Fly Around Alaska

★☆☆☆☆ 1 out of 5 2 months ago

I purchased the accelerated instrument program through Don Hammond in Palmer Alaska, with agreement of traveling to Arkansas to the sister school, upon receiving full payment for course I was told my check-ride would be scheduled within the timeframe that I would be in Arkansas. Jan 6-20th. After arriving in Arkansas, the phone number that I had been previously speaking with Don on went radio silent, with only one reply over the course of 2 weeks. Unfortunately I did not receive a check-ride although receiving verbal endorsements from both CFIs. If I had to use fly around Alaska/Arkansas again I would be requesting a pay per flight hour type training, with no in house dpe it is extremely difficult to guarantee a program completion. Do your research, read reviews and READ THE CONTRACT ENTIRELY.

Jens Mobley

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 2 years ago

Fly around was awesome! Went through their PPL program and came home a pilot! Storey is great with scheduling, and makes sure to do everything in her power for you to succeed! I had two instructors, Chanta, and Robby. Both of which were great! Highly recommend Fly Around to anyone that wants to fulfill their dreams!

Tyler Nooney

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 2 years ago

I had such a great experience getting my private pilot rating here, Communication and instruction from my instructor Reese was awesome, he was good at telling me what I needed to work on and giving encouragement for things I did well. Unfortunately weather got in the way several times trying to get my Checkride scheduled but this would've happened at any other school not just fly around Alaska, given the winter here in Alaska was exceptional this year. I would (and have) recommend other students wanting to get their pilot certificates to go here- I would just be aware that the weather in the winter months can affect the timeline. I'd also like to say they run a safe operation and have a mechanic that is there to maintain the planes as well as run over to fix or check out any concerns with the airplanes, I could tell safety is really important to the owner and the instructors which is not something to be overlooked. I will definitely be a returning student and if you're thinking about doing an accelerated program, this is the place to go!

Callan Kircher

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 4 years ago

Hard to think of a prettier place to learn to fly! Especially in the changing colors of autumn with fresh snow on the surrounding peaks. Felt like everyone here cared about my success and was helpful and accommodating in preparing me for my PPL checkride. Taking me from zero hours in the cockpit to passing in under 3 weeks with weather days included. The town of Palmer has been a great place to stay in with friendly people and good coffee and kombucha! There’s even a foot and bicycle path that goes right to the school from town. I would recommended doing your training here!

Josiah Reed

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 5 years ago

This place is awesome! I completed their 14-day accelerated private pilot program. I can first hand say if you study before you arrive, take the written exam and continue to study up until the start date, like they advise you to, their program is a solid curriculum. Even with weather and transportation delays (unexpected 24 hour lay over from the commercial airliners) they still managed to get me through and finish a day early! I passed my check ride after only 11 days because of how efficient and thorough their training is! 🙌👏 The owners are genuine and truly care about what’s best for the students, when it looked like weather would prevent my check ride from happening, one of the owners offered to pay the commercial airline change fee to allow me to stay an extra day. Just this small offer alone, helped alleviate stress because he wanted to be sure I could focus my full attention and efforts on passing the check ride instead of stressing about getting home. I am thoroughly impressed with this school and will definitely come to visit and rent planes from if I’m in the area again 🙏🙌

Kimberly Rose