“Welcome our newest Team Member!
When I started working with Sam Stanley on her Instrument Rating, I knew she would make a great CFI. Her attention to detail, clear communication, integrity and level of commitment is why I invited her to become a part of the Take Flight Aviation Team!”
— Vonda Benson, CFII, Gold Seal, NAFI Master CFI, Co-Owner, Take Flight Aviation
“I liked how enthusiastic Sam was. She always wanted to get up in the air and make me the best pilot I could be. She explained things very clearly and was patient when I didn’t quite understand something or when mistakes were made. The way she taught new material made it easy for me to understand. She took time out of her day to ensure that I was where I should be in ground work or memorizing controls for maneuvers, even if we weren’t flying that day. I remember one of our first flights was to la Crosse, and she made it feel as if I was flying with a friend rather than an instructor, making the training feel not as stressful.
- Jace L, Reedsburg, WI
“I was enrolled in a Part 141 college program in order to utilize my G.I. Bill. During my time at the 141 I was treated like another cog in the machine or a number rather than a person. The school often exercised favoritism, lacked communication and planning, and tried to push students through without actually making sure students received reliable, recent flight experience or training. Having no DPEs that reliable or regularly worked with the school, checkrides were never planned out in advance and would suddenly be thrust upon students if and when they finally happened. The school would sign students off for checkrides and push them onto the next rating making it so students would need to focus on the next thing before getting their checkrides months later. This often led to data dumping or being rusty on aspects required. I was one such student that had my CFI sprung on me with no time to refresh or prepare. Not only that but the school did not provide the proper documentation to the DPE resulting in him ending the checkride within the first 10 mins. The school then said they didn't know when they could get me another checkride and said it would be at least 6 months out and that they would not do any retraining. I felt lost and a bit hopeless until I connected with Vonda Benson.
Vonda was able to schedule me a checkride not more than two months out with a set date. She then regularly conducted training and reviews in preparation for the checkride. She then set aside dates leading up to the checkride to thoroughly familiarize me with the ins and outs of the aircraft she sent me to the checkride with as well as the airports and areas that the checkride were to be conducted in. When the checkride was conducted I never felt more prepared for any other aviation checkride in my life. No questions or concepts were asked that I had not been prepared for. Beyond the checkride, Vonda went out of her way to make sure I had transportation to and from the airport, lodging and food sources. When the experience was concluded I felt almost as if I was almost a member of her family instead of a client. This was a welcome change after being just another nameless cog in a poorly maintained machine.”
— Gordon T, CA
“Tim is a stellar choice as an instructor! We partnered on my instrument rating and his teaching style fit my needs very well. When I asked for more pressure, Tim happily obliged! I had a lot of encouragement from a close friend, Vonda, and Tim, but it was Tim’s patience in bringing me up to speed and going full-steam ahead into my instrument rating that made training enjoyable and ended with a successful check ride. Each flight had a clear goal and objectives, and his attention to detail put the final polish on my training; I couldn’t be happier with having Tim as an instructor and highly recommend using Take Flight Aviation, LLC to meet your flying goals.”
— Megan M, Instrument Rating, Tomah, WI
“After initially struggling with CFI training, I reached out to Vonda to help me finish up the rating. It didn’t take long before I started to enjoy lessons again. Her experience as an instructor was really insightful, and her support helped me grow my confidence in teaching. When I had a maintenance issue with my airplane, Take Flight was nothing but helpful and understanding. It’ s easy to see Vonda really cares about her students, and I’m grateful I got the opportunity to train with her!”
— Eden W, CFI, Waupaca, WI
My son has always been interested in aviation. When he received a local flight scholarship we knew we needed to work with an organization that could help him reach his goal. Take Flight was excellent in all areas. You can imagine the anxiety a parent could have with having their teenager learning how to fly. Vonda from Take Flight was patient, reassuring, and very informative about the entire process. From ground school to flight lessons to the checkride, she provided a wealth of knowledge and answered all questions along the way. It was nice to have Vonda, our "Airplane mom" looking out for our son and ensuring his overall safety. My son also had an excellent flight instructor, Tim who worked with him day in and day out to ensure he was hitting all milestones and moving swiftly through the process. His availability, knowledge, and desire to teach a 17 year old how to fly was outstanding. My son was able to obtain his PPL in a short amount of time and I attribute that to the experience of Take Flight. Their professionalism, attention to safety, and overall aviation knowledge helped guide him through the process and achieve his goals. I highly recommend Take Flight.
— Tracy B, Reid B’s Mom, Wonewoc, WI
Vonda and Brian at Take Flight Aviation transformed my life and empowered me to pursue my dreams. Through their guidance, I obtained my private pilot license, instrument rating, commercial license, advanced and instrument ground instructor certifications, certified flight instructor rating, and CFI - instrument rating. All these achievements were accomplished while juggling work and full-time college studies. Vonda played a pivotal role in managing my time effectively and ensuring I stayed on track with my certifications. Her unwavering encouragement and mentorship were instrumental in my success. Prioritizing safety and the well-being of students above all else, Brian and Vonda exemplify selflessness and support. I am profoundly grateful for their presence in my life and aviation career
—Ashley C, CFI, Baraboo, WI
As my husband and my son set out to learn how to fly a plane, they found their perfect fit with Vonda at Take Flight Aviation.
Vonda and Brian take a personal interest in the skills and safety of all their student pilots. Even after their formal training was completed, Vonda and Brian, have remained in contact and have made themselves available for discussions on all the things that come up in real life aviation situations.
They are great people to train with and are very safe and skilled pilots. Our family will forever be grateful for their friendship and for helping my boys realize their dream in aviation and giving them the skills and confidence they needed to fly!
—Tina F, Wife of Jeff and Mother of Tucker, Tomah, WI
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