The flight instructor/ pilot was cool, informative and fun... This was our 2nd time here with one person being 1st timer. This day was a bit busier than our previous visit as they were behind in discovery flights. Our time was 1:30pm our instructor came to begin the briefing at 1:54, guess it's really like an actual airport in training lol. (They do have scheduled chartered flights, pilot training etc, which shouldn't have much impact on discovery flights) Good experience overall will use them again read more

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I had a discovery flight this morning with Jonathan Outmezguine (adding his last name just incase another Jonathan is there) from Washington Flight Academy, and it was such an amazing experience. From the moment we started, he was incredibly friendly, calm, and easy to talk to, which made a huge difference as someone who had never flown before. He gave clear, helpful direction and made flying feel way less intimidating than I expected. His patience and confidence really stood out for me, as well as how comfortable he made me feel the entire time. He also went out of his way to capture a lot of footage for me, which I really appreciated. Overall, my instructor was great and made this such a smooth, enjoyable first experience. I highly recommend flying with him, and I'll definitely be back again in the future. read more

This was a really cool experience! Israel was a great instructor, explained things well, and was patient. Definitely take some Dramamine as the cock pit is warm, lots of gauges to keep track of while watching the horizon; I love roller coasters but this had my stomach turning I do not recommend for people who are sensory sensitive. There is a lot going on to include broken chatter from other planes and Control constantly streaming over the radio (headphones). I don't think passengers would be affected when sitting in back. Definitely recommend!! read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Approximately 1600 feet up. - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Definitely recommend. Got a Groupon for my daughter's bday. Yvan was awesome. He gave us both a walk thru of the controls and the checklist before flying. We had a wonderful view of Gaithersburg with all the snow on the ground. read more

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Don't book through Groupon They will find every excuse to reschedule your flight and then not even tell you the date when they will reschedule your flight Seems like a big scam The staff don't even act professional. This flight school is a joke. Don't waste your money here because they will just waste your time. read more

Rafael was patient and extremely knowledgeable , friendly . His instruction was the perfect amount of hands on to facts ratio. Book a discovery flight and it just might open up a whole new world for you. read more

I walked into this place and purchased a discovery flight session. They were fully booked, so they scheduled me for two weeks later. A day before my flight, they called to confirm I was still planning to attend, which was a nice touch. On the day of the flight, after checking in, I was directed upstairs to wait for the instructor, Shmuel. He arrived shortly after, and he was incredibly friendly. He gave me a brief lesson on the controls, showing me the radar and explaining that since 9/11, all flights within the large red circle on the radar must report in. He also mentioned that he wanted to keep the ground lesson short so we could maximize our time in the air. We then headed out to the aircraft for a quick pre-flight check, where he explained what we were inspecting and let me check the plane's fuel. Once we were in the air and stable, he handed me the controls for the entire flight, which made the experience really fun. He helped me to take a bunch of pictures. After finishing the season, I got a certificate of completion which was great. Compared to another place I tried two weeks earlier, I enjoyed this experience much more. I received more information and had more time in the air. I didn't realize they offered Groupon deals, so I'll try that next time to see if the experience is the same or different with a Groupon. read more

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Got to take a flight class (which we found on Groupon) with my friend. They send you a confirmation text the day before your flight to make sure you're ready to go. Luckily my friend and I got to be in the plane together which made the experience so much more fun! Our instructor Ilan was informative, answered all my questions, and made sure the vibes were immaculate during our ride. We got to experience zero gravity as well, which is terrifying, but was so worth it! The only reason I took a star off was because the man we talked to when we booked the flight was very standoffish. Luckily this didn't ruin the overall experience. Will I be doing this again? Absolutely! read more

