Want the IFR or Commercial rating? Need a comprehensive review? You're cleared for the approach! We will review all aspects of IFR and/or Commercial training including single pilot resource management, GPS operation, ILS, VOR, circle to land, partial panel, emergencies, task prioritizing, survival and safety tips, user-friendly ATC phraseology, and much more. If you want hard hitting, concentrated flight training, you've found the source!
John's Qualifications
• 37-year accident free record • 10,000 hour APT/CFII/MEI/AGI • Dependable and professional • Garmin 530 & G1000 experienced • Outstanding communication skills • Can instruct in your plane or his • Records detailed log entries • Has Toll-Free 800 instruction line • Complex endorsement included • Has Performance Guarantee • Writes for Plane & Pilot Magazine • Bachelor's degree in Business • Intl flight school experience • Has a calm inflight demeanor • Multiple Testimonials • Multiple References available • Applies IFR lessons to life!
Outstanding Customer Service
A toll-free 800 telephone number is available from anywhere in the United States for both IFR/Commercial and non-flying customers needing personalized coaching and support (standard hourly ground rates apply). If you are ordering a product, please go to our website product page for fast and convenient service. If you're scheduling a flight lesson or have questions about our services, please call (916) 395-1604.
Block Time
A 10-hour aircraft/instructor block rate is available that reduces John's Garmin 530 equipped Cardinal to $99/hour dry (regular $109). The rate makes this technically advanced aircraft one of the most economical retractables in Northern California.
Instructor Rate
The flight instructor rate with John Tillison is $48/hour air/ground using his airplane. The outside rate (using your plane) is $68 per hour air/ground. Note: No flying club fees or monthly dues are required and our aircraft is fully insured. Each flight to be paid in advance or at time of flight.
Cancellation/Refund Policy
A one hour no-show/short-cancel fee will be assessed for lessons cancelled with less than 24-hour notice. If cancellation is unavoidable, we ask that you give at least 24-hours notice. Regarding books and tapes and presentations, you must be 100% satisfied or your money back. Returns must be within 30 days of purchase and in good, resellable condition.
Bottom Line
The bottom line is this: With John's 38 years of accident-free experience, he will not waste your time nor your money. On the contrary, he will bring out the best in you and your flying abilities, and make you a safer, more skilled and confident aviator.
"When I signed on with you, I had some clear expectations and requirements. You clearly fit the requirement. Thanks for the excellent training."
Kenneth Butler, PhD Educational Consultant Sacramento, CA
"I've had three great teachers in my lifetime. My fourth grade teacher, my high school English teacher, and John Tillison, my IFR flight instructor!"
Robert LeVine CEO Schoolhouse Software, Inc - Rocklin, CA
"In my professional life as well as in my aviation endeavors, seldom have I encountered someone as organized, enthusiastic, professional and knowledgeable as you. Your depth of understanding of the aviation field and your total commitment to teaching IFR has made me a confident, safe IFR pilot."
Douglas Udell Project Manager/Land Acquisitions DeSilva Group
"I attribute my success to my teacher-mentor-friend, John Tillison. He will find your best learning style and calmly and methodically plot your path to one success after another. John is a professional pilot in every sense of the word. I'm glad he never gave up on me."
John Ketelhut ROP Instructor Sacramento County Office of Education
"Throughout my instrument training John has been an exceptional instructor. He is patient, knowledgeable and in tune with my progress. As a sideline benefit, he also keeps me motivated to do my best, which is ultimately making me a safer pilot."
Karl Schwendinger Professional Pilot Now Flying Canadair Regional jets (and loving it!)
"John's airplane, N7ZX, is quite simply, a beautiful piece of machinery and a pleasure to fly. I highly recommend John to anyone thinking of getting their instrument/commercial rating. He is simply the best."
Dave Puruch Professional Pilot for Atlantic Coast Airlines Featured in "Hell Trains, Planes & Parachutes"
"I have enjoyed your tutelage over the past week. You are a wealth of knowledge; by far the best flight instructor I've ever had the pleasure of working with. Thanks again. You are an amazing instructor".
Dr. Angelo Petropolis Dermatologist Sierra Vista, AZ
Fly in only 1 Lesson Even if you've never been in an airplane, I will teach you how to relax and finesse an airplane in one lesson. But I go a step further...I will document your flight in 24-karat, hi-grade color photography.
More than just a "snap shot" I've been shooting aviation photography for over 35 years. Our portraits have appeared in aviation magazines in the U.S., Europe, Australia and Africa. You can now bring that same quality to your living room or office...and you'll learn to fly at the same time!
Bring a Friend and Save! Total cost: $499. Bring a friend for only $75. (and yes, you both fly!). Advance reservations required with $100 deposit. Call (916) 395-1604 or email me at john@helltrains.com. Gift certificates available.
See samples below.
Image:
Evelyn Johnson (featured in "Hell Trains") inducted into the
National Aviation Hall of Fame for 2007
John Tillison and Evelyn Johnson
Think You're Too Old To Fly? ...Hah!!
Evelyn Johnson, who has amassed more than 57,000 hours in the air, was inducted into the National Aviation Hall of Fame Saturday night in Dayton, Ohio.
I had the good fortune to sit next to one of Ev's students. Seems this young lady was awe struck by her IFR checkride examiner, "Miss Johnson".
"Miss Johnson loves the NDB approach, she said with a heavy Tennessee dawl. 'Made me shoot it partial panel no less! She really makes you work for that IFR rating..."
Evelyn Johnson is someone I would call a certified, bona fide, indubitably qualified... Hell Trainer. She demands excellence, and is a living inspiration to others who seek excellence as their daily standard. In a day when "quick 'n easy" is becoming a default phrase for progress, quality often gets left behind. But like a leatherneck D.I. Marine, Ev puts her students through heck, training hard but always compassionate, always expecting the best from her students, she usually gets it...and her students love her for it.
The young lady from Tennessee summed it up perfectly when she said, "Miss Johnson is simply awesome."
Did we mention? Evelyn will be 101 years old on Nov 4th, working 5 days a week, happily managingthe Morristown Airport.
