“I was one of the first students back in 1998″
I was one of the first students back in 1998. I remember Jeff’s statement of “training a 250 hour pilot with the knowledge and skills of a pilot with 2500 hours”. With that in mind and the training regime we had; when I returned home (Panama), job interviews and simulator assestments were a breeze! Jeff always pushed us to excell!! Early morning sessions of simulator, followed by videos and lectures, flying and more simulator time. The way of combining advanced techninques in early training stages (i.e. we were learning basic attitude instrument flying while doing our private), proved valuable at later stages of training, it made the whole process efficient!! Weather in Florida is excellent for flying….plenty of airports to go to; add to that Daytona, which is one of the very few places where you can get a local IFR clearance, and you have an excellent mix for a very thorough training!!
14 years later, I’m a senior first officer at a middle eastern airline, flying the Boeing 777! Throughout my career, I have worked for airlines, cargo outfits and corporate. I’ve flown many types of aircraft and basically, I’ve flown all over the world!! All of this possible because of the excellent training Sunrise has to offer! Thank You very much!!
Fuí uno de los primeros estudiantes en el año 1998. Recuerdo lo que Jeff nos dijo acerca de “entrenar a un piloto de 250 horas con el conocimiento y destrezas de uno con 2500″. Con eso en mente y el régimen de entrenamiento que tuvimos; al momento de regresar a casa (Panamá), las entrevistas de trabajo y evaluaciones en simulador fueron muy fáciles! Jeff siempre nos empujó a dar lo mejor de nosotros!! Sesiones de simulador temprano en la mañana, seguido de clases, videos y vuelos….y mas sesiones de simulador. La forma de combinar técnicas avanzadas en las etapas tempranas (ej. aprendimos el vuelo básico por instrumentos mientras sacábamos la privada), probaron ser invaluables en las otras etapas del entrenamiento e hizo todo el proceso eficiente! El clima en Florida es excelente para volar, muchos aeropuertos para visitar; y agregue a esto Daytona, que es uno de los pocos lugares (si no el único), en el que se puede solicitar una autorización por instrumentos local, y Ud. tiene una mezcla excelente para un entrenamiento completo!!
14 años despues, soy primer oficial senior para una aerolínea en el medio oriente, volando el Boeing 777!! A lo largo de mi carrera, he trabajado para aerolíneas, compañías cargueras y corporativo. He volado muchos tipos de aviones y, básicamente, he volado por todo el mundo!! Todo esto posible por el excelente entrenamiento que Sunrise ofrece! Muchas Gracias!
Roberto T. Lamastus M.
Panama
“Learn To Fly At Sunrise Aviation”
I joined the school in October 2010 to pursue the pro pilot training program just with the goal to become a safe and best pilot. I was 17 years old when I joined and had another 5 more months to go before I turned 18. I thought it would take a minimum of a year to complete the course. But, I was shocked and couldn’t believe myself when I had my commercial license in my hand in the week after of my 18th birthday. This was only possible by training with the experienced instructors at Sunrise Aviation with their aim to teach us the best and teach us everything they know. By the end of course, I went home to India happily with 250 hours of flight time, the CPL multi, and a good knowledge of aviation.
A few months ago, thought about doing some time building and I just came back to Sunrise right away without even contacting other schools. I came back to build another 250 hours to get to a total time of 500 hours. I achieved this in just three months. They have good number of aircraft which allowed me to fly 6-7 hours per day easily. The dispatch people are very friendly with smiling faces every time and they helped me in many ways . And the owner of the school is also very helpful. He reviews each student’s progress every day and makes the best decision for them.
I strongly recommend Sunrise Aviation to everyone who has an ambition to become a pilot because they have the best training for you to excel in your career.
N.Ragupathy
India
“I’d definitely recommend Sunrise here in India.”
I thoroughly enjoyed my stay in Florida. I’d definitely recommend Sunrise here in India.
Prasad Bhange
India
Prasad now flies the HawkerXP as a co-pilot for a charter company in Mumbai and has over 1300 flight hours.
“All the instructors at Sunrise are brilliant!!”