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What an amazing time I had taking my very first flying lesson at WIFA. I booked the lesson around one month in advance. The day before the flying, the staff called me to check if I am still on to ensure there are no last minute cancellations. That was good. It was a clear day. Parking was easy. When you reach, go to the main big building. Don't go to the 7940-C building. I first went to the C building because my gps took me there. It was locked so I called the office but nobody answered. I left a voice mail. I eventually figured out that I was at the wrong building. I spoke with Mariana at the front desk and she helped me check in. My instructor was Omri. He made me feel very comfortable. Gave me enough time for questions. Showed me all he could in the 30 min session. It didn't feel rushed at all. I was even able to control and maneuver the plane for a few minutes. We flew the piper plane. The take off and landing were so smooth. Actually better than some of the smaller commercial flights I was on. It wasn't scary at all. I would highly recommend this place. I tipped the instructor in cash but you can also ask him/her for their Venmo if you don't carry cash. read more

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This is an awesome flight school with amazing instructors! They are all so kind and knowledgeable. Highly recommend either for a discovery flight or even for pursuing licenses! read more

I called them to learn about getting checked out in their twin. I asked them what avionics package that was in the aircraft so that I could decide if I wanted to rent the plane. They REFUSED to tell me what radios were in the aircraft. They were discourteous with their communications. I would not do business with them. Steer clear. read more

One of the coolest things I've ever had the chance to do -- fly a plane!! No experience required. Discovery flights start at $99, but they often have a promo going on Groupon so you can get it cheaper. Bring a guest for $30, or have them watch from the sidelines outside. My lesson consisted of 15 minutes on ground instruction, 15 minutes, safety check, preflight, and a 35 minute flight. The pilot did all the hard parts, but once we were up in the air, I flew by myself for about 10 minutes! It was so fun and definitely worth it. read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

This is a small private airport for prop or jet . Very nice European restaurant as well. My son-in-law is taking flying lessons here and we came to watch him. The staff all seamed very nice. Unfortunately to windy to fly his trainer plane but still nice to visit. read more

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Had a great time taking a flying discovery class with my son. Our instructor, Ehad, was easy-going, putting us at ease the entire time. More importantly, he was knowledgeable and did a great job at explaining what we were doing the entire time, from take-off to landing. The rest of the staff at the training facility was friendly too. We found this facility through a Groupon deal, which made the lessons a little more affordable. But I would definitely recommend them to anyone who is interested in exploring their interest in flying and deciding if they want to embark on serious flying lessons read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Back on the ground after some fun flying - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

I did an introductory flight earlier this year with them. The plane was extremely rundown and looked unsafe to me. instructor seemed somewhat clueless on the downwind for approach, between entering downwind and turning base, we had to circle three times because she did not enter flight pattern correctly, cutting off other airplanes that were in the flight pattern. I personally have roughly 90 hours logged and know how to properly enter a flight pattern. I did an introductory flight just to see what the school was like, instructors, and the business as a whole. Last, I only do business with equal opportunity employers. And this company is not. Their choices of instructors lacks diversity. I do not recommend them. read more

I saw that a solo flight was available on Groupon so I jumped at the opportunity to take a flying lesson. Upon arrival, this place is located at a small airport in Virginia. For the 30 minute lesson I purchased, the first 10 minutes is spent on going over the instruments on the plane and making sure it is fit to fly. Once you get in the plane, you get a feel of driving it as you begin taxiing on the runway. The instructor takes control of the takeoff and landing portion of the flight but you can assist once you are in the air. The plane flies at about 200-300 mph in the air but it feels almost motionless as the ride is fairly smooth. You are allowed to take control of the plane on your on for awhile and the exciting part is taking sharp turns and feeling the G forces pulling you into your seat. The instructor showed a couple of moves too that simulated the weightless feeling astronauts get in space. The 20 minutes in the air goes by pretty quickly. I'm glad I got a chance to take this flight lesson and I recommend others to try out this experience as well. read more

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AWESOME experience! My instructor Sun was MARVELOUS, very patient and knowledgeable. read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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Great experience. Flew with Alex, extremely nice guy. Described the basics and we were on our way. Flew to the lake and did some nose dives

Try a Discovery Flight! It was nerve-wracking at first but exciting & FUN. Our pilot Erik took great care of us at take-off, 2,000 ft high, and landing. Beautiful views! read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flying 2,000 ft high! - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

