely one of the smart things I have done with my aviation training path. Had I stuck with my former school I am certain that I would still be several months behind and not been able to catch up.
Throughout the sign-up period where I was paper pushing left and right to make sure that when I got 2,000 miles from home everything would be in order, Tony was there. While I am certain that there are people coming to this school from a lot farther away than me, I knew that I would be able to reliably get into contact with Tony even though I was three-time zones away. He was very responsive and worked with me when papers needed to be filled out.
Thanks AFIT