I invested a lot of time researching for the best schools to do my flight training in the US and found so many schools online. The confusion and frustration levels kept building up because of the fact that all the schools displayed the same level of competence (so they said). Then I learnt about Sunrise aviation from a friend and spoke to the school. The process and professionalism with which I was explained my flight course was the first thing that attracted me to Sunrise!! 30 days later, bags packed, I was picked up and then soon after off on my first flight with an instructor!!! I was so pleased at the dedication of the staff to get the students going as soon as possible. All the staff at Sunrise Aviation are very professional and have a lot of experience. I was pleased that I choose Sunrise!!!
The owner of Sunrise Aviation is devoted to Safety but “fly fly fly” is his motto. He wants all his students to do well in life and become good pilots; he helps shape an individual’s skills. The owner is the “fix-it man” at sunrise. His experience and knowledge levels help run the school with efficiency and attention to ALL STUDENTS!
Here are some comments about the other employees at Sunrise Aviation:
One of the most knowledgeable individuals I have met, always ready to help out and assist when in need!
They are so helpful and will help you to the extent they can! Very pleasant and friendly!! They keep the school lively!
All the instructors at Sunrise are brilliant!!
Akshay Stephen
India
Akshay recently finished his PPL at Sunrise Aviation.
He is now working on his instrument rating and will complete the CPL multi before returning to India.
“Sunrise will ensure that you have the training and resources to succeed.”
As I was doing my research on flight schools in the USA to supplement my training and the PPL that I had completed in Canada, Sunrise stood out in many ways. They were the only school that took an active interest in me right from the very first phone call (which was answered by a real person as opposed to an automated voice recording). Since I had prior flight time and experience, I was looking for a custom program rather than the usual zero to 250 hrs CPL that was offered everywhere. The staff at Sunrise over the course of many informative phone calls and emails offered me different program options based on my needs and preferences that not only appealed to me from a training point of view but also in terms of pricing. Even when I had to change my program midway through based on my requirements in terms of the Canadian Job market, the school tailored another program option just to make sure my needs were met without costing me unnecessary dollars in re-training or on hours that were of no use to me.
Sunrise is like a big family where everyone is very helpful and supportive. I can only look back on my time there positively. The instructors and staff, right from the owner to those that work on the ramp, are always approachable and there to answer your questions and take care of any issues that you might have. As long as you put in the required effort, everything else falls in place at the School. The weather is great almost year-round and even the few days when flights are delayed because of the weather, there is always some studying that can be accomplished or other students willing to recount their experiences creating a very positive learning environment for everyone. The fleet is well maintained and there’s always a plane available to fly, something that not every school can offer. Flying is amazing and I’ve enjoyed every bit of it and every flight offers its own challenges, but my experience at Sunrise Aviation has been absolutely brilliant! There have been times when the flying has been tough and exams have had to be dealt with or the material was a little too much to handle, but I’ve always found the support and encouragement of those around me and I’ve come through it without ever feeling lost or incapable in any way. I’ve also made many good friends who I’ve attempted to stay in touch with beyond our time at the school. Choosing the right school is often the most important factor when it comes to getting your flight training done and I am very proud and satisfied to have chosen Sunrise Aviation. I got my flying hours and licenses done on time and even within the price estimate that was given to me, much to my own surprise. I would recommend anyone contemplating choosing this school to do so without much hesitation. As long as your goals are to try your best, get your flying done, meet your country’s licensing requirements and be a successful and capable pilot, Sunrise will ensure that you have the training and resources to succeed.
Akshay Rao
India
Akshay came to Sunrise Aviation early in 2011 after completing his PPL in Canada. He returned to Canada at the end of April 2011 to work as a pilot after completing his IR and CPL single-engine. He will return to Florida and Sunrise before the end of the summer to do his multi-engine rating.
“Thanks to the owner and staff for making my trip more wonderful than it could have ever been.”
It feels refreshing to go back to Sunrise and recall all the memories and of course the FLYING.
Thanks to the owner and staff for making my trip more wonderful than it could have ever been. Sunrise did not change much in some ways, but has improved far better in other ways. There are many new aircrafts, new instructors, new housing and I also observed new training methods that have been introduced to help the students to complete their training faster and cheaper. The thing I like about Sunrise is that, you don’t have to worry about your flying because the staff makes sure that you get what you are supposed to, and on time. You just have to FLY..!! EVERYTHING WILL BE TAKEN CARE OF. I wish I could go back to Sunrise sometime again.
