To: John Painter, CEO
Air Orlando
I'm a commercial, multi-engine, instrument rated airplane pilot and recently achieved my add-on private pilot helicopter rating at Air Orlando. When I started looking for a flight school, my plan was to try out both Air Orlando and Titusville, and then decide based on the quality of training program. However, after I flew an evaluation flight with Jason Krakowiak, my assessment was immediately complete and Air Orlando had unquestionably won my business.
I've passed five FAA check rides, and trained with at least a half dozen different instructors. Jason exhibited the best qualities of all my previous instructors combined. As a commercial pilot seeking an add-on rating, I was impressed at how Jason immediately increased the level of training to match my proficiency level. Due to my level of funding, sometimes there would be several weeks between lessons, and Jason always remembered exactly where we left off and was prepared with our next lesson. Throughout my training, Jason's availability was extremely flexible, and because of my hectic work schedule, we would often fly late evenings and weekends.
Jason Krakowiak continuously encouraged a high standard of performance, and emphasized safety during every lesson. He inserted many challenges and simulated failures to sharpen my skills and alertness. Every flight with Jason was fun, enjoyable, and extremely educational. Even though still young in his flight career, Jason's positive attitude, attention to detail and the student's skill level, and continuous focus on safety, distinguishes him as a role model for both new and experienced aviators.
My experience from training with Jason at Air Orlando has renewed my passion for aviation and has motivated me to began working on the Commercial Flight Instructor rating.
Throughout this experience, the staff at Air Orlando was always exceptionally helpful and had a positive attitude. I've searched several flight schools in many different states, and this school has the most versatile fleet of aircraft and training available. The attentive staff and online scheduler make the renting process simple and convenient.
Sincerely,
Dr. Chris Moffatt
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Thanks from Barry from the UK
(Note to Reader: Barry worked very hard to earn his FAA IR with us about three years ago in a Cirrus SR-22 and returned for a Flight Review and IPC in July 2010. He lives in the UK. Congratulations to Barry from everyone at Air Orlando Aviation! Below is a nice email I received after his most recent visit.)
Hi John,
It was good to meet you again.
As previously, your staff made the trip worthwhile. Both Les and Jeff were extremely professional and made the process less of an ordeal. The whole experience was more enjoyable because they both have a light-hearted approach to the job.
Thank you for providing the service. I only wish I could take advantage of it more frequently. .........
I sincerely hope there will be another visit sometime down the track. All the best, and good luck for the future.
With kind regards,
Barry
Hi John,
It was good to meet you again.
As previously, your staff made the trip worthwhile. Both Les and Jeff were extremely professional and made the process less of an ordeal. The whole experience was more enjoyable because they both have a light-hearted approach to the job.
Thank you for providing the service. I only wish I could take advantage of it more frequently. .........
I sincerely hope there will be another visit sometime down the track. All the best, and good luck for the future.
With kind regards,
Barry
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Thanks from a Helicopter Student
I am a helicopter pilot currently doing training at Air Orlando Aviation in Florida. Throughout my training at other flight schools, I have experienced continual jumping through hoops that did not move me toward reaching my goal of becoming a professional helicopter pilot. I have trained at several locations from North Carolina to Florida trying to find the school that fit.
As I look back, I realize that some of the things I did for training was totally unnecessary. For example, I flew from the Carolina’s to the Robinson safety course in LA. Another example would have been doing maneuvers, after I had flown to exhaustion because they felt that if something were ever going to go wrong it would more than likely happen when you were tired.
Then I found Air Orlando. I came to Air Orlando almost to the point of giving up on the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I had decided that I would give it one more shot and if things didn’t work out I would find another career direction. Everyone at Air Orlando, from the owner, Mr. John Painter, to the front desk staff, the helicopter pilots, even the fixed wing pilots have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. Several days when the helicopters were tied up and the instructors were busy, the fixed wing pilots jumped in and were more than willing to help with a touch of ground school to help towards my goal of a commercial ticket. At Air Orlando there is no “well Bill is your CFI, so you have to use Bill”. They are a team and they act as such. Everybody helps everybody. There is a huge feeling of an open door policy towards the students.
I came to Air Orlando with 190 hours, a private rating and lots of bad habits that were picked up from various CFI’s along the way. Not only did the staff at Air Orlando help me get past the commercial rating, but they also helped me correct most of my bad habits. I am today a much safer pilot.
I am currently working towards my CFI rating as well as my instrument rating with the Air Orlando staff. I plan on being here until I meet these goals in my flight career. Air Orlando screams with professionalism. They have aircraft maintenance on staff that keep the aircraft up and flying when there is a problem.
