History
Guidance Aviation was founded in 1998 with one helicopter and CEO John Stonecipher working as the sole instructor pilot and employee.
1998
Guidance Helicopters is Founded
2000
Guidance receives FAA 14 CFR Part 141 Approval
2001
Guidance receives Veterans Administration (VETAA) Approval
2002
Embry-Riddle students flying at Guidance
Guidance is approved as an Authorized “Robinson” Factory Service Center
2006
Guidance begins Certificate Program at Yavapai College
2008
FAA approves Guidance’s new online courses
21st century flight training system implemented
2009
Associate of Aerospace Science – Helicopter
2010
“Guidance College of Aviation” is approved by the State of Arizona, Board for Private Post-Secondary Education Arizona as a degree granting institution
Guidance is awarded SAR and maintenance contracts by the Yavapai County Sheriff’s Office
Prescott Wing & Rotor is established. Authorized “Robinson” Factory Service Center
2011
The number of FAA-authorized instructors at Guidance reaches 25
Annual flight hours at Guidance exceeds 10,000 for the first time
2012
Annual flight hours exceeds 13,000
John Stonecipher receives the Small Business Person of the Year award from the Arizona State SBA (Small Business Administration)
2013
Annual flight hours exceeds 15,000
Guidance Aviation’s second campus is officially opened in Baton Rouge, LA
John Stonecipher receives the Small Business Person of the Year award from the SBA (Small Business Administration – National Award)
2014
Helicopter simulation company, X-Copter is established
Manager of Flight Operations, Christopher Horton receives the AgustaWestland Safety Excellence award at Helicopter Association International’s HELI-EXPO 2014
2015
Guidance Aviation Baton Rouge begins landing on the “Mister Charlie”
X-Copter releases version 5 of it’s FAA approved Aviation Training Device (ATD)
Annual Flight Hours exceeds 18,000