In the summer of 2019, it was my goal to become as proficient a pilot as possible. As a brief background, I was Active Duty Navy, transferring from NFO to Pilot (essentially going from a backseater to the actual pilot) and while I had many hours of aviation experience, I had a mere 10 hours of actual flight time from years back. Before going to the Navy’s flight school, I wanted to get as much experience as possible, and do what it took to become the best pilot I could. In seeking out different flight schools and instructors, I count myself INCREDIBLY lucky to have crossed paths with CFII Taylor Bishop.

It started with simply discussing the plan of action over the phone with Taylor, explaining my situation to him, and hearing him out on realistic possibilities and expectations for getting certifications complete. From simply talking with Taylor, it was apparent that he was a personable, friendly instructor, and also extensively well-versed in not just aviation and the art of flying, but also in the FAA regulations and laws of the air. Taylor made the plan and necessary instruction/requirements clear (specifically, to obtain my PPL), and was up front with everything from costs to realistic timelines. And looking back on it, it was his guidance and experience in teaching that made the process as seamless as it was. Taylor was always on top of the minimums and requirements I needed in order to take my checkride on the condensed timeline we’d discussed, and ensured that they were all planned and executed in accordance with the FAR as well as safe and logical. There were so many small administrative portions of the certification that I may have missed, but thanks to Taylor, it was concern I never had to worry about.

When it came to his knowledge of aviation concepts, Taylor clearly kept himself ‘current’ in the conceptual intelligence of every facet of flying, from flight theories, to different weather phenomena, systems knowledge, etc. He was able to impart that understanding on me, and demonstrated incredible ability to convey concepts in various different teaching methods, whether he was drawing system mechanics on the whiteboard, demonstrating a sideslip landing technique with a model plane and runway, or providing different helpful mnemonics for standard FAA VFR requirements. We all learn in different ways, and with Taylor as an instructor, I am confident that any learning style will be able to grasp the teachings he provides.

What many mostly care about—his abilities as a Flight Instructor—wow, I was stunned with the professionalism, patience, and ability of Taylor. It is amazing to see where I started out, having trouble getting the plane on the ground without bouncing in calm conditions, to where I reached just one month later, as Taylor provided the tutelage I needed to pass my PPL checkride. Sure, I could rave on and on about how awesome Taylor was as an instructor, while keeping us safe, giving me proper techniques, etc—but I think a pertinent story is much more useful to demonstrate how valuable Taylor as was an instructor: In the days leading up to my checkride, the flights honestly weren’t going great. I had what would have been my final flight beforehand, with Taylor, and thing just weren’t pristine. While he could have let me go in to the exam regardless, with perhaps a 50/50 shot of passing, Taylor instead worked with the flight school to schedule an extra flight for me the following morning at 5 AM –not even with him, due to prior booking—to get additional practice before making a call. Long story short, the flight went excellently, I felt good about it, and Taylor signed me off to take the checkride, which I passed. To me, this anecdote exhibits so many traits of what makes Taylor a fantastic instructor. He A) Was honest and candid about our own mock checkride not being quite good enough, B) Was unselfish and sought my best interest when he took his time to arrange another plane availability for more practice for me—again, as he was not available, with a different instructor; ie, to no profit of his own!; and C) Empowered me to make the call on my checkride when I felt great about it, instilling confidence in me to go forth and conquer. It’s a sequence of events that I’ll never forget, and I owe Taylor all the thanks in the world for his direct contribution in making the success happen.

To anybody fortunate enough to work with Taylor Bishop, I am truly stoked for you--- you’re going to receiver only the utmost effort from an instructor who was willing to show up at literally any time of the day (a few early 4:30 AM days!) and put in his time and energy to support me in achieving my goals. Whether I was looking for more flight lessons, referring an instructor for a friend or family member, or even looking for a business partner based off work ethic and dedication alone; I would not hesitate for a second to give my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION for Taylor Bishop!

Over the past year I have done my private and instrument training in a Cirrus at SEFS. I was so pleased with my private pilot training I did not even consider going somewhere else for my Instrument training. Carl May, Chief Pilot was my primary instructor and Peyton Lindbloom was my instructor when Carl had a conflict. Both of them were excellent instructors and made the journey fun and rewarding. When Carl signed me off for my check ride and written test I knew I was prepared and ready for the challenge. I am retired and always wanted to fly but didn't have the time. Both of my instructors were patient and took the time needed to fully prepare me for the PPL and Instrument rating. Young or old I would recommend that you talk to Carl if you are considering embarking on your aviation goals. I don't think you will go wrong. Thank you to Guy the owner and all his great staff. -John

I trained at SEFT for my PPL. Although I did most of my training with Tanner Allen, whom was amazing, I also had the opportunity to fly with all of the other instructors at SEFT. All of the instructors are very professional, knowledgeable, and great to fly with. The instructors will work with your schedule and make sure you get all the flights you want. With a plethora of excellently maintained planes, a great maintenance crew, and amazing instructors, I don't believe there is a better place to train or rent an aircraft in the Phoenix area.

I've been training here for the last couple years and I won't go anywhere else. The instructors are top notch and the aircraft are clean and well maintained. Large selection of aircraft to rent too. I don't plan on doing any general aviation flight training anywhere else unless it's at SEFT.