It is a great place to train. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for a flight school that wants to help you reach your goal as quickly and cost effective as possible.
Thanks, T. M. from North Carolina
As I look back, I realize that some of the things I did for training was totally unnecessary. For example, I flew from the Carolina’s to the Robinson safety course in LA. Another example would have been doing maneuvers, after I had flown to exhaustion because they felt that if something were ever going to go wrong it would more than likely happen when you were tired.
Then I found Air Orlando. I came to Air Orlando almost to the point of giving up on the dream of becoming a professional pilot. I had decided that I would give it one more shot and if things didn’t work out I would find another career direction. Everyone at Air Orlando, from the owner, Mr. John Painter, to the front desk staff, the helicopter pilots, even the fixed wing pilots have gone out of their way to make me feel at home. Several days when the helicopters were tied up and the instructors were busy, the fixed wing pilots jumped in and were more than willing to help with a touch of ground school to help towards my goal of a commercial ticket. At Air Orlando there is no “well Bill is your CFI, so you have to use Bill”. They are a team and they act as such. Everybody helps everybody. There is a huge feeling of an open door policy towards the students.
I came to Air Orlando with 190 hours, a private rating and lots of bad habits that were picked up from various CFI’s along the way. Not only did the staff at Air Orlando help me get past the commercial rating, but they also helped me correct most of my bad habits. I am today a much safer pilot.
I am currently working towards my CFI rating as well as my instrument rating with the Air Orlando staff. I plan on being here until I meet these goals in my flight career. Air Orlando screams with professionalism. They have aircraft maintenance on staff that keep the aircraft up and flying when there is a problem.
It is a great place to train. I highly recommend it to anyone searching for a flight school that wants to help you reach your goal as quickly and cost effective as possible.
Thanks, T. M. from North Carolina
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Comment on Fun Places to Fly Posting by Pete M. from the UK
We first rented from Air Orlando in 1997 and flew our first Bahamas trip in 1999. Since then we have been back almost every year.
The freedom and almost guaranteed weather are a refreshing change from flying in the UK.
Favourites are Cape Santa Maria, Long island and Fernandez Bay, Cat island.
Look after N775SP for me, See you again next April.
Pete M. -- from the UK
The freedom and almost guaranteed weather are a refreshing change from flying in the UK.
Favourites are Cape Santa Maria, Long island and Fernandez Bay, Cat island.
Look after N775SP for me, See you again next April.
Pete M. -- from the UK
Thanks from Jens S. -- Berlin Germany
Dear Air Orlando, Flight instructors and all other employees,
I wanted to thank you all very much for the great opportunity I had to do all of my flight training with your school. I want to use this opportunity to tell other interested flight students – especially from Europe – about my experience.
My goal is to become a professional pilot who would be able to fly US Airplanes but also European Airplanes on a commercial basis.
I started flight training at Air Orlando in August 2008. To become a FAA commercial instrument pilot it took me 12 months. And that includes training at a leisurely pace, and all the hour building for the CP License.
If you want to become a pilot, the key question is how do I find the best flight school for me? For me, the answer was easy.
Several years ago, I was a foreign exchange student at a High school hosted by a wonderful family and they happened to own a flight school. But, at that time of my life, I started to ignore my childhood dream to become a professional pilot, because I thought only very few people in the world are capable of being a pilot. A few years later in Germany, I started to study engineering. After thinking about it I said to myself, why should I do something I don’t like, and this was the beginning when I asked my former host family if I could do flight training with them.
I didn’t know anything about how the competing flight schools differentiate from Air Orlando. But nobody knows unless you experience it and hear other people/students/pilots talk about them.
At Air Orlando Aviation, I experienced a very honest flight school, where they have a great, educated, nice staff, great well maintained late model airplanes, a great flight simulator, and of course the weather is beautiful for learning how to fly. This school is not only a school it also has its own maintenance shop and offers a variety of pilot’s supplies.
I found the pricing of aircraft and instruction at Air Orlando to be very reasonable in comparison to other flight schools in Florida. I also found that Air Orlando included insurance for the pilot without making any additional charges for it, which I do not think other flight schools do. Since of the Dollar-Euro exchange rate is so favorable, I was able to complete my FAA training for a fraction of what the same training would cost in Europe even after factoring in the amounts I am now spending to convert my FAA licenses to JAA licenses.
