I've been a student of Paul for almost a year now and got my Private Pilot license in July, after really only about 3 months of focusing on it seriously. I selected Empire Aviation because of Paul's many year's of teaching people how to fly. I'm not knocking new instructors because everyone has to start out new. But I have benefited from learning from someone knows how to teach flying. I know how to do math, but I'd be terrible at teaching math. Similarly, just because you're an excellent pilot, that doesn't mean you will necessarily be a good teacher of how to fly. Paul definitely knows how to teach the art of flying. It probably doesn't hurt that he taught high school for many years. Paul won't teach you with all the modern bells and whistles, fully automated cockpits, etc. He wants us to learn with the basics, then is fully supportive of helping his students learn how to use the iPad flying and other conveniences. I have enjoyed learning that way. I think I understand the fundamentals, so now I can easily transition to more advanced avionics. But if all else fails, I also know how to draw a line on a paper chart, calculate the correction angle for the wind, and plot a course to wherever I'm going. Also, there are several other reviews by current students that Yelp has categorized as "not currently recommended" based on their algorithms. I'd encourage you to click on the link at the below the "recommended" reviews to see those reviews. Then take a flight with Paul and you will appreciate his experience. read more

Empire Aviation is a great choice for low-key, low-cost, high-performing flight training and airplane rentals. I've been flying there since 1997. The primary focus is on training Private Pilots, although training for advanced certificates is also offered. The training schedule is adapted to individual students. Some of the students are beginners and others are returning after being out of flying for a while. Pilots trained at Empire have gone on to airline or military careers or just fly for fun. The owner and chief instructor, Paul Hesse, is a professional flight instructor...he's not building hours and he won't suddenly leave to pursue an airline offer. He uses his extensive flying experience to offer practical examples to supplement the standard training curriculum. Empire has a variety of airplanes available for instruction or rental: a C-152, C-172, and a Piper Cherokee. Paul Hesse's personal airplane is a Piper Geronimo (an Apache on steroids) which you *might* talk him into for some multi-engine training. Private Pilot Ground School is offered regularly. "Discovery Flights" are available to confirm your interest in flying, or just for sightseeing. Henderson Oxford Airport (HNZ) is ideal for training with a long runway and not much traffic. There's never any waiting for commercial traffic while your Hobbs is ticking off your dollars. If you go out to the airport to see Empire Aviation, contact Paul Hesse first at 919-815-1169...there's no office staff and he might be out flying. read more

I was preparing a move to Durham, NC so I could be closer to family. It came to my attention that a dear friend of mine, Andy Bradford, had posted a review of Paul's questionable behavior - but has since taken it down. Andy cooled off about Paul's behavior enough to write him an apology, to which Paul simply ignored. I have always wanted to learn how to to fly, and moving to Durham, I wanted to get a local instructor. Knowing the problems Andy had with Paul, Andy still recommended that I give Paul a chance , seeing as the reviews about him are mostly positive. I sent Paul a few e-mails stating that I was a friend of Andy's, and that I would be moving to the area and wanted to pick up some instruction soon after. Paul was very courteous and very informative, until we brought up the problems that I had heard about the management up there at HNZ.... I asked Paul if there were any issues over at the airport, and he coldly replied that the problem had had a stroke, and was now deceased. I immediately felt that something was wrong with this person, and told him I would look elsewhere for instruction. I am appalled that someone could regard a deceased man as the sole problem of something, after he has passed, and take joy in that. I found that kind of behavior disgusting. read more

Having worked with Paul for nearly ten years, I have to offer a different perspective on Paul and Empire Aviation. Paul instructed me through my private pilot and my instrument rating. It is no secret that he flies older planes. His fees are also much lower. I have never felt unsafe in any of Paul's airplanes and even purchased his 1960 vintage C172A after earning my PPL. I still fly the plane and love it. Paul solo'd me after about 12 hours and I was ready for my check ride around 42 hours. This was during Paul's time at Lake Ridge. More recently, I completed my instrument training at the Oxford Henderson Airport. I have continued to use Paul for my instrument proficiency checks every six months and for my biennial flight reviews. I have always found Paul to be an excellent instructor. He has an excellent pass rate with his students. I felt well prepared by Paul to fly safely. Paul insists on teaching steam gauges and paper charts, because that's what you may have to use one day in a pinch. If your goal is to buy a Cirrus, then go train at Flightgest. You obviously can afford them. If, like most beginner pilots, you are on a budget and will rent or buy an older plane, then Empire offers great value and excellent instruction. read more

I wanted to express that my now removed review of Empire Aviation was written out of anger and immaturity, and that I regret writing it, and I want everyone to know that Empire Aviation is a fine place to learn how to fly. I flew with Paul from February 2017 until May 2017 - earning my Private Pilots License in that time. I had a blast, and have since enrolled in AP school to continue my aviation career pursuit. I recommend Paul to anyone who is looking to learn how to fly. Paul offers the cheapest rates around, which really saved me from spending all of the money I had saved up. I spent around $8,000 getting my license, which is a good deal in the triangle area! I heard a guy spent over 50K at RDU, and hadn't even soloed at that point! Paul got him his license in no time! I had a disagreement with the owner Paul, over something silly, and potentially exposed people to a negative view of Paul that was projected through my anger. Paul is a good man, and will give you what you put into pursuing your dream. I wish you the best of luck in your aviation endeavors! Andy Bradford read more

I happened across the review about Empire Aviation from Andy B. and it totally angered me. I have been taking flight training from Paul for several months now and have been totally 100% satisfied with my instructions. Paul has always been very accommodating to my schedule and passionate about his teaching. Paul is a super nice guy and I applaud his other interest as most of them involve the betterment of others. He helps with 4H and is active in his church. I have been taking lessons in the 172 and sincerely feel Paul take meticulous care in the upkeep of all his aircraft. He spends countless hours of his time doing so in an effort to keep his prices down. I remember andy telling me how expensive some of the other schools are. Maybe andy should think about that next time he wants to berate someone and they're business. I think andy probably needs to put on some big boy panties and grow up. Anyone who reads Andy's review will see where the real problem lies. I applaud Paul for what he does. read more

Paul was very rude to my friend years ago....Promised him a flight that he never gave...My friend, who was elderly, died waiting to get that flight...Andrew who posted previous review is right about Mr. Hesse, he is the "Victimized Yankee" of sorts here in Durham, NC. Doesn't seem to get along with people for any length of time outside of "Business"....To hell with him. read more

I am very disappointed with yelp for not including the positive reviews. You selected a disgruntled client who clearly is personally attacking his teacher. How that helps the public to make an informed decision is beyond me. It is clearly unfair and unprofessional. read more