Top 20 Reasons to Choose Guidance Aviation

1. Use Your Post 9/11 GI Bill Benefits

If you are currently serving in the military, or a veteran, and you are looking to use your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits for flight training, contact our veterans in This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it at Guidance Aviation . . . You’ve earned it.  Through our partnership with Yavapai College, our Degree Program is VA Chapter 33 Benefits Approved Training for U.S. Military Veterans using their Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits. We are also an Approved 141 School for both Helicopters and Airplanes by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) -

2. Arizona Department of Veteran Affairs Approved

We are veterans helping veterans to use their educational benefits & Veteran Rehabilitation Training

3. Local Workforce Grant Monies

Guidance Aviation is approved to receive Local Workforce Investment Board (LWIB) money. This is grant money that will help pay for a ground class or to finish up a rating (between $2k to $5k). Arizona Workforce Connection/Local Workforce Investment Board through Dept. of Education, Arizona.  To get more information on this program, please contact our Student Services Office. You may also visit arizonaworkforceconnection.com  to locate our program and request further information.

4. High-Altitude Training

Guidance Aviation’s facilities are located at 5,045 feet MSL. By training at high altitude, it prepares a pilot for high density altitude and mountain flying. Getting this experience is hard o do, so we decided to start you off at a high altitude in the first place.  It makes it  more challenging to fly, but you will be more desirable as a professional helicopter pilot.

5. Over 13 Years Experience 

Guidance Aviation has been an operating helicopter flight school for over 13 years at the Prescott airport. Our company and its reputation as a provider of quality helicopter flight training has been growing every year.

6. High Job Placement Rates 

Since 1998, more than 95% of all graduates of Guidance Aviation’s Professional Program have been hired in paying positions in the helicopter industry. We can't guarantee anyone a job after graduation, but we can guarantee our graduates have preference to be hired with us and with many other operators.

7. We Train in Robinson Helicopters 

Why are Robinson helicopters great compared to Schweitzers? Over 85% of all helicopter flight training schools use Robinson helicopters. Although Schweitzer 300s are good helicopters, graduating from a Schweitzer school means you can only apply to work as an instructor at 15% of the flight schools. Also, at high altitude, Schweitzers are limited in speed and other capabilities.

8. FCRT - Flight Cost Reduction Training Lowers Costs and Means Faster Completion 

Flight Cost Reduction Training will save you on the costs and allow you to complete your training much more quickly.

9. 350 Flying Days per Year 

Prescott, Arizona has great flying weather! Prescott, Arizona's mild summers and mild winters make for very few weather delays. This allows you to go straight through your training - lowering costs and improving effectiveness.

10. FAA Approved Written Testing Facility 

Computer Assisted Testing Service (CATS) - All categories

11. Pursue a College Degree 

You may pursue a 2-year or 4-year degree while training, if you desire.  Pursue a two-year ASS degree at Yavapai College or a four-year degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Guidance Aviation is located just minutes away from the Embry-Riddle and Yavapai College campuses.

12. FAA Designated Pilot Examiner on Staff 

Hunter French WP 07-151 (PE, CE, FIE)

13. Our Fleet of Helicopters 

We currently have a fleet of over 12 Robinson Helicopters.  This allows us to provide you with a helicopter even when one is in the hangar having maintenance done. Keeping you flying reduces costs and improves effectiveness.

14. We are a Robinson Helicopter Company Approved Service / Overhaul Center 

Performing our own maintenance and overhauls allows us to maintain the strictest quality control over the machines you fly. Visit www.robinsonheli.com

15. Our Experienced Personnel

• John Stonecipher, President CEO
• Jason Kidd, Director of Maintenance
• JJ Johnson, Director of Academics
• David Roy, Director of Flight Operations
• Matt Cavenagh, Safety Program Manager
• Billy Ringer, Chief Pilot

18. Guidance Aviation’s Professional Memberships

• Helicopter Association International
• Aircraft Owner's & Pilots Association
• Women in Aviation International
• Yavapai County Sheriff's Air Group
• National Association of Flight Instructors
• Prescott Chamber of Commerce
• Better Business Bureau

17. Guidance Aviation’s Safety Awards 

Helicopter Association International,  “Distinguished Operator Safety Award” - Continuously from 1999 to Present.

18. Guidance Aviation is approved to Issue M-1 Visas 

For more information; please inquire at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   or call 928-443-9370.

19. Prescott, AZ Facilities 

Guidance Aviation’s facilities are located on Ernest A. Love Field in Prescott, AZ (map) Ernest A. Love Field is based at 5,045 feet MSL. Guidance is the first Robinson Helicopter School in North America to offer initial helicopter flight training at HIGH ALTITUDE.

20. Off-Duty Recreation 

With five scenic lakes and a network of more than 450 miles of groomed hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails winding through the city and into the adjacent mountainous countryside, you'll be able to really enjoy your downtime!  And since Flagstaff, Sedona, the Grand Canyon and Phoenix are all within a couple of hours drive your recreational possibilities are unlimited . . .