


One of the highlights for me was the 10 hours of flight simulator time, of which six hours actually count toward total time! Seeing that time added to my logbook was extremely rewarding, especially going from logging hours in aircraft like the Piper Archer or Cessna 172 to stepping into an Airbus A320 simulator. That transition alone made the experience feel like a major milestone in my aviation journey.
What truly set the program apart, however, was the quality of the instruction. The instructors were highly experienced, many with extensive Part 121 and Part 135 backgrounds, and they brought real-world airline knowledge into every session. Their mentorship went far beyond just teaching procedures; they emphasized decision-making, professionalism, and what it really takes to operate in a crew environment.
A strong focus was placed on Crew Resource Management (CRM), as well as Pilot Flying (PF) and Pilot Monitoring (PM) procedures. Training in a complex aircraft environment pushed me to think ahead, stay organized, and communicate effectively under pressure. These are skills that simply cannot be fully developed in smaller training aircraft, and being immersed in that environment was both challenging and exciting.
Overall, the experience was absolutely worth the investment, especially with the Sheppard Air course and written exam included in the price. Not only did I gain valuable flight time, but I also developed a deeper understanding of airline operations and built a stronger foundation for my future career. It was a major step forward and one I am truly glad I took.
Acron Aviation Academy
Alex Vargas is a CFI-I student and ATP CTP graduate at Acron Aviation Academy.