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Dear John,
I was flying Big Girl today and thought of you both. I forgot to leave you with something to use in your letters/website. So, I wrote something up. You can use that ever part you want you can also use my name, phone number, etc. as a reference because I will tell everyone like it is and that is you guys are good. I have handed out all your cards I had except one. I’ll probably be back in the Spring to add some thing on to me license maybe tail dragging or water.
Thanks again,
Sharon
Dear Jonathon and John,
I wanted to thank you for making flying fun for me again, especially in my Aztec, “Big Girl”! Everyone told me that getting your multi rating was suppose to be one of the “easiest and funniest add-ons”. As you know when I came to you I did not believe this was my case as I was frustrated with previous instruction, but you both knew I could fly that twin. You built my confidence up and put me into situations that made me think and respond. That is a sign of a good teacher, and I should know because I am a public school science teacher. You both made me one safe, confident, multi instrument rated female pilot that discovered the fun part! I’ll be back some day soon for another add-on or a new rating.
Thanks again,
Sharon Rothwell
Hazlehurst, GA
Hi John,
Just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed my short stay at your flight school. The tailwheel training was really good, and a lot of fun, I'm glad I did it.
I really like the fact that your school is obviously run motivated by the love for aviation rather than just making dollars. Have seen various flight schools in Europe as well as in the US but none of them had such a nice, friendly atmosphere.
I will definitely come back for hourbuilding and additional ratings!
Thanks a lot to everyone over there!
All the best,
Joost
P.S.
Was supposed to leave MCO today but apparently the airline messed up my ticket so it wasn't until 7 pm that they could issue me a new one! Now I will catch tomorrow's flight. Once I get home I will contact you about sending you students from Holland!
Greetings & THANK YOU for the Superior training that is offered by your Flight School...Although, School may be only one definition of Tailwheels. As many of the feedbacks state, Family atmosphere. Not generally a term associated with Flt. Schools in general. Well, here is my personal story at Tailwheels. I had studied FAA knowledge test since Nov. 2007 as per John Amundsens advice & request. One should be prepared to take & pass the test ASAP upon arrival. Feb 7 08 in my case, PIC Feb 26 08. After that folks, your are in the air & that's where ones training begins. But its so much more than just training, & that's why Tailwheels etc is what it is. A total immersion into the flying lifestyle thru all the staff, Instructors, family, mechanics. Once in to my everyday of being at school at 8 am, students tend to stay till, well, closing, to study, listen & learn. Oh & you will learn, if you are not flying you shall be studying for the oral & checkride.One can expect to solo within 5-7 days. That is what is offered at Tailwheels that in my humble opinion is not found at many other schools. The one on one training & overall dedication offered here is not found many other places. I myself during my time there saw "Finish up" students with 30+ logged hours come to Tailwheels & not be at the level of a 30 hour Tailwheels student. This speaks volumes as far as the training that is out there is concerned. In short, if you wish to be a PIC in 2+ weeks & YOU come with the base knowledge that is expected your PIC is earned at Tailwheels... Oh but wait, there's more. Once you get your first rating at Tailwheels, you will not go anywhere else. Thankfully I was very fortunate to find Tailwheels on the web & get the right training straight away. Flight schools are a tuff business these days especially. Luckily, there is Tailwheels etc.You will be a part of a family as the feedback's state. My personal thanks go out to Instructor Diana Winebold for her training of yours truly. Also Instructor Fred Moulding for his innovative style & timeless wit. I shall see you all at Oshkosh 08... Best on you all. Alex PIC3316066 A-SEL
John, Jonathon and the Tailwheels Gang,
I just want to say THANK YOU for making me believe in myself. I came to Winterhaven a skeptic because of lousy, unprofessional CFI's with big egos, fat wallets and no time for me. I was beaten down to believe you have to drag out flight instruction to a point that you forget what you learn. After coming to your school from California and leaving as a instrument rated private pilot I'm sold. I'm returning for a third time in July 2008 for my Commercial, MEL and MEI. I presently work for a light sport sales outfit which has a flight school. Its really funny that I always hear students complaining on how long its taking to get a rating I end up whispering in the students ears that they are crazy for not going to Tailwheels. I think I'm going to be fired soon. Big deal.....I want time to go back to Winterhaven anyway......my aviation family is there.
P.S. Hey Liz...can't wait for that lasagna dinner and desert!