Bhavanna Gutta
India
Bhavanna completed her CPL at Sunrise Aviation in 2009. She recently returned after passing her DGCA exams to complete her CPL recurrency prior to being issued the DGCA CPL.
“without the help and guidance of the flight instructors and management at Sunrise Aviation, I would not have been able to reach my dream so quickly.”
The instrument and multi-engine training at Sunrise Aviation helped me build a strong base for my A320 type rating training. Of course, flying the jet is a lot different and a lot harder and way different in some aspects. But without the help and guidance of the flight instructors and management at Sunrise Aviation, I would not have been able to reach my dream so quickly.
Kienan Jabbour (right side of photo)
Canada & USA
Kienan finished his CPL Multi on 31 January 2011 after spending less than 6 months at Sunrise Aviation and starting with no previous experience. Two weeks later he had his A320 type rating!
“Sunrise Aviation will help you get your CPL done quickly and will do it at the advertised price.”
When students ask me why they should come to Sunrise Aviation I tell them two things: TIME and MONEY! Sunrise Aviation will help you get your CPL done quickly and will do it at the advertised price. Other flight schools advertise one price and then end up charging much more than the advertised price. The other schools don’t give clear information about fuel surcharges or other extra expenses. At Sunrise Aviation availability of aircraft was never a problem. They have over 40 aircraft now and while other schools are reducing the number of aircraft they are expanding. The quality of training especially instrument training is better in the USA than it is in Colombia. More real-world, hands-on experience is available in the USA and especially in Florida where there are many airports and instrument approaches available for training. The weather in Central Florida is suitable for pilot training all year, even in the winter months. Right now, pilot hiring in South America is booming not only in Colombia but other countries as well. So now is a great time to get your pilot licenses at Sunrise Aviation!
Juan Mendez
Colombia
Juan worked as a flight instructor for Sunrise Aviation for 4 months and now has returned to Colombia to convert his FAA pilot licenses to Colombian licences and start his airline pilot career there. He did his pilot training at other flight schools in Central Florida so he is well qualified to compare Sunrise Aviation to those other schools. He is also working on a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Business Administration at Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University and will complete that degree online after he returns home.
“I would like to thank Sunrise Aviation for their remarkable role in making a dream come true.”
I would like to thank Sunrise Aviation for their remarkable role in making a dream come true. In the beginning, I had some doubt that I could finish three Add-on ratings in one month (Private, Instrument, and Commercial Airplane). Yet, Sunrise’s commitment for excellence, top quality of teaching, instructors and aircraft availability made it very possible for me to accomplish one of my future goals in a very efficient and cost effective manner. In three weeks duration, I was able to finish all the ratings that Sunrise Aviation promised me.
At Sunrise, you get to meet with people from all over the world with different and diverse backgrounds but with one unique goal: to graduate with the knowledge and skills that will put you on the right path toward a brilliant future.
Finally, many thanks go to everyone at Sunrise Aviation for their level of professionalism and top quality service. I entirely recommend Sunrise Aviation and I am always willing to come back for further training.
Abdulaziz Al-Gerban
Saudi Arabia
Captain Al-Gerban arrived at Sunrise Aviation already having his helicopter ratings. His goal was to get the same ratings in the single-engine airplane. He hopes to return at a later date to add the multi-engine airplane to his growing list of qualifications! He completed his CPL single-engine airplane rating on December 9, 2010.
“In my opinion, Sunrise Aviation is the best aviation school in Florida.”
I completed my Professional Pilot Training program at Sunrise Aviation on September 1, 2010. I completed the flight portion of the Multi-engine Commercial training in 7 days, setting a new school record.
I started my Private Pilot’s training at one of the local aviation schools (other than Sunrise Aviation) in Florida. I soon discovered that this larger flight school had a very poor record of students completing their training programs, and a reputation for being a foreign student money mill. I was dissatisfied with the quality of training I received and the inflated costs associated with my professional training program. Being dissatisfied, I transferred to Sunrise Aviation, acting on local advice.
