Customer Testimonials

Jerrold Seckler – 2021

In my 55 years of flying I’ve flown with many different instructors.  Most were average.  A few were terrible.  And a few were excellent. As a CFII myself I’ve given a lot of thought to what makes an excellent instructor and have come up with the following:

Excellent instructors have these characteristics:

1. An almost encyclopedic and up to date knowledge and understanding of all aspects of aviation including weather, ATC, risk management, etc.
2. A total familiarity with the aircraft and avionics in which they are giving instruction.
3. An ability to accurately gauge the student’s strengths and weaknesses and then tailor instruction to that individual.
4. A genuine desire to improve the student’s knowledge and performance.
5. Patience.
6. A friendly, relaxing demeanor and an ability to put the student at ease so learning can easily occur.

I can state, without hesitation, that Matt McDaniel exemplifies all those characteristics.
Matt has been my instructor since 2003.  We fly together twice a year and even though I have an ATP certificate (which he encouraged me to get) and >7000 GA hours, I learn something from him every time. My wife considers my proficiency flights with Matt as “insurance” and I consider them to be an invaluable way to stay sharp in the plane, and to have fun while doing so.

I’m a strong believer in continuous training for all pilots.  But for training to be valuable it must challenge the trainee to constantly up his or her game.  Matt sees to it that all his clients are challenged at the appropriate level.  Flying with him is always a wonderful and challenging educational experience

I’m looking forward to my next IPC!

Katie Lorenz – 2021

The extraordinarily professional instruction I received from Matt McDaniel, through Progressive Aviation Services, was one of the best experiences of my aviation journey thus far! Matt was accommodating with my location and went above and beyond to fit me into his busy schedule in the summer of 2020. At the time, I was a new private pilot with 200 hours total in a Cessna 172/182 and then became a co-owner of a SR-22T. Matt was recommended for my CSIP training and I couldn’t have found a better match. Matt was patient, yet confident in his instruction. His knowledge of the performance and safety features of the aircraft was far superior. All of his professional and personal qualities combined put me at ease and pushed me to be the best I could be behind the glass panel… which shows the impact of a wonderful instructor. Thank you, Matt! I plan to use Progressive Aviation Services for all my future endeavors. IFR is up next and I know Matt will be the best resource!

Katie Lorenz
Fargo, ND
Co-Owner: Cirrus SR-22T (Gen.3)

Dr. Thomas Denker

I was a truly new pilot with my private certificate and a fresh instrument rating (which I got in a full-glass SR22), but with minimal hours. Almost five years and 1000 hours ago my initial instructor was an excellent pilot, CFI, and FAA examiner, with a depth of knowledge in the Avidyne/430 combination. I received a call from a local pilot about Matt’s upcoming WAAS seminar along with a friendly threat that I should take the time to fly with him as well, or else!  A new level in the aspects of aviation and avionics thus began. I soon moved up to an SR22TN with Avidyne/430 package, N788SR, which I chose to upgrade to the Avidyne R9 package not long thereafter. With Matt’s expert skills, he oversaw that upgrade process and gave me the best education available in the advanced R9 system.  Although a new system at that time, to my surprise, he appeared as though he had been flying it for years.  My next step was the purchase of a 2011 Piper Mirage.  Matt ventured to simulator training at my request and to assist in my qualification in this aircraft. The instructor was (of course) very well versed in the Mirage as well as the G1000 avionics system.  Matt, to no surprise, had complete knowledge of systems, functions, and an overwhelming ability to efficiently manage and instruct the G1000 package.  This amounted to five days of great flying and training in an environment unmatched. Since that time, I have spent numerous hours training with Matt, from working on flying skills to management of complicated approaches into mountain airports.  Each and every flight is a great learning experience. Each and every flight is a great adventure.