In round numbers, the total cost of my training will be 40.000,00 Euros from zero knowledge to FAA and JAA Commercial, Instrument and Multi Licenses. I have more than 250 hours of flight time in an airplane. For the JAA licenses I will have to fly at a school that is close by to Air Orlando because Air Orlando does not yet have JAA instructors and examiners.
If you are interested in becoming a professional pilot and would like more information about what I did and what had to been done to fulfill this dream, don’t hesitate to email me (jens.schleinert@gmx.de) or ask me in facebook (http://www.facebook.com/schleinert).
Many Greetings
Jens S. - from Berlin Germany
I wanted to thank you all very much for the great opportunity I had to do all of my flight training with your school. I want to use this opportunity to tell other interested flight students – especially from Europe – about my experience.
My goal is to become a professional pilot who would be able to fly US Airplanes but also European Airplanes on a commercial basis.
I started flight training at Air Orlando in August 2008. To become a FAA commercial instrument pilot it took me 12 months. And that includes training at a leisurely pace, and all the hour building for the CP License.
If you want to become a pilot, the key question is how do I find the best flight school for me? For me, the answer was easy.
Several years ago, I was a foreign exchange student at a High school hosted by a wonderful family and they happened to own a flight school. But, at that time of my life, I started to ignore my childhood dream to become a professional pilot, because I thought only very few people in the world are capable of being a pilot. A few years later in Germany, I started to study engineering. After thinking about it I said to myself, why should I do something I don’t like, and this was the beginning when I asked my former host family if I could do flight training with them.
I didn’t know anything about how the competing flight schools differentiate from Air Orlando. But nobody knows unless you experience it and hear other people/students/pilots talk about them.
At Air Orlando Aviation, I experienced a very honest flight school, where they have a great, educated, nice staff, great well maintained late model airplanes, a great flight simulator, and of course the weather is beautiful for learning how to fly. This school is not only a school it also has its own maintenance shop and offers a variety of pilot’s supplies.
I found the pricing of aircraft and instruction at Air Orlando to be very reasonable in comparison to other flight schools in Florida. I also found that Air Orlando included insurance for the pilot without making any additional charges for it, which I do not think other flight schools do. Since of the Dollar-Euro exchange rate is so favorable, I was able to complete my FAA training for a fraction of what the same training would cost in Europe even after factoring in the amounts I am now spending to convert my FAA licenses to JAA licenses.
In round numbers, the total cost of my training will be 40.000,00 Euros from zero knowledge to FAA and JAA Commercial, Instrument and Multi Licenses. I have more than 250 hours of flight time in an airplane. For the JAA licenses I will have to fly at a school that is close by to Air Orlando because Air Orlando does not yet have JAA instructors and examiners.
If you are interested in becoming a professional pilot and would like more information about what I did and what had to been done to fulfill this dream, don’t hesitate to email me (jens.schleinert@gmx.de) or ask me in facebook (http://www.facebook.com/schleinert).
Many Greetings
Jens S. - from Berlin Germany
Comments from Phil C. from Canada
Dear John:
It's been a couple of months since I left Florida and returned to Canada. I've been working through the paperwork to transition my FAA documents into their equivalent Transport Canada licenses, so that I can start flying up here in the near future. As I've had some 'down-time' recently, with the Olympics being hosted here in Vancouver, I've had the opportunity to reflect on my Florida flight training. Just wanted you to know that my time with Air Orlando Aviation (March 2009 - January 2010) certainly counts as one of the best experiences of my life!
As you are aware, I had had a profoundly negative experience with another Florida-based flight school during the fall of 2008. Leaving that situation in early 2009, I was skeptical about finding a new school that would treat this student pilot, not as a number, but as an individual with unique needs. I was looking for the reassurance that my goals could be met in a timely and cost-effective manner. I was seeking experienced and personable instructors to work with. I was hoping for the option of flying a selection of different aircraft models. My search led me to your facility.
From my first phone call to Air Orlando Aviation, I knew that your organization was going to be different and it was the 'little' things that made it so. It began with the invaluable one-on-one assistance to help expedite my visa paperwork. It was present every day in the friendly smiles around the office that greeted me on my arrival for training sessions. It was demonstrated in the expert care taken by the maintenance crew to ensured safe aircraft. However, it was best illustrated by my Flight Instructors, who customized their ground and flight lessons to maximize my learning opportunities! They took the time to ensure that I not only understood the material but also had the chance to experience it from my seat in the cockpit. They continually found new ways to challenge and engage me in the learning process. They raised the bar on performance expectations and then pushed me to meet those goals. Yet, they took the time to help me celebrate each accomplishment. I felt as if I had come home and by the time I had completed all of my ratings, I truly felt as though I had become an integral part of the Air Orlando family!
