About U. S. Flight Academy

U. S. Flight Academy was established on August 22, 1988 and has evolved into a reliable Flight Training Organization with a reputation of professionalism, cooperation, integrity, dependability, sound judgment, and a willingness to provide excellent customer service to all stakeholders in the aviation community.

The U. S. Flight Academy is located in Big Spring, Texas at the McMahon-Wrinkle Airport. Originally home to Webb Air Force Base, it recorded the most favorable flying days per year of all US Air Bases throughout the world.

The airport includes two runways, four instrument approaches (including GPS LPV), and runway lighting. Since it was established as a military training base, it offers some of the best opportunities for all types of instruction. Just a few minutes away there is a complex airspace for advanced instrument training with all instrument approaches and radar services. Please click here for more information about Big Spring, Texas.

U.S. Flight Academy has proven that turning out highly competent, safe aviators is their number one priority. Although USFA may not &ldquo:change the world” USFA can make a difference in civil aviation.

USFA Instructors represent various backgrounds in aviation and teaching experience and it believes in offering superior training and guidance to its students.

The U. S. Flight Academy's proven recipe of successful pilot training with the personalized and one‑on‑one concept of training where each student is assured completion is second to none in the industry. U. S. Flight Academy is one of the few remaining old time grassroots flight schools where it stands behind its training and there is a real and sincere interest in the success of each student. Even as it grows this small school atmosphere is kept.

With superb facilities, superb weather, and uncongested airspace, combined with the U. S. Flight Academy's training philosophy, an ideal student pilot training environment exists creating a superb training concept.

Enrollment with the U. S. Flight Academy for pilot training assures that you will graduate a successful pilot within the allotted time frame and training cost.

Please click here to view USFA Presentation

U. S. Flight Academy is therefore proudly making the following statement:

If you would like to become a CAPTAIN, instead of just a plane driver…choose the U. S. Flight Academy for your aviation training.

The Academy is closed during Thanksgiving, Christmas, Easter and Fourth of July holidays.

MISSION STATEMENT

The U.S. FLIGHT ACADEMY is DEDICATED TO PROVIDING STRUCTURE AND COMMON SENSE TO FLIGHT TRAINING with a relentless pursuit of immaculate safety and service at all times where it is maintaining a superior and sound flight training culture and believes that you will learn to cherish the craft of flying as much as it does.℠

• It's three dimensional freedom.

• It's about independence and self-sufficiency.

• It's Aviation.

• It's America.

• It's U.S. Flight Academy.℠

FAST FACTS

U.S. Flight Academy was established for the purpose of sincerely catering to its students and realizes that its continued growth is dependent upon the success of each student. This consists of:

Dedicated and experienced career instructors committed to the success of each student.
Ideal learning environment with superb training facilities and uncongested airspace thus securing the growth of each student.
Ideal flying weather which secures the training continuity of each student.

Senior Instructors with ATP Certifications and Gold Seal Appointments
30 Years Accident Free Safety Record
Authorized Computerized Testing Center
Located on former USAF Webb Air Base with most VFR flying days of all airbases all over the world
Two Lighted Runways, one being 8,802 feet long and the other 4,601 feet long, for Day and Night Operations
Uncongested Airspace with Complete Instrument Procedures nearby
Certified Maintenance Personnel
College Student Housing Available
Structured and Personalized One‑On‑One Instruction With A Small School Atmosphere
2 or 4 year Degree Programs Available

Jarle Boe

President

Graduated Scandinavian Academy of Aeronautics (SAA), Gothenburg, Sweden.
Licensed Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)-Airplane (A), Instrument (I) and Multi-Engine (ME) and Certified Ground Instructor (CGI), Advanced (A) and Instrument (I)
Served his compulsory military service with the Royal Norwegian Navy, Submarine Squadron No. 1, on the KNM Skolpen, a Kobben class submarine
Belongs to the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) since 1986, the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), the Vintage Aircraft Association (VAA), the Twin Cessna Flyer, the Bellanca Champion Club, and the Charles Lindbergh Foundation

Thomas William Rickabaugh

Senior Aircraft Technician
IA Certified

Has been with U.S. Flight Academy since 1995
Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic since 1967.
Licensed Single- and Multi-Engine Pilot since 1965, with Commercial Privileges since 1986
Work history includes: Government Aircraft Maintenance Contracts, Southwest Mooney, and Trans Regional Airlines

Flight instructor certificates bearing distinctive gold seals are issued to flight instructors who have maintained a high level of flight training activity and who meet special criteria.

U.S. Flight Academy is a small group of dedicated individuals who take great pride, care, and pleasure in what they do. They also treat their students with commitment and respect.

