I started at Blue Line Aviation with my private pilot certificate back in June of 2019. I moved across the country from Washington State to attend and do their accelerated professional pilot program. I loved it. The planes, the instructors and the people there make you feel like you're at home. Now, it is a lot of work... There's a reason you can get through your Instrument, Commercial Single and Multi as well as CFI, CFII and MEI. You have you to show up ready to work for it. No one is going to hand you a rating. The CFI course is intense, two weeks from day one to your checkride, but if you do exactly what you're asked to do, you'll do great in your ride. Will I recommend this program for everyone? No. I don't believe it is for everyone. If you're ready to work hard, you're self motivated and ready to get a job flying and making money in less than 6 months, Blue Line is the place for you. If you're considering ATP, you should have an idea what's expected--definitely check out Blue Line. You'll pay less and finish faster. read more

This school is highly concerning. I strongly advise against attending Blue Line Aviation. The institution appears to prioritize profit over the well-being and success of its students. To begin with, the advertised program duration of 5-5 1/2 months is often unrealistic, and expectations are not met. Delays are common due to a lack of availability of Designated Pilot Examiners (DPEs), and check rides are sometimes canceled the same day because a DPE "doesn't feel like doing it that day," causing inconvenience and additional costs. It often feels like they just want some extra money. Moreover, there are consistent inconsistencies in how rules and standards are applied. New policies are frequently introduced without prior notice and only revealed when it is time to apply them, which can reduce the hours a loan covers--meaning fewer hours= fewer ratings= more money lost. This leads to a lack of transparency and fairness. Combined with ongoing unprofessional conduct and entitlement from some instructors, this seriously undermines the quality of training. I experienced instructors providing me with outdated information, and instructors frequently contradicted one another on the same subjects. This resulted in students having to repeat lessons they should not have needed to repeat, costing additional time and money. I've seen responses from Trey to multiple reviews where concerns are dismissed with statements like, "we don't have you in our system" or "you may have reviewed the wrong flight school." That kind of response avoids addressing the actual issues being raised and gives the impression that accountability is being deflected rather than taken seriously. When safety, training quality, and people's futures are involved, these concerns deserve transparent and responsible answers. Prioritizing reputation or profit over acknowledging problems only undermines trust and raises serious concerns about how the school is being run. Students who are just starting their aviation careers are especially vulnerable, and it appears that some instructors take advantage of this in order to build their own hours/snatch up more money rather than truly focus on teaching. It is also important to note that the school and its leadership, including Trey Walters, Charles Ray Walters III, and Kelsey Lee Walters, are involved in public legal lawsuit matters, each involving substantial sums of over $2 million. This raises additional concerns about their business practices (public records). Trey Walters coerced his staff and blackmailed them during the COVID outbreak and had his entire staff come in regardless of the outcome. For example: "There is no situation where we will close and pay anybody while we are closed (including comp and PTO). If you have any proof of who did this (someone other than yourself, customer, staff, or otherwise), such as a screenshot of a text conversation, and submit it to me by noon tomorrow, I'll give you a $500 bonus on this week's paycheck; even if you were involved. If you have a suspicion of who it was, but don't have proof, please share that information also." (All public records, and all said by Trey Walters.) It is difficult to believe that leadership is unaware of what happens inside this school. Decisions do not make themselves, and responsibility ultimately comes from the top. This has been one of the most poorly managed flight schools I've seen, with serious concerns about both leadership and instruction. A flight school should be run by accountable, responsible, humble, and professional people who genuinely know how to teach and who prioritize student development and safety. If you care about where your thousands of dollars go, your personal safety, your aviation career, and your mental health, I would strongly advise against enrolling at Blue Line. This school will take far more from you than it gives back--financially, professionally, and emotionally. The environment is draining, and the lack of support and accountability makes the experience not only discouraging but potentially damaging to your future in aviation. In conclusion, prospective students should conduct thorough research and carefully consider their options to make informed decisions about their training and future. It is disheartening to see the impact of these practices on students, and I hope that, in time, accountability and positive change will come. This school presents itself as a Christian institution, yet there is nothing that demonstrates or validates these actions. read more

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Trey Walters, along with his second in charge Ron are whats wrong with aviation. These people at Blue Line are doing bad business. After I was there for a week and an half I opted to leave after talking to Ron about how I was so disappointed and felt unsafe, they then proceeded to take $46,000 of my $100,000 for opportunity cost... I asked why they thought that reason and Trey told me because I decided to leave due to the course being to fast... Which he then made sure no one would talk to me in the company and then took almost a year to get any refund back. lying is one thing and screwing me in the process sure is unacceptable but the real problem being that these folks are creating even worse students and instructors that compromise the integrity of the industry and taking advantage of people in the process is a more important problem and I hope someone stops them. read more

