This 5-star rating for Legacy Aviation is a no-brainer. From Day 1 the entire staff has been nothing but helpful. My instructor, Daeshawn, always looks for ways for me to improve while making the experience fun and enjoyable. The front desk is enthusiastic and welcoming to everyone who walks through the door. I was able to fit the strict Part 141 program around my busy schedule as well as Legacy’s. After only 26 days of training (including some vacation days), I completed my first solo with confidence. Although I am part of an accelerated program (for the private pilot license), there are other options that accommodate every aspiring pilot. I recommend Legacy Aviation to anyone who either wants to go the next step in their pilot career (Private, Commercial, Instrument Rating, etc.) or to those who simply want to try it out. You will find that every instructor is there to help you reach your goals. They are here for you, not your money, and there are different financing options and even aid for those who need it. I continue to enjoy my experience, and the many different people I meet at Legacy is a testament to the excellence of its program.
Huge Thank You to Joseph Montone, who asked me what my inspiration was for taking this class. Otherwise, I would have never given a thought of why I really wanted to do this. Every moment at Legacy Aviation was a remarkable example of how the adventure should be like. Loved my experience of flying the plane for the first time. Great instructor with a sense of how to teach a newbie and answer all the questions.
Learning how to fly has been a long time goal of mine that I am finally working towards achieving thanks to Legacy Aviation. Although I had been interested in flight training for many years, without having any confidence in when and where to get started in the Philadelphia area, I was doing little to advance this goal. Last year, I asked a pilot friend of mine for help finding the right place to train in Philadelphia and that eventually resulted in me taking an introductory flight at Legacy Aviation. During the intro flight, we took off in one of the Warriors, flew out to the practice area, did some practice maneuvers and then returned for a landing. Afterwards the instructor spent time with me discussing the school, fleet, airport, curriculum, scheduling, expected cost and more. Most importantly the intro flight gave me the confidence I needed to get started.
I’m now training with Captain Joe Montone and am thrilled to say that I’m getting close to reaching my goal of becoming a pilot. While Joe has a wealth of aviation experience, it is his natural teaching ability that makes him really stand out as an instructor. Always relaxed and positive, Joe has helped me diligently work through some of those tougher flight training days like, for example, the days when I started learning crosswind landings. He keeps the training fun and often adds something unexpected, like a simulated engine out, that keeps me thinking and prepared. Joe also never lets safety off the top of my mind, as he constantly asks what alternatives would be available if something unexpected happened.
Aside from the excellent flight instruction, I’m happy to be training at Legacy for a number of other reasons as well. First, Legacy’s fleet of Piper Warriors make great trainer airplanes since they are well maintained and relatively easy to fly. Second, KPNE is a tower controlled airport situated near the busy KPHL Class B airspace. This has enabled me to develop confidence working with the KPNE tower and Class B controllers. KPNE’s large runways also gave me plenty of room when I was working on staying on the center line on the more gusty days or when I was fine tuning my landing flare. Third, Legacy’s flexible scheduling has allowed me to fit flight training into my busy schedule with weeknight lessons after work or lessons during the day on weekends.
After completing my private pilot license I am looking forward to flying many more hours at KPNE with Legacy. If you are considering flight training, I encourage you to take an introductory flight at Legacy Aviation.
I went for my Private Pilot license about 20 years ago and didn’t quite make it. This past February I went to Legacy Aviation at the Northeast Airport in Philadelphia, Pa. and asked if I could rent a plane with an Instructor and get back into flying again. I was referred to the Chief Pilot Joseph Montone who I have been flying with ever since.
The entire process from scheduling a flight at the front desk with Paula, Kwijah or Michael, who are always ready with dispatching the aircraft I will be flying to the classroom work and actual flying the aircraft makes the aviation experience very professional and FUN. The planes we fly are kept to current maintenance and safety standards plus clean inside and out and comfortable to fly.
My experience with Captain Joe Montone (Side Note I am 67 years young and may not be the easiest “student” to deal with) has been extremely FUN. Joe keeps it challenging and professional education and exciting with his calm cool “No Sweat” demeanor.
I look forward to logging on many hours of flight time and FUN with Captain Joe Montone and the entire crew at Legacy Aviation. Happy Flying!
Great experience. I encourage everyone to live in the moment.
My boyfriend and I had such a great time last night. Definitely a memorable ride seeing the city. Joe was great and very informative. We will be back soon to do it again!
Great place to go for (an affordable) ride (flight) around the City, take a lesson or (maybe) even get a private pilot license. Awesome if you want to try something different in Philly.
Had a great scenic flight down to Ocean City and Atlantic City then back to Philly to see the Ball Parks and Center City before heading back to NE Airport. Our Pilot Patrick was wonderful. If you are thinking of taking a flight with Legacy Aviation request him to be your pilot and you will have a great time.
On July 20, 2017 I finished my private pilot license at Legacy Aviation. The staff at Legacy are very welcoming and made me feel at home every time I walked in. Chief Pilot Joe Montone is professional, and all about safety. Those two things are the most important characteristics of a leader. The fleet is well maintained, and if we have any problems with our aircraft, the maintenance department is right on it. I’ve visited different flight schools in the past and none of them have made me feel as relaxed and at home. My CFI’s Adriano Maestri and Phillip Niess guided me through my training and made me the pilot I am today. My experience at Legacy Aviation was a great one, and I hope whoever reads this will experience the same!
My instructor, Patrick Jackson, was extremely professional and thorough and made me feel like I was in good hands. He is also friendly, which made lessons very enjoyable. The school’s flexibility and wide aircraft availability ensured I could make quick progress.