One of the most underrated aspects of flight training is attending a quality ground school.  American Winds has a well defined and structured ground school with FAA approved classes.  These sessions will provide reference points relating to every topic you’ll need for all current and future flight training.  We offer a nine week course for a one time fee.  Classes meet twice a week and sessions run concurrently.  If you miss a class or need more time to study, you can complete the course at any time and as many times as you wish at no cost during  later ground school sessions.

We want you to achieve your aviation goals and that’s why we maintain a high level of personal involvement with the students.  We monitor your training at all levels.  You will receive weekly reviews from our Records Coordinator and Chief Flight Instructor to make sure you meet your objectives, maintain your schedule, and stay on budget.

Our one on one approach gets results:  Since December 2004, we have had 100% student pass rate amongst seven independent examiners for all courses: Private, Instrument and Commercial Licenses.

American Winds Offers Several Ways to Train:
Part 141 - FAA Aproved Syllabi
Part 61 - General Training
FAST TRACK - Part 141 or Part 61

Flight schools come in two basic varieties, Part 61 and Part 141.  The "Part" refers to the parts of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) under which they operate.  The most common distinction between them is the minimum flight time required for the Private Pilot Certificate (sometimes called a pilot license).  For the Private pilot license 40 hours are required under Part 61, and 35 hours under Part 141.  Part 141 Flight Schools may also offer flight training courses conducted under Part 61.  However, Part 61 Flight Schools may not offer or conduct any flight training courses under the provisions of FAR Part 141.  The main factors that differentiate Part 141 Schools from Part 61 Schools are primarily matters of structure and accountability.

Part 141:
Professional Flight instruction is our specialty.  These courses are designed specifically for the professional career minded pilot.  We offer the most complete and comprehensive training available.  Most of our professional programs will take you from a singe engine aircraft to a multi engine aircraft before your training is complete.  An approved curriculum with excellent instruction provides the foundation you will use throughout your career in aviation.  The result is a more proficient, thoroughly trained pilot at a lower cost.  American Winds'  training is complete, professional, and safe.

Part 61:
American Winds recognizes that all pilots do not fit into a set flight training course or program.  Whether you wish to be a private pilot or a professional pilot, your time and experience can be very valuable and worth hundreds of dollars towards your next rating or certificate.  Most flight schools are not willing to spend that extra time with you to evaluate your logbook and create a program that is cost effective.  Our experienced and qualified staff of professionals is on hand to personally evaluate your experience and qualifications to design a program customized for you.  Through a custom program you gain maximum proficiency with minimum training which means money saved.

Points of comparison between flight schools:
1.  Is the flight school Part 141 and 61?
2.  Are prices advertised (not buried in a document)?
3.  How extensive is the flight schools' experience?
4.  How is the weather in the area?
5.  Does the course have an enrollment agreement?
6.  Does the school commonly hire its graduates as instructors (to build more flying hours while earning a salary)?
7.  Have you visited the school or talked with any of the schools' graduates to find out if they were satisfied with their education?
8. What are the types and number of aircraft utilized during training?
9. Are students actually completing their time as quoted in the sales literature?

High School Students:
American Winds helps high school students realize their dreams of becoming a professional pilot.  We will also provide comprehensive training to put those students into high gear towards their dreams and careers.  There are different financial aid options available to get the students jumpstarted on the path to success.

American Winds Flight Academy is one of only two FAA-certified (Part 141) flight schools in Northeast Ohio; however, this is not what sets us apart.  At American Winds, we are passionate about aviation so our students always come first.  We pride ourselves on offering personalized flight training with small classes, one on one sessions, and flexible scheduling.

We can provide you with an affordable, flexible and convenient means of fulfilling your personal aviation goals, whether you want to become a career pilot or “weekend warrior.”