Helping Pilots Build Trust, Respect & Confidence.
You were trained to fly the aircraft.
Nobody trained you to lead the crew.
Live group coaching every week, a private one on one call with your coach every two weeks, and a proven leadership system built specifically for pilots, all in a room full of captains and aviation professionals working on the same thing you are.
Watch This Before You Scroll.
Two minutes explaining why leadership is the biggest missing skill in aviation.
★★★★★
Trusted by 600+ pilots across every stage of their career.
Airlines • Business Aviation • Flight Schools
You can manage the aircraft.
Leading the people on it is a different problem.
Pilots are technically trained but rarely trained to lead people.
At The Interview
Everything is on the line and you know you can fly. But when they ask how you lead under pressure, you reach for words you don't have.
As A First Officer
The captain keeps shutting you down, so you go quiet. You stop speaking up, even when it matters.
In The Left Seat
Your intent is good, but your words land differently than you mean them. The crew goes quiet.
The pilots crews trust are not the ones with the most hours.
- Leadership is a learnable skill.
- Reading people.
- Owning your impact.
- Building trust.
- Practicing intentionally.
There's a checklist for every emergency but this one.
Aviation trains us for everything that can go wrong with the aircraft.
But rarely trains us for what goes wrong with people.
The Take The Lead system is your leadership checklist. It gives you a clear framework to lead with confidence, build trust, and create the kind of crew you're proud to fly with.
How You'll Show Up Different in 6 Months
Month 1
You start seeing what you used to miss.
Month 2
You have a move, not just a reaction.
Month 3
People respond to you differently.
Month 4
You own your part.
Month 5
You hold steady when it counts.
Month 6
It's just how you fly now.
SUCCESS STORIES
Don't Take Our Word For It.
Jonathan - C750 Captain
7000 Hours
Matt - Assistant Cheif Pilot
7000 Hours
Paul - Retired B777 Captain
30000 Hours
Abhinand - Student Pilot
300 Hours
Craig - Captain
11000 Hours
Ben Irvine - First Officer
800 Hours
Is This For You?
Right For You If
- You're a student pilot building leadership early.
- You're preparing for interviews.
- You're an instructor.
- You're a first officer.
- You're a captain.
- You're ready to improve.
Not For You If
- You're looking for a quick fix.
- You think leadership is just experience.
- You avoid feedback.
- You think the problem is everyone else.
- You're unwilling to improve.
FOUNDER & ACADEMY DIRECTOR
10,000 Hours of Lessons Learned
Former airline captain. Thousands of hours flying.
Discovered technical skills alone were not enough. Created First Class Leaders to teach pilots leadership.
Captain Kyle Freiburger
Founder, First Class Leaders
What Pilots Are Saying
The academy completely shifted my perspective on cockpit dynamics. I feel equipped to handle conflicts and build genuine trust with my crew.
Even after years in the left seat, this program gave me new words and tools to lead effectively. It's the training we never got but always needed.
Starting my career with this foundation has been incredible. I'm already seeing how these leadership principles apply both in training and life.
ONCE YOU APPLY
Free Clarity Call
Live group coaching every week, a private one on one call with your coach every two weeks, and a proven leadership system built specifically for pilots, all in a room full of captains and aviation professionals working on the same thing you are.
- Applicants can schedule a free clarity call.
- Discuss current leadership challenges.
- Create a personalized growth plan.
- If both sides are a fit, discuss next steps.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to show up live?
While live attendance is highly encouraged to maximize your interaction and learning, all sessions are recorded and made available in our private portal. You can review them on your own schedule.
I am a newer pilot. Is this too advanced?
Not at all. Building a strong leadership foundation early in your career gives you a distinct advantage. The principles taught apply across all experience levels.
I am not a pilot yet. Is this still for me?
If you are committed to an aviation career and want to develop the soft skills required for the flight deck before you even sit in it, this academy will provide immense value.
I am a captain. Is there an opportunity to give back?
Absolutely. We encourage experienced captains to share their insights, mentor newer pilots within the community, and help shape the next generation of aviation leaders.
I am a retired pilot. Is this still relevant?
Yes. Your extensive experience is invaluable to our community. Many retired pilots find fulfillment in applying these leadership concepts to post-aviation careers or mentoring active pilots.
Are there discounts?
We occasionally offer scholarships or preferred pricing for active military and flight school students. Please mention this during your clarity call to discuss options.
How is this different from a podcast or book?
This is an interactive, application-based system. Unlike passive consumption, you will engage in live coaching, role-playing, and peer feedback tailored specifically to real-world flight deck scenarios.
Ready to Take the First Step?
Complete the form below and let us know a little about you. We will review your information and help you determine the best next step.
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