.png)
About Us
Fly with Vectored Approach
Vectored Approach is dedicated to fostering safety and delivering an exceptional customer experience in aviation training. We understand the staggering 80% dropout rate among learner pilots in General Aviation, and our mission is to provide a comprehensive solution that prioritizes client success and retention.
At Vectored Approach, we are committed to instilling total confidence in our clients throughout their aviation journey. From honing their flying skills to aircraft ownership, we prioritize creating an environment that nurtures confidence and security for our students and their families. Embracing the "Cirrus Life" experience is integral to our approach, teaching our clients not only to become proficient pilots but also develop a deep passion for aviation.
Our modern facilities, late model Cirrus aircraft and meticulous attention to detail reflect our dedication to excellence. However, it is our warm, friendly, and personalized approach to each individual client that truly sets us apart. We understand that aviation is more than just a skill, it's a lifestyle and we are here to guide you every step of the way while we safeguard you and your family.
Stephen witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of AQP and data analytics on airline safety, leading to a remarkable decline in accidents within the industry. However, he recognized that the same level of innovation and resources had not been extended to general aviation, where accident rates remained alarmingly high, with an average of four accidents occurring daily.
Driven by a desire to save lives and leave a lasting legacy, Stephen retired from UPS and founded Vectored Approach, a company dedicated to transformative improvement in General Aviation safety. As the President of Vectored Approach, he has assembled his team with a focus and commitment to revealing root causes of light aircraft accidents and mishaps through an overhaul of the current aviation standards.
.png)
Paul Peconga is the Director of Training Development at Vectored Approach, bringing over 25 years of professional flying experience to the role. His aviation journey began with an appointment to the United States Air Force Academy, where he graduated with a bachelor's degree in Astronautical Engineering in 1998.
Currently, Paul serves as a First Officer for Southwest Airlines, where he has logged more than 4,700 flight hours on Boeing 737 variants, including the 737-700, 737-800, and 737 MAX8
Paul's passion for pilot training led him to join Vectored Approach. He aims to leverage his extensive military and commercial aviation experience to revolutionize general aviation training. Recognizing the limitations in current training methods, Paul is committed to establishing Vectored Approach as the gold standard in the field.
His unique blend of military precision, commercial aviation expertise, and dedication to safety aligns perfectly with Vectored Approach's mission to transform general aviation training and significantly reduce accident rates.
Military Career
After earning his wings in 1999, Paul's Air Force career took flight:
-
Initially assigned as a B-52H BUFF co-pilot
-
Upgraded to B-52 aircraft commander shortly after 9/11
-
Deployed to Diego Garcia, flying combat missions in Afghanistan and Iraq
-
Rapidly advanced to instructor pilot roles
Notable Achievements:
-
Graduate of the prestigious United States Air Force Weapons School
-
Served as Weapons School instructor for over three years
-
Culminated as Director of Operations, overseeing weapons upgrade student training
-
Finished his Air Force career as Director of Operations for the B-52 Formal Training Unit
-
Implemented dual seat qualification for all new B-52 pilots, a first in the aircraft's history
-
Paul retired as a Lieutenant Colonel in 2018, accumulating over 4,000 flight hours.
Our Team
Stephen Pitts
Stephen Pitts is the President of Vectored Approach, a Cirrus Flight Training School, with 43 years of experience flying various aircraft types.
Paul Peconga
Paul Peconga is the Director of Training Development and a Training Center Instructor, with 25 years experience in both military and commercial flying.
Canyon Emmott
Canyon Emmott is a certified flight instructor at Vectored Approach. Before transitioning to a career in aviation, he was a professional cyclist. Emmott holds a Bachelor's degree from Texas State University.
Our Clients
We Believe Every Client Is a Valuable Long-Term Partner
Stephen is not only a great teacher and mentor, he is a great friend. Every time I see Stephen he is talking about aviation. Whenever I fly with him, I learn something new. He is always smiling and bubbling with excitement for flying. I always look forward to flying with Steve.
-John Bordano
Steve has been an exceptional flight instructor for me. His expertise, knowledge, and deep aviation experience are unparalleled . He approaches each session with a detailed lesson plan and objectives followed up by a written debrief. All very thorough and professional. He is an excellent natural teacher with a very pleasant and easy manner. Working with him on the transition to my new Cirrus was an excellent experience all the way around.
-Trip Beynon
Since I was a young child I have been fascinated with aviation. Now that I am able to facilitate my dream, I realized that the true challenge lies ahead. Knowledge and aptitude. Many teachers in my life have made a significant impact, but by no means have any of them measure up to Stephen Pitts. Not only is he an amazing pilot and instructor, but he has become my friend and mentor.
-Tom Marek
Core Values
Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior in all our actions.
%202.png)
Service Before Self
Prioritizing the needs and well-being of our pilots and their families, ensuring a supportive and caring environment.
%202%20(1).png)
Empower Through Ownership
Encouraging pilots to take ownership of their learning journey and instilling a sense of responsibility and confidence.
%202%20(2).png)
Excellence in All We Do
Striving for the highest quality in training, facilities, and overall experience, continuously seeking improvement and innovation.
OUR VISION
Safe Skies for Every Generation
At Vectored Approach, our vision is to transform General Aviation safety through innovative training, advanced technology, and educational excellence. We aim to significantly reduce the US General Aviation accident rate by enhancing certification standards and addressing the root causes of accidents and incidents. By developing a threat and errors standard focused on proficiency-based training, we strive to make a measurable difference in aviation safety.
Experience
The President and co-founder of Vectored Approach, Stephen Pitts, is an experienced airline pilot who worked for UPS from 1991 to 2021, flying aircraft like the DC-8, MD-11, B727, B747, B757, and B767. He served as an instructor pilot for the MD-11, check airman for the B757/767, and was involved in training program development at UPS. Prior to UPS, he flew for Trans World Airlines as a B727 flight engineer and for American Eagle as an ATR-42 first officer.
At UPS, Stephen wore many hats, serving as a line pilot, instructor, and training developer. He played a pivotal role in the implementation and growth of the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), an industry leading initiative that has significantly reduced accident rates in the airline industry.
Today, Vectored Approach is a company dedicated to transformative improvement in Aviation safety.