In my opinion, Sunrise Aviation is the best aviation school in Florida. Its fleet of aircraft is very well maintained and diversified and the flight instructors are highly qualified, experienced, and professional. The staff at Sunrise Aviation shows an interest in every student and his/her particular training requirements. They maintain a close relationship with each student’s parents and provide weekly updates on each student’s training progress.
I hold a Master’s degree in Advanced Electronics and was a teaching professor at the University of Science and Technology of Mongolia before making a decision to change my career to aviation. My Father and Grandfather are retired airline Captains for Mongolian Airlines who encouraged me to become a professional pilot. They scrutinized every step of my training.
For anyone who wants to become a professional pilot, choosing a professional flight school is one of the most important decisions in his/her new career. Your flight training needs to be professional, safe, consistent, and as cost effective as possible.
I would like to highly recommend Sunrise Aviation, their staff, and their professional programs for any foreign student considering a career as a professional pilot. I would like to thank all the people at Sunrise Aviation who helped with my training and affected my success.
Gantulga Erdenebileg
Mongolia
“Sunrise Aviation was my choice due to the quality of the employees and the “pocket-friendly” prices.”
During the course of life, one must admit that some persons that we meet can help us to determine our decisions or develop or change a mindset. In my case, I was grateful to meet my best friend, Lavan G. Paul. He also shared the same aspirations in life just as I did. However, he is further along in his career and life than I am considering he is already employed with the largest domestic airline in the Bahamas, Western Air Ltd. Therefore, I followed his example. Lavan reviewed all of my internet searches and inquiries regarding flight schools. I researched about (13) thirteen schools within the United States and discussed each with my dad, too. The school which Lavan attended still came out on top and that was Sunrise Aviation in Ormond Beach, Florida.
My excitement was beyond measure as I heard my father say that Sunrise Aviation was also his school of choice for me. Sunrise Aviation was my choice due to the quality of the employees and the “pocket-friendly” prices. I should also not forget Mr. Portz, my Admissions Counselor, who assisted me in every way possible.
I’m currently a student at Sunrise Aviation. I enjoy everything at Sunrise though the weather is not always ideal for flying as there are sometimes thunderstorms in Florida during the summer time afternoons. I arrived at Sunrise Aviation on June 22, 2010. Now it is August 19 as I’m typing, but I’ve already gained my Private Pilot License and am working expeditiously toward my instrument rating. I have accomplished a lot in only two months at Sunrise Aviation.
From my observation, the focus at Sunrise is more about safety and learning than just about making money. The instructors are professional and well trained. Some of the instructors have backgrounds in air traffic control making topics like airspace, air traffic and ATC communication a breeze. I, for one, will suggest Sunrise Aviation to anyone considering a career as an airline professional pilot.
Teddy Simmons, Jr.
Bahamas
“I enjoyed living at one of apartment complexes which is only 5 minutes from the school.”
All my flight instructors at Sunrise were very good. I was able to solo in 15 hours. My instrument instructor was intense but he helped me focus and helped me prevent making mistakes. My commercial instructor emphasized procedures. The Piper Seminole was a good training aircraft for the multi-engine portion of the course. But my favorite aircraft was the Cirrus SR-20. I flew 10 hours in the Cirrus plus some hours in the Cirrus simulator. Both helped me to learn glass cockpit procedures including the use of the autopilot and flight director.
I enjoyed living at one of apartment complexes which is only 5 minutes from the school. Many of my friends at school also lived there so it was almost like being at home. The weather was good the entire time I was at Sunrise. The aircraft are well-maintained and whenever an airplane had a problem it was fixed quickly.
I received not only the Aviation English transition course but did the school’s TOEFL preparation course as well. I passed the TOEFL test before I went back to Saudi Arabia.
I feel I was well-prepared for my career as an airline pilot and am confident I will do well when I interview at the airline.
Ahmed Mustafa Khider
Saudi Arabia
Ahmed completed the Sunrise Aviation Professional Pilot II course designed for students from Saudia Arabia on 30 June 2010.
“Overall, my stay at Sunrise Aviation was a pleasant and great one that started my whole aviation career.”