So this is to be a flight school??? The first rule of being a poilot is you must follow all state and local ordinances. Well Baltimore Washington International Airport has several local ordnances that say you can't do touch and go's after 11 pm. When taking after in the direction they are right now they are supposed to be going one nautical mile straight off the runway before turning right or left. Not flying 600ft down our streets... how can you instruct someone if you can't follow the basics..... read more

I got the discovery flight on groupon and was a little sad all my friends were chickens, but wanted to do it anyway. Booking over the phone was easy, they dont send any email confirmation and say they will call 24 hrs in advance but they didnt-not a big deal. I called the morning of my flight and we were good to go. They called back 2x after that to push my flight back 30 mins and another 30 mins due to the previous flight being delayed, that was fine given that day this was my big plan. Once i got there checkin was quick and easy there were bathrooms near the office, free parking. They give you headphones, show you around and see if you have any questions. My instructor was Gal Ronan, we went through the security check together and then got in. It was hot in that plane or i was nervous lol but once we were in the sky the ventilation system kicks in. I got to do everything from taking off to turns in the sky it was so dope! Everyone should tru this and although it was about the same size as a helicopter, i felt safe the entire time. I am ready to continue in and get my pilots license now lolololol read more

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Bought discovery flight for my 50th birthday. Loved it. Simon the pilot was amazing. Highly recommend. read more

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Had the best experience ever here this weekend. I bought myself a discovery flight with Groupon because of my fear of flying, and it was the best decision ever. My instructor Alex was so experienced and that made us feel so safe. The discovery flight is about 20 minutes of you flying yourself. So worth it! I can to wait to go back and do it again. read more

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Brought my fiancé here as a birthday present. Went for a discovery flight. Staff is super professional and efficient. Teacher was knowledgeable and friendly. Fiancé loved the experience and we will definitely come back for our flight class needs. Also super reasonable priced for over an hour of fun! I got the groupon and it was really easy to schedule read more

For the first time in my life, the man in the passenger seat (or co pilot seat) wasn't praying for his life or screaming at me. This flying thing is alright. Driving lessons in Tijuana were way more traumatizing, the instructor kept yelling me to dodge the overturned busses and kids selling chicklets on the street (Yes, I honesly learned to drive in Mexico, have you seen me on the beltway?). Have you noticed there are no female pilot jokes but an abundance of female driver jokes? That's cause there is nothing to hit in the air, other than some birds (boo hoo, call PETA). I came here on a lunch breaks and off days to learn how to fly. There are alot of advantages to this flight school. The first being cool, calm and collected instructors. I flew with Shachar (my name twin), who is not only great with ground/instrumentation instruction, but also has nerves of steel in the air, and can deal with my 'what happens if I do this..." approach to learning. All students are trained on a Cessna 172 (N52632), and like the other reviewer said the fleet appears to be aging. These are well maintained planes however, and the best for instruction, because it could basically land itself. This flight school is definitely convenient to the DC area (ie. restricted air space) in Gaithersburg, MD, and has some of the better rates, so if you're interested I so recommend checking this flight school out. read more

Overview: Came to the Flight Academy after purchasing a Groupon deal for a discovery flight and 30 minutes of ground instruction. We scheduled the appointment several times, but was pushed back due to turbulent weather/high winds. With some of the committee members having motion sickness, we were quite ok with the rescheduling. We scheduled our appointment at 8am (least likely to have gusty winds), and completed our discovery flight yesterday. We flew between Gaithersburg airport and Frederick airport. Pros: (knowledgeable instructor, exciting first experience): Instructor Casey is a very relaxed and knowledgeable pilot trainer. His easy going demeanor and an "even if something bad happens we can deal with it" approach made us quite comfortable with our first flight lesson. Even though the plane may be a sketchy looking rust bucket to the untrained eye, Casey was able to put our minds at ease. The plane provided for us (Cessna 172) is one of the most safe training planes ever in production, and it got us home safe and sound just to write this review. The excitement of our first flight experience will also be with us forever. Cons: (sketchy looking plane, facility): The aged plane and seemingly nonchalant atmosphere at the training academy can put some people off at times, but we do believe it is because they want to make flying seem like a mundane and safe affair. Even the most rusty of buckets with many kinks are safe in the hands of experienced pilots. Recommendation: Instructor Casey! Very chill dude. Comparable to: nothing like flying for the first time. read more

