Hear from Our Students

Real Stories from Aspiring Pilots Like You

Nothing speaks louder than the experiences of those who’ve trained with us. From first solo flights to earning their licenses, read about our students' experiences in achieving their goals in the sky.
Smiling student standing indoors for aviation training testimonial.

"I started my aviation journey with Nationwide Aviation while working full time as a law enforcement officer. They did an amazing job of working around my busy schedule and allowed me to get all of my certificates for a much lower price than expected. The amazing instructors were always professional and helped me reach my end goal with no wasted time. I'm now a professional pilot and amazed at the level of knowledge and the value I got from Nationwide."

John Hyde  (Career Change)

Student pilot smiling inside flight simulator for testimonial.

"Becoming a Southwest Airlines pilot became a dream of mine when I was five years old traveling with my dad on one of his business trips. I started taking flight lessons in high school and finished most of my training at Oklahoma State University. After graduating in 2015 I got hired on at Nationwide Aviation as an Instructor, the only full time instructor at that time. I got to experience Nationwide grow not just as its Chief CFI but a student as well, continuing some advanced training. After leaving NWA I flew for Skywest Airlines for six years, two as a first officer and four as a captain. In July 2022 the dream of a five year old became reality. The most important lesson I learned is that the destination is awesome but the journey, though tedious and difficult at times, shapes who you are and how good you are when you get there so embrace it and immerse yourself in every step you take to your own dream."

Kirkland Monaghen (Professional Pilot)

Pilot in sunglasses sitting in cockpit for testimonial photo.

"Aviation is a second career for me, and I was really nervous in the beginning when choosing a flight school as someone in their mid-thirties. After several months of researching flight schools with a professional pilot program, I knew Nationwide would be the right choice after meeting the team! They welcomed me in and answered all my questions. I was able to meet with their pilots, operations team, maintenance, and even the owner. They were able to show me every single step of the program, down to each day in the program. Not only that, but you could really tell they built a culture around making great pilots. As I embark on my current journey as a professional pilot for Airshare, I know I would not be where I am today if it wasn't for the experience that I had at Nationwide, which made me a better pilot." #betterpilots

Corey Howard (Professional Pilot)

Student portrait photo for accelerated aviation training testimonial.

"Nationwide has been an amazing experience for me! From the admin team to the curriculum they have for their students, I knew exactly where I was in the program at all times. The instructors at Nationwide are the absolute best, and they prepared me not only for every checkride, but for my future as a pilot. Every one of my instructors was passionate and made sure I felt part of the team. I thoroughly enjoyed learning here and I couldn’t ask for a better group of instructors and students to work with!"

Edie Gober (Accelerated)

Student smiling outdoors for aviation training testimonial.

"After a discouraging start at another flight school marked by poor instruction and disorganization, I transferred to Nationwide Aviation and immediately noticed a dramatic improvement. The instructors, scheduling, and management were all exceptional, providing constant support and consistent flight opportunities. At Nationwide, I completed every certificate from instrument through CFI-I efficiently and enjoyed every step of the journey — it truly was the ideal aviation training experience."

Nolan Rodin (Accelerated)

Student standing outdoors for flight school testimonial photo.

"Nationwide Aviation, simply put, is the best in the business. My time in the Elevate program not only shaped me into the professional pilot I am today, but it also introduced me to friends and mentors that will last for a lifetime. Nationwide Aviation is more than just the best flight school there is, but it truly feels like a family. From management, flight ops, to the instructors, it is clear from the moment you step in the door that everyone wants you to succeed and become the best pilot you can be. The Elevate program and team at Nationwide Aviation is unmatched. I am incredibly grateful for the training I received at Nationwide and the lasting impact it has had not only on my career but my life."

Connor Caskey (Accelerated)

Students standing on aircraft wing for aviation training testimonial.

"Nationwide aviation brought me in as a lifestyle flyer student and I had no prior education on being a pilot. I trusted nationwide because of their strong reputation within the flying community and their staff of top notch ownership and instructors. After earning my private pilot and instrument ratings through the school, Trevor helped me find and purchase our first airplane. We have since used that airplane to fly over 100 hours per year with our friends and family all across the country. The freedom of flying yourself on your own schedule into airports commercial flights can’t get to is an unbeatable luxury for us. Our family is grateful to nationwide for providing me with the skill, proficiency and relationships necessary to continue to use my airplane to travel to destinations my family couldn’t go otherwise. Thank you, Nationwide!"

John Peterson (Private Pilot)

Aviation student smiling outdoors for testimonial portrait.

"My training experience at Nationwide Aviation has been such an amazing experience. As a flight attendant, I appreciate how the Primary Pilot Program accommodates my work schedule. I simply submit my schedule each month, and the team customizes my training days accordingly. The program’s flexibility allows me to advance toward my pilot goals without compromising my current career. The instructors are highly knowledgeable, professional, supportive, and genuinely invested in each student’s success. I’m so grateful to be part of a program that makes pursuing my dream of becoming a pilot both possible and enjoyable."