I am now a first officer at Western Air based out of Nassau (The Bahamas ) flying the Saab 340. I came to Sunrise Aviation in Ormond Beach, Florida soon after after completing high school. I had little knowledge of aviation when I arrived in Florida. Sunrise taught me all I know and all I needed to know for any airline company out there. The course is expected to take 6 months from start to finish but with determination and a slight change of the schedule to fit your needs that can be done even faster. I took only 5 months including minor delays to finish the Professional Pilot Course. The main difference between Sunrise and many other schools were the amount of planes that Sunrise had. At the time of my course there were over 20 planes but only a year later Sunrise has over 40 with more on the way. There was always a plane available in excellent condition. Maintenance is always done when it is needed but because they have many aircraft it rarely will slow down your training.
The training at Sunrise is also like no other! Even after completing my course with just 250 hours, I was instantly accepted into the airlines because of the knowledge instilled in me at the school. I have even had the opportunity to fly with multi-millionaires and popular stars such as Tyler Perry and Janet Jackson.
At Sunrise Aviation everything is done in a team effort. No one is left behind and all questions are answered. It’s almost like family with everyone looking out for each other no matter what their rank may be, just to get you finished up and have your shot at the airlines.
In Florida, the weather is also naerly perfect all year around for flying with an average of 8 miles of visibility and clear skies having no real off season with nice skies and an average temperature of 75 degrees. The beach is less than 5 minutes away from the airport. There’s always time to sit back and relax and enjoy a vacation like stay on the beaches of Daytona.
Overall, my stay at Sunrise Aviation was a pleasant and great one that started my whole aviation career. I would recommend anybody no matter what age or knowledge of aviation to give them a try. I’m sure you will end up in success if you give them a try.
Lavan Paul
Bahamas
Lavan completed his CPL in 2009 and recently returned to help another student from the Bahamas get settled at Sunrise Aviation.
“I was very pleased with my training at Sunrise.”
After I completed my CPL course, I returned to India to do the DGCA exams. I am now preparing for interviews at Indigo and Air India.
I was very pleased with my training at Sunrise. The owner made sure all of us got through. I finished my CPL course in 6 1/2 months. The instructors were good. The airplanes are very well-maintained. The checkrides were efficiently scheduled. I passed all my checkrides and written tests on the first attempt. I did my recurrency training in only 3 days.
Lester Patel
India
Lester completed his CPL at Sunrise Aviation in February 2009. He recently returned to do his annual recurrency.
“The #1 benefit at Sunrise is the availability of aircraft.”
The #1 benefit at Sunrise is the availability of aircraft. You can fly as many times a day as you want or need. All the instructors have a lot of experience. They all display patience when necessary but also push you to get you done on time. Ormond Beach is a nice area with a nice, quiet atmosphere. I enjoyed the beach and the weather. My program included flight time in the Cirrus simulator and airplane. I liked the look of the Cirrus and the performance. It is very comfortable but also challenging. I enjoyed the challenge of flying the glass-cockpit. Flying a joy stick instead of a control wheel was interesting, too. I recommend new students coming to Sunrise practice as much English as they can before they arrive.
Meshal Alemran
Saudi Arabia
Meshal completed his 270 flight hour Professional Pilot Course including a glass-cockpit transition in the Cirrus plus extra English (TOEFL) preparation in about 7 months.
“It cannot get better than what Sunrise Aviation offers.”
Four days is fast for completing the recurrent training program (as i was told it will take about four days). But at Sunrise Aviation I completed the course in 2 days and one morning, within the DGCA limitations and with every requirement met at a very reasonable cost. It cannot get better than what Sunrise Aviation offers.
Jehangir Chinoy
India
“It was just refreshing going back to Sunrise. Thanks guys!”
I just returned back home from a very positive trip to the United States of America.
Having been to Sunrise before, I knew what to expect when I was going back for my recurrency. But I didn’t really anticipate such a vast improvement. I am flabbergasted by the transformation that has taken place.
I had a chance to experience each and every instructor with the opportunity to fly with some of them and to interact with the others. The thing about Sunrise is that it’s one big Family, who’s not always happy, but they know how to work together. When you come back to Sunrise after a year you notice changes, – administrative, technical etc. A superb job, well done.