The President is a native of Norway with Norwegian and U.S. licenses and is the founder of the company. As a 1983 graduate of Scandinavian Academy of Aeronautics in Gothenburg, Sweden, he has a more than 25 year aviation history in various applications and locations around the world. He is a licensed Airline Transport Pilot and Gold Seal FAA Flight Instructor and believes that producing quality aviators is the key to USFA success. His dedication to, and love of, aviation is the motivation for this company. This is evidenced by the USFA guarantee of additional flying and training hours at no cost to the student and reasonable pricing for the USFA flight programs.

LOCATION AND FACILITIES

The U. S. Flight Academy is located in Big Spring, Texas at McMahon-Wrinkle Airport. Originally home to Webb Air Force Base, it recorded the most favorable flying days per year of all US Air Bases throughout the world.

LODGING AND TRANSPORTATION

If you wish, we will arrange for you to stay at a motel, an apartment, or in the USFA Student Lodge with kitchen facilities and conveniences nearby. The town offers several different kinds of restaurants.

International students may fly directly to Dallas or Houston international airports then travel Southwest, Continental, or American Eagle airlines to Midland, Texas air terminal (KMAF) where we will meet you. Transportation to and from school is provided free of charge.

WEST TEXAS ENTERTAINMENT

Big Spring is located in the heart of West Texas and offers, an abundance of outdoor activities. Several lakes in the area have camping, fishing, swimming and other water sports. The city has two premiere golf courses, many parks and well-known eating establishments. Other entertainment includes four annual symphony orchestra concerts, western dancing, movie theaters, and athletic events. Ranching, cotton farming, and oil production are dominant industries in the area. Big Spring's own Hangar 25 Air Museum is located within the airport boundaries, and the world famous Commemorative Air Force American Airpower Heritage Museum is located about forty-five minutes away. Weather is near perfect with an annual average temperature of 77°F (25°C) and low humidity. People of West Texas are personable and friendly.

MEDICAL INSURANCE

The United States does not have national medical insurance. If you do not have medical insurance that covers the USA it is recommended that you obtain insurance during your stay. US Flight Academy has medical insurance available for its M-1 students. Please view the plan's details by clicking here.

QUALITY OF LIFE

Big Spring thrives with many different festivals and events, performing arts, sports and recreational activities that will entertain a variety of interests. The many festivals and constant events include the continuous programs that are offered by the Heritage Museum, the Annual Big Spring Cowboy Reunion and Rodeo, the Festival of Lights, the spectacular Pops in the Park, the Big Spring Symphony and Ballet, along with many other events that bring you here; the unique beauty that gives you pause and the kindness of the community that will make you stay.

Welcome to Big Spring

...a place where a hand-shake still means something.

Home of caring residents, friendly families, beautiful landscapes, a comfortable climate, and a multitude of cultural, sporting, & recreational events, and is a safe oasis to call home.

Big Spring...

...Friendly Folks, Great Fun, & a beautiful beginning

Big Spring has many attractions. From the migration of the sandhill cranes to the historic spring which the city's name is derived. People come from miles around to view the awesome spaciousness, breathtaking sunsets, and enjoy the close‑knit family feeling of this wonderful community.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT

As U.S. Flight Academy has established ties with the Big Spring area it is contributing to and giving back to the community by participating in the Adopt an Airport Program. USFA assists in keeping the airport free of debris and clutter as a way of saying “thank you” to the community.

U.S. Flight Academy is also involved with the local Vietnam Memorial Committee and is conducting a yearly fly-over on Memorial Day to commemorate our fallen soldiers who sacrificed for the freedom we endure.

From left, Col. Jim Little, director of the McMahon-Wrinkle Airpark, Big Spring Mayor Russ McEwen, State Sen. Kel Seliger, Texas Department of Transportation District Engineer Russel Lenz, State Rep. Joe Heflin and Jarle Boe, President of U.S. Flight Academy, unveil a sign designating the airport as the 13th in the state to become part of the Adopt an Airport program. As provided by the program, Boe, his staff, and students will be responsible for cleanup of the airport grounds.

Big Spring has a diverse and varied economy. Early settlers began ranching operations and soon began to farm the land. Oil and gas production became a major economic force in the early 1900s and continues today. In addition, the economy has grown to include refining, manufacturing, wind energy production, transportation, governmental services, and a broad range of small business, restaurants, and craft shops.

COMMUNICATIONS FROM USFA GRADUATES

Below are excerpts of communications. If you would like to review a copy of the original accompanying letter, please click on the link of each excerpt to see the full letter.