Love to all,
Tony Drago
Dear Admundsens,
Hats off you you guys again. As a repeat customer I highly recommend Tailwheels ETC. to any pilot. I have once again been amazed at your all out potential to work miracles. I came down for spring break, with a week and a half to work on my CFI. I had hoped to get get my MES rating as well. When it because unclear whether I could get both, Jonathon took time out of his busy schedule in order to ensure that I finished the MES. I was impressed by his willingness to drop other things to accommodate me. I cannot begin to describe how friendly the atemosphere is. It was like coming back to the friends back home, when I arrived in Florida. Everyone there is so nice, and friendly, and its a family, thats the best way to describe it. When you get there your embraced as family. As a result of this, I will be down after summer to be part of your team. You guys go above and beyond any expectations I have ever had, for a flight school. This is what they have helped me acheive in the two and a half weeks total time ive been down there; Com MEL MES CFI AIGI, and numerous written tests. As I said before they are the quickest way from A to B, meaning where you are, and what you want to acheive. Keep up the good work guys, and untill I see you guys again, I wish you the best!
Robert Hasiak
CFI, AIGI, Com SES/MES, SEL/MEL
Robert W. Hasiak
Aviation Management Student
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
(224)730-2217
rhasiak2183@yahoo.com
John and Jonathan,
Thank you very much for the very good time spent with you and the very efficient training. As promised, here attached copy of the certificate. It was a lot of fun to be with you for these few days.
I will be back for my commercial.
All the best from France
Thomas Savare
John, Jonathan, Liz, Diana and the rest of the Tailwheels Staff,
Now that I'm back in the frozen tundra, I reflect on the two weeks plus that I spent with you: The whole experience was special from beginning to end and you delivered what you promised at the quoted price - my Private Pilot Certificate in fourteen flying days. Wow, who would have thunk it. But what makes Tailwheels truly exceptional is not the instruction - it has to do with the family atmosphere that permeates the training. It's obvious to me that you genuinely care about each and every student that comes into your building - no matter what certificate, endorsement, or rating they may be trying to achieve. You are good folks and it shines through. Thanks for the memories.
Regards and Best Wishes,
Doug Warner
I want to thank you guys for a wonderful experience in Winterhaven. I was impressed by how I was treated from the very beginning. You guys went above and beyond to HELP me out. As a result I WILL be back to finish my training with you guys. I would recommend you to anyone because you are the shortest distance between A and B. Not only do you get things done quickly but you manage to do this in a friendly atmosphere. I honestly felt like one of the guys while I was there. The icing on the cake was that I got more accomplished there in a week than I did in the three weeks I was home on break. Not only did I get my Multi add on, I completed my FOI, FIA , AGI, IGI, and my FII. I would have never even accomplished this if Jonathan had not told me about the advantages of getting these. Your ability to help people do so much, in so little time, and make it so fun and friendly is astonishing. I cant wait to be back on spring break!!!!!
Robert W. Hasiak
Aviation Management Student
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
(224)730-2217
rhasiak2183@yahoo.com
Gabriel Valim
Commercial SEL, MEL
Instrument Rated
270 Hours
Dear Tailwheels,
When I got to Tailwheels in the middle of December 2007, I had 250 hours and a Private Pilots license. My goal was to have my Commercial Single and Multi Engine done, together with my Instrument rating. I knew it was going to be a lot of work and at times I wondered if it was ever going to be possible to accomplish. John and Jonathan keep telling me that it would be “a piece of cake”, many times I thought they were crazy. Indeed after many delays from TSA to approve some of my applications I finished all of my training just short of three weeks and passed all of my checkrides with confidence. With only 4.5 hours of Multi-engine time I have never landed the plane with more than one engine working until this day, this gave me the confidence and experience to be able to pass my multi-engine checkride with Instrument privileges. Also in a week they thought me all the commercial maneuvers I needed to know, and thought me all I needed to grasp the right techniques in order to crisp my maneuvers. Instrument was something that scared me before and now is one of my best tools I have acquired for my career.
Tailwheels thank you for the family like environment and the one-on-one style of training that you have provided me. The experience and laughs shared will never be forgotten. It is nice to see growth in your company on a day-to-day basis. You have made Tailwheels and Winter Haven airport into a contagious experience that I am sure will continue to spread.
Tailwinds
Gabriel
December 26, 2007
Dear John, Jonathan, and the entire staff:
Now that the shock of my successfully obtaining my Private Pilot’s License in such a short time in your capable hands has worn off, I felt compelled to write and thank you for all that you did for me. At the time I stumbled across your site, I was just about to give up and accept that I would never complete my training and get my license. Then suddenly, Tailwheels, Etc. dropped into my lap out of nowhere and saved the day!
I had completed most of my training in New Jersey, but between my instructor leaving the school, too many students, too few airplanes, very poor weather, my job and my kids, I struggled to keep flying at all. Ultimately I could only get in the plane once a month and I saw my hopes slipping away. I felt there was no way to fly once a month and be proficient enough to pass a checkride.
