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