Piston2Jet

At Piston2Jet, becoming a pilot is about more than just learning to fly. It’s about embracing a disciplined, community-focused ethos rooted in military aviation. Each lesson builds on the expertise of instructors who are veterans of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army or Marine Corps.

Located in Manassas, Virginia, Piston2Jet’s halls are decorated with flight and combat memorabilia; this reflects how the school’s training approach is as much about skill-building as they are about cultivating the military-like mental readiness, humility and resilience required for success in the skies.

“Our mission is to pass on the knowledge that has kept us safe and skilled in the skies,” says Doug Yurovich, co-founder and chief flight instructor and test pilot.

Building the Confidence to Conquer the Skies

The road to becoming a pilot is far from easy. The intensity of the training, the pressure of high expectations and the physical and mental demands are daunting. Yet, the process enables students to discover an inner strength. From the first discovery flight to the advanced certifications, every lesson teaches more than just technical skills—it builds character. All Piston2Jet students face real-world challenges and gain the confidence to rise above them.
Yurovich, a veteran with over 500 carrier landings, has created a "flight lab" environment for hands-on learning that emphasizes safety and incremental growth.
“It’s not just about passing tests. It’s about being mentally and physically prepared for whatever challenges the skies throw at you,” states Yurovich.

Every discovery flight involves exploring a student’s passion for aviation. Once the required insights about their goals are gathered, they receive detailed consultations on their timelines and costs. This student-centered approach sets Piston2Jet apart from traditional flight schools. Its experts provide tailored guidance and answer career-related questions to assist aspiring pilots throughout the training, from the first flight through advanced certifications, including the Airline Transport Pilot license.

Tailored Guidance for All Flight Training Needs

Piston2Jet guides students to pursue careers in the military or commercial airlines. The journey typically begins with the Private Pilot License (PPL), which is the foundation for advancing to more specialized ratings. Earning a PPL allows students to fly general aviation aircraft for recreation, while also building the pilot in command (PIC) time required for further certifications.

Its PPL program is designed for single-engine or multi-engine aircraft. With consistent practice, it generally takes five months to complete and costs $15,000 for an average of 60 flight hours. Lessons are flexible to accommodate those with other responsibilities, such as a high school student balancing academic responsibilities, a professional managing work and family, or someone looking to fulfill a lifelong dream of flying.

After completing the PPL training, many students advance to an instrument rating, which allows navigation under instrument flight rules (IFR). This is often followed by a commercial pilot license (CPL), which emphasizes energy management, a critical aspect of advanced flying. The flight school also offers certifications for certified flight instructor (CFI), certified flight instructor-Instrument (CFII) and multi-engine instructor (MEI).

Specialized Programs Approved by the FAA

Setting Piston2Jet apart in the general aviation space is its FAA-certified Part 141 Test Pilot Course. Yurovich used his experience as a former test pilot at Patuxent River Naval Air Station (PAX River), where he obtained the 141 certification to provide specialized courses for advanced flyers. To date, the flight school has successfully trained three individuals in this rigorous program.
One of these students came from London, where he was teaching longitudinal stability at Boscombe Down, the UK's test pilot school. The other two, from New England, include a highly accomplished woman with a PhD in physics who worked with a pair of scientists who were awarded a Nobel Peace Prize 1996. With over 4,000 flight hours, she was also a flight instructor and an FAA Safety Team representative. The other student had 3,500 flight hours and was involved in aircraft development and construction. He sought out this test pilot course to learn advanced techniques and safety measures to mitigate risk in their endeavors.
Drawing on experience from the spin team at PAX River, Yurovich also teaches spin techniques, typically reserved for students seeking CFI certification, where a spin endorsement is required. At PAX River, spins were integral to flight training—a distinctive skill Piston2Jet brings to its program.

Cultivating Resilient Pilots

Since 2019, the Piston2Jet has evolved through three phases—initially establishing its business foundation, then expanding into airplane sales and recoveries and now moving into new initiatives. It is currently working the paperwork to be a Flight Training Center (FTC) with an aviation training entity in Akron, Ohio and pursuing VA funding to offer opportunities to its students through the GI Bill. With a retired Navy commander and test pilot leading the VA funding initiative, it is broadening training programs to provide greater financial access and enhanced training experiences.

Piston2Jet’s military aviation heritage reflects its commitment to shaping competent, resilient pilots ready to navigate the skies. From mentoring general aviation enthusiasts to providing aspiring military pilots, it goes beyond technical instruction. Cultivating a mindset of resilience, precision and lifelong learning, Piston2Jet continues to shape the future of aviation.