Brynna Pollack (Private Pilot)

Student sitting inside aircraft cockpit for testimonial photo.

“After years in Major League Baseball, I was ready for a new challenge that matched the excitement and precision I loved on the field. Aviation gave me that, it’s about discipline, focus, and the pursuit of excellence. Working with Nationwide Aviation has reignited that same competitive spirit in me, reminding me what it feels like to strive for greatness every day. Their professionalism, passion, and commitment to safety and service have made this experience truly exceptional.”

Dillon Gee (Private Pilot)

Student smiling in indoor portrait for aviation testimonial.

"My instrument training at Nationwide Aviation was one of the most rewarding parts of my aviation journey. The instructors were patient, knowledgeable, and always encouraged me to keep improving with each flight. They emphasized safety and precision, which gave me the confidence to handle challenging weather and my favorite part, flying through clouds!  This experience helped me grow tremendously as a pilot and gave me the skills I’ll carry forward in my professional aviation career."

Isaac Muffley (Instrument)

Student smiling indoors for aviation training testimonial portrait.

"Earning my instrument rating with the help of Nationwide was nothing short of an awesome experience. Every flight and ground lesson had purpose and moved me closer to my goal with the help of the exceptionally knowledgeable group of instructors at my disposal. I had the opportunity to fly through multiple different states and airspaces, which I believe accelerated my learning and ultimately led to earning my instrument rating only 7 weeks after my Private license. I look forward to continuing my aviation journey at Nationwide to finish out my ratings, and eventually reach my goal of flying at the airlines!"

Lexi Cushing (Instrument)

Student standing next to single-engine aircraft for testimonial.

"Nationwide provided me with the appropriate training, tools and experience necessary to tackle the complex world of instrument flying. I can say that the Garmin avionics they’ve adapted into their airplanes made it all the better! Because of Nationwide’s professionalism and commitment to excellence, I felt confident walking into my instrument check-ride."

Weston Sambrano (Instrument)

Student standing beside single-engine aircraft for testimonial photo..

"I completed my multi‑engine add‑on with Nationwide Aviation and I couldn’t be more excited about the experience. Flying their twin‑engine Tecnam P2006T with modern avionics made the transition feel seamless and professional. The instructors were sharp, encouraging, and made sure I not only understood the “how” but also the “why” behind multi‑engine operations. I left feeling confident, career‑ready, and excited for my next chapter in aviation."

Blaine Patton (Multi-Engine Add-on)

Pilot wearing headset inside cockpit during flight for testimonial.

"Nationwide Aviation was really solid in helping me get all of my qualifications and ultimately my ATP, especially coming from a military background with little to no knowledge of general aviation. I went from zero multi-engine hours to full ATP in just a few weeks, thanks to the help of their operations department and the flexibility of the instructors. The instructors at the flight school are knowledgeable, incredibly patient, and all around very good at what they do. They understood my experience and tailored their instruction to help me focus on what I needed to pass my ME check and ATP. Definitely recommend!!"

Ryan Frantz (Multi-Engine)

Student standing next to aircraft on the ramp for testimonial.

"I did my multi-engine training with Nationwide Aviation. I was already working as a CFII, and needed my multi-engine add-on to advance my career to the next level. I met with my instructor, Cade, and let him know my objectives and timeline. We worked together to create a plan of action that worked for my needs. Cade was incredibly knowledgeable, and worked around weather delays to complete my training and have me checkride-ready within a week! It was a great experience and set me up for success in advancing my career!"

Ryan Espinosa (Multi-Engine)


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"I decided to get my Private Pilot License after flying with a friend in his Piper Comanche; the feeling of flying and having total control was incredible. My goal has always been to get a plane and fly my family around to new places and experiences. I chose Nationwide because I kept hearing great things about how professional they are and seeing how much they support our local community. From my very first flight, they showed me just how amazing flying really is, and I loved that they worked with my schedule to move as fast or as slow as I wanted. The more I learned about airplanes, the more confident and safe I felt throughout training. My instructor, Dryden, made learning to fly fun and exciting, and Nationwide’s support made the whole journey something I’ll never forget. Thanks again to Dryden for being awesome!"

Connor Bradham (Private / Lifestyle)

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"As I sought to change careers and move into piloting at the professional level, I took the advice of my initial flight instructor and investigated Nationwide Aviation as a flight school. As a former member of the US military and law-enforcement I was happy to find an organization that was able to train at my speed and intensity on an accelerated schedule. Since I was a trainer in both my previous jobs, I was also appreciative of the quality of the instructors  who were both knowledgeable and professional. The skills and information I acquired have continued to reinforce safe flying habits and hone my aviation decision-making. I am now better prepared for my future career as a commercial pilot thanks to help from Nationwide Aviation."

Donald Capra (Career Change)

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