As a final word, I would like to say that I have been in the educational and training process for the better part of my life. My (true) profession takes great pride in mirroring itself after the aviation profession. I take even greater pride in recommending Matt as the best person, pilot, and instructor I have had the pleasure and privilege of knowing and working with.  The “score board” (flight mode annunicator) in the G1000 should have an indicator that states  “Matt said…”.

Thomas Denker, M.D.
Former owner:

• Cirrus SR-22-G2 (Avidyne Entegra System)
• Cirrus SR-22TN-G3 (Avidyne R9 System)
• 2011 Piper PA-46-350P Mirage (Garmin G1000W System)

Current owner: 2014 Piper PA-46-350P Mirage (Garmin G1000W System)

Peter Kendall:

I canceled my trip to the factory and instead delegated the delivery & inspection of my new Centennial SR-22 to Matt McDaniel of Progressive Aviation. Matt stayed for three days here in Livermore, CA to train me…. and what a teacher this guy is!Matt has around 2000 hours flying Cirrus aircraft. He used to train for the factory, and is now on his own conducting the most professional, organized, and effective training I’ve ever had.Matt had me (a one eyed, color-blind pilot) landing the Cirrus pretty uneventfully in Day 2 (I think we executed 36 landings during his 3 days). His ground school, essentially a slick series of custom PowerPoint slides, photos, and video clips, covered the material in about 6 hours total time.Matt’s easygoing personality made it relatively stress-free to keep up with his rapid-paced syllabus. The guy has a knack for explaining the PFD, autopilot, approach procedures and more in such clear terms that he only had to repeat himself 5 or 6 times till I got the idea. I am amazed at all the little tricks he has to streamline avionics interaction…. and his knowledge of all things Garmin is world-class; I had no idea the little boxes were so much more useful!Using PAS to accept delivery in Duluth saved me the uncertainty of delays due to that Arctic climate, etc. He finished the paperwork and checked out the plane in the morning.PAS’s rate is below what the factory wants for additional days with their instructors, or any of his competitors- and they are well worth the money. Perhaps the best way to summarize my feelings about Matt and his company is that I have committed to more training as soon as they can come back to the Bay Area… please consider using his services.

Peter Kendall
Livermore, CA
Owner: Cirrus SR-22 “Centennial Edition” N8140V

Don Dubin:

I just finished three days of training in my brand new SR-22 N681PD! I ordered My SR-22 Mar 18th delivery was promised for May 6th. I hired Progressive Aviation to do acceptance, de-squaking, break in and training. Dealing with Matt and Progressive Aviation has been a truly wonderful experience. Everything from the time I hired them has been the ultimate in Professionalism and I am a picky businessman. We just finished three days of training and I couldn’t be more pleased all the way around. I’ve had a lot of instructors over the years but Matt is certainly the top of the group.

Don Dubin
Owner: Cirrus SR-22 w/ PFD, N681PD

Two photos (Lake Tahoe and Mt. Shasta) taken during Mr. Dubin’s final day of training.

Dr. David A. Schwietert:

After waiting 9 months: planning, thinking, contemplating, researching, etc., our time of delivery and arrival was at hand. We are a group of 4 pilots, owning in partnership. My introduction to Matt McDaniel and Progressive Aviation Services came through COPA and its forums(www.cirruspilots.org).

Having owned and flown the same 1965 Skylane for 25 years, I was somewhat familiar with some of the issues that can crop up with ownership and partners. Moving from basically “old technology” to “new technology”, it was important that we align ourselves with someone who knew “Cirri” inside and out. Even before hiring Matt & PAS, he provided a wealth of knowledge and information that made our experience much less stressful and ultimately more enjoyable. Once all the “star shine” gets out of your eyes, there are a lot of important details that can easily be missed and overlooked. Matt came to the rescue more than once, to illuminate the way. We wanted as smooth as experience as possible and Matt provided more than that for us.

Considering our basic lack of knowledge of Cirrus aircraft and knowing Matt’s in-depth knowledge of them, it was a no-brainer to hire Matt to help us with our acceptance and training. This was the best money we ever spent!

