“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!”

“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.“

“Universal Helicopters was enjoyable and the instructors I trained with were exceptional! I received all of the instruction I needed to be a professional within the aviation industry.

I enjoyed Universal so much, and after graduation felt very fortunate when they offered me a position as a flight instructor. I spent a little over two years continuing my education as I provided one to new students.

I was made the Assistant Chief Pilot for Classic Air Medical and shortly thereafter accepted the role as Director of Operations.

I am grateful for the kickstart Universal Helicopters gave me. I have never regretted my decision to become a helicopter pilot.”

I can honestly say the training and development as an aspiring professional pilot was top of the line and it truly changed my life. From the highest quality management, clean building, well kept aircraft, and detail orientated instructors I can honestly say I feel as if I received the best training I could have in the nation.

While I was applying for other part 135 jobs many of them even skipped the interview process due to knowing “the quality of pilots Universal Flight Concepts produces”. Even as an instructor I was held to the highest standard and I feel so prepared as I move on to the next stages of my life in the aviation industry.

Thank you for everything everyone on the team of Universal Flight Concepts have done for me. I promise I’ll uphold the quality that Universal has taught me wherever I go!

“My time as a student and flight instructor with Universal helped me develop knowledge and habits along with teaching and evaluation methods that made me the stand out leader that operators are looking for. What you learn first in initial training matters and will set the tone for the rest of your career as a pilot, and Universal gave me the solid foundation of knowledge and skill to ensure a safe and successful career in aviation.“

“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!!“

“While I thoroughly enjoyed my time at Universal, it was not until I moved on in my career that I realized how fine of a school it is. The level of training was beyond comparison.

The hours spent in Matt’s Hewlett’s office preparing for a checkride, the unbelievable, advanced flight training I received from Danny Mackenzie during CFI training, as well as stellar instruction from the whole cadre, set me up for a successful career. They taught me how to learn, how to be an aviator and how to come home safely to my wife and children.

I am extremely grateful to have attended Universal Helicopters. I owe all the success I’ve had in aviation to the solid foundation Universal provided me.”

“My training experience at Universal was fantastic. I can’t say enough about Matt Hewlett and his leadership at the Provo, Utah Location. Universal always provided quality facilities, quality aircraft, superb maintenance, and unmatched dedication to a safe and productive training experience. The standard of training is high at Universal. It makes a big difference in career success putting in the effort to rise to the standards they set. I am currently working in one of my ultimate career goals as a SPIFR HAA pilot at a not-for-profit healthcare system in the Mountain West region, Intermountain Healthcare. I was recently selected for appointment to Helicopter Designated Pilot Examiner by the Salt Lake City Flight Standards Office. I am looking forward to serving new pilot applicants in that new role.”

“My first time flying was in an R22 at Universal Helicopters. After my training, I worked for Universal for two years, made a lot of friends, new pilots, and even more great memories. I faced many challenges during my training, but the positive experiences far outweighed them. In my short ten years in the industry, I have definitely noticed a difference in the standard of training between the various flight schools and I am grateful for the training I received (and passed on) from the stellar instructors I had at Universal. I am currently flying a BH407 for University of Utah AIRMED at the Tooele base with some big personal plans in the works for the near future. Thanks, Matt, for everything.”

“Universal was integral in my preparation for the aviation industry.  The depth of knowledge and skills I obtained as both a student and an instructor greatly benefitted me as I moved on to PSA. The standards held at UFC greatly prepared me for my airline training and gave me the lasting skills I need in order to succeed in the industry.”

“To be blessed enough to train at Universal is to experience growth, state-of-the-art equipment, and people who care so much about your safety and success. The number of aircraft available and set scheduling ensure that students are on track for a rating they desire within a very short span. The community and staff have built a very special place for building your career.“

“My time at UHI Provo was a superb learning experience. The high quality training program combined with the Provo area training environment prepared me exceptionally well for all the situations I have come across in my career as a CFI, tour pilot and HAA pilot.”

“I am a former student and instructor for Universal. I am currently a lead pilot for Maverick Helicopters in Las Vegas, Nevada. My time at Universal was instrumental for my career and worth every second. The training I received, and then was able to teach to others, put me ahead of similar candidates applying for my position. The philosophies and safety oriented teaching at Universal go above and beyond and the standards they teach and expect are top of the line. Although difficult, the training I received as both student and instructor have made my career possible and I am a proud graduate!”

“Universal’s no compromise approach to safety and standards equips students with the character tools necessary to have an accident-free career.”

“I would like to say in the most sincere way that I can, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity you have given me here. I am a very different pilot to the one that walked in a year ago and I will forever take the lessons learned here and apply them in my future career. You have been a great company to work for and I will go out into the world as an advocate of Universal Helicopters.“

“The flight training I received, followed by the opportunity to instruct for Universal paved the way for my success in the helicopter industry. Universal held very high training standards, and was very dedicated to quality education.

The graduates from Universal are beyond well-equipped to enter the commercial helicopter industry and succeed. I know a number of Universal grads who are chief pilots, lead pilots, and training directors.

Having built my own utility helicopter operation, I always favor Universal graduates when I look to fill positions. They fly with a greater sense of situational awareness, and better touch, with greater confidence inside and outside of the cockpit.”

“In June 2019 Baylor University entered into a contract with Universal Flight Concepts for the operation of a flight school in support of Baylor’s Aviation Sciences degree program. From the onset Gordon Jiroux and his team have been extremely responsive to our requests for changes to meet our needs, while at the same time displaying a willingness to always serve the best interests of students. Both my staff and our students have been impressed with their professionalism and ability to meet our performance requirements. So far our flight program has worked exactly as designed, with students completing each flight course (with accompanying license or rating) in one semester, a feat that is hardly ever seen. We believe that with our new flight school our students are receiving a flight training experience that we are proud to associate with Baylor University. We are looking forward to continuing a long and successful partnership with UFC for years to come.”

