Helicopter Instructor Recognized For Innovation And Company Growth

As a young boy growing up in Pasadena, CA, John L. Stonecipher watched police helicopters fly overhead, and it spurred a lifelong interest in aviation. By 18, he was certified to fly. By 19, with an instructor's certificate in hand, he was teaching others the intricacies of helicopter flight.

On Friday, Stonecipher was named 2013 National Small Business Person of the Year by Karen Mills, Administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration during SBA's celebration of National Small Business Week.

Stonecipher is President and CEO of Guidance Aviation in Prescott, AZ. He founded Guidance Aviation in 1998 and the company took residence at Prescott's Municipal Airport. From there, Stonecipher's dream of creating a first rate, high altitude flight school literally took off. The company's progression is a testament to success. Characterized by innovation and growth, the school soon won Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) approvals, created alliances with the Yavapai Sheriff's Office, won approval from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to train veterans, and received accreditation with Embry-Riddle University. Yavapai College has partnered with Guidance Aviation and offers an Associate of Applied Science Professional Helicopter Pilot Degree Program.

Today Guidance Aviation has a staff of 55, fourteen aircraft and a waiting list of students ready to take flight into their futures.

"John is a perfect example of a person who is driven to reach his childhood dreams. He exemplifies what it means to be an entrepreneur. He has never given up and is always moving forward and up – literally and figuratively. I couldn't be more pleased to name him as this year's Small Business Person of the Year," Mills said.

FMI: www.sba.gov, www.guidance.aero/