The answer was Tailwheels, Etc. Your system of total emersion into aeronautics was the best way to do it. For a few committed days, I did nothing but fly, study, talk aviation, practice, do flight planning, analyze weather, review, and get constantly quizzed with questions by you and the other pilots (and a few close friends and relatives), all in an unbelievable friendly and supportive atmosphere. A true testament to your dedication to getting students ready was when I was feeling insecure about my knowledge for the oral exam, you invited me to disrupt your family dinner by taking me along and everyone at the table drilled me with questions all night. After that night I really felt ready for the exam.
Unlike other training schools I have been at or heard about, you guys did not set up the program to pump billable hours out of people. Conversely, after I flew the first day, you guys strategize exactly what I needed to do to accomplish my goals in the shortest amount of time possible! Unheard of! People who care about the results, not just the dollars they can collect! I really felt like you cared about me getting that license almost as much as I did.
For all that you did for me, I am eternally grateful. If you ever have any prospective students who have questions about the program, please have them call me anytime. Nobody should ever again feel like they should give up on their dream of becoming a pilot when the answer is right here.
Sincerely,
Kenneth W. Newman
This was a great experience! Everybody around this small airport was helpful. They want you to enjoy flying as much as they do. I would recommend this 2-week program to anybody who wants to get a license. These people finish the job! Would I do it again? You bet. I'm going back next week to start IFR training. Thanks TailWheels!
Eric Inglis
Private Pilot
Whom it may concern,
Tailwheelz inc. was a life saver! I needed to get my pilots license before i had to leave for Officer Candidate School and with little time available, the instructors there were able to take me from scratch to private pilot in just 14 days! The accelerated flight training did not only accomplish my goal of attaining my private pilots license fast, but it was one of the best experiences of my life. Tristan was an awesome instructor and very patient with me even when I got frustrated. John, Jonathan and everyone else that is part of Tailwheelz go out of their way to make their students feel comfortable and right at home. All the nerves of being around a new group of people disappeared after about 2 minutes. They make sure to include their students in everything they do such as lunches and dinners and if you ever need anything john or anyone is happy to answer anything you may ask no matter what time you call them.
Safety was always the first priority in the training. I was first tought emergency procedures and how to handle emergency situations. After that we worked on to maneuvers like stalls and steep turns etc. From the good foundation they gave me, it was easy to pass my check ride the first time. The way in which they teach is what makes their program successful. Having already passed the written portion of the FAA test, all that I had to concentrate on was just flying. The schedule varied a little but was generally start flying in the morning and after each hour or hour and a half we would take a break. This gives you a chance to relax and made me learn quickly since after a short break we were back up in the air an able to work on the stuff I struggled with just an hour before. The ability to fly 3-5 hours a day was a huge benefit (and very addicting). Even though the first few days were sometimes overwhelming, about day 4 everything started working and things just started clicking. From then on it was perfecting everything and just concentrating on the little things and the fun stuff like the cross country flights!!! Day 14 I took my check ride and passed with flying colors. It was really amazing I went from never flying to being certified in just 14 days.
The one thing I can’t stress enough is how nice and helpful everyone was. John and the gang helped me find an apartment nearby that helped save a ton of money on hotel bills and they were always there when I needed them. You feel like you are on of the guys minutes after arriving at Gilbert field. The training is relaxed but focused and never did I feel uncomfortable around all of the staff. You won’t be able to find a better bunch of guys and a better group of people to learn how to fly around. It was so impressive that on my next available break, I plan on getting more endorsements and certifications down in Winter Haven at Tailwheelz. The worst day of the training was the day I had to leave and head back home. I not only recommend Tailwheelz but I tell everyone and even somewhat recruit (unpaid of course haha) for them just because I had such an awesome experience. Anything else would have been a waste of time. These guys are the best…Period.
To any prospective multi-engine students; if you want a great multi-engine training experience then go no further. Last year I called John about obtaining my multi-engine commercial add on. He was forthright and honest and quoted a good price. When we got down to business, I would have to say that John’s experience blew me away.As a flight instructor myself, I have prided myself on being able to cut away the fat from a students training so that they could get the best value for their dollar. John definitely did this. We immediately started training and worked hard for a couple days and I passed the checkride with no problem. Since then I have been employed as a corporate pilot and decided to go back to John for some ATP training. I was paired up with Maurice whom is a very experienced and skilled instructor and airline pilot. I did not require the instruction for the ATP rating, but wanted to be at the top of my game. After a few hours with Maurice I was on my way to one of my best checkride performances ever. Since then I have obtained two type ratings. I only wished I could have people like the Amundsens to train me for those!