“The key element in our decision to partner with Universal 5 years ago was the strong safety culture and commitment to the safety of our students. Embry-Riddle and Universal share this vital commitment and it remains the cornerstone of our incredibly successful relationship.”

“As a retired Army Aviation Safety Officer, I’ve worked with units that strove to attain a ‘zero’ flight accident rate. It’s a tough job that requires diligence, dedication and constant vigilance. Universal’s safety program not only has all the elements of what is found in military safety programs, but in my opinion, they have gone one step further. They breathe safety into each and every action, procedure and instructional period they do. Safety, therefor is not a chore – it is a normal part of Universal’s day.”

“The helicopter industry needs a guy like Gordon Jiroux.”

“We are proud to be a part of Universal’s phenomenal success and most importantly, their ongoing commitment to safety.”

“As I scoured the industry researching options to contract our helicopter training, one company clearly emerged as the best option and that was Universal. Not only was Universal the clear choice then, it remains the clear choice now. Although due to some instabilities in Federal funding for helicopter training we elected to focus on our fixed-wing training exclusively, Universal performed with unquestioned excellence and integrity right up until the last minute of their operations here. Universal would be unquestionably at the top of my list should we ever choose to resume helicopter training at this institution or any other institution I am a part of. Universal President Gordon Jiroux is, in my book, the top expert in the helicopter training industry and is active at all levels ensuring that funding for helicopter training is accessible at the lowest possible cost to students. Training is NO place to compromise on excellence and Universal, like no other company I know of, is committed to excellence in this area.”

“We feel privileged with regards to our 7 year partnership with Universal. Universal President and CEO, Dr. Gordon Jiroux, h.c. has established a culture of safety that is unprecedented in the helicopter flight training industry. Dr. Jiroux is not just our contractor, he is a full-fledged partner who uses his genius to improve the safety and quality of every organization he is in operations with. Having such a high-quality and safe college degree program, we at Dodge City Community College could not be any more proud of our relationship with Universal’s program.”

“I recently completed the annual 141 inspections in Arizona for Universal’s campuses in Prescott (U42U) and Scottsdale (4U7S,) and I wanted to relay to you the exceptional inspection results and utter professionalism demonstrated by Danny MacKenzie, Dustin Suchor, and Matthew Hewlett. The inspections went flawlessly, a testament to the experience and competency of both Danny and Dustin. (I honestly don’t think I’ve seen better looking and maintained Robinsons in my +2000hrs of Robbie-time and +15 year helicopter career.) Please pass my sincerest respect and appreciation to both Danny and Dustin for making this one of the smoothest annual 141 inspections I have had to date.”

“Since I’ve had opportunity to conduct literally hundreds of check rides for different flight schools in the region (Utah), I have found a whole new level of appreciation and admiration for you and your ways of running a flight school. Other schools would benefit so much from spending a few weeks at one of your facilities and learning from the very best in the business how it’s really done. Thanks for what you have contributed to the industry, and your visionary and energetic approach to everything you do.”

“I have attended Bell training for several years. Universal taking over the 206 training is a massive success in my mind. They are a top notch facility. My instructor, Doug was a true professional. His knowledge and skills are incredible. His ground and flight instruction are exactly what I needed to refresh my skills and knowledge in the 206. I appreciate the level of service provided by Universal Helicopters. The facility is great and the helicopters are well maintained. I will return for years to come!”

“I have been flying the Bell 206 since 1980. I attended your facility in April. Your emergency and normal procedures were so far above standards. The full-down autorotation training (straight-in and 180º) were taught through various unique scenarios. Great job from all of you. Flight instructors and personnel were so kind. I enjoyed every minute of it. I really and absolutely recommend training with Universal Helicopters. See you for my recurrent training next year!”

“Fantastic experience all around. Danny and Doug are enthusiastic, superb instructors whose obvious skill level puts you at ease. The best I’ve worked with. Great facility. Well-cared-for helicopters. The staff cares about what they do and are passionate about sharing their knowledge and experience. Truly an enlightening experience that felt custom-tailored to my particular operational environment. This was my first experience with Universal Helicopters. I WILL be back!”

“I just completed my Private Pilot Rotorcraft program after just over 5 months of hard work. It should be fun and it is, however the hard part means it’s serious. Training to be a helicopter pilot isn’t something you should bargain shop like finding a deal, after all in the end you always get what you pay for and what’s your life worth? I passed my check ride first time, wish I could say because I’m gifted and brilliant, I’ll just tell the truth and say it’s directly related to the superb training received. The instructors, staff, mechanics, management, operations and helicopters are the best you will find anywhere. Safety, excellence and a crash-free zone are the guiding strategic principles each and every Universal representative live by every day. If you want the best there is no other option.”

“I was referred here by one of the most prominent private jet & helicopter flight charter shops in the area. The top-notch instructors, accessible management, clean equipment with modern avionics, friendly mechanics, and overall experience have all been fantastic and have exceeded my high expectations. Safety, quality, and communication are real here. I’ve looked forward to this training for many years and did a lot of homework as part of choosing where to train, including extensive accident research over the past couple decades for all helicopter training shops in the region. On all the important dimensions Universal clearly stood out for me. I’m so happy with my choice and am loving all the flight and ground training. It’s an amazing experience.”