testimonials

After 41 years of training with Andy, here’s what you need to know: you will exit training with a renewed appreciation for your own capabilities as well as the capabilities of the aircraft! Critically important is Andy’s ability to work with our complex scheduling requirements.
The question to ask is do you want to doze through hours of irrelevant material or get to the relevant information that may save your life? With Andy, there is not a moment wasted. Not only do we use Andy for training, but also for independent compliance verification of aircraft maintenance. He is our trusted second set of eyes.
 

James Phillips
Owner - Caprock Logistics

I have known Andy professionally for nine years.  During that time, he has performed the role of instructor, advisor, mentor and friend.  I have over 25 years experience as a pilot for a major metropolitan law enforcement agency, including serving as chief pilot.  In that position, I was constantly evaluating how we performed countless tasks from everyday scheduling, to training, to complex operations and equipment choices.  Frankly, no one person has all those answers.  If you think you do, you are mistaken.  It was imperative to have someone outside the organization with a fresh, yet informed, perspective.

Andy’s value to me has been in his uncanny ability to tell it like he sees it; no candy-coating, no holds barred.  When I look for his input on a situation, I better be ready to get an earful and then some.  He has never pulled a punch with me.  He has never told me what I, the customer, wanted to hear.  He is as honest as they come.  By combining that level of honesty and forthrightness with decades of industry experience, the benefit of a real professional relationship with Andy has been immeasurable. These traits translate directly into the cockpit and they create an exceptional training environment when flying with Andy.

In my professional life, I have several people I am thankful for the pleasure of knowing and learning from over the years.  My relationship with Andy Throckmorton is one of my most prized possessions. 

(Picture courtesy of Tony Zeljeznjak) 

Todd Jager
Chief Pilot (ret)
San Diego Police Department
Air Support Unit

I have known and worked with Andy Throckmorton in a professional manner for over five years. While I was serving as Chief Pilot for Santa Lucia Aviation, I was tasked with earning my helicopter rating as well as the challenge of becoming an insured AS350 AStar helicopter pilot. After getting my helicopter add-on rating in an R22 locally, Andy came out to our locale several times and trained me for around a total of 70 hours in our AS350B3. He taught me everything from a thorough “mechanic style” preflight, AStar specific operations and emergency procedures, flying in the mountains in a rotorcraft, confined area off-airport landings and landing zone selection, to full touch-down auto-rotations from a multitude of situations, speeds and altitudes. Additionally, he taught me how to land the machine smoothly, safely and professionally on our small dolly. Andy accepts nothing less than mastery in all things. He has great attention to detail in all aspects of preflight and helicopter operations. With Andy’s expertise, crazy energy and encouragement, I became a fully insured AStar helicopter pilot with just 120 hours of total rotorcraft time. Andy is super-efficient and a true master of rotorcraft. I would not hesitate to put my wife and children in any helicopter he commands and I highly recommend him for all your helicopter needs, whether it’s training, helicopter operations or maintenance.

John Anzini, 

United Airlines - SFO Airbus A320 FO 

Former Chief Pilot - Santa Lucia Aviation  

I had the pleasure of completing my Initial SPIFR (Single Pilot Instrument Flight Rules) course with Andy. He has an almost uncanny ability to cater his instruction method best suited for the student. Andy’s vast knowledge and experience are only surpassed by his desire to properly train his students. He teaches above and beyond the required standards and he ensures that you understand proper techniques and procedures. Andy provides real world scenarios requiring the application of that technical knowledge and skills. 

Outstanding instructor! 

Harold Elliott 

EC135 EMS SPIFR Pilot 

I have been flying rotary-wing aircraft for over 36 years in a variety of military, civilian and commercial settings. For over three decades, I have had hundreds of different instructors and evaluators. In my experience, it has been a rarity to find an instructor that can synthesize technical information, creditable experience and to simultaneously deliver relevant correlation with effective techniques of instruction. Andy possesses the unique skill sets to make a true impact. Talent, passion, eagerness and unending enthusiasm which results in a challenging, yet rewarding learning environment for any experience level. 

Stephen Kent 

EC135 EMS SPIFR Pilot 

Hello Aviators and Wanna-Be’s! 

I can tell you that Andy Throckmorton has the ability to share aviation knowledge and wisdom with old/experienced pilots and new ones alike. I know, because I have flown with Andy many times over the last few years, and I learn more each time. I also know that Andy also learns, which is so important for even the most experienced aviators. When we stop learning, we most likely need to stop flying and Andy is still learning like the rest of us. 

Andy is a great teacher, and he is observant while you’re learning, so that he can tailor the lesson to each individual. Great teachers know that each ‘student’ (even 10,000-hour pilots are students) learns differently. Andy recognizes this and can adjust his teaching to the needs of the student. 

Thank you, Andy, for the knowledge that you have shared with me and for the great time we have had on each flight. I appreciate your time and effort to make me a better pilot each time. Your standards are high, and I expect nothing less. Thank you for caring that I actually learn what you are trying to teach me. Your emotional attachment to my learning is apparent and I recognize and appreciate it. 

To all of Andy’s future trainees, congratulations that you have made the fortunate choice of flying and learning with Andy Throckmorton! You WILL learn and it will be a memorable experience. Don’t wait, do it now! 

My name is Jim Campbell and I have been in and around helicopters since 1985, so I’m probably considered an “Old Pilot” by now but have many thousands of flight hours and have flown a number of aircraft in several countries and many environments. I know about training, and I know about learning and Andy has left his mark on me. Thanks again, Andy! 

Clear skies and safe travels! 

Jim Campbell 

EC135 SPIFR Pilot 

US Army Retired