Testimonials

I learned to fly at Westwind, doing all of my training from Private through commercial. My training at Westwind was key in helping me prepare for my current job flying as a co-pilot on the Airbus 310. Learning to Fly at Deer Valley Airport, with its busy environment, also helped prepare me for my professional career. The detailed instruction, professional atmosphere, and modern equipment really helpful in making reach my dream of flying for an airline. I highly recommend you attend Westwind for your flight training!

Rafael Carmona
First Officer, Airbus A-310

I would like to testify on a first hand basis, that Westwind School of Aeronautics is an awesome flight school that helped me achieve my goal of becoming an airline pilot. The main thing I looked at when I was choosing the "perfect" flight school was customer service. Westwind was all about their customers, which is very important when making such a large financial decision in life.
Secondly, the quality of training, is on a very large level of experience, that is hard to match. Westwind's professional pilot programs are very well thought through and help the customer excel efficiently, while helping with any areas of study that need to be emphasized more. The facility is a comfortable environment to learn in, and the fleet of aircraft is hard to match, due to how young and well maintained they are. I came to Westwind with my Private Pilot certificate and not too long after that I was a flight instructor. I flight instructed for eight months and logged a total of 720 hours including 90 multi-engine hours. I am now a First Officer with Colgan Air (Continental Connection) based out of Houston, TX. If I had a choice to do it all over again, I would have no regrets and Westwind is where you would find me.

Tim Padgett
First Officer, Colgan Air

My Electrical Contractor shop was located close to the Deer Valley Airport (off 19th and Rose Garden) so I could watch the planes coming and going all day. After getting married and having children I had to give up skydiving (with over 200 jumps). I still wanted to fly but thought I could never afford an airplane or even lesson. I decided to check it out and got extremely lucky when I stopped by Westwind Aviation at Deer Valley Airport. They showed me the facility, airplanes and provided me with the cost of learning to fly. Being the smart shopper that I am I decided to get a second quote, but at the next school I went to no one could even point me in the right direction much less quote me.

A year or so later I decided to take the next step and get my Instrument rating and thought I would shop around again. I found a school in Scottsdale that sounded good and asked them to sign me up. Two weeks later I had no instructor, no books, no direction and no idea when I might start much less complete the course. Wisely I returned to Westwind School of Aeronautics for the structure and commitment I was used to. I still go there for follow up training as they have a Mountain Flying Course, High Altitude Training, Instrument Proficiency Training and any recurrency I might need. It's not just for young people getting into flying for a career. I started at almost 50 and they treated me great.

Rodney M. Jarrell
CEO,RMJ Electrical Contractors, Inc.

I was looking for an environment that would provide me with a safe and fun learning experience. Westwind has surpassed all of my expectations. The flight instructors are among the most knowledgeable, and professional in their industry, both in the air and on the ground. The planes are clean and new, and Westwind boasts some of the latest technology in flight simulators and computer training aids. Enrolling in Westwind has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life, and when I'm in the air, I have the confidence of knowing that I have received the best training possible to be the safest pilot I can be.

Todd A. Nessler
Vice President Estimating / Sales
Sun Valley Masonry, Inc.

I decided to attend Westwind for my private pilot license initially as a result of a high recommendation from a very dear friend and former Westwind student. Since my enrollment, my instructor and the staff alike have exceeded my expectations and have provided an extremely friendly and professional environment in which to achieve my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot.

I truly believe that anyone seeking a career in aviation or simply desiring the thrill of becoming a private pilot would be selling themselves greatly short by attending any other school.

I would give Westwind my highest recommendation for anyone seeking to learn from the best educators in aviation.

Ryan L. Freeman
President/CEO Star General Development
Real Estate Developer

As a student in pursuit of advanced ratings, I've had he best of both worlds - professionalism and flexibility. My ground instruction has been challenging and rewarding and has enabled me to gain the necessary instruction on a personalized, individual basis. My flight lessons have all been accomplished around my work schedule with time to study in between making the Westwind program an ideal choice for me.

Martha Wilson
Flight Attendant
Southwest Airlines

With about 450 hours logged and having not been Pilot in Command of any aircraft for over six years, I decided I wanted to become current again. I spent a considerable amount of time looking at many of the local FBO's. After much comparison, I chose Westwind because I was so impressed with the maintenance facility and day-to-day operations (I visited Westwind three times before deciding).

Upon meeting with CFII Dezrea Wagner, I explained my circumstances and need for an extreme BFR with safety being paramount. She suggested tailoring the BFR to the AOPA Air Safety Foundation/FAA Wings Program. After approximately five hours of classroom instruction and six hours in the air, she gave me her blessing and sign off.

Ms. Wagner's professionalism, enthusiasm, and depth of instruction were of the highest degree. She is a fine example of a professional flight instructor and the high caliber business that Westwind has become.

The best compliment I can give, because of my recent experience, is to refer Westwind to anyone who asks for a great place to learn to fly or get current.

Chris Moore
Police Officer
State of Arizona

We chose Westwind School of Aeronautics for our son's Private Pilot training because of the modern, user-friendly facilities, and late model well maintained aircraft. We were very impressed with the dedicated, professional, and courteous staff possessing the capability and track record of taking a student pilot all of the way from their initial flight to whatever rating they want - even to the airline flight deck, if desired.

Frank Love
Pilot for a major airline

I wanted to formally express my appreciation to the entire Westwind team for their efforts helping me earn an add-on multiengine rating in just seven days. I was genuinely impressed everyone had the time to ensure my success.

Your efforts were certainly key at reassuring me Westwind had the right can-do people, modern facilities, and appropriately equipped aircraft. Scott Wathey deserves special recognition for giving up seven continuous days sharing his wisdom, talent and lets-have-fun attitude. And it was fun! The dispatch crew was extremely professional and friendly. I would remise with not saying thanks to the unsung heroes in Maintenance and line service that keep the heart of the operation in-time.

Brett Palmeiro