FlightGest Academy: Premier Flight Training

We recently caught up with Ron Kuist, owner of FlightGest Academy, a leading flight training school located here in the Triangle.

We asked Ron to describe the school. “FlightGest Academy is truly a beacon for those seeking not just to learn to fly, but to embrace aviation as a gateway to adventure and freedom. Our name is a testament to this ethos – 'FlightGest' embodies the spirit of finding adventure through flight, encapsulated in our tagline, ‘Premier Pathways to Adventure.'"

“Our Academy is more than a flight training school; it's a place where dreams of flight become real. A lot of folks come to us with a lifelong aspiration to climb into the cockpit and take to the sky. At FlightGest, we're not just about teaching aviation skills; we're about helping people achieve their dreams.”

Touring the facilities and seeing the fleet of aircraft the school operates out at RDU, it’s clear that FlightGest has created an environment that aligns with Ron’s vision. “Our commitment to excellence is evident in every aspect of our training ecosystem. From our fleet of premier aircraft to our rigorous maintenance standards, we ensure that our students learn in a setting that's not only structured but also supremely safe and conducive to learning. This foundation enables us to provide an educational experience that's not just about acquiring skills but about embarking on a journey of adventure and personal growth.

We sat down with Ron to learn more about FlightGest Academy and how they help students achieve their flying dreams.

Q: What do you wish people knew about FlightGest?

I truly wish people understood the depth of our commitment to each student's success. I think that’s what distinguishes us from other flight schools. Unlike the "pilot mills" that are prevalent in the industry, where students are often seen merely as numbers in a system designed to expedite their progression through standard programs, we take a radically different approach.

Our philosophy centers on recognizing and nurturing the unique journey of each aspiring pilot. We understand that learning is a deeply personal process, varying greatly from one individual to the next. This understanding shapes the way we design our training programs. We don't believe in a one-size-fits-all curriculum. Instead, we tailor our lessons and training methodologies to align with the individual's learning style, personality, and even their schedule.

This bespoke approach ensures that our students are not forced to adapt to a rigid, unsuitable learning environment. We go the extra mile to create a flight training experience that is not only effective but also enjoyable and highly personalized. It's this dedication to personalized training and genuine care for our students' success that truly sets FlightGest Academy apart.

Q: Take us back to the beginning. How did you become the owner of a flight training school?

It’s really the pursuit of a childhood dream. From a young age, the allure of the skies captivated me, though the path to becoming a pilot seemed nebulous. My initial foray into the aviation world began with a ground service role at American Airlines right out of high school. Naively, I believed I could work my way up from baggage handler to the pilot's seat. However, reality quickly set in, and I learned that that’s not how it works.

Undeterred, my next move was to a company servicing airplanes, which offered flight training discounts at a local school. Yet, even with the discounts they offered, financial constraints still made flight training unfeasible. Shifting gears, I ventured into the IT field, securing a computer science degree and embarking on a successful IT career. But the dream of flying never went away.

The turning point came when my wife, knowing my lifelong aspiration, gifted me a discovery flight. It's an introductory flight, where you go up with an instructor to see if you like it. The instructor talks to you about what it takes to become a pilot, what the program looks like, and at some point during the flight the instructor hands the controls over to you for a few moments. And that was it. I was hooked. While juggling my IT career, I delved into the training, and began working toward acquiring every certificate possible.

From there teaching others to fly became my new dream. I wanted to pay forward the joy and fulfillment aviation had brought me, especially to those who might have faced similar obstacles, and so I began moonlighting as an instructor. Becoming an instructor provided not just an outlet for my passion but also immense satisfaction. I was making a positive impact on the lives of students by helping them reach new levels of achievement. It was transformational for them and me, and I wanted to find a way to amplify that impact.

I had a vision in my head for what an ideal flight training experience could look like, and that led me to explore owning a flight school. When the opportunity to purchase FlightGest arose, I seized it, despite the challenging backdrop of the pandemic. And I’m proud to say that over the past three and a half years, my team and I have transformed FlightGest Academy from a modest operation into the premier flight training provider in our region.

Q: Can you tell us about all the services FlightGest offers to students and pilots?

Our core mission is to provide top-tier flight training for individuals at every stage of their aviation journey. Whether you're in the initial steps of learning to fly, working on an instrument rating, or aiming for a commercial pilot license, we have tailored programs to meet your needs.

Beyond individual aspirations, we specialize in facilitating seamless transitions for military personnel looking to translate their aviation skills into civilian flying careers, particularly for those aiming to join the airlines. 

For seasoned pilots who might have taken a hiatus from flying, our "rusty pilots" programs are designed to reacquaint and update their skills, ensuring they can safely and confidently return to the skies.