“I wanted to thank my instructors by way of this letter of recommendation. The drone pilot ground school …”
- Roland Robles, Owner
- A.E. Fuller and Associates, LLC
- Midland, TX
“The City of Big Spring Airport & Industrial Park would like to thank you …”
- James F. Little, Director
- City of Big Spring/McMahon-Wrinkle
- Airport & Industrial Park
“It is with immense pleasure that I write to you to thank you and the entire USFA team for the great training and hospitality …”
- Pradeep Menon
- Squadron Leader (Retired)
- Indian Air Force
“I wanted to take this opportunity to personally thank you for your expert instruction …”
- Kirk E. Smith
- Midland, TX.
“… USFA, has an impressive track record in producing safe and knowledgeable pilots. …”
- Kristin K. Eschbach
- Houston, Texas
“… I was impressed with your facility, with the quality of instruction, and further, with your clear potential …”
- Ravel T. Montcalm
- Mansfield, Louisiana
“… Your timing and performance was perfect. You all mean a lot to us. …”
- Vietnam Memorial Committee
- Big Spring, Texas
“… The children really enjoyed seeing and touching a real plane. I appreciate …”
- Hangar 25 Air Museum
- Big Spring, Texas
“… I would also like to commend you for the high quality training that I have received at the U.S. Flight Academy. …”
“… I have worked in education for over twenty years and feel that I am qualified to judge the quality of your training programs, which I give an A+. …”
- Mark Owen
- Big Spring, Texas
E-mail received from Daryl McFarland, obtaining his Commercial Multi-Engine Add on in the USFA C-310:
“… He was very impressed with how I handled the 310.

Thank you for the good training regime that you have developed. It certainly helped for this insurance checkout. …”
- Daryl C. McFarland
- Lexington, Kentucky
“I have been involved in the aviation industry for the last seven years. …”
“… Jarle Boe, of USFA, turned out to be a breath of fresh air in my flight training experience. …”
“… USFA's C-310 proved to be an excellent platform for my training …”
- Jacob W. Griffith
- Big Spring, Texas
“I never could have made it this far without the support of Jarle Boe through the initiation of my flight training and the people at Hangar 25!”
- Jerod Flohr
- Big Spring, Texas
“This is in regards to the flight school …”
- Roger D. Blackstock
- Pecos, Texas
“The Hangar 25 Air Fair Committee would like to extend …”
- Jim Little
- Hangar 25 Air Museum Association
- Big Spring, Texas
“… A great aviation school to begin your career and which I highly recommend based upon my personal flight training experience at the U.S. Flight Academy.”
- David Garcia
- Sebastian, Texas
“… although your school was highly recommended to me by an airline pilot, I did arrive with considerable reservations about the wisdom of traveling so far and about the school itself. After enrollment and the first day's exposure to U.S. Flight Academy's special training, however, I was quite impressed with both the qualifications of your instructors, and your method of instruction. I'm convinced your training methods are the best. The fact that the school was comprised of students from all parts of the country, as well as foreign countries, serves as proof that others share my opinion. …”

“… I intend to have my wife take the same training from you. Thank you for a most interesting and educational experience.”
- Donald Langhorne
- Southlake, Texas
“When I selected your school for my flight training I did so on the advice of two pilot friends …”
“… I am very pleased with the training I received and I want to mention some things that impressed me the most because I feel strongly that you should maintain them: you treat each student as an individual, your approach is professional, you know and adhere to the standards set by the FAA, emphasizing safety first. But the thing I appreciated most was your consistent practice of explaining exactly what we were going to do in each lesson before we got in the airplane and then going over the results after each flight. I do not know of another flight school whose instructors are willing to spend that much of this important time with their students.

Thanks again for a most enjoyable experience. …”
- Clifford J. Moore, Jr. Ph.D.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you and your instituition [sic] …”
“… It is therefore in my opinion that the U. S. Flight Academy is an institution showing a loyalty, sound and indeptness [sic] towards flight training …”
- Kenneth W. Lofton
“USFA was recommended to me by another pilot who had recently completed his flight training for his private license. Being away from flying for many years, I contacted USFA and was assured that my training would be completed with consideration of my busy schedule. Six weeks later I completed my check ride and had finally realized a life‑long dream. The training I received was excellent and all my questions were answered and demonstrated to my satisfaction. Many thanks to Jarle Boe for his dedication to aviation.”
- Greg Mitchell
- Pecos, Texas
“The training at USFA met all my expectations. It was efficient and at the same time individualized. Every moment I had complete confidence in my instructor's methods and approach to teaching. It's obvious that he loves flying and loves showing people how to do it in the safest possible way.”
- Tommy Churchwell
- Big Spring, TX.
“Thanks for teaching me to fly. I very much appreciated your working around my busy schedule. The pleasant and courteous staff were a delight to deal with and instructors made the most difficult maneuvers simple to understand and do. Their patience and professionalism are to be commended.”
- Roxanne Rich
- Big Spring, TX.

About U. S. Flight Academy

MISSION STATEMENT

FAST FACTS