I recently got my private pilot certificate after training with
Mike. Right from the intro flight, Mike made the process fun and
straightforward. So much fun, in fact, that I started my
instrument training the day after the private pilot checkride.
Here are a few of the things I liked most about training with
Mike.
- He'll figure out how you
learn, and then he'll teach you that way. That means you'll
get plenty of challenges, but also plenty of encouragement
-- because you'll meet those challenges.
- Every lesson will teach you
something new (including Alaskan bush pilot tricks); you
won't keep repeating things you already know how to do. Even
if you ask for a review, you'll get a review with a twist.
- Your training will go far
beyond what the FAA requires. When the FAA says you need
three hours of flying by instruments, you'll get three hours
of instrument approaches talking to air traffic control in
the San Diego class B airspace; when the FAA says you need
to simulate soft field landing technique on a nice, wide
asphalt runway, you'll get some landings in the desert.
- Above all else, he will
teach you to be a safe pilot, so when you get the chance to
do something stupid, you'll do the smart thing instead.
- Plus you'll hear hilarious
anecdotes from those thousands of hours of flying.
When you think about it, it's
amazing that someone with Mike's experience is willing to teach
complete novices. You should not pass up this rare opportunity
to learn from the best.
Johannes Muelmenstaedt
La Jolla
Picking a flight instructor, especially in San Diego, is no
simple task. There are a lot of folks who call themselves
instructors and have somehow earned that license from the FAA,
but quite honestly shouldn't even be flying alone. When I
searched for my instructor, I wanted somebody who had more hours
in the plane than anyone else, who taught other instructors, and
who had a deep knowledge of flying at every level. When I found
Mike, I knew he was the guy, and my assessment's been proven
correct over and over again. As a newly-certified private pilot,
I know I've been well prepared through his expert instruction.
He stresses safety and the intelligent application of all the
book knowledge that one has to master. That means you aren't
just 'getting by' to your checkride. Mike ensures that every
dollar and hour spent on this process is a valuable one, and
that you complete your training as a smart, aware and safe
pilot. I'm already looking forward to beginning my instrument
training with him, and am grateful for the investment he's made
in me.
Kris L.
Pacific Beach
"I completed my instrument rating, commercial single, and flight
instructor, all with Mike. All tests were finished perfectly the
first time without any problems. But more importantly I learned
about real world flying. The knowledge and experience Mike
provides to flight training is better than any other school has
to offer. If you want to become a great pilot, this is the
instructor for you!!!"
Ronnie G
"After looking at numerous schools and going on several flights
with multiple instructors, i finally found Mike Upton. He not
only was the most knowledgeable but he gave me the confidence on
my first flight to let me know that I could handle the pressures
of flying. He did this by pushing the limits and letting me take
control on our very first flight. Mike is also a straight up guy
who will tell you how it is, which made flying not only fun but
entertaining. I will never forget the experience of getting my
private pilot certificate."
Ryan Childs
I met Michael the day after receiving my private pilot's
certificate. I was on my way to starting my Instrument Rating at
one of those high price “structured schools” when I learned that
for the same amount of money I could get my rating with
Guaranteed Flight Training and for the same money- or less- get
almost 3 times the actual flying experience. That sold me on the
program. Little did I know when I started that price and more
flight time were not even the best benefits of flying with Mike.
Mike prepared me very thoroughly not only for my check-ride, but
for the demands of flying safely in the professional world or
Instrument Flying. We flew in some nasty weather during my
training. With his training, I was fully prepared to pass both
the oral and practical test with the minimum 40 hours of
instrument time. Mike’s training pushed the limits of
conceivable failures and taught me how to get on the ground
safely no matter what the airplane threw at me. Recently, on a
Night/IMC flight with 4 people to Vegas I lost my HSI in the
clouds and with my training was able to control the airplane
safely and get to better conditions without jeopardizing the
safety of my passengers or myself. I would recommend that anyone
thinking of getting into the cockpit for the first time or
taking the next step in aviation to give Mike a call. You wont
be disappointed.
Brandon M
San Diego, Ca
When I started training with
Mike, I had a Commercial single engine land Certificate and had
gone through three instructors trying to get my multi engine
add-on. What a difference to fly with a real , experienced
professional pilot ! He quickly corrected my “bad habits” and
taught me excellent operating procedures. As I trained with him,
I began to realize how much time and money I wasted with the
other instructors. He put me through the wringer in the twin by
creating very realistic failure scenarios and taught me to focus
on the important aspects of flying a multi engine aircraft and
how to deal with failures in a timely procedure oriented manner.