Our training schedule required Matt to come to the Land of Infinite Variety . Even with March weather and other unforeseen factors, we worked around everyone’s work schedule and were able to complete training in 8-9 days. I really don’t know how he did it, but everyone successfully completed the required course of study – ground and air. Not only were we signed off, but more importantly, given safety approval by one I consider “the Best of the Best”. High marks for Matt!! For which he would say: “all in a day’s work”.

In the end, I wouldn’t do it any other way! So here is the bottom line:

If you want the best
If you want to really know the Cirrus
If you want to feel confident in your new adventure
If you want to cover your bases across the board
If you need to own your flight skills
If you want to head off future problems
Then there is really only one thing to do – hire PAS!

Tim Gieseler:

I recently took a few days of recurrent training with Matt and I have to say he is a fine instructor. He knows Cirrus aircraft in every detail, and teaches some very useful techniques that are not part of the official Cirrus training cirriculum.

Matt is one of those rare individuals who was born to teach. He does not immediately try to force you into a predefined set of practices like some inflexible instructors, rather he observes what you are comfortable with and teaches you how to improve the deficiencies in your habits/style and reinforces the good things about it.

My only complaint is that Matt is not based in my home state, because if he were I would surely fly with him monthly…as it is I will have to settle for once or twice a year.

I KNOW I’m a better pilot than I was before training with him, and I know what I need to work on. Thanks, Matt!

Do yourself, and the rest of us, a favor, and give him a call for your recurrent training – you’ll be a safer pilot for it.

Tim Gielseler
Santa Cruz, CA
Owner: SR-22, N825TG

Bob Crumley:

I want to report my experience with Matt McDaniel and Progressive Aviation. I got his name from a post on the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association website, due to a question I posted about training. I contracted with Progressive Aviation to take delivery of my SR-20, do a complete engine break-in, ferry to NC and give me, a CFI and a friend (Commercial pilot) training. I can report that at every stage, their services were beyond expectation. Matt kept me informed as the break-in & delivery progressed and his training here in NC was fantastic. We are having him back for additional training after we get more experience with the avionics and the plane. Thank you to the COPA members who led me to Matt.

John Cibulskis:

If you have found this site and read this far, consider yourself lucky. 

I was in a similar situation in September 2002 and had to arrange for a Power of Attorney Delivery of my new aircraft (a Cirrus SR-22). My CFI’s schedule wasn’t certain but the delivery date was. As the time approached my local CFI became unavailable for a possible extended stay in Duluth. What I really needed was someone with experience and flexibility. 

Enter Progressive Aviation… Matt McDaniel’s credentials certainly speak for themselves, but it’s a lot more fun talking to Matt. After a fifteen-minute conversation with Matt, my problems were answered, my comfort level restored, AND we had arranged for a trip to Duluth. It was that simple!

I was so impressed after meeting Matt McDaniel, and working with him for a few days, I offered him a job. But he loves to fly, and is clearly satisfied in what he does. His knowledge of the Cirrus product and General Aviation is phenomenal but it doesn’t compare to the customer consideration, friendliness, and attention to detail Matt provides for his customers. 

I am a totally satisfied customer and recommend that you check out Progressive Aviation Services. I not only picked up an airplane, I made a new friend. 

John Cibulskis
Aurora Air Products, Inc.
Aurora, Illinois

Scott & Dorothy Zimmerman:

We were very pleased with all phases of the training we received from Matt McDaniel and Progressive Aviation Services. We especially appreciated the way Matt was so consciencious about the safety of every flight. We thank him for his patience in showing us how to use the autopilot, Avidyne, and Garmin avionics systems. Matt also took the time to do a throuogh review of my logbook and endorsements, which reveiled an invalid endorsement that would have nullified my insurance. He made sure that our training together covered the necessary areas so that he could correct that problem. We thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent working with Matt and developing a new friendship, as well.