John, you should be proud of your team! I would like to pass along my heart-felt thanks to each of my instructors: Carlos, Les, Jerry, Chad, Jeannie and Richard. I thank you for being patient and dedicated teachers, concerned with my success. I deeply appreciate the gifts of your time, your stories/examples, your encouragement and your friendship. As role models, you are simply the best. Note: I've been observing your techniques and now, I'm going to adopt as many good practices as I'm able!
I am a proud graduate of Air Orlando. This has been a positive and vital experience, a stepping stone on the path towards developing a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for the commercial aviation career that I'm intent on pursuing.
I look forward to staying in touch and I plan to drop in, whenever I happen to be in the vicinity.
Sincerely,
Phil C. from Canada
It's been a couple of months since I left Florida and returned to Canada. I've been working through the paperwork to transition my FAA documents into their equivalent Transport Canada licenses, so that I can start flying up here in the near future. As I've had some 'down-time' recently, with the Olympics being hosted here in Vancouver, I've had the opportunity to reflect on my Florida flight training. Just wanted you to know that my time with Air Orlando Aviation (March 2009 - January 2010) certainly counts as one of the best experiences of my life!
As you are aware, I had had a profoundly negative experience with another Florida-based flight school during the fall of 2008. Leaving that situation in early 2009, I was skeptical about finding a new school that would treat this student pilot, not as a number, but as an individual with unique needs. I was looking for the reassurance that my goals could be met in a timely and cost-effective manner. I was seeking experienced and personable instructors to work with. I was hoping for the option of flying a selection of different aircraft models. My search led me to your facility.
From my first phone call to Air Orlando Aviation, I knew that your organization was going to be different and it was the 'little' things that made it so. It began with the invaluable one-on-one assistance to help expedite my visa paperwork. It was present every day in the friendly smiles around the office that greeted me on my arrival for training sessions. It was demonstrated in the expert care taken by the maintenance crew to ensured safe aircraft. However, it was best illustrated by my Flight Instructors, who customized their ground and flight lessons to maximize my learning opportunities! They took the time to ensure that I not only understood the material but also had the chance to experience it from my seat in the cockpit. They continually found new ways to challenge and engage me in the learning process. They raised the bar on performance expectations and then pushed me to meet those goals. Yet, they took the time to help me celebrate each accomplishment. I felt as if I had come home and by the time I had completed all of my ratings, I truly felt as though I had become an integral part of the Air Orlando family!
John, you should be proud of your team! I would like to pass along my heart-felt thanks to each of my instructors: Carlos, Les, Jerry, Chad, Jeannie and Richard. I thank you for being patient and dedicated teachers, concerned with my success. I deeply appreciate the gifts of your time, your stories/examples, your encouragement and your friendship. As role models, you are simply the best. Note: I've been observing your techniques and now, I'm going to adopt as many good practices as I'm able!
I am a proud graduate of Air Orlando. This has been a positive and vital experience, a stepping stone on the path towards developing a solid foundation of knowledge and skills for the commercial aviation career that I'm intent on pursuing.
I look forward to staying in touch and I plan to drop in, whenever I happen to be in the vicinity.
Sincerely,
Phil C. from Canada
Monday, March 1, 2010
Air Orlando Aviation By Brad Pierce – President of Restaurant Equipment World
By Brad Pierce – President of Restaurant Equipment World
Something amazing happened way back on July 3, 1996. I took my first flight in a small general aviation aircraft at Air Orlando. In just under two hours of soaring through the blue skies above, I knew that my life had changed forever. That was the start of a long-term relationship with Air Orlando that’s truly been remarkable. A lot has changed in my life and flying career since that first flight, but one thing has remained constant, Air Orlando has been a solid company the excels in every area of their operations. I wouldn’t be where I am today without Air Orlando.
The basis for my exemplary view of their operations is multi-faceted. I earned my Instrument Rating training with their flight instructors, who were some of the most dedicated and professional people in the industry. I’ve also done recurrent training with them to keep myself, my family, and my business associates safe – and legal. My credit card company can confirm I’ve spent countless hours in their pilot shop that’s filled with everything a pilot could ever imagine. I’ve also been both a rental customer as well as an aircraft owner who’s had an airplane on a lease-back program with their flight school. Throughout my ownership experience of three airplanes, each of them has been meticulously maintained by the highly trained staff at the AOA Maintenance facility. I have no doubt that any of their mechanics would put their own families in any plane that they maintain given the high level of quality they achieve during each visit. Most importantly, I’ve spent a great deal of time over the years with the management of Air Orlando. Talking, often about airplanes, yet also about people, places and business in general. I think you can tell an awful lot about an organization by getting to know the people behind the operation. In the case of Air Orlando, the company is run by some of the finest individuals and most trustworthy people I’ve ever had the honor of knowing.