I am a much better pilot since flying with him. If you are
looking to improve your piloting skills ( the guy is a real
artist at flying ) and have the opportunity to fly with him I
highly recommend you do so.
Richard T
Ramona, Ca
I did extensive research when
choosing a flight instructor. I could not have made a better
decision. Mike is the finest when it comes to his experience,
knowledge and instruction techniques. He will push you to
surpass even your own expectations. Through my training with
Mike I have achieved both my private and instrument rating. Mike
prepared me for every flight dedicating each lesson to me
obtaining a new skill in the airplane. He did not simply take me
up to fly for a couple of hours and give me a local tour. I
learned something every time we trained together. He kept my
training focused and on pace. He knew everything about anything.
I was unable to stump him with any question or scenario. If
someone told me he wrote the FAR/AIM, I would believe it. If you
are looking to achieve a private pilot’s license or are
interested in additional ratings I encourage you to contact Mike
Upton from Guaranteed Flight Training. You will be glad you did.
Since I began flying I have talked to many students who have
horrible stories about their student pilot experiences. If you
ask ANY of Mikes students you will hear the same story. HE IS
THE VERY BEST!
Brandon Parker
Bishop, CA
I did a lot of checking before I
started on my instrument rating and I am glad I did !
I discovered that I could get my IFR rating from Mike for less
money than the 141 school I went to previously and end up with a
very experienced instructor and a better aircraft. Mike and I
did a lot of “actual instrument” flying and I can easily say
that his instruction was top notch. I believe I learned more
from Mike due to his extensive experience , and straightforward
nature than I ever would have from my previous experiences with
low time Flight Instructors. I passed my IFR check ride with
ease and I regularly fly in IMC conditions. If you are looking
for a highly experienced instructor who is not afraid to get up
in the “soup” and teach you to fly down to the minimums, Mike is
your man.
Chris H
San Diego, Ca
I obtained my Private and
Instrument Certification and Ratings from Mike. He is a very
knowledgeable Pilot and Instructor. He pushes you to exceed at
flying and encourages you to build your solo skills. I learned
quite a bit from his experience and approach to flight training.
Both my Private and Instrument check rides were passed with ease
( I logged 1.6 hours of actual time on my IFR check ride) and I
ended up buying a C-210 afterwards, which I fully enjoy flying
VFR or IFR. I highly recommend Mike to anyone who is looking for
a “pilots pilot” with an “old school” approach to flying.
Doug R
San Diego, Ca
I went to Emery Riddle and
obtained my degree and Private Pilot Single and Multi IFR
ratings from them. I heard about Mike and his training and
decided to get my Multi Commercial with him. Training with Mike
is like working out with a professional athlete. The training
was very real and intense to say the least. I think he gave me
every possible failure scenario and pushed me to be a skilled
and knowledgeable professional. I applied for an airline job and
after my simulator check, I was moved to the airbus 340 instead
of the ATR (which 90% of the other low time pilots get.) I am
sure that it was Mike’s intense training , very realistic
approach and insistence that I utilize my full potential that
got me the First officer job in the Airbus 340 with less than
300 hours total time.
Kavush S
Phoenix AZ
The best thing about training
with Mike is that he is a seemingly bottomless well of aviation
knowledge. As much as you could ever learn about flying, you
can learn from him -- and he will teach you the intricate
theoretical stuff right alongside the immensely practical
stuff. I had great fun, and after training with such a
demanding instructor, the check ride was easy. More than that,
I feel that I have been given a look into the vast world of
flight that will inspire me to continue learning for the rest of
my piloting days. This was only possible with someone as
experienced as Mike.
John R
La Jolla, Ca
I have flown with many
instructors, but Mike is probably the most real of them all. I
did my Multi-Commercial add-on with him to my Commercial Rotor
wing Certificate. We had a lot of fun in the Seneca but he
really made me know the aircraft , systems , procedures and how
to: “fly it like you stole it.” He had me doing night landings
at L-18 (2100’ long airstrip) and I could always count on him
for telling me what I needed to hear to make me a better pilot.
I now fly a big multi engine turbo prop for a cargo company in
Hawaii at night IFR into small airstrips. If you are a good
pilot he will make you a great pilot.
Eugene R
Hawaii
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