I started my Instrument Rating with Sierra Charlie in their Aviator Program back in October and just passed my CFI checkride now in July! I moved from Seattle, WA to Arizona specifically for the Aviator Program as I’d heard great things and wanted to move to get more consistent flying than the moody weather of Washington allowed for. Starting with Instrument at a new school is intimidating, but everyone there made it so easy and were all so friendly. My Instructor, Maggy, was amazing and really worked with me to make sure that I understood everything - she was able to explain things in different ways when I wasn’t understanding something, and really helped with expanding my knowledge and confidence. I was able to have Maggy continue as my instructor for both Commercial and CFI, which was perfect since we got along so well in the plane. I moved through Instrument, Commercial, and just passed my CFI checkride, all within the Aviator Program. I was also able to fly with some friends while doing Crew Flights to gain the necessary hours for the commercial rating. After CFI, I’ll be continuing with the Aviator Program to finish CFII and Multi. The Chief Flight Instructors are also great and super helpful! The Check Instructors really know their stuff and are a great resource in addition to your instructor. The Downstairs team is also amazing - Cornell, Cameron, and especially Katy are all amazing and, although not directly related to studying for your ratings, a great resource to have. SCA flies Cessna 172S airplanes. All of the planes have G1000 Avionics (glass cockpit) and autopilot for later on. The C172S are some of the nicest in the valley that I’ve experienced, and we are able to fly brand new planes as we get them. The maintenance is impeccable and very transparent. The maintenance team is always working on making sure everything is in top shape, and is always happy to answer questions. After having a few different flight schools for my private pilot certificate, I highly recommend Sierra Charlie Aviation and would pick this school again if I had to redo everything!

I was completely new to the aviation world. I never planned on being a pilot. Sold my business and got bored and needed a hobby. I heard about Sierra Charlie from a few newer pilots that recommended them. Although, this wasn't easy and may have taken me longer than some due to my casual schedule initially my instructor Matt was really great to work with and got me across the finish line. His schedule was flexible and he truly cared about my success. He was patient and took his time with me. Their instructor's are smart as hell and professional. Also, the fleet is well maintained and newer. Whether wanting to go the distance as a commercial pilot or a custom student like me I recommend Sierra Charlie.

I started my flight training at Sierra Charlie a little over a year ago. I received all of my certificates and ratings through sierra charlie and I can break down a few things. The instructors they provided me with were exceptional at teaching with a professional and encouraging demeanor. Also, Sierra Charlie provides an excellent maintenance staff. The planes are very cared for and readily available. I would definitely recommend Sierra Charlie to anyone looking for a career in aviation.

I did my instrument, commercial (single & multi), and CFI/CFII at Sierra Charlie and could not be more grateful for the experience. My instructors were professional and made each lesson a fun learning experience in a welcoming and safe atmosphere. My instructors were there for me every step of the way and adjusted their teachings to match my own learning style, which made their high-caliber training a refreshing experience. The chief pilots have a ton of experience and put in the extra effort to make themselves approachable and available. SCA’s new fleet is state-of-the-art and their top-notch maintenance team keeps the planes in great condition - almost like they just rolled off the production line. I experienced near-zero maintenance-related delays in my training and low checkride wait times because of their in-house maintenance team and awesome dispatcher. The Aviator Program has a great track record of producing smart, safe, and employable pilots without rushing you through the process. If you’re willing to put in the hard work and go the extra mile, the team at SCA will double it and make your flight training a phenomenal experience - it’s the flight school that other flight schools want to be. I would highly recommend the Aviator Program at Sierra Charlie!

Be wary! Sierra Charlie Aviation is a sham. They sound good, but when it comes to quality instruction and progress on career aviation goals, they fall short. My son was there for several months and did not progress to solo. He was told by his primary flight instructor that it was going to take him over 100 hrs to qualify for his solo flight. Totally unacceptable and unprofessional. Snarky comments like that destroy motivation and have no place in a professional aviation program. My son has since moved on from this “BAD” experience. He has soloed and is ready to take his private pilot check-ride. Our experience at SCA was not a good one at all. Please be advised and spend your money with an outfit that hires quality instructors that truly care about their students.

Scott took me and my family up in one of his planes at Sierra Charlie and him and his whole team were extremely informative, attentive, and knowledgeable. During our hour and a half ride i got to co-pilot and he made me feel very secure in my abilities and safety in an otherwise nerve wracking situation. I am even considering attending Sierra Charlie Aviation and getting my pilots license. Wonderful experience!