Glacier Aviation, Inc. - Tumwater, Washington

Connor B.

I had a beyond wonderful experience at Glacier Aviation. From a wonderful array of aircraft to even better views of the surrounding sites of the airport. I am happy to say that I was able to receive my Private Pilot License with the help of the amazingly talented (Helicopter) flight instructors. Although I didn’t have one instructor for the entire time, all the instructors worked to get me better and communicated flawlessly to prepare me for my check ride. A personal thanks is in order to each of those instructors Ryan, Jacob, Carlos, Cameron, Kyle, Dave, Murphy, and Dylan; thank you all for your dedication and to helping me realize my dream in flying. None of this could of been possible without each and everyone one of you. Additionally, to Gary, Mike and Lorie; the warm and comforting atmosphere of the school was amazing, I can’t begin to explain how welcoming you all have been and how wonderful every visit was. Although I constantly left my headset there and can’t seem to sign simple paperwork, the whole Glacier Aviation staff were always there to help. I’ve gained a lot of knowledge and had some really great memories among friends.

For anyone in the military, consider using the Credentials Assistance (CA) benefits and definitely consider using those benefits to get some flight hours through the Army. Glacier allows loan opportunities, the Sallie Mae loan; I did a combination of both to get my license and I don’t regret it! so be sure to ask about that! In conclusion, Instead of playing flight games on fancy simulators, come do the real thing with the help of the amazing staff members. Thanks again y’all for everything. 🚁🛫

Rob H.

Glacier Aviation is the best helicopter school On the west coast hands down by far!! I started my training in California but after over a year & over ten thousand gone & nothing to show for it, I was scammed! I searched every flight school here in the US & spent weeks contacting every school that was online, to find a good honest helicopter flight school. With many calls & traveling to check out schools, I found Glacier Aviation! When I traveled up from California & walked into Glacier and met Mike Thielen, I knew that this was the school I dreamed of going to! Mike & his staff made me feel right at home treating me like family. I really can’t think of anything negative about Glacier, it was the best experience of my life!! Now my daughter is in the process of enrolling to start her career as a commercial helicopter pilot!!

Andrew S.

Excellent staff was always ready to serve! Dylan runs a great operation, always with a smile and something nice to say, even when it's raining buckets. Cameron plus the linemen made our life easier, with quick and professional service for our aircraft. Thanks, Mike and Gary for making it easy to operate at OLM this week!

Ryan E.

Super friendly and professional staff. They made us feel right at home. If you're planning a stop or overnight stay in Olympia, definitely recommend Glacier Aviation.

Mike H.

This is a top notch flight school. Safety is paramount and the quality of all aircraft represent well, both the industry and this school’s commitment to high caliber professionals moving up in a great career field, or just a weekend pilot, flying family and friends around one of the greatest flying locations in the world.
The owners and staff are all extremely knowledgeable and helpful professionals whom have assisted me in all aspects of aviation training and potential career preparation.
I look forward to returning to the area and continuing what has been a great experience.

Mark B.

Yes! Totally fantastic! Samantha in the office is super friendly and did everything to get us a flight in. Ryan drove in just for our flight and it was worth every penny! Amazing views and Ryan offered to show us anything we wanted to see. Such a great time. I would recommend this to everyone!

Thomas J.

I am a service member trying to get my PPL using the Army’s CA funding. I have had numerous issues with the lack of communication and customer service at this school. Today was the last straw for me. I was supposed to be scheduled at 11 am but the instructor misinterpreted our text conversation and rather than clarify it with me, scheduled someone else instead. They are extremely cavalier in their attitude towards customers’ time. They make me feel like they’re doing me a favor instead of treating me with respect due to any customer.

In addition, they don’t have a flight simulator for occasions when the weather isn’t cooperative and I’ve had plenty of those times also. It would also help students save money when learning basic airmanship skills and procedures.

If you want your PPL in a timely manner and want to be treated with dignity and respect, avoid Glacier Aviation.

EDIT: In reply to Owner's response.

I would like to address many inaccuracies in your reply.

1. I did not cancel my lesson on June 19th. I canceled, well in advance, my lesson on June 12. When my medical procedure was postponed, I asked the instructor, again well in advance, if that slot was still available.

2. I never tried to schedule a lesson the night before nor did I ever fail to respond to a request to schedule.

3. I did not try to sell you a simulator. I asked if you were interested in offering my FAA certified helicopter simulator to your students because I had experienced many instances of canceled lessons due to poor weather conditions. You stated you were interested and would speak to Gary and the instructors about it, but you never responded to me.

4. Scheduled maintenance is known in advance. Your instructor called my emergency contact the day of the lesson to cancel due to 100-hour maintenance on the Warrior. When I showed up, he said he tried to call me. I told him he called the wrong number, but he didn't believe me until I pointed it out to him.

5. This same instructor kept me waiting half an hour past my scheduled lesson time the week prior.

If I am the anomaly, then so be it. I still want to warn Veterans and Service Members about the rosy picture of your operations these reviews paint. I want to offer an alternative viewpoint that paints a more realistic perspective on the services you offer us and for which the taxpayers are funding. I am certain that we deserve better and I, for one, will most certainly seek a better place to achieve my dream of flight.

David P.

I had a good time here. I took fixed-wing lessons at Glacier this year for my PPL. Mike, the president/director, had a $tudent-friendly, no-sales-pitch approach, and is easy to talk to. You aren't pressured to pay ahead or to schedule the next lesson - the online calendar allows the student to go at their own pace. I took lessons with Fred and John, and had a good experience. My job took me away from Washington this year, but I hope to be back soon.