Zeke has owned and operated Horizon Aviation since 2002. He is an experienced pilot and instructor, with seven FAA licenses and qualifications including all CFI licenses. He just received the Airline Transport License.

Unsatisfied with the corporate world where he was an executive, Zeke decided to pursue his passion of flying and dreamt of operating a flight school. He has brought his diverse business knowledge to bear at Horizon. The student's customer service experience is his foremost consideration. Under his watchful eye, the quality of instruction is consistent and top-notch. You are always welcome to contact Zeke and ask him how you can start flying with Horizon Aviation.

Zeke flies a Twin Comanche and lives in Providence, Rhode Island.

When Paul saw the Thunderbirds in Chicago as a child, he caught the flying bug. When he graduated from high school he knew the career he wanted to pursue.

As a college student, Paul attended a large flight school. When asked about the differences between the school he attended and Horizon, he offered us this insight:

"We teach more about flying here. It isn't the goal of every student here to head to the airlines. So, instead of making them conform to one set path, we are able to be more flexible and meet the individual student's needs and goals."

Paul was surprised by how much he enjoyed instructing. He feels it is both a great way to share his love of flying with others and share in their successes. "It's just a lot of fun. The most rewarding experience for me is when I see a student I've taught do their first landing without my help. I think to myself 'this is awesome.'"

Why does Paul love to fly? "Being away from it all." The freedom of being above everything, the experience of being able to do whatever you want, "is unlike anything I've ever done before. It is very unique."

Like all our instructors, he emphasizes safety first. He wants to make sure that his students learn well and have an enjoyable experience studying with him. He believes that the best method of teaching is to demonstrate and then have the student try the maneuver on his or her own. Paul wants to give his students the space to explore and learn.

His plan for the future? Some day he may captain an airliner or fly for the military, but for now instructing at Horizon Aviation is all he wants to do.

Tim became fascinated with airplanes when he went for his first flight, a short sightseeing hop, when he was 10 years old. When he graduated from high school he contemplated his various learning options. He decided to "do something that makes me really happy." He attended Webster college and graduated their 4 year pilot program.

One of the major differences between Horizon and Webster, according to Tim, is that Horizon can tailor their courses to the individuals. If you go through a large program, everything is predetermined and it is difficult to customize the program for each person. Horizon is able to offer a more focused approach that matches the student's learning style and goals.

Tim grew up overseas and, although he considered training outside the US, he found training here to be a much richer experience. "Flying is better here." Not only is the equipment better, but the weather conditions are more varied and you learn more, faster.

Why does he love to fly? Flying gives him a different perspective of the world on the ground. When he is up in the air he re-evaluates the things he takes for granted. He is able to see the fragility of nature first hand in watching tracks of undeveloped land become rows of houses. "It opens your eyes to the things that are happening." But it isn't all about serious concerns. "Being able to look down and be your own boss, it is an untouchable feeling. No-one is looking over your shoulder and it isn't a 9-5 kind of things." Tim isn't a desk job kind of guy, and in flying he found his path to the freedom he is looking for.

Tim likes the idea of being an airline captain someday. He likes the idea of moving people from place to place so they can get about their business and do the things that are important to them. For Tim, enjoying the flight and flying safely go hand-in-hand.

As a teacher, "I like to have people do things by themselves - try things on their own; make mistakes and learn from their mistakes." He believes a student learns best from his or her mistakes: "If I teach someone to land an aircraft and their approach isn't the best, if I take control of the aircraft they won't really learn anything. Instead, I will demonstrate for them, then have them do it - push them in and see what they learn. Whatever mistakes you make, we will correct the errors. If that style of learning doesn't fit, I'll take another approach. But, I try to be as hands-on as possible without interfering with their learning. "

Tim likes to emphasize safety in his teaching, "aviation is risk management. Calculating your risks and thinking about it before you put yourself in a situation you haven't considered before." Tim takes a very thoughtful and considered approach to his instructing and to making sure his students are fulfilling their maximum potential.