Arizona flight training center is an amazing school to train at! Nothing but a wonderful experience here. From Rick the owner, to Sean the chief pilot, Judy and Leann at the front desk, they are all very welcoming. I have been there since private pilot and am currently finishing up my CFI and couldn't be happier. I want to give a huge recommendation and shout out to my instructor Christian. I was one of the lucky ones who didn't have to hop from instructor to instructor until I found a good one. I was paired with him from the start and he is extremely knowledgeable, experienced, professional and safe pilot. He has over 10,000 hours of experience and yet is still somehow able to be extremely passionate about teaching new students. I felt like I got the attention I needed from him as if I were his first student! His training was extremely efficient, and thanks to him I am a very well trained, experienced and competent pilot. If you come to Arizona flight training center to train, I highly recommend you ask for Christian! I have no doubt you will receive proper training to above and beyond the standards! read more

Nothing but great things to say about the instruction and experience I've had so far at AFTC. I've had the pleasure of learning from and flying with Instructors Bryce and Christian. The level of professionalism and dedication to the students I've experienced from both Bryce and Christian have been extremely valuable to my development as a pilot. They really want you to succeed not only as a pilot but as a person. read more

Definitely a great training center for aviation. I've enjoyed my time at this location and little airport.

AFTC is a phenomenal flight school, whether you are starting from square one or going for additional ratings the team at AFTC will go above and beyond to help you succeed. Instructors like Christian and Codey have vast knowledge and experience in aviation, He and the rest of the team will help craft you into a skilled and professional pilot. read more

EIGHT MONTHS AND $32,393. That's how much time and money I spent just to get my private pilot's license even though I was trying to train FULL TIME. If only I could give this place zero stars for the amount of suffering I have had to get this license. I had high hopes of this place because it is part 141 and they told me they get DPEs the fastest in the valley to schedule checkrides which who knows is true and doesn't even matter when they had no interest in progressing me through my license and was just interested in taking my money. Brandon was my first CFI who I thought was a great instructor until the true colors started to show after two months. We were having regular classes until suddenly after New Year's he drastically slowed down my training in favor of taking new students. This really angered me as I wanted to train full time. Next problem I saw was he wasn't preparing me at all for the stage checks. There was so much discrepancy what the examiner wanted and what my CFI was teaching me, and they made it worse by blaming it on me while I was literally being set up for failure. Retraining for the stage checks really added to the total cost, especially when one of them was a cross country for no reason, and this happened multiple times that I had to switch my CFI to Daniel before I lost all sanity. This switch cost more than usual because I had to get reindorsed during the cross-country stage. But I still couldn't pass the second stage check because the examiners, even the whole school is against me and just want my money. There was even a time when I had to sit for about EIGHT WEEKS of no progress whatsoever. This was the school's idea of punishing me because I got a pilot deviation during my solo cross country instead of taking some of the blame and realizing their curriculum is setting us up for failure. I got the deviation because they don't think it is important for students to learn how to use a GPS to cross-check when the dead reckoning calculations were wrong. What made it worse is my CFI looked at my wrong calculations and endorsed it, making me have no reason to think it could be wrong later. This really made me depressed especially when all my friends and family are not in Arizona and I didn't have a good way to pass the time as I planned on training full time. I had such an unpleasant experience in the stage checks themselves. Chris did most of my exams and he is just an unfriendly person to be around. Forget about failing the actual stage check because he will insult you and make you worthless in the debriefing. I bet the military doesn't disrespect you this much. I just wanted a simple discussion with him, but he thought I was arguing and didn't even want to talk to me because he had some 15,000 hours of experience while I was worthless not having any license. I requested Nick to do my stage check as if that was going to be different. I did everything what was required at the time almost perfectly, but he just made up a reason to not pass me. At this point I was done with the school because I saw they had no intention of letting me finish my license and just wanted to take my money quietly. I had to finish my training at another school and waste even more money showing my new CFI what I knew. I learned more in one month there compared to seven months at AFTC. I also learned half the things AFTC taught me were just completely wrong, so I had to waste more money unlearning those habits. My checkride examiner almost failed me because I was referencing Jeppesen during the oral portion which is apparently not FAA-certified. How AFTC became part 141, let alone a flight school, with all these bad practices is anyone's guess. All the five-star reviews are from bribery. If you value your time, money, and sanity, stay far away from this school. It is anything but family. read more

I needed to build the rest of my multi engine hours, and I was recommended this place by a family friend. They were able to get me in the next couple days to build out the remaining hours I needed very fast efficiently. Thanks Mohan. read more

I came to Arizona Flight Training Center in 2025 for my Multi Engine IFR rating and had the pleasure to train with John Broz. I had a very positive experience with this flight school. Whenever I go to a flight school my number one concern is safety of the aircraft and the overall experience and training acumen of the flight staff. Arizona Flight Training Center has both in spades, very well-maintained airplanes and if you're lucky enough to train with John you will have the best chance of passing your check-ride. He knows exactly what to focus on both in the class-room and in the air. I am confident in his ability to assess students and unlike other flight instructors who might rush you through the training and take the chance of failed checkrides John makes sure you're ready for that test. His schedule was flexible even though he was in high demand. I recommend coming here for that rating. - Dave H. read more

