TIMES JOGJA, LOS ANGELES – 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy has been officially recognized as a Distinguished Flight School by the AOPA Foundation at the 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards, marking a prestigious international acknowledgment of excellence in pilot training.

The award is presented to flight schools that deliver outstanding training experiences, based on direct evaluations from students, instructors, and examiners.

“It is truly an honor for us to receive recognition from the AOPA Foundation through the 2026 Flight Training Experience Awards. This achievement motivates me to continue giving our very best to everyone involved,” said Capt. Dr. Gema Goeyardi, CEO and Chief Flight Instructor of 14DAYPILOT, in a statement released on Tuesday (January 27, 2026).

He explained that the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) is the world’s largest general aviation association. Through its foundation, AOPA runs various education and safety initiatives, including the Flight Training Experience Awards, aimed at improving the quality of pilot training while helping prospective students identify flight schools with the highest standards.

In 2026, 14DAYPILOT was officially named a Distinguished Flight School, reflecting top-tier pilot training quality validated through measurable student satisfaction.

An Award Celebrating Excellence in Flight Training

According to Capt. Gema, the Flight Training Experience Awards were established by the AOPA Foundation to spotlight flight schools and instructors that consistently deliver exceptional training experiences. The program emphasizes real-world performance and student satisfaction, relying on structured feedback from those who have directly participated in the training process.

“Participating schools collect verified reviews from recent students, instructors, and members of the aviation community. These inputs are carefully analyzed to identify training programs that set high standards in instructional quality, safety culture, and student support,” he said.

A Rigorous and Credible Selection Process

Capt. Gema expressed his pride in the achievement, noting that not every flight school is able to earn this distinction. Each candidate must gather multiple valid reviews from students who completed training within the past 12 months.

“These surveys assess key areas such as instructional quality, customer focus and communication, learning environment and safety culture, as well as the overall training experience,” he explained.

The collected scores are weighted and statistically analyzed. Top-performing candidates are then reviewed by an independent panel of aviation training experts who evaluate the data without knowing the identity of the schools involved. This process ensures objectivity and credibility. Being named a Distinguished Flight School signifies placement among the highest-ranked training programs based on authentic student experience.

A Prestigious Honor for 14DAYPILOT

The Distinguished Flight School 2026 title places 14DAYPILOT Flight Academy among an exclusive group of training providers recognized for consistent excellence. The award reflects strong performance in instructional quality, student-centered training, and structured programs designed to help pilots progress with confidence.

For 14DAYPILOT, this recognition confirms that its systems, instructors, and training culture have met—and in many aspects exceeded—the benchmarks established through student feedback and industry evaluation since its founding in 2016.

The Figure Behind 14DAYPILOT’s Success

The career of Capt. Dr. Gema Goeyardi stands as a testament to passion-driven achievement in aviation. As an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with extensive experience operating the Boeing 737, Airbus A320/A330, and Embraer 145, he has built a strong international reputation as both a professional airline pilot and a respected aviation educator.

Beyond his flight credentials, he is an FAA Safety Team Industry Member and actively contributes to the advancement of aviation safety and training standards. Capt. Dr. Gema Goeyardi holds two prestigious distinctions: FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor and NAFI Master CFI, awards granted to instructors who demonstrate exceptional teaching ability, safety leadership, and sustained professional development.

He is the only Indonesian aviation professional to have ever received both honors, placing him among an elite group on the global stage.

Capt. Gema’s unique combination of world-class qualifications and leadership has been instrumental in guiding 14DAYPILOT’s instructors, systems, and accreditation processes—ultimately leading the academy to achieve international recognition.(*)