Angel Air closed?

gomntwins

gomntwins

Well-Known Member
I was just curious what people know about Angel Air closing in Chandler Arizona (they used to operate out of Stellar Airpark in Chandler, AZ and I believe had a second office in Goodyear open a couple years back)? I'm not surprised with the rough economic times, but wondered if anybody had any info about this?

I will say Angel Air was a great experience for me a number of years back. I did the bulk of my training there and absolutely loved it. I did my commercial single, comm multi, CFI, CFII, and MEI there. It was also my first instructing job. It's sad to hear about this closing, it brings back a lot of good memories thinking about my time there, but I can't say I'm surprised about anything aviation related shutting their doors in these though economic times.
 
Their website is still up, with nothing I could find regarding a closure. I never used them, I always felt $135 for a 172S was a little steep. Sad if it's true, though not surprising.
 
ozziecat35 said:
Their website is still up, with nothing I could find regarding a closure. I never used them, I always felt $135 for a 172S was a little steep. Sad if it's true, though not surprising.
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There website is still up. I logged on to their website since I posted and there is a sticky saying that they have ceased operations as of 11/15/2009. So, I guess it's true.

I haven't kept up with the cost of rental and instruction. It may have been overpriced. Back in 2003-2004 when I trained there it wasn't too bad though. I know it wasn't the cheapest but I liked there instructors.
 
I used to be one of the instructors at Angel Air. Yes, it is closed. The guy who took over as Chief Flight Instructor (Bill Hildebrand) drove the company into the ground. He wouldn't allow any marketing or reduce prices since "that's the way it's always been". The company closed on November 15th without any formal notification to the employees. While it is sad that what was once a great school withered away with poor management, the operation had been dying for over a year.
 
CaMotoXKid said:
I used to be one of the instructors at Angel Air. Yes, it is closed. The guy who took over as Chief Flight Instructor (Bill Hildebrand) drove the company into the ground. He wouldn't allow any marketing or reduce prices since "that's the way it's always been". The company closed on November 15th without any formal notification to the employees. While it is sad that what was once a great school withered away with poor management, the operation had been dying for over a year.
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Guess he didn't have any strong business acumen. Marketing is key to drawing business. Quality training and maintenance helps with referrals and marketing. It's a shame.
 
Sad news indeed. I took my first piston flight there in 2000 in their varga kachina. I knew several former instructors there as well. I remember alot of their IP's haunting Zip's Bar back in the day...
 
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