Glacier Aviation Inc., Tumwater

Glacier operated scenic tours over the island of Aruba for 3 years, so we love to do tour flights! Often times, putting one's skills to the test against a wide variety of terrain and weather conditions is what prepares pilots best. At Glacier Aviation Inc., the abundance of mountains and waterways in Western Washington—not to mention the notorious rainfall—ensures that pilots-in-training receive the best training experience. Students don't rely on simulators to see how their own improvement is coming along, their flight instructors can point the way to nearby airspace that will provide ample feedback for them.

The outfit's fleet is similarly varied. Robinson R22 and R44 helicopters and four models of Cessna aircraft are based at Glacier Aviation's two locations: one at the airport in Olympia, Washington, along with a satellite school at Skagit airport in Burlington. At each location, students can work towards a variety of pilot's licenses and ratings, from coursework for a private pilot's license to advanced industrial training.