Brian Wilkins ATP
Hi John, Jonathan,
hope you are doing fine.
After returning from Florida I would like to express my thanks to you and your team of instructors training myself and guiding me to a successful check ride for the Private Pilot certificate. In unbelievable 19 days I could achieve a level of proficiency I could never dreamed of before even knowing it has been just a start. As a base for this achievement I see the relaxed atmosphere and dedicated people including my flight instructor Keith. As much I struggled with the Sundowner in the beginning after two weeks I love this aircraft now. Please give my big thanks to all of your team members. Hope we will see us soon and continuing a beautiful journey of flying. Stay safe.
With the best regards
Wilhelm Baum
I recently sought out my taildragger endorsement at tailwheels etc. and
experienced one of the best experiences of my flying career. The aircraft (a
champ) was in pristine condition and a blast to fly. My instructor, Jon, was
knowledgable, easy going, and funny (at least he thought so). I would
recomend tailwheels etc. to anyone looking for this endorsement, or any, for
that matter. In fact, I plan on returning to winterhaven eventually to get
my seaplane rating. Thanks again guys!
Ruben Hinman
aerial banners inc.
John's 2 week Private Pilot's License course was the only solution to my problem! I had an interview that required me to have my PPL. I only had five weeks to get everything accomplished. Twelve days after arriving in Winter Haven, I was getting my check ride from the FAA evaluator. I passed my evaluation and was able to interview.
I was hired out of over 100 applicants. A huge factor was how quickly I completed the course. I was applying to be an F-16 pilot (not your average job interview). Did John help me with this? YES! Is there someone else in the country that can accomplish this? There may be, but I seriously doubt it.
Most schools will squeeze more money out of you for different "reasons". This course has a fixed price, everything is included. In addition, most schools you will only fly a few times a month. How can you retain things that you have learned when flights are weeks apart!?! You learn everything in two weeks and there is no time to forget anything! I can't imagine trying to get my license any other way.
I highly recommend John and Jonathan. The professionalism and family oriented atmosphere of their business made my time both beneficial and enjoyable. This is truly the correct choice for anyone that wants their license.
Want to know more? John can provide you my email address and/or phone # so I can answer any questions that you may have.
-Trevor Kernes
Dear John,
I wanted say hello and thank you for the wonderful two weeks I spent with you, Maurice, and the rest of the team while training towards my private pilot’s license. I left Florida not only with my pilot license but also a lot of fun memories and great new friends. Looking forward to coming back to add IFR rating to my license in the near future.When I booked my trip to attend your flight training I had doubts whether this could be achieved in such a short time. My doubts were all gone when I saw the professional, organized, expert training your team provides. All of your staff are knowledgeable and know how to motivate and train new pilots.
Maurice was the best instructor I could ever have, who worked with me one on one with diligence and used creative ways to teach both the principles and practice of flying an airplane. You worked closely with me all the way to my check-ride to make sure I was prepared. What made the experience even more special for me was the genuine and friendly atmosphere at the school, at the mechanic shop, and at the airport.
Please say hello to the gang. Hope to see you all soon. Thank you once again.
Best,
Fatih “Oz” Ozluturk, Ph.D.
Hello John... how is everything?
Over the years, I have flown with many instructors, wether it was being checked out on various rental aircraft, BFR's, or additional training for advanced ratings. I would have to say, that John and his son Johnathan Amundsen defenitely top the list of the best flight instructors I have had the priviledge to fly with and learn from.
Backed by many years and thousands of hours of general aviation and charter experience. Their instruction was very thourough, laid back, and VERY REALISTIC. They are not going to just get you ready to pass a check ride, they are getting you ready to fly a plane, and fly safely in the environements you plan on flying in, with the equipment you plan on flying. And what struck me the most, was their absolute love of teaching and love of flying. Every hour in the plane with them is just plain FUN!
I finished up my commercial-multi tickets with John, and now fly for the airlines. Often drawing on some of their '"wisdom and experience" as challenges arise and hundreds of people are counting on me to get them home.
Thanks again John and Johnathan, it is great to know that you two are training pilots today, and feel better to know that my wife and children may very well be flying on a plane flown by a pilot you had a hand in training.
Good Luck!
Roger
To The Amundsen Families
I wanted to THANK YOU all for the overall great flight experience last week during my multi-engine training. I appreciate all your hard work and I know the Designated Examiner did as well.
I will highly recommend you to all my friends for both Flight Training and Maintenance services. It’s great to see the aviation spirit alive and well in your homes and businesses.