I highly recommend this school! All of the instructors were very nice and knowledgeable and fun to fly with. this school gives you everything you need to succeed in your flight training. you get what you put into the program. Amber was great to work with to get set up with financial support and any questions i had about the school she was always quick to respond and to check on me going thru the program. Sam the CFI initial instructor really goes above and beyond to help get you prepared for your CFI checkride. This is a big exam and he will stay after class and help if needed to get you where you need to be. Airplanes are top notch and very fun to fly. You learn every aspect of the airplane and learn what it takes to become a professional pilot. Only negative thing about my experience was the scheduling. I had to wait days if not weeks for checkrides. I could have finished the program about 6-7 weeks sooner. The school had people to fix this but seemed to not be able to figure out this problem. to many students not enough airplanes. But that was my only complaint. If your looking for somewhere to go for training I recommend taking a visit and seeing what they offer. read more

To all reading, my name is Nicholas Fields and I just graduated from the Career Pilot Program at Blue Line Aviation about two weeks ago. I can honestly say that this program was a blessing for me, for it has given me everything I needed to kickstart a career in the aviation industry. At first, the idea of 141 training was daunting as I am sure it is for many people. However, on October 16th, 2023 my training began and all my concerns regarding 141 went away. It was that day that I knew I was going to be given everything I needed to be successful in my training. I started my training with an excellent instructor and ended my training with an excellent instructor. Now with all of this being said, it was not done without effort from my end. Yes you pay for the instruction and you pay for the plane, however the money cannot buy success. Blue Line gives you all the tools you need to be very successful in the program, it is just up to the student to use those tools! My dad always used to say to me, it is not what you do on the field but rather it is what you do off the field that will make you a top competitor. The same mentality applies here, you will have great coaching (instructors) and every tool to be successful, but it must be accompanied by effort. Without a doubt, I would recommend this program to anyone looking to jumpstart their career as a pilot; the instructors were great, the planes were phenomenal, and I truly felt as if my peers and instructors were all family. read more

Blue Line Aviation - After passing my CSEL checkride, my instructor was the first person to congratulate me and we got this awesome picture! - Flight Instruction Near Me - Smithfield, North Carolina

I did (after all) complete my Training a few weeks ago at a different flight school. I just can't believe I was asked to leave BlueLine and got shafted on my deposit ( no we DO NOT give deposit refunds, but at a later time, yes we do). It took a total of 3 flights and 4 ground sessions to get prepped for the checkride. So many opportunities, maybe getting trained properly was a blessing rather then a school that said "no thank you" to a student that may have needed an extra week. read more

Just completed multi-engine training and passed on first attempt. Jackson and Ryan G were the instructors and their styles complemented each other well to deepen my appreciation for the subtleties of required maneuvers. The aircraft (DA42 Twinstar) was a primary reason to travel 650+ miles from my home to train with Blue Line. They use latest model with FADEC and G1000 avionics. This helped make the transition to multi even better. The first day's use of the Redbird simulator accomplished little as the sim is nothing like the DA42 , but once I got into the real airplane, the training started. While their program is not inexpensive, if you want to get trained in quality equipment, by quality instructors, you should seriously consider Blue Line. read more

I surprised my husband with a 30 minute helicopter ride of Downtown Durham. Purchase, redemption, and check-in were all so easy. I also appreciated that the pilot called me, personally, the day before to go over instructions and directions to their RDU office. We had an amazing time and I definitely think that it is awesome for newcomers to the area as well as longtime North Carolinians looking for something out of the box to do. read more

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I got previous training here and returned for CFI. Attending one of these courses neither helps or benefits you. Give yourself at least 30 days to become good at teaching, not just acceptable. No one would have hired me if they knew what CFI training was like at BlueLine. At best you save a couple weeks. The pace is maddening ESPECIALLY if you fall behind. It seems there is always a scramble to match you with an instructor. And if you can't conform to it, or it's not a match with your learning style...a couple of fellow students (I verified it is true) told me NO refunds. So suck it!!! apparently. They do have really nice equipment though. Update; I met someone else who had a bad experience with Blue Line, perhaps she will leave her review here or on google. The scenario is similar, we were both shocked that students can't leave if they do not match, have a bad experience, or like the training there. It's a take the money and run policy. My instructor not only ridiculed my clothes in the classroom in front of other students (very interesting training technique, did you teach him that?) but he farted and was upset when I opened a window, Breathing in his fart was part of the syllabus? True story!!!! 100% happened. That school was over the day I arrived, if I knew then what I know now. You can't look my name up in your school database, it's an alias, my name is NOT "Brotha Manny S", it's disturbing to think you even tried. This is the internet there is enough data out there already, because some people try to look up your information..... read more

