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Innovation
Vectored Approach exists to unlock the full promise of private aviation, freedom, confidence, and possibility. We curate exceptional aviation experiences while setting a higher bar for safety and professionalism across general aviation. As a preferred Cirrus partner, we combine deep aircraft expertise with a forward-looking approach, building services that fully realize the potential of these technologically advanced aircraft.
Fly with Vectored Approach
Vectored Approach is dedicated to fostering safety and delivering an exceptional customer experience across our aviation services. We understand the staggering 80% dropout rate among learner pilots in General Aviation, and our mission is to provide a comprehensive solution that prioritizes client success and retention.
At Vectored Approach, we are committed to instilling total confidence in our clients throughout their aviation journey. From honing their flying skills to aircraft ownership or charter, we prioritize creating an environment that nurtures confidence and security for our clients and their families. Embracing aviation as a lifestyle is integral to our approach, providing our clients with avenues to benefit from private aviation, whether that means learning to fly yourself, owning your own aircraft, or chartering with us.
Our modern facilities, late model Cirrus aircraft and meticulous attention to detail reflect our dedication to excellence. However, it is our warm, friendly, and personalized approach to each individual client that truly sets us apart. We understand that aviation is more than just a skill, it's a luxury and we are here to guide you every step of the way.
Stephen witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of AQP and data analytics on airline safety, leading to a remarkable decline in accidents within the industry. However, he recognized that the same level of innovation and resources had not been extended to general aviation, where accident rates remained alarmingly high, with an average of four accidents occurring daily.
Driven by a desire to save lives and leave a lasting legacy, Stephen retired from UPS and founded Vectored Approach, a company dedicated to transformative improvement in General Aviation safety. As the President of Vectored Approach, he has assembled his team with a focus and commitment to revealing root causes of light aircraft accidents and mishaps through an overhaul of the current aviation standards.
Our Team
Stephen Pitts
Founder and President
Stephen is the President and Founder of Vectored Approach. Steve flew commercially for 34 years, accruing over 20,000 hours of total flight time. Stephen concluded his flying career with UPS as a captain and check airman.
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Kevin Sandford
Director, Maintenance
Kevin is our Director of Maintenance with decades of experience across general aviation and commercial operations. He brings 25 years in Part 135/145 environments, 12 years as an FAA IA, and deep expertise on piston, turboprop, and jet aircraft.
Canyon Emmott
Asst. Chief Pilot
Canyon is a CFI/CFII and Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot with an SF50 type rating. He's given 1,460 hours of instruction across single- and multi-engine aircraft. Prior to aviation, Canyon competed professionally as a cyclist.
Jake Strong
Asst. Chief Pilot
Jake is a CFI/CFII with over 2,000 total flight hours and 1,700 hours of instruction given, including extensive time in Cessna aircraft and the Cirrus SR22T, as well as an SF50 type rating. Jake was awarded 2025 AOPA Distinguished CFI of the West.
Lucas Rudich
Flight Instructor
Lucas is a CFI/CFII/CFIG with experience across single- and multi-engine aircraft. He has 700 total flight time, including 500 hours of dual given, with primary instructional focus in the Cirrus platform and additional glider experience
Josh Threatt
Flight Instructor
Josh is a CFI/CFII/CFIG with approximately 1,000 total hours and 500 hours of dual given, primarily instructing in the Cirrus SR20 and Pipistrel Sinus. He also holds multi-engine and Learjet 45 qualifications.
James Rix
Flight Instructor
James is a CFI/CFII/MEI with approximately 1,350 total flight hours and instructional experience in the Piper Archer (steam and G1000), Piper Seminole, and Cirrus SR20. He previously served as a Check Instructor and also holds an FAA Remote Pilot certificate.
Braxton Pearson
Aircraft & Facilities Manager
Braxton serves as Aircraft and Facilities Manager with a background in private charter aviation and operational oversight. He is a private pilot with hands-on experience supporting flight operations and fleet management.
Core Values
Integrity
Upholding the highest standards of honesty and ethical behavior in all our actions.
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Service Before Self
Prioritizing the needs and well-being of our pilots and their families, ensuring a supportive and caring environment.
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Empower Through Ownership
Encouraging pilots to take ownership of their learning journey and instilling a sense of responsibility and confidence.
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Excellence in All We Do
Striving for the highest quality in training, facilities, and overall experience, continuously seeking improvement and innovation.
OUR VISION
Safe Skies for Every Generation
At Vectored Approach, our vision is to transform General Aviation safety through innovative training, advanced technology, and educational excellence. We aim to significantly reduce the US General Aviation accident rate by enhancing certification standards and addressing the root causes of accidents and incidents. By developing a threat and errors standard focused on proficiency-based training, we strive to make a measurable difference in aviation safety.
Our Clients
We Believe Every Client Is a Valuable Long-Term Partner
Stephen is not only a great teacher and mentor, he is a great friend. Every time I see Stephen he is talking about aviation. Whenever I fly with him, I learn something new. He is always smiling and bubbling with excitement for flying. I always look forward to flying with Steve.
-John Bordano
Since I was a young child I have been fascinated with aviation. Now that I am able to facilitate my dream, I realized that the true challenge lies ahead. Knowledge and aptitude. Many teachers in my life have made a significant impact, but by no means have any of them measured up to Stephen Pitts. Not only is he an amazing pilot and instructor, but he has become my friend and mentor.
-Tom Marek
Steve Pitts is the most thorough, experienced and courteous instructor I have ever met. The range and depth of his aviation, aeronautical and avionics experience is second to none. And his ability to organize it and effectively teach to the highest standards redefines the gold standard of pilot instruction.
-Josh Cobb
Steve has been an exceptional flight instructor for me. His expertise, knowledge, and deep aviation experience are unparalleled . He approaches each session with a detailed lesson plan and objectives followed up by a written debrief. All very thorough and professional. He is an excellent natural teacher with a very pleasant and easy manner. Working with him on the transition to my new Cirrus was an excellent experience all the way around.
-Trip Beynon
I have had the privilege of learning to fly under the guidance of Captain Stephen Pitts. Captain Pitts is patient and dedicated to my success. He explains concepts in a way I can understand, encourages me along the way and makes learning to fly fun! I am grateful for all he is teaching me to become a confident and skilled aviator.
-Keller C.
His expertise and outstanding instruction helped me accomplish this lifelong goal. The details and tips he gave me were exceptional and to the point of being exactly what I needed to accomplish my goal. I highly recommend Stephen for training from Private Pilot all the way to Jet Prep, transition training to even your SOE in the Vision Jet. He also helped polish my proficiency in Instrument Flight Rules (IFR) as well. Stephen made the journey seamless and helped me become a better and safer pilot for me, and my family.
-Casey Butaud
Experience
The President and founder of Vectored Approach, Stephen Pitts, is an experienced airline pilot who worked for UPS from 1991 to 2021, flying aircraft including DC-8, MD-11, B727, B747, B757, and B767. He served as an instructor pilot for the MD-11, check airman for the B757/767, and was involved in training program development at UPS. Prior to UPS, he flew for Trans World Airlines as a B727 flight engineer and for American Eagle as an ATR-42 first officer.
At UPS, Stephen wore many hats, serving as a line pilot, instructor, and training developer. He played a pivotal role in the implementation and growth of the Advanced Qualification Program (AQP), an industry leading initiative that has significantly reduced accident rates in the airline industry.
Today, Vectored Approach is a company dedicated to transformative improvement in Aviation safety.
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