I was one of those kids who, in 1986, became mesmerized from watching Tom Cruise soar across the sky in "Top Gun." It was at that moment, that I knew I wanted to be a pilot. A short time later, at the age of 15, I began my journey to becoming a Private Pilot. The hard work paid off - I soloed on my 16th birthday, and passed my Private check ride a week after my 17th. In 1993, I moved to Arizona to become a commercial pilot. Sadly, life got in the way, and my dream would never come to fruition. Fast forward TWENTY EIGHT years later, and I find myself thinking about flying again. After reaching out to various flight schools around the valley, I ended up speaking with Alex at Arizona Flight Training Center. Alex was supportive, encouraging, and absolutely professional in how he approached my interest in getting back into the air. I had a good feeling, and gut-instinct that this was the place that could get this rusty pilot flying again. Shortly before Covid-19 disrupted life as we know it, I took a "re"-discovery flight with Fatih. He was patient, caring, and empathetic. The flight went well, and I was hooked (again). The state shut-down put my training on hold for a bit, but I was back at it full steam in May. I trained with Fatih, and also Mike - another incredibly competent, inspiring, and uplifting CFI. By July, I was checked out on one of their aircraft, and had a fresh flight review sign off under my belt. It's been a couple months, and I've been flying on my own and doing well. I simply cannot say enough about the staff at Arizona Flight Training Center. From the front office staff - Judy Ann and Nancy, to the owner, Rick. Every employee at this facility is simply the best of the best. The CFI's here are some of the finest I've ever encountered. I drive over an hour EACH WAY, and pass MANY other airports, to fly with Arizona Flight Training Center - it's worth it! If you've ever considered becoming a pilot, I'd highly recommend giving these folks a call - warm smiles, well-maintained aircraft, and the best flight training in the valley await you. I'll finish with this quote - oftentimes credited to Leonardo da Vinci: "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the Earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return." read more

See all

never flown there and heard pretty good things..They have a extensive fleet and many twins + a AATD too.. For even a flight or two with their flight instructors..they require prior to flying money on account to be paid. Not very many flight schools do that when no rating is being sought. read more

I went today for a discovery flight and it was an awesome time! The flight time was just over an hour and it was an awesome experience! I would recommend for anyone if you're looking for a discovery flight this is the place! I think inductors name was Steven and he was great and taught me so many great things! read more

Arizona Flight Training Center - Flight Instruction Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I am a current Student Pilot and could not imagine going to another flight school. I drive 45 minutes from my home when there are closer options for me available. The drive is worth it. Rick, the owner of Arizona Flight Training Center has an advanced flight simulator, classrooms and a great staff of instructors with a extraordinary emphasis on pilot safety. Maientance of the fleet of aircraft exceed industry standards and Rick has all the best planes to fly. Whether your flying for fun or want to pursue a professional career in aviation, this school should be your only choice! read more

Arizona Flight Training Center - Keller Williams East Valley- The Home Selling Team 562-508-3186 andrewliebel@kw.com - Flight Instruction Near Me - Glendale, Arizona

I went to Arizona Flight Training Center (AFTC) for my Private pilot biannual review. They did a great job with training, teaching and completing my review. I would recommend them to other pilots for quality training. My AFTC instructor was Sean Wall. Sean did a great job with the biannual review. It was helpful, informative and, comprehensive. Sean used a training manual to complete the review. Sean does a great job in classroom training. Sean is a master in the plane. He teaches well in the cockpit and is a very accomplished pilot. When you see someone who is a natural pilot and does a great job you have to notice it and give him some accolades. Talented flight instructor are a valued resource and I think the owner Rick Rademaker did a great job in deploying Sean Wall to his staff. The equipment / planes seem to be nice and well kept. They run well. I flew a 172P and all systems worked well. A good place for flight training in the west valley of Phoenix at located on Glendale airport. read more

As an Airline Pilot I knew the importance of finding an excellent school with incredible leadership, top quality maintenance and Instructors. I found that at AFTC. The owner Rick is involved with the flight school and pilot development of each student and aviator. He listens to his customers and provides excellent , quality service. He does this by hiring the very best. The best starts with Nancy at the front desk answering all questions and his entire Instructor cadre always being professional and encouraging. This goes all the way to their Chief Pilot Sean Wall. Sean prepared my son with excellent, detailed instruction all while encouraging my son to be the very best. AFTC helped launced my son into his career field and that will always be appreciated. I highly recommend AFTC for all ratings and certificates. read more

