For over 40 years, Universal Flight Concepts Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.
Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the exclusive training provider to Baylor University’s Aviation Sciences program.
Full-time students who enroll in our Airline Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as an airline pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary FAA-approved Part 141 training courses are optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Flight Concepts is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Flight Concepts, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
For over 40 years, Universal Flight Concepts Founder and CEO Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c. has set the standard for excellence in flight instruction. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world. At Universal, our reputation directly proceeds his.
Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals share in Dr. Jiroux’s passion for sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the exclusive training provider to Baylor University’s Aviation Sciences program.
Full-time students who enroll in our Airline Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as an airline pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary FAA-approved Part 141 training courses are optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
As part of our “Safety First” initiative, every operational decision at Universal Flight Concepts is predicated on teaching students the most effective Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM) skills possible, heightening sense and proficiency through all phases of flight. A knowledgeable pilot with quality training, including practical ADM skills, should successfully carry out safe flight operations during every flight for a lifetime. Our comprehensive safety policies and procedures have earned us an exemplary safety record unmatched by any flight school in the nation based on flight hours.
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Flight Concepts, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
Trusted for our unprecedented safety record, core group of high-time directors, state-of-the-art aircraft, and professional training environment, our consummate training professionals are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience with those wishing to be the most proficient pilots in the industry. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that’s led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide. And as of 2019, we proudly serve as the exclusive training provider to Baylor University’s Aviation Sciences program.
Full-time students who enroll in our Airline Pilot Career Program receive an average of two flight hours and four hours of ground training daily, transitioning from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months and on to their dream position as an airline pilot in 18 to 24 months. Our proprietary FAA-approved Part 141 training courses are optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight and ground training on an expeditious timeline.
We operate three highly professional, state-of-the-art training facilities across the southwest, located in Texas, Arizona, and Utah. Each is managed by one high-time company-trained Director working directly beneath our CEO, Dr. Jiroux. Directors are tasked with overseeing all operations, and mentoring our students and instructors. Under the watchful eye of Dr. Jiroux and his Directors, students are paired with a single instructor and receive ongoing one-on-one time with their location’s Director for the duration of their flight and ground training. Says Dr. Jiroux, “Encouraging relationships to grow through one-on-one instruction increases the safety and quality of flight training beyond that of a classroom setting.”
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. We take great pride in preparing our students with all the tools necessary to excel during their long and prosperous careers in aviation. When you enter the workplace as a graduate of Universal Flight Concepts, it is with unsurpassed knowledge, a fierce propensity for safety, and absolute competency piloting your aircraft.
VISA / IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
M-1 Student Visas and TSA Applications
IMMIGRATION ASSISTANCE
M-1 Foreign Student Visas
and TSA Applications
The Universal Advantage:
Industry-Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified Flight School
20+ Years in Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
High-Time Directors on Site
Career-Oriented Syllabus
State-of-the-Art Aircraft
Professional Training Facilities
Optimized Curriculum
On-site FAA DPEs
One to Two Daily Flights
Expeditious Timeline
Airline-Quality Scheduling/Dispatch
1500+ Employed Graduates
Regional Cadet Program Assistance
Transparent Pricing
Financing Available OAC
Part 61 Training Available
VISA & Immigration Assistance
Part 145 Repair Station
Guaranteed Interview Post Graduation
The Universal Advantage:
Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified School
20+ Years in Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
Directors on Site
Career-Oriented Syllabus
State-of-the-Art Aircraft
Professional Facilities
Optimized Curriculum
On-site FAA DPEs
One to Two Daily Flights
Expeditious Timeline
Airline-Quality Dispatch
1500+ Employed Graduates
Regional Cadet Program
Transparent Pricing
Financing OAC
Part 61 Training Available
Immigration Assistance
Part 145 Repair Station
Post Grad. CFI Interview
The Universal Advantage:
Leading Safety Record
Part 141 Certified
20+ Years Operation
1-on-1 Instruction
Directors on Site
Career Oriented
Modern Aircraft
Professional Facilities
Optimized Syllabus
On-site FAA DPEs
Fly Every Day
Expeditious Timeline
Professional Dispatch
1500+ Graduates
Regional Cadet Assist
Transparent Costs
Financing OAC
Part 61 Training Avail.
Immigration Assist
145 Repair Station
On-Site Maintenance
Post-Grad Interview
BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT IN 18-24 MONTHS.
BECOME AN
AIRLINE PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.
BECOME AN AIRLINE PILOT
IN 18-24 MONTHS.
Students who enroll in Airline Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor
in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at an airline in 18 to 24 months.
Students who enroll in Airline Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at an airline in 18 to 24 months.
Students who enroll in Airline Pilot Career Program transition from a zero-time student to working as a mentored instructor in as little as six months, and on to their dream position at an airline in 18 to 24 months.
Airlines Employing our Graduates:
Airlines Employing our Graduates:
Airlines Employing our Graduates:
Students enrolled in an airline pilot career program have access to tuition reimbursement, as well as direct-flow access to major airlines when enrolled in a regional cadet program. Please contact us to learn more.
