Aeris Aviation, LLC

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 2 years ago

Scott Fandrei

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 11 years ago

I will start my short story by saying I have always dreamed of becoming a pilot. I have spent many hours at the viewing area at Palwaukee airport looking at plains taking off and landing. I have also many times inquired about the cost of becoming a private pilot and always the price was just beyond what I could afford. One day I have been looking for some more information and I came across Aeris Aviation website and noticed that they offer introduction flight for only $25. I could not believe it so I called them right away. I was very surprised when they told me it was correct. Without hesitation I booked first available appointment so I could just for a little bit get myself out there. To be honest, I was expecting to fly some old, before WWII J plane, but when I walked into their hangar I was stunned, I saw DA40 with G1000. After the flight I have asked how much would it cost to get a license with them and yet again I was nicely surprised. The price was almost 50% cheaper than other places I have checked before. I new right away that this is my chance to finally realize my dreams. Because it was so inexpensive, compared to other clubs, I did not expect everything to be perfect. I can now say that it was beyond perfect. My time at ground school with Dale was very well spent. I have gained tons of knowledge in relatively short period. I have spend over 40 hours in flight simulator Frasca with main instructor Phillip that wanted to test and practice with me every possible emergency situation and procedure. I was amazed by his passion and commitment to teaching people how to be a good pilot. I have also spent 60 hours flying with Jim in 2007 Skyhawk with G1000 Glass Cockpit. His knowledge and experience made me feel very comfortable and safe during the whole training. Guys, thank you all very much for you time and hard work that allowed me to make my longtime dream come true! Thank you for making me a real pilot, not only the holder of private pilot license. Now I know that I can fly anyplace I want and without a hesitation take my family with me knowing that they are in safe hands. I can now share with them my passion. Private Pilot Paul.

Paul Wasilewski

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 12 years ago

The training is more challenging than some other schools I've checked out - but it's like comparing an auto racing school to a basic drivers ed class. I love that they're focusing on higher function skills than just how to operate a plane.

Tom Lay

★★★★★ 5 out of 5 12 years ago

I can't say enough about Aeris, I love it there. The facility is beautiful and all of the members are friendly and welcoming. It definitely feels like a club. The planes are readily available and well maintained. I've also received training there and found their training to be new, modern, exciting, and innovative. A large percentage of student pilots never obtain their license. Two of the biggest reasons are time and money and Aeris has eliminated those obstacles. One on one training, at your pace, when it's convenient for you. In addition to teaching you how to legally operate a plane, they emphasize critical thinking skills, standard operating procedures, and safety, safety, safety! Anyone can study, regurgitate facts, and practice a little and pass a written test and check ride but, is that good enough? I know I don't want to just be "good enough" the 1st time I fly with my family! Aeris doesn't just teach the "what" but also the "why" and "what if's". Is it challenging? Of course. Can it be frustrating? Occasionally (trying to master something new usually is). Is the end result rewarding and satisfying? Absolutely! I've heard and seen things that licensed pilots from traditional programs have said or done that, as a student from Aeris, I find mind boggling. If you want quick turnaround training that teaches you just enough to pass a test, maybe another training program is better suited for you. If you want thorough, scenario based training mixed with real life experience that leaves you KNOWING (not thinking) that you are a knowledgeable, safe, competent pilot, I highly recommend Aeris.

Amy Yatso

★☆☆☆☆ 1 out of 5 12 years ago

I was a student there from January, 2013 to June, 2013. If there was an option for NO stars, this place would deserve that! I spent six months trying to learn ground school from the owner, Phil, who never issued a training syllabus, never kept training records and never knew where we left off from one day to the next. We bounced back and forth to different topics and never completed any one segment to its ending. Phil changed the learning curriculum 4 times during my ordeal there, which caused incredible confusion with not only me, but with the other students, as well. This place is exactly what AOPA and other general aviation organizations warn you about; no set training curriculum, a terribly insulting and egotistical owner (Phil Larder) and an overall terrible training/learning environment. Don't let the low price fool you, as I did. Go elsewhere and get your wings in a positive learning environment. BTW, the only instructor who was worth anything, Daniel Merrel, just quit the school for disagreeing with their training methods! In the end, I finished up my ground at a Part-141 school and have since passed my skills test and am preparing for my check-ride; all in less time than it took me to get...nowhere at Aeris! Aim high but not with Aeris Aviation!!!

Mike Jimenez