Leesburg, Va., Nov. 2 -- The town of Leesburg issued the following press release:
The country's top aviation training professionals were honored October 10, 2012 during the Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association (AOPA) Flight Training Summit in Palm Springs, California. Sponsored by Flight Training magazine, AOPA's inaugural Flight Training Excellence Awards were created to recognize flight schools and flight instructors who contribute to an optimal training experience and encourage best practices. Leesburg-based Aviation Adventures was among the honorees, receiving both the Outstanding Flight School Award and the Students' Choice Award, given to the school with the most nominations.
Owner Bob Hepp's focus on standardized instructor training was a key element to Aviation Adventures' selection as an award winner. To keep his staff sharp, he closes the doors once a year and holds a CFI academy, where he makes sure everyone is on board with procedures and safety. In a market that is short on instructors, Hepp is incredibly picky. His interview process starts with a phone screen, goes on to a ground lesson, and ends with a flight lesson. Prior to the ground and flight lesson, applicants are given materials to prepare, including the school's standardized teaching procedures. The result is that Hepp has a group of top-notch instructors he can count on to do the right thing.
In addition, Aviation Adventures supports its students through a wide range of activities and extra learning opportunities. Hepp tries to foster student involvement through an atmosphere that he says feels more like a club than a business. They offer sessions to meet the designated pilot examiners and courses specifically designed to get pilots back in the air. There are regular fly-outs to great destinations such as the Bahamas and the Hudson River corridor.
"Leesburg Executive Airport is a great place to operate a flight school," said Hepp. "I want to thank everyone associated with the airport - the staff, the Town Council, the Airport Commission and the Economic Development Commission - who has contributed to us being recognized with these very special awards."
"Bob Hepp and Aviation Adventures' commitment to the Leesburg Executive Airport and the Leesburg business community is exemplary," commented Marantha Edwards, Leesburg's Economic Development Director. "We are delighted to see Bob and all of his employees receive this national recognition."
In celebration of Aviation Adventures' awards, the Leesburg Airport Commission and Economic Development Commission are jointly sponsoring a "Share the Success" reception on Wednesday, November 7, 2012 at 4:30pm, at the Leesburg Executive Airport (1001 Sycolin Road SE, Leesburg, VA 20175). The public is invited to attend. For any query with respect to this article or any other content requirement, please contact Editor at [email protected]
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