I am very happy to have been able to fly with AFTC! They are very detailed and very honest and caring for future pilots. Most places that I have gone to in the past have been about taking as much money from you as they can, not really true to training pilots to become pilots. AFTC is all about training and helping you achieve your goals. I highly recommend AFTC! True school! True flight instructors! Honest and dedicated to making you a great pilot! I am recommending them to all of my friends that are in school to become pilots, the veterans administration, veterans and military personnel! Thank you Dave and Rick! I hope to see you guys soon! Charles read more

ATP applicants WATCH OUT! AZFTC recently lost what seems to be it's one FAA designated examiner who was regularly doing check rides for ATP applicants. A few weeks ago, I arrived at AZFTC to start my 3 day course. Upon arrival I learned that the plane I studied for was broken (no advance notice). We switched to the turbo Seneca - minor differences in systems and airspeeds and profiles - but still, having never flown the plane before, felt a little underprepared to take a check ride in 2 days. Took a ground school which could have been condensed into about 4 hours, but instead, with constant interruptions and downtime, took about 12 hours. Did the prep flight the following day and the aircraft broke (gear malfunction) about 1 hour into the flight - so Rick terminated the flight. Since both aircraft used for the ATP course were now down, the check ride scheduled for the following day with the FAA had to be cancelled (for me and my partner). I returned home having sunk about $3600 (including hotel and travel) into this process with nothing to show for it. A few days later, the one FAA examiner doing the ATP check rides for AZFTC quit doing ATP check rides for AZFTC. Now it appears they are relying on some airline pilots for the rides - but the scheduling seems spotty at best. Because I am active duty military and am deploying in 4 weeks, I asked for my money back... it did not appear AZFTC could provide an examiner to conduct the check ride within the time I had available before leaving country. Rick refused to refund my money. I am potentially out just under $3000.00. Please - military and everyone else - be careful about doing business with this company. It will be an uphill battle for me to get my money back from AZFTC, and I feel like AFTC is exploiting the fact I have to deploy and cannot effectively assert my rights to essentially steal my money. read more

We book a Discovery flight for my daughter birthday and it was a perfect, memorable, meaningful gift. We had Kelly as our fly instructor, she is professional, had decades of fly experience, caring, and good at teaching.We was able to fly all over the valley, the experience is surreal, my daughter got so excited she got to help with control the airplane, and to learn about flying and the physic connection to it such as: wind, water evaporation, air pressure, etc...and how it effects the fly, the airplane, as we experience it. Highly recommend the school and Kelly for anyone interest in learning about flying an airplane. read more

These guys were great! I came from San Francisco to get my private pilot and not only did they stick to their quote, but they made themselves 100% available days, nights, and weekends, which allowed me to finish in 14 days. It was a grueling pace, but worth it. read more

DO NOT USE!!! Active Duty Mil, signed up for ATP and sent a $500 deposit (terms of refund were a $50 loss due to books and materials sent by Rick, which I have no issue with). I called a month in advance to cancel my ATP training and requested the $450 refund. Bottom Line: It's been a year and Rick has lied to me over the phone about making arrangements for repayment, kept my money and refused to return phone calls. THIS ORGANIZATION IS A SCAM--DO NOT USE!! read more

I searched extensively for the "best" place to earn my private pilot certificate and feel that I made a great choice with AZFTC. I wanted the structure and safety that a school provided, but didn't want to feel like a number the way the huge schools seem to operate. My instructor Dave made every effort to accommodate my schedule whether we flew at 6:00 a.m. or 9:00 p.m. and I was able to take all of the tests on my own schedule, even if I wanted to come in on Saturdays. Planes were maintained well and always available on time if my name was on the schedule. In addition, I thought it was a nice benefit flying out of Glendale to have my training taking place at a tower-controlled airport with plenty of traffic, but without being in such a crazy environment like Deer Valley where safety can be an issue due to dozens of international students with language barriers trying to communicate over the airways simultaneously. When the time (and budget) allow me to earn my instrument rating, I will be back. Thanks Rick, Paul, Angie, and Dave! read more

I was very impressed with Rick's one week ATP practical. Rick is very flexible and tailors the lectures and flights to your knowledge and skill level. His instruction is per the Practical Test Standards and truly gets you ready for the FAA examiner. I was paired up with a friend of mine and we began the week doing ground school (2 days of lectures covering the Piper Seneca systems, Practical Test Standards, performance charts) followed by sims to practice what we will do in the aircraft for the instrument portion. 2 days of the week are used solely for flying where one guy will fly for roughly 3 hours and then swap seats...they are full days. Rick starts off slow getting you comfortable flying the aircraft on the first day walking through the checklists, conducting approaches, stalls, emergencies, and plenty of landings. On the second day of flying he treats it like the examine and ensures you are ready. Both of us have over 3000 hours in tactical aircraft and after a total of 6 hours in the aircraft felt comfortable flying the Seneca. On the last day you do your ATP with a FAA examiner....it's the real deal but Rick's program works in properly over preparing you for what is to come. The check ride was a lot of fun and both of us passed. I highly recommend Rick....he's a busy man running a business but balances it nicely and truly cares about his customers in having fun and preparing them for their ATP. read more