TRAIN WITH PURPOSE/ FLY WITH CONFIDENCE/ LEAD WITH INTEGRITY
Pursuing Aviation Excellence
BT Aero Precision Flight Academy is dedicated to providing the highest quality flight training and education for aspiring pilots. Our mission is to inspire and empower the next generation of aviation professionals through cutting-edge technology, world-class flight training, and an unwavering commitment to safety, integrity, and excellence. Our goal is to develop skilled aviators and leaders ready to meet the demands of a dynamic and global aviation industry. We foster a diverse and inclusive learning environment where aspiring pilots from all backgrounds are supported and equipped to THRIVE!
What We Offer
BT Aero Precision Flight Academy is dedicated to developing safe, proficient, and confident aviators. Our training programs include Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor courses, each built on structured syllabi that meet or exceed FAA Part 61 and Part 141 standards. With experienced instructors, modern curriculum tools like Sporty’s online ground school, and aircraft equipped for both primary and advanced training, we ensure every student gains the skills and knowledge needed for long-term success in aviation.
Flight Courses We Offer
Launch Your Flight Training With BT AERO
At BT AERO Precision Flight Academy, we believe in transparency and clarity when it comes to training. Below you’ll find realistic cost estimates for each of our programs under both Part 61 and Part 141. These figures reflect what most students can expect based on actual training experience, not just FAA minimums.
Flight Instruction Courses We Offer
Services for Pilots and Aircraft Owners
In addition to our core training programs, BT AERO offers specialized services designed to support pilots and aircraft owners with flexible, professional solutions
Mobile Aviation Maintenance
Our certified technicians, including an Inspection Authorization (IA) Mechanic, can come to your airport to provide inspections, troubleshooting, and routine maintenance. With IA authorization, we are able to perform annual inspections in addition to regular service work, helping minimize downtime and ensure compliance.
Aircraft Relocation Support
BT AERO provides aircraft relocation services conducted by experienced commercial pilots, operating strictly under Part 91 flight rules. These relocations are offered solely as an owner-support service to move aircraft between airports for training, maintenance, or repositioning. (We do not provide charter or passenger/cargo carriage.)
Aerial Imaging Services
BT AERO provides professional aerial imaging for agricultural, construction, and infrastructure applications. From crop health surveys to construction progress documentation and infrastructure inspections, our trained pilots and imaging crews deliver reliable, data-driven results tailored to your needs.
Our Core Values
Safety Above All:
We prioritize safety as the foundation of all flight training, ensuring every pilot-in-training operates with a safety-first mindset in every phase of flight.
Excellence in Airmanship:
We are committed to producing highly competent and confident
pilots through rigorous instruction, precision flying, and continuous performance improvement.
Integrity and Responsibility:
We instill a culture of professionalism and ethical conduct,
holding ourselves accountable to the highest standards of behavior in aviation.
Diversity and Inclusion in Aviation:
We embrace and celebrate the diverse backgrounds,
cultures, and perspectives of our students and staff, recognizing that a stronger aviation
community is built through inclusivity.
Adaptability and Innovation:
We integrate modern training tools, flight simulators, and
industry-relevant practices to ensure our students are prepared for the evolving landscape of
aviation.
Leadership and Professionalism in the Cockpit:
We develop future aviation leaders by
promoting discipline, situational awareness, clear communication, and respect for standard
operating procedures.
Environmental Stewardship in Flight:
We encourage environmentally conscious flying
habits and promote awareness of aviation’s impact, preparing students to be responsible
stewards of the skies.
Meet the Team
Bill Beardsley, Director of Operations/Co-Founder
Aviation has been a passion of mine since childhood. Growing up in California’s Napa Valley, I was always fascinated by airplanes and one day flying them. That passion carried me into the United States Navy, where I served as a Structural Hydraulic Mechanic on the F/A-18 Hornet. I was stationed at Cecil Field with VFA-37 and later at China Lake with VX-9, where I gained invaluable hands-on experience maintaining some of the most advanced aircraft at the time.
In 2012, I earned my Private Pilot Certificate, which opened the door to experiencing aviation from the pilot’s seat. Since then, I have enjoyed exploring new airports, sharing aviation with my family and continuing to grow as a pilot while continuing to dabble in the technical side of aviation.
Professionally, I have advanced into a leadership role as a Senior Engineering Manager, where I blend technical expertise with team leadership. Along the way, I co-founded BT AERO Precision Flight Academy, a veteran-owned company focused on providing excellent training to anyone interested in becoming a pilot, offering aerial imaging services, and providing top-tier aircraft maintenance.
Aviation has shaped every stage of my life—first as a mechanic, then as a pilot, and now as a business owner. I remain committed to growing BT AERO, supporting my fellow aviators, and carrying forward the same enthusiasm that first drew me to aviation.
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Mark Thompson, Co-Founder/Chief Flight Instructor
Mark Thompson is a seasoned aviator, educator, and co-founder of BT Aero Precision Flight Academy. With more than two decades of combined military and civilian aviation experience, Mark has built a career centered on safety, training, and operational excellence.
He began his aviation journey as a United States Air Force C-130 Loadmaster, where he gained extensive knowledge in aircrew operations, flight coordination, and mission execution. Following his military service, Mark transitioned into the civilian sector, holding roles as a Flight Coordinator, Aviation Dispatcher, and Aerial Imaging Lead Pilot.
Mark holds a Master’s degree in Aeronautics, Aviation Education and a Bachelor’s degree in Professional Aeronautics with a minor in Aviation Safety, complemented by multiple FAA certifications including Commercial Pilot, Flight Instructor (CFI), and Advanced Ground Instructor. His experience spans flying and instructing in a variety of aircraft, including the Cessna 172, Piper PA-28, and Mooney M-20.
As Chief Flight Instructor at BT Aero, Mark is committed to developing safe, proficient pilots who are well-prepared to meet today’s aviation standards. He combines his passion for flying with a structured, student-focused approach to training, drawing from the FAA Airman Certification Standards, the Airplane Flying Handbook, and his own operational expertise.
Dedicated to serving the community, Mark is also active in youth aviation education and Scouting programs, where he mentors the next generation of aviators. His vision for BT Aero is to create a flight academy rooted in professionalism, innovation, and a strong commitment to safety.