Whether it’s the new C-172 G1000 equipped a/c, or the newly acquired state of the art Cirrus or even the 2 new Avidyne simulators in hangar 25.
The owner has gone all out to revamp a new line up of 152′s as well create a new innovative call-sign bearing the “Sierra Alpha” for Sunrise Aviation on the new a/c’s. The changes include brand new upholstery, new plastic panels, and a new, smart paint scheme.
It was just refreshing going back to Sunrise. Thanks guys!
Arish Daver
India
“I appreciate the concern Sunrise Aviation shows towards their students.”
Sunrise was able to arrange for me to renew my medical exam on the same day as my arrival. I did my recurrency in just 3 days. Everything was well organized. The instructors were friendly and I had a good time flying with them. I appreciate the concern Sunrise Aviation shows towards their students.
Mohammed-Shamsuddin Sardar Yar Khan
India
Khan originally completed his CPL at Sunrise during 2007-2008. He recently returned to do his annual recurrency.
“I must say, that in the six months that I was at Sunrise Aviation, everybody made it an excellent stay.”
I am now Captain at Binter Airlines in the Canary Islands (Spain) flying the ATR-72-500.
I came to Sunrise Aviation as a commercial pilot with the intention of accumulating flying hours in the US. I must say, that in the six months that I was at Sunrise Aviation, everybody made it an excellent stay. Planes were always available for us to fly, the team provided us with excellent accommodation and helped us in everything we needed to make our stay the best possible.
Flying in the US is amazing because aviation is brought to another level. In Florida, the weather is amazing and there are many & diverse airports, so flying there was a very enriching experience. I must say that even now, flying in a commercial airline, I sometimes miss being there, in a country where aviation is at its maximum level.
In the six months that I was there I managed to gain 700 flight hours, which would not have been possible if there had not been a good team behind, willing to work as hard as I, in order to reach my objective. I must say that we also had time to have fun and go out and we had a hell of a time. Flying in Ormond/Daytona was amazing and I recommend it to any pilot willing to gain experience and acquire flight time.
Laureano Roca
Canary Islands, Spain
“Everything was fine at Sunrise Aviation.”
Everything was fine at Sunrise Aviation. My training was really good. My instructor was really good – I’ll never find another instructor that measures up. The Chief Flight Instructor was excellent. If there are any problems the owner will find a solution. When I returned for recurrency I was able to complete my flying in only 2 days. When I returned, Sunrise was able to arrange for me to take my RT exam.
Asma Shaik
India
Asma completed her CPL at Sunrise Aviation in May 2008. She returned in January 2010 to Sunrise to do her license recurrency.
“Sunrise Aviation was like a second home to me.”
Sunrise Aviation has good instructors. There was always good cooperation. Sunrise Aviation was like a second home to me. Ormond Beach is a quiet area for living. Ormond Beach is a small airport but good for flight training. The air traffic controllers at Ormond Beach Municipal Airport are helpful, even when I would make mistakes.
Abdullah Albassam
Saudi Arabia
I originally graduated from Sunrise on Oct. 19, 2008. I completed all my ratings including CPL multi and single at Sunrise. I returned to Sunrise to do my annual recurrency. I completed the recurrency in only five days. Flying is fast at Sunrise. Instructors are good. The airport is good. Weather was good most of the time. There are more than enough airplanes for the students here at Sunrise. It is nice to see improvements including the addition of more advanced aircraft.
Mustansir Lokhandwala
India
My time at Sunrise was short but very sweet. Prior to coming here, I was in need of a recurrency as per DGCA (Indian Aviation Authority) requirements and as I hadn’t flown in a year and a half. In addition to that, I was in need of a Multi-Engine Endorsement on my existing CPL.
Now that my course is complete, suffice it to say that I’ve got more than my money’s worth. It’s no exaggeration when I say that I was done in no more than TWO weeks. Not only does the school actively push their students to get on the ball and achieve their goals, they constantly monitor students’ progress and don’t ever let them fall behind.
It seems that the great people at Sunrise are not just out for your money, but really do care about how a student moves along in his/her training. Everyone from the line-hand to the owner has far exceeded my expectations. It’s hands down the best flight school I’ve ever been to. If only I had done all of my training here!
Rohit Mateti
India