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I couldn't believe how easy it was to get behind the wheel of a plane and...fly it. I don't mean it was easy to fly it, I mean it was easy to be ALLOWED to fly it! Came here for discovery flights with my husband, dad, brother, and brother's girlfriend, and let me just say, we did the majority of our discovering in the air! The pre-flight instruction portion of the experience was short and sweet; I can't remember anything except how minimal it was and how old and pointless the few diagrams on the walls were. I started to take a picture of the "classroom," but the instructor looked uncomfortable so I relented. Heck, I'd rather learn "on the fly" anyway! The planes are so small (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/_FQ9YJSKs5BMxIVNs7H5dg?select=5_VPIO5KY-5q-DJdOibLCw), we were taken up in two separate ones, each with its own instructor. The plane interiors are about the size of a car: there's space for a student and an instructor in the two front seats, and two squished and terrified passengers in the back seats. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/_FQ9YJSKs5BMxIVNs7H5dg?select=pvJD8P7iJQi6tFXnF2NXvA) I was shocked when I found out each of us would be doing EVERY part of the flight: taxi, takeoff, and even landing! The instructor helped prevent us from careening completely off the tarmac, but other than that, he pretty much let us do our things, much to the chagrin of the other passengers! (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/_FQ9YJSKs5BMxIVNs7H5dg?select=1D_ra6sUOXrKZ6o6kQ_FSA) We each got to pilot about a 20-minute flight, give or take, and it took full concentration to try to keep the plane level and pointed in the right direction, especially since the little planes were getting tossed about by the strong winds. There was definitely an abundance of white knuckles and mildly panicked laughter. (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/_FQ9YJSKs5BMxIVNs7H5dg?select=l3fYzok6xS64wY57-Jz_4g) I was pleased (and my passengers were lucky) that our instructor took over for me with a quickness as I came in for my landing, considering I yelled, "I CAN'T DO IT!" and jerked my hands off the wheel just as we were about to touch down. He claimed I was the first person to have done that, but it came so naturally I can't believe I was the only one! read more

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I have over 1,800 hours TT since 2005. I earned my Private with Montgomery aviation at KGAI and my instrument rating with WIFA (Ziv, founder of WIFA) at KGAI. I just read a negative review from another pilot and felt compelled to give my two cents in support of WIFA. First, the negative reviewer makes strong assertions about their maintenance protocol. There has never been an incident or accident due to mechanical failure and the poster is not an A&P so I think it is more conjecture than anything. I can tell you that the airplanes are in much better shape than when they were maintained by the predecessor school, Montgomery. I own my own Columbia, so I don't rent from them so I can't answer his accusation that airplanes cancel from under him. I am sure their is good reason. What I can address is the instruction. Ziv is an incredible CFI. He has something like 10,000 hours given. He is a wonderful instructor because he does not put undue pressure when you are new to a task, but he doesn't allow you to graduate from a task until he has applied real world pressure. For instance, when I began to fly actual IFR flights, I found them to be much easier than the training flights with Ziv. When I told him all the ways real IFR is easier than his training flights, he replied in his thick Israeli accent: Difficult in practice, easy in battle. When my life is on the line, that is how I want to be trained. read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Keep in mind how many reviews here are from people who just did an intro flight from a GroupOn or whatnot, not pilots who got their license through WIFA. Why? Because it's not a place for safe and capable pilots. Unfortunately, I learned the hard way there are two types of flight schools. One has life-long instructors who invest in their student's success. The other has lots of newly-minted instructors looking to build time on the backs of their students so they can jump to the airlines. WIFA is the latter. In reality, WIFA has an incredibly poor reputation in the DC area. It's known for notoriously dangerous pilots, out-of-control students, and a poorly maintained fleet. Want a career in aviation? A WIFA endorsement might hurt you more than it helps. And as a student, expect to sit in a running airplane instead of flying...a lot. After all, that's all time they can bill against you and hours for them. The fleet is terrible too. Look at every plane: overworked, maintained only to the lowest acceptable standard, and poorly cared for. Go by and you will always see at least one with the door just left open, sitting there. This doesn't even get into the above-average accident rate they seem to have. Once even saw a WIFA pilot have a prop strike before taxiing back to take off again. FBO had to run out and stop them...because they weren't on the proper frequency. Lots of opportunities at this airport and nearby, often with better planes and better prices. read more