Scott & Dorothy Zimmerman
Somerset, PA
Owners: SR-22, N926CD

Alex Unterberger:

It is indeed my pleasure to recommend Mr. Matthew McDaniel for your comprehensive Cirrus and High Performance Aircraft flight training needs. I have known Matt since the mid 90’s when we were both flight instructors for the University of North Dakota. In fact, Matt provided me with the excellent training necessary for my Multi-Engine Flight Instructor certification back in 1997. He has provided me with various types of recurrent and proficiency instruction since then and I have always been highly pleased with his instruction.

As former Skyway Airlines flight officers, Matt and I worked closely as Line Check Airmen on a major revision of the Beechcraft 1900D checklist, which required both company and FAA approval. Furthermore, we co-chaired the Skyway Airlines/Air Line Pilots Association Professional Standards Committee. Having witnessed his work and character, I am enthusiastic about this opportunity to comment on his abilities.

Matt possesses excellent communication skills and is a personable individual who works very well with people and is adaptable to any situation. Matt is dependable and reflects the high standards expected of a professional aviator. He is absolutely sincere in his desire to do a good job and constantly endeavors to excel. I have always found Matt to be a consummate professional and steadfastly conscientious in the performance of all his duties.

I can assure you he will prove to be an outstanding instructor and a definite resource to you now and for years to come. Most importantly, you will have FUN while flying with Matt, because he is passionate about airplanes and general aviation.

Sincerely,
Alex M. Unterberger
United Airlines Flight Officer

David Van Gaalen:

I picked up my “new to me” SR20 in Cedar Rapids, IA, and flew it 9.7 hours to Great Falls, MT. The trip took two days, with Matt McDaniel in the right seat, giving me the transition training I required along the way. Matt’s experience and credentials are only a small part of what makes him the best instructor I’ve ever had the pleasure of learning from. His professionalism, knowledge, thorough and well-organized syllabus, and patience made for a low stress and totally enjoyable learning experience.

David Van Gaalen
Alberta, Canada
Owner: SR-20, N98CR

Tom Moore:

I was really looking forward to flying N433TM back to Oregon with [Cirrus’ Director of Flight Operations], who became unavailable prior to my delivery.

He picked Matt McDaniel to fly back with me and it was a most excellent choice!

Matt’s professionalism was evident throughout all aspects of my training with him. He was relentless in his pursuit of ensuring that I would learn what I needed to know to fly N433TM safely and alas somewhat proficiently (the last is not due to any lack of effort on Matt’s part). I am a flight instructor with 500 hours of dual given, and all I can say is that Matt is the flight instructor’s instructor.

It was a pleasure to have him on the trip, he was a boon companion at all times. Anyone choosing to use Matt’s instructional services will be fortunate to have him!

Best Regards,
Tom Moore (Owner, SR-22B, N433TM)

Konrad Schmidt:

I took delivery of my SR20 in Duluth in Jan. 2002. I had the good fortune of having Matt McDaniel for an instructor. Initially it looked like my schedule would not allow me to take delivery personally, so I arranged for a power-of-attorney delivery in my absence. But at the last minute my schedule opened up and I was able to go to Duluth and fly the airplane back to Colorado Springs with Matt. He was (and is!) a great instructor, and made me feel very comfortable in the airplane. Due to weather, my first flight in the airplane was the flight from Duluth to Colorado Springs. It was (surprise!) miserable in Duluth that morning, with low ceilings and snow showers. We were able to quickly climb through and get on top, and had a wonderful flight after that. The first landing was in Sioux Falls, SD for fuel, and I asked Matt to land it while I “followed along”. The next landing was at night, in Colorado Springs, which I flew with Matt’s coaching. I’m saying it was greaser. I trained with Matt the next two days, and had him check out my local instructor in the airplane. When he left I felt completely safe and comfortable with the airplane and its systems. If you are looking for an instructor in the Cirrus, you can’t do much better than Matt.

Konrad Schmidt
Former Owner:
SR-20, N915KS