Where are you located?
We are located in Winter Haven, Florida at Winter Haven's Gilbert Airport.  Winter Haven is in central Florida between Tampa and Orlando. The airport is located on US 92, northwest of the city's downtown area. It is approximately 30 miles from Orlando and 50 miles from Tampa.

How do I get to Winter Haven?
By airline, you can either fly into Orlando International Airport, Tampa International Airport or Lakeland Airport. If you are coming to Winter Haven from the east (Orlando), travel west on I-4.  Turn at the Lake Alfred exit (Exit 48) and travel south to US 92. Turn right and look for the airport on your left. If arriving from the west (Tampa or Lakeland), travel I-4 east to the 570 toll road exit (Exit 27). Follow 570 to the US 92 exit. Then travel east for a couple miles until you see the Winter Haven Airport on your right.

Are there aircraft tie-downs available?
Transient tie-downs are available at Winter Haven Aviation.  If you prefer, and if space is available, we may be able to find some hanger space.

Where can I stay?
It is a short drive to many excellent hotels & motels near the airport in both Winter haven and nearby Lakeland.

Are rental cars available?
Avis and Hertz are available next to the FBO.

What kind of weather can I expect?
It's Florida! Seriously, it is mild in the winter and warm in the summer, Overall, we have mostly sunny days allowing us almost daily flying. It is no accident that a LOT of flight schools are located in Florida.

Can I use my own airplane?
We can do some of the training in your own airplane under the following conditions; upon inspection, I can decline to conduct training in a particular airplane. We will only use the airplane as is appropriate, and only perform those maneuvers approved for the airplane. In addition, your insurance company must issue a "Waiver of Subrogation."

How long does it take to complete the training?
The full course is six hours of ground school and ten hours of flight training.  Fewer hours for 'short courses' are available. One to three days are usually necessary to complete a short course or five to six days for the full course.  An extended day or two generally will only be needed due to weather.

Can the training count as a Flight Review?
Yes. You can also qualify for Phase One of the FAA's Wings Program (provided it's been a year since your last Phase and you've been accident free.)

Can I get a spin endorsement as part of the training?
Yes. This course well satisfies the intent of the spin endorsement required of Flight Instructor Applicants.

Do you conduct training at other locations?
Yes. Contact us for details.

Does the cost cover the books required?
Yes!

How do I pay?
Cash or Credit Card.  VISA & MASTERCARD preferred, but we will take DISCOVER Card.

Do you require a deposit?
Yes.  We require a deposit of 10 percent of the cost of the course you are scheduled to take.  If you should decide to cancel outside of a week, your deposit will be refunded.

How far in advance do I need to schedule?
It depends on available space. It could range from just a few days to a month.

What is the best way to proceed with scheduling?
Call us direct at 352-409-0971 or email us at lhinchee@foundationflyers.com. Let us know where you are coming from, if any days of the week are better than others for you, and whether or not you'll be bringing your own airplane. We will work up a training schedule and send it back to you.

Will I get airsick?
The way the course is set up, very few pilots actually get sick. We proceed at your pace, which means that you call the shots on how far to go on each flight.

If you have a particularly sensitive stomach, consider the following: eat in moderation before flying, drink plenty of fluids throughout the day, and look into one of the various "relief" products on the market (patch, wrist band, etc.). Ginger also seems to have a calming effect. Sipping ginger ale or nibbling on raw ginger before and after flying often helps.