Here it is a year later and my grandson couldn't stay away. Got to fly for his fifth birthday. Almost put in an hour of time and had a blast! Got to do alot of flying, talked to the air traffic controller and helped land the plane! Instructor said he's a natural. All I can say is they've done it again! A great experience for a young kid. After the flight the instructor took the time to take him around the field and look at different planes and answer all his questions. I highly recommend them for flight training as they really take care of you. I'm starting here sometime in July. By the way they have a new flight simulator. Can't wait to try it out. It's full motion and really lets you experience flight without going up. Get the package deal if you intend to fly. read more

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The discovery flight is such a fun experience. Although flying planes is certainly not for the fainthearted, and swirling in an airplane at a high altitude may induce nausea or sickness, I still enjoyed my half-hour guided flight. The package comes with half hour of ground instructions, half hour of simulator experience in the building, and finally half hour of the actual flight. Although most of the time it's the instructor flying it (takeoff and landing, of course, but also a portion of the actual flying once we're airborne), you do get to take control yourself for what may seem like more than enough. Your friend(s) can opt to sit in the back if they wish to. There were a couple of times when I got really scared since I felt I was losing control. It also takes some practice to get the hang of keeping the plane leveled once you do a turn. I ended up getting a headache after my own flight and sitting in during my friend's, perhaps partially due to nervousness in addition to the dizziness induced by sharp dips; but I'd totally go back to the academy and fly again. read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

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I bought a Groupon for my little brother ( 19 years old) & I to go here together. We were supposed to go on Friday but the weather was very bad as it started snowing so they managed to reschedule us for Today, which is Saturday. When we got there we were told that the wind is blowing very hard and it will affect our ride. It was still safe to continue with the discovery flight but the instructor recommended to reschedule as it will be a very turbulent ride. However, all I had was today so we decided to do it anyways and got on a red and white piper. Jason, our instructor, was absolutely amazing! He told us all the ins and outs and made sure we were comfortable. He assured us that we would be alright and indeed we were. The ride was VERY turbulent, but it was so much fun. My brother went for 30 min, we landed, then I flew for 30 min. I never thought I would be able to do something like this, but I did and I couldn't be happier. Even when the turbulence was extremely rough and I felt like I would fall and die, he remained calm and collected and ensured we felt safe at all times. The views are beautiful, the plane itself is such a cozy and beautiful structure. I enjoyed every minute of it, even when it was turbulent and when it was smooth. I will definitely be returning on a sunny and wind-free day. This is the best Groupon I have ever bought. Highly recommend it! Once in a life time kind of adventure. Its addicting. read more

Washington International Flight Academy - Flying High! - Flight Instruction Near Me - Gaithersburg, Maryland

Please keep in mind my review is almost two years old. Things may have changed. My experience with Washington International Flight Academy was interesting to say the least. I came in as a solo, single female just wanting to get up in the sky for a minute. I bought a Groupon deal just like everybody else. I remember considering getting a pilot's license down the road--or at least learning more about that process. My instructor, (name started with an 'I') was very professional, friendly, and reassuring once we got up in the air. It was a quick flight and truly remarkable to see DC from a different view. It was when we landed, and I disembarked that things went way left. As I was wrapping up in the lobby, getting more pamphlets or something, I was approached by another instructor who started to basically flirt with and harass me to the point where I was uncomfortable. I told him I was considering getting a pilot's license and he immediately told me and continued to emphasize how much it was, and that it was a lot of money and takes a lot of time. Being condescending. I'm not stupid, I understand what it takes. Then, this guy proceeds to tell me how this is an Israeli academy, that everyone there was Israeli. Implying what exactly? That I would not be welcome? That I would be treated differently or made to feel like I was different? What exactly was he getting at telling me this stuff? Cherry on top I guess, the only other woman in the room came up to us as I was ending the conversation and scoffed in my face. I was really surprised. What the hell did I do to deserve that? At the end of the day, I was treated more like a kid than a customer and the fact that I still remember that part of the experience two years later, really burst my little pilot bubble. read more

