Paragon Flight Training: Where Walls Symbolize Engagement, Not Barriers

The exterior of Paragon Flight Training at Fort Myers airport (KRSW) may be typical of airport buildings, but as I walked into the lobby, I immediately saw that Paragon is a place that embraces engagement. It was obvious in how employees and clients interact, and reminders of a people-centric environment were quite literally on every wall. Some may remember and perhaps still practice the tradition of cutting off the shirttail of a fledgling pilot who has just accomplished a first solo. Well, Paragon takes that tradition to the next level: you memorialize your achievements by writing on the walls!

It started when Paragon founder Kevin Schoensee, father of current Paragon President Chris Schoensee, had a bad customer service experience at another school. Knowing that he could do better, Kevin created Paragon in 2006. Since that start, Paragon has earned multiple plaudits.

Client Care is Key

The drive to do better starts with Paragon’s attitudes and approaches to flight training. Paragon Chief Flight Instructor Jeff Wolf explained that Paragon uses the word “client” rather than “student” or “learner,” because thinking of customers as clients maintains the business focus of the organization. Similarly, Paragon has adopted business practices and attitudes from non-aviation companies. For example Paragon does not assume its clients have been “captured” as they might be in a larger school’s training environment. Rather, Paragon must “earn every flight” from any given client. Also, Paragon believes that shared ownership of their business is preferred to having a single owner. In this way, organizational stability is assured.

In addition to the facility in Ft. Myers, Paragon operates in Punta Gorda, FL (KPGD) and LaGrange, GA (KLGC). The company averages 400 clients at any one time, operates a fleet of 40 aircraft (all Piper), logs roughly 4,000 flight hours per month, and employs 60 instructors across the three locations. The instructor group stays busy and expectations for success are high. Clients have an overall success of 90% pass rate on practical tests.

Paragon also believes in tailoring the training track to the client’s interests and goals. Since that beginning, Paragon has been a Part 141 training organization, offering a defined pace of training, but the school also offers training under the more flexible Part 61. There are three main training tracks, or paths: recreational; professional/commercial; and military and government flying. Before enrollment, a prospective client has an extended interview with a Paragon representative to select the most appropriate training path and to cover all aspects of the on-boarding process. Paragon follows this model regardless of a client’s experience; a person who has already had flight training from another provider is not merely slotted into a Paragon training program.

Training Technology

Care and consideration for the client are the foundation of the Paragon experience, but equipment matters too.

Paragon’s single-engine fleet is made up of the Piper P100i Pilot, which is the modern version of Piper’s widely used Archer. The P100i is classified as a Technically Advanced Aircraft. Using the Garmin G3X suite of avionics, it provides a modern glass cockpit learning environment. For the flight school owner, the Piper Pilot offers reliability with low operating costs, which also benefits the client.

The ubiquitous Piper PA-44 Seminole is the standard for multi-engine training. Jeff noted that the reliable engines, easy to understand systems, and advanced Garmin G1000 NXi avionics with GFC700 autopilots, make it an easy choice for multi-engine training.

Jeff and his team also place a high value on incorporating new technology into the classroom and the flight deck. Paragon uses real-time flight data to improve training outcomes. Clients also benefit from the school’s use of the ALSIM AL100 FAA-approved flight simulation devices. The AL100 combines exceptionally realistic visual detail with the same enhanced avionics found in their aircraft to provide a simulation environment that is as close to reality as possible. As Paragon’s website states, “Students can build flight skill proficiency more efficiently, earn hours to be credited towards their licensing requirements, and significantly lower the cost of flight training.”

Instructor as an Artist

I have come to believe that a great teacher is a great artist... Teaching might even be the greatest of the arts since the medium is the human mind and spirit. -- John Steinbeck

This quote from John Steinbeck graces one of the walls in the main lobby at Paragon. It captures the overwhelming importance of aviation instructors, and Paragon’s respect for both the people and the profession of flight instruction. As the Paragon website notes, “Our instructors are hand-picked from the very best of the best and they have worked very hard to earn the title, Paragon Flight Instructor. We have the best instructors from all over the country because Paragon clients demand the very highest level of training and the absolute best customer service.”

The on-boarding process for an instructor takes weeks longer than other flight schools, and it does not end when the instructor starts teaching. There are regularly scheduled interviews with the chief instructor, check flights in the aircraft and simulators, and reviews of client performance at regular intervals. Paragon uses data to help with reviews, evaluations, and to conduct oral exams using scenario-based training. Close adherence to the standards manual is expected.

Some instructors stay on at Paragon as a career. Others move on to corporate or airline flying. One of the walls is adorned with the logos of many airlines and signatures of those who have left Paragon for a regional or mainline carrier. Paragon also trains its pilots and instructors to a high level of expertise that is well-suited to career paths such as the airlines or corporate flying. The curriculum includes threat error management, crew resource management, conducting effecting briefings, and professionalism.

Former Paragon client and instructor, Colton Kluesner, who is now at a regional airline, said that the transition from Paragon to the training program at his airline was “seamless. I was ready.” Paragon stresses strict compliance with standardization according to their standards manual. “Callouts, checklist usage, and profiles were familiar to me when I started my airline training since I had been trained that way at Paragon”.

Financing Options

Nobody disputes that flight training is expensive, but financing does not have to be a barrier to entry. Paragon has helped clients find a financing solution that respects the individual’s situation. Choices include lenders such as Sallie Mae, traditional government-backed student loans, aviation scholarships, and educational grant opportunities.

A common question from individuals considering flight training is, “How much does it cost?” Paragon does not offer the usual standard answer of approximate cost per certificate or rating. “We create an in-depth training plan from our interview with the client before we discuss pricing. In that way, we can be honest and realistic,” Said Jeff. Depending on the certificates and ratings sought, Jeff said the range could be between $80,000 to $100,000.

Creating Paths for Success

For the future, Paragon would like to see more credit for advanced simulator technology. They are also evaluating options for incorporating extended reality (XR) devices in their program. They also have plans for fleet expansion.

Madison Nortz, a pilot trained by Paragon who is looking to become an instructor, described the culture at Paragon. “In a word, supportive. I can ask for assistance or help from any instructor or staff member, and I get it.”