I have received six ratings (IFR, Commercial ASEL, CFI, Commercial AMEL, CFII, and MEI) through Blue Line and finished each and every one on time, within budget, and passed my checkride on the first attempt. Upon the completion of my CFI rating, I was offered a Flight Instructor job and I accepted it. I spent two years as a full time instructor and it was a direct result of my association with Blue Line Aviation that I was able to be hired at the airlines. The staff and owner are extremely professional and the bar is placed high both for staff and for students. Blue Line insists on instilling the Safety Culture in all the students and produces safer and superior pilots because of it. The pace can be grueling for some, but it prepares any student pilot for the rigors of an airline training program. Blue Line specializes in training students who have their eye to fly professionally for a living. Their partnership through multiple airlines provide opportunities and training programs that have yet to be matched in the region. read more

Career Pilot Program, completed October 2020 I had been in touch with the school for more than 5 months, prior to my start date. Tabor was my point of contact for all information surrounding enrollment, finances, housing, especially day-to-day life in Raleigh (she knows where to get a good bowl of pho). The dispatch and scheduling crew do a really good job at building out your schedule- I didn't have to wait for planes, and could easily communicate my needs. The program managers, and upper management: Josh, Ray, and Lance would periodically check-in and gauge my progression throughout the program. This kept me on track, and focused on moving forward. I was frequently asked for feedback about my experiences and often saw some adjustments implemented in my time there. Carrie, Cindy, Sierra, and Thomas are other personable staff members who are great to make small take with on your study breaks- be sure to take your study breaks, lol. I felt the administrative team at Blue Line are really there to see you succeed. At some point in my training, I've interacted with all the instructors during ground/ flight/ sim training. Their experience ranged from recent program graduates to airline pilots with thousands of hours. It was great to learn from different teaching styles, and different experience levels. Ryan, Stu, and Jackson were my primary flight instructors in my single-engine/ CFI/ multi-engine phases of training. These guys were instrumental to my success in completing the program. There were many opportunities and flexibility to fly with other instructors, this definitely helped with increasing my knowledge base- super valuable. Overall, this team of instructors are a great bunch to learn from, I felt lucky to train with them. New planes- so lucky to fly in new planes!! Starting from zero time, I didn't know how good I had it. If you needed another reason to come here: this. is. it. I flew in new C172, DA40, and of course, the icing on the cake was flying the DA42 for my multi-engine training. There were periods where I had some amazing, personalized training. Some of those flights, I know I'll always carry with me. I'm told all pilots have them. I, along with majority of the other students were from out of town. From the CEO to the newest CFI, in my interactions with everyone, I felt welcomed, valued, and felt like I belonged there. Blue Line Aviation checks all the boxes, I highly recommend checking them out! read more

I have been a pilot for 14 years and I decided to challenge myself by adding training in a different plane and also obtain a multi rating. I believe Pilot training in new arenas exposes flaws and makes you a safer in whatever you fly. I saw one of Blue Line's training planes at my home airport and because the plane was a notch above what I expected I decided to try their school. The ground school portion was adequate to introduce multi flight principles but I was most impressed with Jackson, the instructor assigned to me. Jackson is knowledgeable, a good pilot and a fine teacher. He patiently let me go through my learning process (without judgement), corrected me when he saw the need and overall made the experience both challenging and enjoyable. Everyone at the school appeared to be disciplined and helpful. If I needed something every instructor I had contact with was helpful. Ryan subbed for Jackson on a couple of flights and was equally competent. I believe that management has a great deal to do with how a business culture turns out. My experience with Blue Line was first rate and impressive. read more

Top notch group! As a private pilot and instrument student, I recommend Blueline highly.

When COVID happened, my part 141 flight school in NY closed due to reasons beyond their control, however, I wanted to finish my flight training. My minimal hours and no access to an airplane made it so I had to find a Part 141 Flight School still doing flight training. The part 141 proved challenging but Blue Line Aviation was the place for me. After a few emails, phone calls, and texts, Thomas had me all set up for an accelerated part 141 flight training program with Jon. Jon was a great instructor I learned a lot and flying in Class C airspace is a big confidence builder for anyone afraid of talking on the radio or for just learning a busier airport environment. During my training I had reviews and checks, all the check instructors were awesome. Noah and Lee amongst others offered to help me out. Due to storms in the area I could not finish my end of course the night before my check ride. Lee jumped in and said he would fly with me at 6 am the next day so I would be ready for my 8 am check ride. I had another checkout instructor offer to come in on his day off if I couldn't fly with anyone else. Oh and the airplanes, very modern with advanced avionics. I flew the 172, all the airplanes had G1000s in them. I was new to the system and picked it up very quickly. Now, I wish my flight club at home had G1000s. In short, Blue Line Aviation is a great flight school and they have a great program. I highly recommend looking into them even if you from out of town. read more

