Learn How to Fly - Testimonials

Thank you so much for taking Debbie Bielling up in your plane. She loved it. I had fun too since we got to go right out there with the planes and watch you two take off and land!
I may want to do this too some day. You seem like a great person, your personality is very
positive and fun.

I’ve flown with Gabriel many times and he’s a great instructor. Recently, he flew with me as a safety pilot while I practiced some ILS approaches into Centennial. It was a pretty hot summer day, and there was a little verga around the airport, which created some turbulence. I was struggling to stay on the glide slope and keep the localizer needle centered. Every time a bump caused my heading or altitude to change, I would immediately try to correct it. Gabriel was very good at encouraging me and telling me not to overcorrect for the deviations created by the turbulence. Some instructors I’ve flown with only seem to point out when I’m doing something incorrectly, but I like the way Gabriel lets me know when I’ve done something really well and congratulates me. I’ve also had a great time flying with him on some cross country flights. We flew down to Pueblo a few times so I could get some practice working with Colorado Springs approach control. They aren’t as busy as Denver approach, but I still like to make sure I know how to communicate with them effectively. Gabriel was really helpful in telling me how to call them up and make my request, then how to respond to their instructions. Thanks for all your help!

On my birthday, my sister surprised me with a private flight over the city at dusk. It was something I was so scared of yet I always wanted to experience. I was soooo nervous when she told me she bought an hour of flight time! However, she arranged it, so I felt I couldn't get out of it - it was so thoughtful.

I arrived at Centennial to meet the pilot, Gabe, and look at the plane - it seemed so tiny! I suddenly felt so vulnerable. Despite being apprehensive, I decided to fly only if my brother in law came with me - my sister was too nervous to fly! I nervously climbed into the plane. My brother in law insisted I sit in the front for the best view. "Oh, great," I thought, "I'm going to freak out or get sick all over everyone!"

However, our little plane took off as the sun set and suddenly everything went from really scary to really beautiful! I couldn't believe the view! I also saw how competent my pilot was and all my fears quickly melted away! I mean, would he really being flying a "dangerous plane" and jeopardize his life as well as ours? Of course not - who would??! As we floated above the city, I "oooed and ahhhed" while experiencing it in a whole new way! It was magnificent! My hands stopped trembling and were actually used for pointing at landmarks, "Ooohhh, that's my neighborhood!," and "Ahhhh, there's the stadium!," and "Ooooohh, there's the mousetrap!" - it was like seeing my city for the first time! It was a personal flight - not a flight in a big crowded commercial plane but a nice intimate one. It was amazing! The little plane actually became a friend and I didn't fear it.

I felt like a child does when their most feared amusement park ride becomes fun, they never want it to end! However, all of a sudden we were heading back to the airport. I couldn't believe an hour had slipped by so quickly! I felt like it had just begun! I asked him if he teaches (I never thought I'd actually be a student) but I thought I'd inquire since I became interested in flying. He told me he did teach and how easy it is to become a student. I simply had to join a flying club for a minimal annual fee (unless I owned my own plane) and learn to fly!

I didn't say anything, I contemplated being a student, but just sat quietly as he landed. When we all climbed out, I felt so sad that it was over and wanted the magic to last. A month or so passed and I contacted him to be my flight instructor. His enthusiasm was contagious! It made me so eager to get back into the little plane and do it all over again!

When we met for my first lesson, I got to be in the pilot's seat!!! This was even more magical! All of a sudden, I was piloting a plane! I couldn't believe how fun flying could be!

All of my lessons are well planned, thoughtful and every flight is unique! I've learned how to read flight maps, air space, flight instruments, master the radio and land a plane! Most importantly Gabe teaches the structure of the plane and the dynamic of aviation which makes me realize how safe it really is.

My sister gave me the best birthday present imaginable, I was not only able to confront a fear but start mastering it as well! Flying has changed my life because it's made me more confident, more decisive and offers a beautiful escape from the everyday! Gabe has been the most patient instructor who not only makes flying fun, but explains it very well to the lay person. He brings it to my level. He's never demeaning or humiliating, he makes all my flights memorable. His love and respect for aviation and teaching is a perfect combination for any student at any level. His knowledge and experience are immeasurable. I recommend Gabe to anyone who is interested in flying.