I did my homework looking around form a flight school that was a good fit for me…read more
Chris, the owner, rolled out the red carpet and showed me around. I got to meet many of his instructors. All were great guys, great to talk to, all very experienced, competent and patient.
I continued to look at other schools, as I wanted to make the best choice for me.
So, I booked a lesson, Mark is my assigned instructor. The guy was awesome! I've flown quite a bit previously, this was an aircraft I was not familiar with. Mark gave me a great run down of the plane, and had me do the pre-flight myself, but supervising to make sure I didn't miss anything, which was
perfect, I learn best by doing things myself, Mark zeroed in on that, and let me do my thing, and alerted me to anything that I missed and explained it. That was perfect.
Mark had me taxi, I was unfamiliar with this aircraft, and a little nervous about it, but Mark zeroed in on that and encouraged me to taxi, and get familiar with the rudder controls, and get the feeling for it. Mark was super patent the entire time and kept giving me information, and also had me using the radio, holding me to performing as PIC, he didn't let me allow my nervousness to hold me back, he comfortably encouraged me to push forward. Which again is how I learn the best.
Chris was there, overseeing operations and checking in with me as to how it was going. Again, what a great guy.
Both of these men had a great sense of humor, were encouraging. I'm used to flying a very old C172, and these aircraft are very new with very modern avionics that I am not familiar with, but eased me into finding everything.
What this did was give me just enough to want to jump back into lessons feet first. What a great day. I'm anxious to have my next lesson with my instructor, and fly as many planes as they offer so I can have experience flying several aircraft They make becoming a pilot lots of fun. Yeah, I got very nervous being in an unfamiliar aircraft, and the modern avionics intimidated me, but Mark kept me busy and hands on, and didn't let me talk myself out of adapting to the modern avionics.
A little on the aircraft, it was a very new airplane, very sensitive and responsive to the controls, I'm using to a very old 172 that is like pushing draft horse around, these aircraft respond to a light touch, this is teaching me to fly a modern plane that flies like it is supposed to that didn't make me have to wrestle with the controls like I am accustomed to, which made that plane a pleasure to operate.
My only complaint is that it is not my day to fly today! And I want to fly more. I have to pay as I go, so, I'm flying on a budget, yet Chris and Mark are good with that, and have a plan to keep me flying often, and keep on learning. This is exactly the kind of learning environment that I need. I am impressed. I can't speak highly enough about the school or the quality of instruction.
This is exactly what I need, as in my not so distant future, I am acquiring my own airplane, and am going to tour 48 states by air. I'll be traveling alone, and these guys are giving me thorough instruction to help me grow into a competent and confident pilot so I can accomplish my dreams.
So, if you're looking for a great flight school, with great instructors that are other yet will push you to learn hands on, and flying NEWER aircraft, you'd be hard pressed to find a better school.
The school is a very veteran friendly place, treating this old Jar Head like a VIP. SEMPER FI.