WNC Aviation — Local services in Asheville

I attended this flight school from 2020 to 2025 as part of the Part 141 program through AB-Tech. Enrolling as a non-U.S. citizen came with the additional TSA clearance process, which I understand is standard across U.S. flight schools and not specific to this one.

However, my overall experience here was disappointing. While the affiliated college program can be completed in about three years, I finished the academic portion in just one year due to prior credits — yet the flight training took significantly longer. Progress was consistently delayed due to operational constraints. With only a limited number of functioning aircraft and many students, it was not uncommon to fly only 2–4 times per month. This low frequency made it difficult to maintain proficiency or move forward confidently.

Instructor turnover was also a major issue — I had seven different flight instructors during my private pilot training alone. Although high turnover can be expected in aviation, the frequent transitions left me feeling unsupported and often starting over. Instruction was inconsistent: some instructors offered little to no post-flight feedback, while others charged for ground instruction without actually providing it. Progress felt secondary to profit at times.

There also seemed to be favoritism among instructors, and I personally overheard negative remarks made about students behind closed doors, which created a toxic learning environment. As a person of color, there were moments when I felt I was being treated differently — this, coupled with a lack of communication and transparency, made the experience even more discouraging.

The chief pilot presents himself as highly experienced, but often comes across as more concerned with image than student success. I know of students who started in 2020 and are still trying to finish their training in 2025 — which says a lot.

While the airspace and the kindness of Asheville ATC were bright spots, they were not enough to outweigh the frustrations of delayed progress, poor resource allocation, and inconsistent instruction. This flight school continues to accept more students than it can realistically support, and unfortunately, many are left stuck in a long, costly process.

If I could go back, I would choose a school with better aircraft availability, consistent instruction, and a more supportive environment. Flight training is a major investment — both financially and emotionally — and every student deserves to be treated with professionalism...

TL;DR: have been waiting 5 months for a refund

I never finished my flight training because it was impossible to schedule flights and then my instructor left to go to an airline.

The school's policy is that you can get a discounted rate if you prepay for flight time in $1000 increments. You are supposed to be able to get a refund any time.

I submitted the refund request form and was told to reach out to the owner if I don't hear anything in two weeks. I thought that sounded a bit suspicious so I took a photo of the form and my runway access badge before turning them over.

Unsurprisingly, I didn't hear anything so I've reached out (including the photo) repeatedly and received these responses:

"I don’t believe I’ve seen the completed form (with the bottom completed). I’ll double check in the morning."

"Yes - there is no refund form in our system and the one in your picture doesn’t show it was completed. I’m going to verify with dispatch that the badge was returned and then I’ll process it off the picture."

"We have no record of your form or your badge being turned in at the school. However, they are checking with DPS to see if they have you badge back."

The badge has since expired and by their own admission they have the information required to process the refund.

Incompetent or dishonest,...

Took a discovery flight just over a month ago with them, immediately wanted to enroll and told me they could only enroll me over the phone with their front desk which was 5 feet away, also refused to enter in my log book for the hour we were in the air. After taking lessons in SC all I can say is stay away go to Greenville aviation, wnc aviation really only cares about their part 141 school with ab tech. Called over 10 times that week to try and enroll with no one answering and receiving no calls back. Do not...