Students enrolled in an airline pilot career program have access to tuition reimbursement, as well as direct-flow access to major airlines
when enrolled in a regional cadet program. Please contact us to learn more.
Students enrolled in an airline pilot career program have access to tuition reimbursement, as well as direct-flow access to major airlines when enrolled in a regional cadet program. Please contact us to learn more.
100+
2021-2022 Graduates
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
7500+
Pilot Certificates Issued
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
100+
2021-2022 Graduates
1500+
Employed Graduates Worldwide
As of 10/1/22
At Universal Flight Concepts, our only goal is to provide safe, extraordinary flight and ground training. Our uncompromising high standards, proprietary curriculum, and passion for perfection ensure a rich and comprehensive education that has led to excellent job placement for more than 1500 of our graduates worldwide.
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Thanks to Universal I was more than prepared for the airlines when I graduated. With the rigorous training and fast-paced environment I didn’t feel at all overwhelmed when I began training at Skywest. Additionally, transitioning to an instructor at Universal immediately upon course completion allowed me to build enough time to be hired at Skywest only one month after I graduated from Baylor, and for that I am very grateful!”
Kaitlin E.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, Skywest Airlines
“As an airline pilot that’s been around the block, I can tell you this flight school is one of the best in the entire country. Nice staff, top-tier maintenance and facilities, and absolutely incredible flight instructors. I can proudly say that you will not regret your decision to train here!!”
Richard R.
Universal Career Program Graduate
First Officer, Piedmont Airlines
“Universal was crucial in preparing me towards achieving my dream of becoming an airline pilot. In training I was held to a high standard, and received excellent instruction. As an instructor, I did my best to keep that standard for my students, and with myself. This helped me to understand and to strive for excellence and professionalism, crucial for any pilot, but especially for the airlines. I could not have made it without Baylor and UFC.“
Lewis C.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, PSA Airlines
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Thanks to Universal I was more than prepared for the airlines when I graduated. With the rigorous training and fast-paced environment I didn’t feel at all overwhelmed when I began training at Skywest. Additionally, transitioning to an instructor at Universal immediately upon course completion allowed me to build enough time to be hired at Skywest only one month after I graduated from Baylor, and for that I am very grateful!”
Kaitlin E.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, Skywest Airlines
“As an airline pilot that’s been around the block, I can tell you this flight school is one of the best in the entire country. Nice staff, top-tier maintenance and facilities, and absolutely incredible flight instructors. I can proudly say that you will not regret your decision to train here!!”
Richard R.
Universal Career Program Graduate
First Officer, Piedmont Airlines
“Universal was crucial in preparing me towards achieving my dream of becoming an airline pilot. In training I was held to a high standard, and received excellent instruction. As an instructor, I did my best to keep that standard for my students, and with myself. This helped me to understand and to strive for excellence and professionalism, crucial for any pilot, but especially for the airlines. I could not have made it without Baylor and UFC.“
Lewis C.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, PSA Airlines
From Our Oustanding Graduates:
“Thanks to Universal I was more than prepared for the airlines when I graduated. With the rigorous training and fast-paced environment I didn’t feel at all overwhelmed when I began training at Skywest. Additionally, transitioning to an instructor at Universal immediately upon course completion allowed me to build enough time to be hired at Skywest only one month after I graduated from Baylor, and for that I am very grateful!”
Kaitlin E.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, Skywest Airlines
“As an airline pilot that’s been around the block, I can tell you this flight school is one of the best in the entire country. Nice staff, top-tier maintenance and facilities, and absolutely incredible flight instructors. I can proudly say that you will not regret your decision to train here!!”
Richard R.
Universal Career Program Graduate
First Officer, Piedmont Airlines
“Universal was crucial in preparing me towards achieving my dream of becoming an airline pilot. In training I was held to a high standard, and received excellent instruction. As an instructor, I did my best to keep that standard for my students, and with myself. This helped me to understand and to strive for excellence and professionalism, crucial for any pilot, but especially for the airlines. I could not have made it without Baylor and UFC.“
Lewis C.
Baylor Aviation Sciences Graduate
First Officer, PSA Airlines
For more details about our Airline Pilot Career Program, including per-certificate breakdowns, duration of training, and prerequisites for enrollment, please return to this page on your desktop or laptop computer.
THREE PHASES OF YOUR CAREER:
CERTIFICATE/RATING BREAKDOWN:
The following outline is for students who join our program with zero previous flight training. It is representative of our 14 CFR Part 141 proprietary curriculum, optimized to provide students with safe, extraordinary flight training on an expeditious timeline. Most certificates and ratings are available as a single course or add-on. Please contact us for more information.
PRIVATE PILOT CERTIFICATE (ASEL)
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must be 17 years of age
- Must hold a current FAA Student Pilot Certificate
- Must be able to read, write, speak and understand the English language
- Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate*
- Obtain 50 hours total flight training
- Obtain 80 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Private Pilot Certificate (ASEL) will grant you all of the privileges of a Private Airplane Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.113.
