Building safe, confident pilot through experience based learning and excellence in aviation education since 2025
Late in the summer of 2024, now Chief Flight Instructor, Jonathan Janeway picked up the phone and called Dependable Painting & Remodeling, for an estimate on a home project. It was Derek Epstein who picked up the call, the founder of Dependable, whom after a brief discussion decided he would take on this estimate personally that same evening. What followed was a not a 20 minute quote but rather a 4 hour conversation leading to a fresh coat of paint, a fast friendship, a dream achieved, and the groundwork for Dependable Aviation.
Jonathan Janeway began flying in 2021 and quickly found himself immersed in the world of flight training and began pursuing advanced ratings and certificates. The more time he spent in the cockpit and around other students, the stronger his desire grew to build something better - a school where instruction was more personal, instructors were more invested, and students weren't just another logbook entry.
Derek Epstein brought a different but equally valuable background. As the founder of Dependable Painting and Remodeling, Derek built a successful business from the ground up. His entrepreneurial mindset, more compass, attention to detail, business acumen, and dedication to service laid the foundation for what would become a natural partnership.
Together, Jonathan and Derek combined their unique strengths to launch Dependable Aviation - a school where the name says it all. We're not here to rush students through the process. We're here to build skilled pilots, one flight at a time.
Founded in 2025 by Derek Epstein and Jonathan Janeway, Dependable Aviation was born from a shared vision: to provide efficient, high-quality, tailor-made flight training in a supportive, grassroots environment. We believe that every pilot's journey is unique - and your training should reflect that.
We aim to develop confident, capable aviators through a hands-on, one-on-one, real world approach to flight instruction. Delivering a safe, thorough, and rewarding experience to every student, whether you're starting your aviation journey or advancing to the next level, without exception.
At Dependable Aviation, we're not just teaching people how to fly - we're helping them chase dreams, change careers, and see the world from a whole new perspective.
Meet the experienced professionals leading our flight training programs
Often described as having his feet in the water and head in the clouds, Jonathan brings several years of flight experience and over eight years of professional training and customer care experience to Dependable Aviation. An Auburn University graduate and former and current PADI Scuba instructor and Dive Team member at the Georgia Aquarium, JJ has a passion for teaching and loves connecting others with the world in areas he is passionate about. As a diving professional and FAA Certificated Flight instructor, JJ has dedicated his career to developing safe, competent individuals across various backgrounds and environments, both underwater and in the clouds.
"I tell all of my students the same thing, aviation is the hardest thing I have ever pursued in my life, but also the most rewarding. Flying has a unique way of changing your perspective and granting your ultimate freedom of soaring the skies. The focus, concentration and the attention to detail that flying takes is a kind of meditation. Both restful and engaging, the other things seem to slip away. Its for the same reason that I fell in love with diving, you see things and experience that which others may only dream about every time you step into the "office". Why spend my time doing anything else?"
Derek Epstein is the founder and driving force behind Dependable Painting & Remodeling, a family-operated painting and remodeling company based in Dallas, Georgia. As a father of seven, Derek is grounded by faith, family, and community in his work. Derek has built a reputation as a reliable, customer-focused entrepreneur dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, and integrity. Under his leadership, Dependable Painting & Remodeling has grown to be one of the most trusted names in home improvement across Metro Atlanta, earning consistent five-star ratings on Google and Facebook.
Driven by his belief in giving back, Derek founded the Depend on Dependable Foundation, supporting local families, youth programs, and community improvement initiatives, reinforcing his vision of business as a force for good.
With a passion for Aviation, Derek earned a Private Pilot License, and quickly realized the major pitfalls associated with traditional flight training. Determined to change the way things are done, his passion quickly followed his entrepreneurial spirit, and Dependable Aviation was born.
Derek brings his 2 decades of successful business development and leadership to Dependable Aviation, with a clear goal: To create, safe, competent, and passionate pilots through a simple and transparent process. With an unstoppable work ethic, he truly lives by his motto: Pay the price today, so you can pay any price tomorrow!
Everything we do is guided by our commitment to excellence, safety, and student success
To provide the highest quality flight training in a safe, professional environment while developing competent, confident pilots who contribute positively to the aviation community.
To be the premier flight training institution in the region, recognized for our commitment to safety, innovation in aviation education, and the success of our graduates.
Discover the advantages that set Dependable Aviation apart from other flight training providers
Our comprehensive digital safety management system and rigorous maintenance standards ensure every flight is conducted with the highest level of safety.
Our CFIs bring real-world experience and unmatched dedication to our students, providing practical, industry-relevant training through modern curriculum.
Train in well maintained, modern aircraft equipped with the latest avionics, including glass cockpit systems, advanced GPS navigation, and a completely refurbished interior!
Our proven training techniques are designed to maximize learning efficiency while ensuring thorough preparation for checkrides and real world flying, standardized to include everything you need and more, customized for your learning style & Schedule!
We understand that every student learns differently. Our instructors adapt their teaching methods to match your learning style and pace.
Our relationship doesn't end after your checkride! We provide ongoing support, career guidance, and continuing education opportunities to all dependable alumni
State-of-the-art facilities and modern aircraft to support your training journey
Climate controlled classroom equipped with large TV and whiteboard area, comfortable seating for ground instruction, chargers, free food & drink, and non-public wifi.
KPUJ - Paulding County has some of the most up-to-date airport facilities in Georgia from on site maintenance and avoinics facilities, pristine runways, and even a museum.
A stark contrast from the usual trainer, this bird is packed with modern amenities in an old school packages. A Glass cockpit with both traditional "6-pack" and glass backup instruments.
An upgraded Powerplant and a completely redone interior make it an efficient, comfortable ride.
Crystal clear audio, ADSB in & out, touch screen moving map display with in flight weather, Traffic Alert System, WAAS enabled GPS, Connect X technology to link your device to the plane & load your flight plan from foreflight, JPI Engine monitor to keep an in depth eye on aircraft systems, and conveninently placed "playback" and "go-Around" buttons to reduce pilot workload.
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