Likely the worst flight school I've operated from. Trash left in the planes by previous instructors/students, planes left un-refueled over night ?(allowing condensation to collect in the tanks), instructors who canceled flights at the last minute, and a constant fight between the chief pilot and the owner that bled through to the students via the instructors. Overall the worst experience I've had at a flight school. After I completed my training as a commercial airline pilot, I decided I wanted to use some of the funds that I had previously deposited with WIFA to do some general aviation flying. They had increased the minimum Hobbs time to reserve an aircraft by so much, that it no longer made sense to rent an aircraft for the weekend, and enjoy GA flying. A complete seat of the pants operation. I have over 2800 hours, civilian and military, and have attended numerous flight schools. I have an ATP. I am rated Single and Multi Engine land, Helicopter and Fixed Wing, is I know what I'm speaking of when I say, don't waste your money here. read more

Purchased a Living Social deal for 30 min instruction training and 30 min flight time and absolutely loved it! My instructor was a young man from Venezuela and has been flying for 5 years, he was very informative and taught me a lot. This experience was incredible! The view is breathtaking, it is a great experience and I highly recommend this place! This deal also counts towards your time if you are considering getting a pilot license. read more

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This was amazing! I bought this for my boyfriend as a birthday present, once at the flight academy we paid $30 extra so that I could be a backseat passenger during the flight. Alex was our instructor and he was incredible, it's easy to see he has a passion for flying and he enjoys teaching others. The 30 minute pre-flight ground instruction was really interesting, Alex did a great job explaining the instrument panel and aerodynamics, as well as what to expect interns of flying etiquette. Our flight was incredible! My boyfriend got to take the controls once we were up in the air, Alex showed him how to turn and climb. We HIGHLY RECOMMEND Alex and the Washington International Flight Academy. read more

I chose WIFA to start training for my Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating because they have a PA-44 Seminole, which is an aircraft I had already flown before and had done my commercial multi engine rating in The first lesson was scheduled to start at 2:00pm, but the instructor walked in 40 minutes late. It did not matter, however, because the aircraft we were scheduled to be was booked for a checkride and nobody called me (Note to those new to general aviation: losing a scheduled airplane to a checkride is common as evaluators are hard to come by. Not getting a call about it is unheard of). The checkride was supposed to go to 4:00pm then I was to start my first lesson. By 4:30pm, I just left. I've decided to do my ATP work elsewhere. For discovery flights and those on a budget for a private pilot rating (college kids, young adults, etc), WIFA probably works. They simply are not organized enough or have enough depth to give the professional level flight instruction I was expecting. read more

I have always wanted to learn to fly but have always been afraid due to my fear of heights so for my birthday my family gave me flying lessons. The instructors here are very knowledgable and patient. They make you feel completely at ease. It's been a really great experience. The flight simulators are awesome. Then you move right along to the actual plane. They are fairly new and well maintained. I was expecting to pass out from fear and anxiety but my instructor was so welcoming and reassuringly calm that it was infectious. I really loved my time in the air. If you are looking for a little adventure or serious about getting your pilot license this is the place. read more

If you ever want to make it into the air, don't book here. There have been 6 months of cancelations and rescheduling. It had been because of weather, but now it's due to maintenance. You would think after 6 months of this they would put us on another plane and cancel someone elses who hasn't been put off for this long, but they don't seem to care. The customer service is so bad it's almost funny at this point. read more

This flight school doesn't care about the community. Its planes frequently fly too low, and they endlessly circle residential neighborhoods when other flight schools are community oriented and circle commercial areas or farmland. read more