*We recommend obtaining a Class 1 Medical Certificate before beginning our Airline Pilot Career Program. It is required for your Airline Transport Pilot Certificate. Please contact us for more information.
INSTRUMENT RATING
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Private Pilot Certificate (Airplane)
- Must be 17 years of age
- Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate
- Obtain 50 hours total flight training
- Obtain 80 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test
- Pass practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 4 to 6 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Instrument Pilot Airplane Rating will allow you to operate as pilot-in-command under instrument flight rules or weather conditions less than prescribed for visual flight rules.
COMMERCIAL PILOT CERTIFICATE (ASEL)
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Private Pilot Certificate (ASEL)
- Must hold a current Instrument Airplane Rating or be concurrently enrolled in our Instrument Rating (ASEL) 141 course to enroll
- Must hold a current Instrument Rating (ASEL) prior to Commercial check ride
- Must be 18 years of age
- Hold a Class 2 Medical Certificate
- Obtain 120 hours total flight training
- Obtain 80 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test
- Pass practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 8 to 12 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL) will grant you all of the privileges of a Commercial Airplane Pilot as outlined in FAR Part 61.133.
MULTI-ENGINE LAND CLASS CERTIFICATE (AMEL)
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL)
- Must be 17 years of age
- Hold a Class 3 Medical Certificate
- Obtain 20 hours total flight training
- Obtain 25 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required practical exam. Your Airplane Multi-Engine Land Class Certificate (AMEL) will grant you the privileges of your current pilot certificate in a multi-engine land class airplane.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR CERTIFICATE (ASEL)
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL)
- Must hold a current Instrument Pilot Rating (ASEL)
- Must be 18 years of age
- Obtain 25 hours total flight training
- Obtain 50 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(2)
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 2 to 4 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Certified Flight Instructor Certificate (ASEL) will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor of Airplanes as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR
INSTRUMENT RATING
Conducted under Universal’s FAA-approved Part 141 certificate unless otherwise requested or advised
UNIVERSAL FAA-APPROVED PART 141
CERTIFICATE MINIMUMS:
- Must hold a current Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL)
- Must hold a current Instrument Pilot Rating (ASEL)
- Must be 18 years of age
- Obtain 15 hours total flight training
- Obtain 30 hours total ground training
- Pre/Post-flight briefings
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(1)*
- Pass the FAA-required knowledge test on Aeronautical Knowledge as outlined in FAR Part 61.185(a)(3)
- Pass a practical test conducted by an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
EXPECTED DURATION OF TRAINING:
- Can be completed in 2 to 3 weeks
(Dependent on student’s availability, ability, and study habits)
COMPLETION:
- You will meet all eligibility requirements and gain all necessary experience, proficiency and endorsements to successfully pass your FAA-required knowledge and practical exams. Your Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Rating will grant you all of the privileges of a Certified Flight Instructor (ASEL) rated to train and issue endorsements for Instrument Ratings as outlined in FAR Part 61.193.
*Applicants who already hold a Certified Flight Instructor Certificate need not pass the FAA knowledge test on the Fundamentals of Instructing, but will receive and log ground training on Appendix G to Part 141(3)(b)(1).
Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.
CEO | President
Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.
By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.
Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.
Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.
In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.
After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.
Dr. Gordon A. Jiroux, h.c.
CEO | President
Gordon is widely considered to be one of the most knowledgeable and skilled professionals in the flight training industry. His extraordinary career began in 1981 when at just 25 years old, he earned his Private, Commercial, and Certified Flight Instructor helicopter certificates in Long Beach, California. Gordon was a stand-out flight instructor who quickly became friends with Robinson Helicopter Company Founder, Frank Robinson, who asked Gordon to open a helicopter flight school in the small desert town of Scottsdale, Arizona. Gordon purchased an R22 (Serial #4!) and moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, to open his flight school — and his legacy began.
By 1983, at the age of 27, the FAA designated Gordon the position of Pilot Examiner in the Robinson R22. Gordon’s dedication to quality and safety made him the obvious choice in 1983, when the Robinson Helicopter Company issued him the Dealership/Service Center Designation for Arizona. By 1990 his company was the largest helicopter flight school in the world, with 18 Robinson R22s and three Bell 206 Jet Rangers flying 8+ hours a day.
Today after nearly 40 years of flying and 10,000+ hours of flight instruction given, Gordon continues to define the standard for excellence in helicopter flight training. As part of a prolific safety team with an impeccable safety record and sterling reputation, his passion for providing exemplary flight training has led Universal Flight Concepts to be one of the most renowned flight schools in the world.
Gordon received an Honorary Doctorate Degree in Aviation Science with all rights, honors, privileges, and responsibilities on May 4, 2013. Jiroux was awarded this designation in appreciation of his outstanding contributions to the flight training industry, extraordinary aviation knowledge, and dedication to the global aviation industry.
In 2014, now Dr. Jiroux, Gordon was awarded Helicopter Association International’s (HAI) Flight Instructor of the Year Award.
After all these years, Gordon remains intimately involved with all operations at Universal Flight Concepts, mentoring and passing his knowledge and expertise on to our flight instructors.
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