About Us

A.T.C. Flight Training Center was started in 1983 at College Park airport. In 1990 A.T.C. moved to it's current home at Potomac Airfield (VKX).

Over the years A.T.C. has developed an excellent reputation which continued to grow in 1997 when it's new owner, JD, took over the school. The idea of providing safe, cost effective flight training was carried on and expanded and through the years hundreds of pilots have achieved their dreams of becoming pilots or moving on to permanent career in aviation. It is our belief that what you learn during you initial training will be with you for the rest of your life. We are not a "ticket factory" nor will we just teach you how to pass your tests. We focus on quality instruction, not only teaching you the skills but focusing on teaching sound judgment and decision making. Anyone can be taught flying skills but good judgment will make the difference between a short flying career and a long and safe one. That is our highest objective. That you have a long and VERY safe flying career.

Since the events of September 11, 2001, A.T.C. has begun a transformation. To provide even more cost effective training in an environment which puts the customer first and at the same time saves the customer money we have developed our "flying clubs" programs. Our new club programs are based on the idea that financial pressures are one of the biggest problems facing students and customers. A.T.C. has always tried to keep the financial burdens at a minimum but found difficulty balancing a new students enthusiasm with the financial abilities. For example: A students with limited funding for his flight training will get so excited about flying that he flies more than he can afford and either has to take time off or worse, stop flying. A.T.C. has always tried to extend credit where we could but this led to further burdens on the customer. We needed a new way.

The flying club program is the way. For as little as $400 per month, plus fuel and instructor fees, a students gets unlimited (within reason, of course) flight time in one of our aircraft. This allows the student to fly as often as he wants without running up huge flight time bills. The aircraft rental is the most expensive part of training so in making that a fixed cost we have set an easy budget for the student. Each aircraft is limited to 18 customers so there is always time available.

In the past, once you obtained your license, it was difficult to find aircraft for going on trips. That's why we set up the same clubs for pilots, based on more advanced aircraft. These clubs are also limited to 18 customers and can be taken away for several days without minimum fees so long as the aircraft is being shared fairly. No one is allowed to join these clubs and take the plane every weekend for a month so that everyone can enjoy the freedom of having an aircraft at their disposal.

Our CFI's are well trained and experienced flight instructors. ALL of our CFI's have been cleared, thru fingerprinting and background checks, by the United States Secret Service, FBI and FAA in order to fly from Potomac. We can safely say we have the most thoroughly checked out instructors in the United States. We are currently hiring more CFI's. Here are the current Full Time CFI's:

Alphonse: Alphonse has been with A.T.C. for over 4 years and has an exceptional pass rate. We get calls at A.T.C. from FAA Designated Examiners telling us what a great job he is doing and how well prepared his students are. Alphonse also speaks several languages. Please feel free to e-mail him at alphonse1@lrn2fly.com.