Please let me know if you are even in the Boston or Maine area. You’ve all got a place to keep your plane and stay!
Thanks and Best Regards
John Whalen
For all of you at Tailwheel, thanks again for your time and effort!
For all of you thinking of training with Tailwheel,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,think no longer, ..just do it!! Flying since 97, I have had the dubious pleasure of one or two flight schools, but Tailwheel infused me with the knowledge, comfort & confidence required to finish-up!...................Commercial SEL to MEL & MES were all done with the necessary help of Tailwheel Etc. I can not begin to explain the exact reason for my ease of learning, all I can say is "Sign-On, Tune-In & Fly-Out!!"
Best Wishes to all Nick Withnail
Dear Jonathan,
I am very grateful for the enthusiasm and love for flying that everyone at Tailwheels, Etc. has. You definitely go the extra mile. Taking me into your program under short notice and enabling me to get my multi-engine rating was a wish come true. Finding a group of people with a work ethic to match yours would be difficult. Even with the much needed time spent on my instrument skills, we still knocked out my multi- engine rating in less than ten days. Tell your father hello for me. I really enjoyed talking to him and greatly appreciate his words of wisdom. I now have a new level of confidence to go with my flying. I had a lot of fun and plan to come back for more training, so tell Liz to keep N465JA on alert status! Tailwheels, Etc. did a fantastic job!
Sincerely, Jim Eischen CFI
John and Jonathan,
Thank you both for some of the best training I have ever had. I think it was about the most fun I ever has, as well! I am hooked on tailwheels and am so impressed with your shop that if I can find a good candidate to purchase, I will take it to you guys for the pre-buy inspection.
I was amazed at how much I learned and how much we got done in two days. I think the breaks were the key. They allowed me to rest up and keep going. I went from being a ham-fisted spaz to really feeling comfortable and confident by the end of the second day. I would recommend the 8-hour package to anyone.
After having attended private flight schools, U.S. Navy Flight training and airline training, I was very impressed with the quality of your program. You have it down to a science. It really shows that you guys have taught hundreds of students. I would send my son to you for initial training, with confidence.
Thanks for a job well done!
Mike Spotto
757/767 Captain, UPS, and new Tailwheel Pilot!
John, Jonathan, Tristan, and everyone at Tailwheels...Thanks for the great experience while allowing me to get an Instrument Rating. The 10 or so days I spent with you guys went far above my expectations. I feel that I am now a much better and more confident pilot. Every question I had about the instrument training or avation in general was answered and explained in detail utilizing the vast avaition experience present with the Tailwheels staff. It was a great experience and I will definitely make a trip back to Winter Haven for future training needs. I just wish I found you guys a year earlier before I spent 7 months getting my private license. Thanks Again, Greg Unverferth
John, Jonathon, Fred, and Liz
To just say thank you seems far too little considering everything you did for me. I came to you so frustrated with my flight training at home. It seemed like all I was doing was throwing money away as I funded my CFI’s flight time. For every step forward, it felt like I was taking several steps back in training. It wasn’t just difficult, but impossible to become proficient flying when I was only able to schedule flight time with my CFI once a week or less. Then I heard about your school. I have to say, I was a bit skeptical at first…finish my training in less than two weeks? But after several conversations with each of you, I felt reassured that you not only knew what you were doing, but you loved it and lived to teach and share your joy of flying with others. You were right, I did receive my license in less than two weeks; in fact it took just six days. But I have to say that while there I received something far more important than my license. I received a renewed love of flying…a contagious passion that came from each of you. I came to Tailwheels not knowing anyone, and I left with four new friends. I will indeed keep in touch. I will also be back each year for more training and of course to see each of you. Take care my friends…Fly High and Safe!
Rev. Jim Wood
MSgt USAF (Ret)
John, please feel free to give anyone my phone number or e-mail address if they want to talk with a past student. I’ll gladly share my experiences with them.
John and Jonathan
I would like to thank all the staff at tailwheelsetc.
After spending allot of time and money receiving my Instrument rating in my hometown. I wanted to complete my Commercial and multi engine rating without distractions from work or family. I found the relaxed professional atmosphere was conducive to me achieving my goal in eight days, on the Eighth day I left with a Commercial, Multi engine and Sea plane ratings I and others have found that to be quite impressive. I recommend Tailwheelsetc to anyone who is serious about obtaining Private or advanced ratings. I feel that John, Jonathan and West were the reason I was able to complete my life long dream and land a job flying a Lear jet shortly after my training at Tailwheelsetc.
Anyone who would like a personal reference feel free to call me.
734-635-2885
tcraft@talkamerica.net
Michael Larson
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