Testimonials
“Keith’s P210 course is well-focused and he adapted the material to my needs. Keith has the ability to size up his clients quickly and present the essential knowledge in a manner which is fundamentally sound, unhurried, and comprehensive. Learning the systems of this airplane was the most beneficial instruction. Keith coached me through the air work as a confident professional, and left me prepared in the most efficient time possible. I look forward to coming back for more year by year, and my wife is looking forward to her Grand Hotel McKinney spa visit even more!”
– Bruce Brown MD – Birmingham, AL.
I really enjoyed and benefitted from my time with Keith. I used Keith for my initial P210 training which was a formal course that helped me become knowledgeable of my new plane. The course is a great teaching environment, one on one, and a perfect mix of ground school and flight training. I learned a lot about the avionics in my plane as well as all the systems. Keith even went the extra mile to help me find a mechanic that could help me with some issues peculiar to the P210. As I left McKinney to head home to Utah, I felt very comfortable with my new plane and satisfied with what I was able to learn during my time with Keith.
–Travis Pritchett CFI – Salem, UT.
I decided to get back into flying after a 18 year hiatus. Keith worked with me in my P210 to customize an instruction schedule specifically tailored to meet my objectives and experience level. Keith’s serious preparation and thoughtful planning for each day’s schedule was always evident as he made adjustments from day to day to account for the weather and my progress, always with the big picture and the overall course objective in mind. Each days’ schedule had a good balance of flying time and ground school. As the week progressed so did the challenges… I could also see the progress in my technique and confidence level. With Keith’s practical, no-nonsense approach you will learn the modern tools available on the internet, the iPad and/or in your particular plane. What I now know about my plane and its systems would have taken me a few years to learn on my own, and never without the same depth. Aside from all of this I consider Keith a real gentleman, a true pilot and a good friend.
–Jorge Elizondo, Monterrey, Mexico.
The one on one training is really helpful and affordable. Nothing connected to flying is cheap anymore, but the value for the dollar is exceptional. The McKinney area provides good training opportunities with both towered and untowered aiports and a wide variety of approaches. Your specific knowledge of the P210 is very valuable. Training with someone who knows the airplane inside and out is really important. Thanks again for the training. The last day was hard work, but I went to bed that night confident that I could safely fly the plane and know what I was doing. Breaking out of IMC into the blue southeast of Wichita Falls while climbing my new pressurized bird up to 16000 for the flight home was a real treat.
– Wally Pond Ph.D, Colorado Springs, CO
I was a Cessna 172 instrument rated pilot with about 300 hours
and no high-performance or retractable time. The 1981 turbo 210 was the perfect fit for me and my family. Keith Cole ferried the plane to my home airport. He expediently taught me how to fly this cross-country machine. His competence and affability made it both instructional and enjoyable. He recertified my instrument proficiency. I have no doubts that Keith Cole made me a better and safer pilot.
– Ali El-Mohandes MD, Hagerstown, MD
Over my flying career, I have worked with quite a number of
instructors including Simcom personnel. In retrospect there is one instructor that stands above the rest and that person is Keith Cole. Keith has provided me with instruction for a commercial rating in my B36TC Bonanza and IPC checks in my TBM 700.
Keith combines a vast knowledge of aircraft, avionics systems, air traffic control operations, human factors, and FAA rules/regulations with a superb teaching method focused on making instruction meaningful and relevant. His approach is designed to prepare the student for the true challenges that they will face.
His manner is professional, thoughtful, challenging and pleasant. His rules of thumb provide a guiding light for all manner of situations. His knowledge of safety and lessons learned from past happenings is vast and current, allowing him to enhance the instruction experience.
If you are interested in working with an instructor who will truly work with you to enhance your piloting abilities and allow you to more efficiently utilize the total air traffic control system, I highly recommend that you select Keith as your instructor.
– Dean Clubb, Plano, TX
I was a private pilot with about 350 hours, but no instrument rating. I had gone through several instructors
with a local flying school, but they have to follow THEIR program, and they keep leaving for other careers. I met Keith when transitioning to a Columbia 400, which insurance required an instrument rating, and transition training. Keith provided the flexibility to tailor the schedule to my needs and schedule.
Keith teaches from an aspect of actually using the rating for the required mission, rather than just passing the test. This has allowed me the confidence in flying actual IFR. Keith also adds a lot of value, with his research and understanding of the plane and systems. He is a wealth of knowledge regarding the airplane systems. More than once he had researched various items, to expand my knowledge of the plane. He also taught many of the G1000 capabilities, that previous instructors had not.
