Beginner Testimonials
Dan Linehan - Aerospace Test Engineer
Dave remained professional and courteous at all times during my training. I was most impressed and challenged by his insistence on perfection during all stages of flight from preflight, manuevers, landing and post-flight. Because of this I felt thoroughly prepared and confident prior to the check-ride. He was always available to answer my questions, and he eagerly accomodated my busy schedule. Despite having a full-time job that requires extensive travel, Dave's excellent instruction and flexible schedule allowed me to successfully complete my private pilot certificate in only 5 months
Todd Warner - Newspaper COO
I've had the pleasure of working on my private pilot certificate with Dave Simpson and greatly appreciated his professionalism and patience. As a working professional, often my erratic schedule made consistent flight training impossible. However, Dave made himself available, mornings before work, evenings after work and weekends to accommodate my schedule. Dave was extremely patient, never chastising or making me feel incompetent - he was always professional. He never had any doubt I could complete the certificate which is more than I could say for myself. As a private instructor, I knew Dave was in this for the joy of instructing, not just to build hours to move onto a career the airlines. He demonstrates a true passion for general aviation and sharing that joy with others. I look forward to continuing my training with Dave.
Allwin Agnel - Wharton MBA Student
I wanted to get my private pilot certificate and I wanted it fast. I had just over 35 days because I was going to be graduating from Wharton and wanted to get my flight license at the same time. I needed someone to work with me at my schedule and also be flexible, yet focused. I was lucky to find Dave who is an experienced, patient and focused flight instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed Dave's style of teaching because he did not overload me with information, but structured the course to ensure that there was ample learning every time we met. Furthermore, he was professional at all times and was on time for every lesson we had scheduled. I had a lot of obscure questions for him and he always answered them and in case he wasn't sure he made it a point to look it up and get back to me the very next day either by email or in person.
His teaching style is very professional and coming from a professional background, I thoroughly enjoyed it and it was a joy to learn from someone who was willing to teach. Dave's goals in aviation are not to rack up more hours and it shows - he is an excellent teacher and a wonderful person to know. While it was challenging to fly almost everyday especially when the weather wasn't being too co-operative, Dave worked extremely hard to make sure all lessons were covered and had to restructure the course almost every day to ensure the deadline was met. Without his support and dedication, I wouldn't be a pilot today. If you value your time, money and are keen on learning - you should talk to Dave. But be prepared to work hard because he does, at all times.
Taylor Wallace - Student
Dave Simpson is an excellent flight instructor. He is extremely knowledgeable and can explain concepts easily. He is willing to instruct at a pace that is right for you and I would highly recommend him to anyone who is interested in learning to fly. I passed my private checkride on the first attempt even though before the training I had never flown a plane before. I am now enrolled in the aviation program at St Cloud University and plan to become a commercial airline pilot.