American Air Flight Training

"As an ATP pilot doing most of my training with Flight Safety International, I was looking for recurrent training. Steve Shaner came highly recommended. After spending several months with Shane, I found him to be one of the most professional and knowledgeable flight instructors I have encountered. I would recommend him to anyone wanting to learn how to fly or advance their cerificates as his attention to detail and safety is second to none."

"I began training with Steve Shaner at American Air Flight Training in 2020, as an instrument rated private pilot interested in a tailwheel endorsement and aerobatics training in a Super Decathlon. Since then, I have completed Steve’s tailwheel course, and then went on to do some advanced instrument and emergency training on his Flight Simulator, followed by the Commercial course, which I have just completed and successfully passed my Commercial checkride. I give a lot of credit to Steve and his training program. The training is extremely high quality and thorough, with a structured syllabus, including regular ground school sessions, coupled with flight lessons that are well organized and tailored to the progress of the student. It is a very effective way to ensure that no topic is neglected. Previous topics are always reviewed prior to each lesson, which keeps everything fresh to build on. Steve’s professionalism and dedication to teaching is surpassed only by his knowledge and experience. He has decades of experience in many types of aircraft and just about every level of flying. He maintains a very strong emphasis on safety in all aspects of flight, from flight planning and preflight, to securing the aircraft at the ramp. Part of safety is knowing what not to do, and Steve uses accident analysis to help the student learn from the mistakes of others. He trains his students to the highest standards, way beyond the minimal required training, which means there are very high expectations. “Good enough” isn’t good enough. Challenging, but well worth the effort. As a result, I now have a much deeper understanding of systems and regulations than I ever had before. My piloting skills have improved dramatically, and I am flying with more confidence and precision. I am a better, safer pilot thanks to Steve. There are plenty of flight schools that may be cheaper and faster, but flying is a serious endeavor, and the training is not something to skimp on. In my opinion, Steve Shaner/AAFT is worth every penny to get the best training available. Highly recommended!"

"I used Steve Shaner and American Air Flight Training for my insurance required Piper M350 initial pilot transition course. He came highly recommended by another local PA-46 pilot. I have flown with many different instructors throughout my aviation experience. Steve is without doubt one of the most knowledgeable, professional and experienced instructors I ever had the opportunity to fly with. He spends considerable time and resources to tailor the training to the student pilot. I particularly enjoyed his emphasis on safety and accident prevention, which is based on his extensive research of aviation accidents. The course is challenging, but I felt well prepared to safely fly the PA-46 with my family on board after completion."

"I recently used Steve for my FAA Flight Review, attended ground school for PA-46 and received training in that aircraft as well. It's a complicated aircraft and Steve was a total professional in every sense of the word. He was methodological in his teaching and syllabus. I understand he constantly revises these items in his approach to delivering the finest flight training possible. Steve has a unique way to interact with you during flight and on the ground. He makes you the best you can be. I've flown with many instructions since obtaining my Private in 1971 and Steve is among the best. I look forward to more learning and practice with Steve."

"I have been a student at American Air Flight Training since 1999. I had tried other instructors prior and it was obvious I had chosen the correct place to learn and build my knowledge and skills after the first few lessons. My primary objective was to become a safe and competent pilot so that I could confidently fly with my family and friends. As a result of the instruction, mentoring, and coaching I have received, I have more self confidence and more apt to fly, and my friends and family have confidence in me. Piloting an airplane is significant, I did not want to be lulled into believing I was qualified when I really was not. I am regularly presented with challenges I find I am prepared for; the knowledge I have gained through my training has formed the basis for making safe decisions in the air (and on the ground). Steve Shaner (owner) has dedicated his career to teaching people to fly expertly safe and legal, it is very apparent he really cares and is focused on his craft. The teaching style was and is thoughtful and tailored to my learning ability, there are certain challenges I had with learning to become a competent and safe pilot to which Steve adapted his methods to overcome as quickly and thoroughly as possible. As I have advanced in my knowledge and skill level, Steve continues to expertly push my limits just enough to provide significant additional learning. There is tremendous value in learning the skills to competently meet the challenges of piloting an airplane and I have really enjoyed the experience."