Finally, Keith is not just an instructor during his training, but is a resource and a friend, afterwards.
– Brandon Durbin, McKinney, Texas
My Columbia 400 was out of service for several months and I felt the need for a safety pilot to assist me so I could feel comfortable again in flying instruments.
It was difficult locating a pilot who had experience with the Columbia. Finding Keith and then realizing his vast experience was a nice surprise. I would recommend Keith for his noteworthy performance as a safety pilot, and his knowledge and very effective instrument teaching/training skills. He is always prepared and always shares great written tips. Above all, Keith is a great motivator and his support has greatly improved my instrument skills!
– Linda Wansing, Fort Worth, TX
Mr. Keith Cole has provide me with many hours of extremely competent flight instruction over the years. When I purchased a B36TC Bonanza, he provided the transition training required by my insurance company. He was able to effectively transfer his extensive knowledge of the airplane to me.
After my initial positive training experience with Keith, I chose to complete my instrument training under his guidance. His teaching methods are effective and efficient, yielding long lasting knowledge of the ATC system.
I firmly believe that my training time with Keith has provided me with the confidence and knowledge required to handle any and all situations I may experience in my Bonanza. Thank you Keith!
– Chuck Parmelee, Reno, NV
I have been flying a 210 for last 250+ hours. Keith has been my pilot mentor and instructor for all of my T210 experience. He has a natural talent of combining his extensive flying experience and knowledge into a message that I understand and stays with me. He is a great teacher. I have not met anyone more knowledgeable about a 210 than Keith and would highly recommend him to anyone seeking an instructor or advisor about buying a 210.
– Clint Haggard, Frisco, TX
Keith is an undoubtedly an excellent flight instructor as well as accomplished pilot. He has a very thorough understanding of general aviation aircraft as well as FAA regulations. When I thought I might never get my instrument rating he set me on a consistent path of training and ultimately I became instrument rated on my first attempt.
Keith has also helped me transition into larger aircraft. He helped me transition from the Cessna 152/172 and Piper Warrior up to the Piper Arrow and Piper Cherokee Six. Now I am a partner in the ultimate general aviation aircraft, the Cessna Turbo 210 with technically advanced avionics!
Keith has also been a good friend… helping me continue flying when medical issues threatened to end my flying career.
I highly recommend Keith to anyone seeking to further their flying career, whether it’s the next rating or a larger aircraft.
– James Miller, Plano, TX
I have been flying with Keith since moving to the Dallas area 8 years ago in a variety of aircraft including a Piper Warrior, Piper Arrow, Piper Cherokee Six, and a Cessna 172. Keith Helped me get my high performance endorsement and was my instructor during all of my instrument training. Keith did an excellent job preparing me for my written test as well as my check ride. After training with Keith the check ride was really a non-event. Keith is a great pilot and a wonderful teacher. I highly recommend him.
– Jeffrey Stuart, McKinney, TX
When I first met Keith, I thought I found one heck of an excellent flight instructor. But over the years he has become much much more. He helped me evaluate my T210 purchase and even went with me to fly it home. Then came the flight instruction for my instrument rating. I had spoken with a number of instructors and schools in deciding where to go for my IFR but none gave me the confidence that Keith did. Through our training sessions I got real world exposure in actual IMC conditions that may not have been a factor in getting the rating but certainly paid off big when I was flying single pilot IFR. The check ride prep from Keith makes the check ride a breeze and gives you the confidence that you can truly handle the airplane. With Keith’s vast background and experience he is an unmatched resource for anything aviation. I have not been able to stump him yet!
– Joe Kinsella, Dallas, TX
I first met Keith Cole when he delivered a newly purchased Cessna T206 in the summer of 2008. He effortlessly guided me through the maze of screens and pages of the G1000 and helped set up my individual preferences. Next morning we began the transitional training with an IFR flight into the flight levels. Keith’s knowledge of the airplane, his familiarity and comfort level with the ATC system and his competent manner made it a pleasant learning experience. I would highly recommend Keith for any flying job you might have.
– Mike Salmon, Albuquerque, NM
I’ve known Keith for many years and have received both flight instruction and biennial flight reviews from him on numerous occasions. He has a knack for explaining aspects of the flight environment in a way that is helpful without being overly critical. He is always calm and professional in his demeanor. His converts his knowledge of the physics of flight into practical suggestions for improving his students’ flying skills. His knowledge of FAA rules and regulations is exceptional. I recommend his services as a flight instructor without hesitation.
– Tim Riead, Carrolton, TX