As we fast forward quite a few years, it leads me to explore the true impact Air Orlando has had on my life. I currently fly a Turbo Cirrus SR22 aircraft which I use extensively in my business. While many competitors are limited by geographic constraints and hoping for better times ahead, I’m actually out there expanding our business and meeting face-to-face closing deals. Just last week I asked a customer in San Antonio if we were up against many competitors for a project – their response was typical – “yes, we’ve gotten proposals from several companies, but you’re the only person to actually show up and visit us.” That statement was followed by a smile as this customer was turning from a prospect into a sale, something that would have been difficult to accomplish without the use of a general aviation aircraft. The number of similar stories that I could convey are countless. My logbook reads like a novel of business and personal experiences made possible through use of general aviation. My company has grown ten-fold over the past years and I have Air Orlando to thank as a trusted partner who has been a key ingredient in this success story. I urge other business operators and individuals to explore all that Air Orlando has to offer. Their services will give you a solid tool to change your life, take your business to new heights, and open doors to new experiences to enjoy with your friends and family.
Air Orlando is My Aviation Place!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Experiences with Air Orlando - John C. from the UK
Hello
I just thought I'd drop you a line to say how impressed I have been in my dealings with your organisation. I recently completed a rental check out on the PA28 Warrior with Les Dillard and have to say I was yet again impressed as he was a very friendly and helpful instructor and guided me through and gave me the confidence with the aircraft and made sure I was all good with everything to do with it.
I had previously checked out with Ryan Sexton in the DA20 back in August, this was also a very good check ride and BFR and Ryan was more than happy to assist with any questions etc I had and again was very friendly and welcoming. Also the guys on the counter doing dispatch and everything are brilliant, again this makes such a difference in making you at ease and wanting to come back.
I think the theme running through your organization of that friendly and welcoming atmosphere is so far removed from the experiences I have had with other companies. I am currently getting my UK ATPL, doing the theory and building up my hours. I currently work for Virgin Atlantic and have found it very handy to be able to build up my hours when I do flights to Orlando with work and again your company makes this an absolute pleasure as I can book with such great ease and again feel so welcome when I get there.
I also have to mention the aircraft, obviously I haven't been able to fly the DA20 for a while but I must say the maintenance and condition of all the aircraft I have had experience with at Air Orlando far surpasses your competitors who offer European JAA training in Florida.
I'd just like to say a great thanks for everything so far and I will be out again later this month again to pick up some more hours but thought I should just let you know just how good your organization and the people who work for you are, and must say you are all a credit to aviation!
Best Regards
John C. from the UK
I just thought I'd drop you a line to say how impressed I have been in my dealings with your organisation. I recently completed a rental check out on the PA28 Warrior with Les Dillard and have to say I was yet again impressed as he was a very friendly and helpful instructor and guided me through and gave me the confidence with the aircraft and made sure I was all good with everything to do with it.
I had previously checked out with Ryan Sexton in the DA20 back in August, this was also a very good check ride and BFR and Ryan was more than happy to assist with any questions etc I had and again was very friendly and welcoming. Also the guys on the counter doing dispatch and everything are brilliant, again this makes such a difference in making you at ease and wanting to come back.
I think the theme running through your organization of that friendly and welcoming atmosphere is so far removed from the experiences I have had with other companies. I am currently getting my UK ATPL, doing the theory and building up my hours. I currently work for Virgin Atlantic and have found it very handy to be able to build up my hours when I do flights to Orlando with work and again your company makes this an absolute pleasure as I can book with such great ease and again feel so welcome when I get there.
I also have to mention the aircraft, obviously I haven't been able to fly the DA20 for a while but I must say the maintenance and condition of all the aircraft I have had experience with at Air Orlando far surpasses your competitors who offer European JAA training in Florida.
I'd just like to say a great thanks for everything so far and I will be out again later this month again to pick up some more hours but thought I should just let you know just how good your organization and the people who work for you are, and must say you are all a credit to aviation!
Best Regards
John C. from the UK
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