★★★★★
5 out of 5
2 months ago
I am a student pilot from Pennsylvania, but visiting in Sedona. I had first initially just wanted to visit the airport. However, in my research I discovered Untethered was based at KSEZ and decided to give them a call and see if they would allow me to take a lesson while I was in the area. They were more than happy to accommodate. I spoke with Michelle to get everything scheduled well in advance. She was very personable, offered a very fair rental rate, and was helpful in suggesting proper times, aircraft (which are maintained to a stellar degree), and she also suggested my instructor for the day, Mike.
Mike was an absolutely outstanding instructor. I am working on my private with about 50 hours and I have flown with a few instructors in that time. Mike was easily one of the most experienced I have worked with, and his teaching style is very straight forward and easy to understand. He is not intimidating, he knows what he is doing, and he knows very well how to convey what he knows in a manner that sticks on the brain. I was definitely challenged, but Mike will make sure you get the most out of your learning experience while maintaining an appropriate margin of safety.
Sedona Airport itself presents a few unique challenges that most pilots will not encounter anywhere in the country in general aviation. The most obvious being the terrain, typically limiting the direction of your approaches and departures, regardless of wind direction. But others including (not limited to) runway gradient (1.8% grade), geography induced wind effects, and high elevation & density altitude can really complicate general aviation flights if not properly understood. Untethered Aviation makes sure you are exposed to, and fully understand, these conditions and concepts in a safe manner while still allowing you to train and learn to your fullest potential.
All in all, the experience I had with Untethered Aviation, from my first call with Michelle to my last handshake with Mike, has been completely invaluable in my aviation journey. Thank you all so very much. I hope to return soon, always something to be learned from KSEZ, especially with Untethered.
Ethan Bush