I recently finished my multi with Blue Line Aviation. My instructor Jackson Fischer went above and beyond to ensure that I was prepared. I finished on time and under budget with a first time pass. Great planes and great instructors - highly recommend! read more

I completed my private pilot license here at Blueline Aviation, and it was a great experience overall! The facilities are great, the planes are in great shape, and most importantly the instructors are superb. I'd like to thank Michael McCullough, specifically, for teaching me to fly, and I'd highly recommend that everyone ask for him to be your instructor. There are lots of other great instructors at Blueline, so don't be concerned if you aren't able to get Michael. I look forward to continuing on at Blueline for instrument-rated and multi-engine! read more

Response from Blue Line appears to be that I should give a negative review to Flightgest - agreed and did with no response from Flightgest, no surprise there. However, Blue alone are then saying since you got ripped off by another company, that is proof I am too stupid or naive to train? Pretty defeatist attitude and a clear indication if Blue Line has no faith in the competence of their own instructors, why should any student? Maybe they should hand in their business license or say they only train perhaps those under a certain age or whose father is a pilot or some other secret criteria? read more

Great place, just did CFI and CFII with them. High quality instructors for both courses and got me through as promised. My instructors, Jackson Stu and Alex were fantastic read more

I booked my helicopter tour more than 2 weeks before my event. I was attempting to give my son who was turning 13 an experience of a short lifetime along with 2 of his friends a helicopter tour from Blue Line aviation. This was going to be a surprise for them. I spoke with Matt, who was extremely helpful and knowledgeable and made the reservation with no issues. I fast forward to the day before the event and this is what I get. I received an EMAIL from Megan telling me that the helicopter was in maintenance and they had to reschedule, said that she called and left me a message but still waiting on it, I immediately called Megan and asked what was the issues and could they have not given me a call earlier so that I can rearrange my, she nonchalantly said that I can RESCHEDULE!! RESCHEDULE, my son's birthday is the next day, she stated again that there was nothing that they can do and she hung up on me. Long story short. I was able to schedule another helicopter ride with another aviation company in the area. IF you want bad customer service and the uncertainty of your event happening use Blue Line, if not. I advise go somewhere else. read more

I've always wanted to learn how to fly...the flight instructors and the entire team at Blue Line are committed to sharing the love of flying. The aircraft I learned to fly in, Diamond 40, was amazing and a blast to handle. I highly recommend Blue Line if you're looking at learning how to fly or just need a flight or a plane. Great people! read more

I went to Blue Line for commercial single and multi training as well as CFI training. Their passion for everything Aviation related is second to none. Their instructors are all about producing pilots who are safe and competent. They are dedicated to providing top notch instruction in top notch aircraft. I highly recommend Blue Line Aviation for all instructional needs; they will not disappoint. read more

Exceptional training, facilities, aircraft and management. I was there for the Oct CFI+CFII course and it was an awesome experience. I recommend this school to anyone. Make sure you are dedicated and motivated! read more

At the time we were training they were experiencing significant turnover of their instructors and their leased training aircraft. Our impression was that they were operating on a shoestring and driven solely by the bottom line. We were given a training syllabus in the beginning but after a few lessons that was no longer followed. When it came time for our check ride, the examiner asked us to execute maneuvers (recovery from unusual attitudes) that the instructors had never covered during training. In the end we passed but in our opinion it took much longer and cost much, much more than we expected or were led to believe. read more

Having just obtained my Private Pilot certificate after training with Blue Line Aviation, I cannot say enough great things about the company or my experience. Trey Walters and his team are doing a fantastic job running one of the best flight training programs and aviation businesses I've ever been around. I selected BLA after a thorough and time-intensive review of training options across several states, and BLA proved to be everything I'd hoped for... and more. The airplanes are in pristine condition (almost all are brand new), well equipped (G1000s) and very well maintained (BLA has its own maintenance operation). Most courses are Part 141 approved (take the time to learn what this means if you don't already know) and the syllabi are clear, well-organized and designed to help students progress quickly yet safely. The instructors are equally strong: in an industry in which a lot of CFIs are simply building time, BLA's team is genuinely committed to helping students learn to fly... and fly safely. (I highly recommend Matt Harris if he's available.) In terms of the training itself: BLA uses a combination of online ground school, in-person classroom instruction, simulator training and flight time to ensure students aren't just ready to "pass the test," but are ready to be safe pilots trained beyond rote memorization. Last but not least, the amazing BLA admin team, scheduler and online reservation system work seamlessly to ensure everything works smoothly and efficiently. I've already enrolled in IFR training and consider my investment in BLA to be among the best decisions I've ever made. read more