We’re an FAA-authorized testing center as well. So here on-site we have a brand new dedicated space where candidates for both pilot and drone operator certifications can complete their testing requirements.

We also provide comprehensive aircraft maintenance. We operate a dedicated maintenance facility where we service our own fleet as well as client-owned aircraft. We have a professional, certified team that delivers the highest standard of service, encompassing everything from routine checks to unexpected, pop-up repairs. 

For aircraft owners, we provide management services that provide peace of mind. We take care of all aspects of aircraft upkeep. From mandatory inspections, GPS updates, and logbook management, or even if they just need the airplane detailed; we do all the above.

Q: What can you tell us about the makeup of the student body at FlightGest Academy?

It’s interesting. In recent years, we've witnessed a significant shift in our student demographics, marked by a substantial increase in career-oriented pilots. These individuals, often referred to colloquially as going from "zero to hero," are focused on making aviation their profession.

Additionally, we have a strong contingent of military personnel transitioning from rotorcraft to fixed-wing aircraft. This unique group brings a wealth of experience from their service, seeking to translate their helicopter flying skills into the realm of fixed-wing aviation.

An especially encouraging trend we've observed is the increase in female students entering the industry. This growth not only enriches the aviation community but also helps in breaking down long-standing barriers, contributing to a more inclusive and diverse field.

In homage to the pioneering spirit of women in aviation, notably the Ninety-Nines, an international organization of female pilots, all our new aircraft registrations begin with "Niner Niner" (99). This subtle yet powerful nod to the legacy of female aviators underscores our commitment to celebrating and supporting diversity within our student body and the broader aviation community.

Q: What can you tell us about FlightGest’s fleet of planes?

We have a diverse and sophisticated fleet, designed to offer our students a comprehensive flying experience. We have a mix of Piper and Cessna aircraft.

We boast five brand-new Piper Archers, which are the backbone of our training operations. These four-seat aircraft are favored for their modern design and ease of handling, making them ideal for students and seasoned pilots alike. Alongside these, we have the Piper Pilot, a newer addition similar to the Archer but with a three-seat configuration.

For those looking to gain multi-engine experience, our Piper Seminole G1000 stands out as the premier twin-engine aircraft in the area. Its advanced capabilities and reliability make it an invaluable resource for more advanced training and ratings.

We also have two Cessna 172s, renowned for their durability and forgiving flight characteristics. These aircraft, like our Pipers, are equipped with technically advanced cockpits, featuring glass panel avionics that provide a modern, sophisticated flying experience. This technology ensures our students are well-versed in contemporary aviation systems, sometimes surpassing avionics found on some commercial planes, believe it or not.

In addition to these technically advanced aircraft, we also cherish the value of traditional flying experiences. Our two Piper Archers are equipped with steam gauges (as opposed to digital), offering a nod to classic aviation and allowing pilots to hone their skills in an analog cockpit. By offering a blend of old and new we ensure our students develop a well-rounded skill set, and can adapt to a variety of flying conditions and requirements.

Q: What can you tell us about your flight simulator? 

Our flight simulator is a state-of-the-art Redbird. It’s really a cornerstone of our training methodology. There are inherent risks in live cockpit learning, where the multitasking nature of flying can overwhelm even the most diligent students. Our simulator provides a solution. 

In real-world flying, learning how to prioritize flying the aircraft, navigating, and then communicating is crucial, yet it can be daunting. The simulator allows us to bridge this gap by bringing the learning environment to the ground, where the pressures of actual flight are absent. This controlled setting is ideal for focusing on complex concepts and maneuvers without the 'drinking from a firehose' feeling that can accompany in-air lessons.

One of the simulator's most significant advantages is its versatility. Capable of mimicking multiple aircraft configurations, it offers a broad spectrum of training possibilities, from single-engine basics to complex multi-engine scenarios. This flexibility extends to environmental conditions as well; students can experience flying in various weather conditions, such as cloud cover, high winds, or even icing conditions, which might not be safely or readily available during actual flight training sessions.

Q: How does someone get started?

The easiest way is to schedule a discovery flight. They can also schedule a tour of our facilities and meet with our admissions coordinator through our website or by giving us a call at (919) 840-4444. 

Under the direction of Ron Kuist, the FlightGest Academy has flourished, expanding its offerings and embracing a diverse student body eager to explore the skies. From career-oriented pilots to recreational flyers and military transitions, FlightGest caters to a wide array of aspiring aviators, providing a tailored and immersive flight training experience.

Ron’s journey from childhood dreamer to the helm of FlightGest Academy serves as an inspiring testament to the power of perseverance and vision. As FlightGest continues to soar, it remains dedicated to its mission of offering 'Premier Pathways to Adventure,' making it not just a flight training school, but a launchpad for dreams and adventures in the boundless skies.