Instructors

Hometown: Amarillo, TX

Ratings: Air Transport Pilot (ATP), CFII MEI, Advanced Ground Instructor Instrument, Type ratings in B737, A320, BE1900, BE300

Aircraft Specialty: Cirrus TAA aircraft and applying the training and operating philosophies of Cirrus into learning, understanding, and operating the aircraft efficiently and confidently.

Flight Experience: 52 years of flying, 33 years in the airline industry, retired American Airlines captain.

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
After a career of professional flying I enjoy working with people on the basics of flying and building a foundation of experience and confidence in their aviation endeavors.

Favorite Quote: “A good pilot is always learning.”

Hometown: Houston, TX

Ratings: CFI | CFII | MEI

Aircraft specialty: Cirrus

Flight Experience: The United Aviate Academy

What’s rewarding about being CFI: The best part about being a CFI is allowing others to experience the passion and joy of the aviation community. Seeing that initial breakout and the perseverance a student has to accomplish this goal is what drives me to become the best CFI I can.

Favorite Quote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy” – Martin Luther King Jr.

Hometown: Kent, Washington

Certifications and Ratings: CFI, CFII, Commercial Pilot (SEL/MEL), Instrument, Complex, High-Performance

Aircraft Expertise: Cessna 172, Cirrus TAA, Garmin Avionics

Flight Experience: Over five years of flight experience across the Western and Southeastern United States

What Makes Being a CFI Rewarding? There’s no prouder moment than witnessing a student’s transformation—from hesitantly banking the airplane no more than five degrees to confidently standing on the ramp after completing their first solo flight.

Favorite Quote: “It’s always sunny at 36,000 feet.”

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI

Flight Experience: Air Venture – KOLV Olive Branch, MS
ATP Flight School – KIWA Mesa, AZ

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
I love the fact that I get to experience the joy and eagerness that these new pilots feel. It’s crazy to watch them grow and learn from myself and their peers. Reminds me everyday why I joined aviation in the first place.

Favorite Quote: “Work for that feeling that you have accomplished something… Don’t waste your time on this earth without making a mark.” – Joe Rogan

Hometown: Auburn, CA

Ratings: CFI, CFII, Instrument Airplane, High performance

Flight Experience: B.S. Business Management – ASU (2025); Scottsdale Executive Flight Training

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
I would say the most rewarding aspect is witnessing the transformation of students from walking in as beginners to leaving as proficient pilots. Seeing their confidence soar as they master the art of flying is truly gratifying for me. It’s fulfilling to share my passion for aviation and knowledge with eager learners, guiding them through challenges and celebrating their achievements along the way.

Favorite Quote: “There are old pilots and there are bold pilots. However, there are no old, bold pilots.”

Hometown: Scottsdale, AZ

Certifications and Ratings: Instrument Airplane, Commercial Pilot (SEL), Certified Flight Instructor, High-Performance, Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor

Aircraft Expertise: Piper Cherokee, Cirrus G3/G6, Garmin Perspective+

Flight Experience: Over two years of flight experience flying above the Arizona landscape. Private-commercial rating with American Flyers (AZ) , CFI with Scottsdale Executive Flight Training (AZ).

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? Being able to share and pass on to the aviation community the confidence and knowledge required to be a successful navigator of the skies.

Favorite Quote: “Go confidently in the direction of your dreams. Live the life you have imagined” – Henry David Thoreau

Hometown: Lake Stevens, WA

Ratings: CFI/CFII/MEI, Commercial Single & Multi, Instrument, High Performance Endorsement

Flight Experience/Training: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University & Scottsdale Executive Flight Training

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
The most rewarding part of being a CFI is being able to share what I am passionate about with other clients and seeing a smile on their face when they complete their first solo!

Favorite Quote: “Winning and losing isn’t everything; sometimes, the journey is just as important as the outcome.” – Alex Morgan

Hometown: Perryopolis, PA

Ratings: CFI, Commercial Single, Instrument, High Performance Endorsement

Flight Experience/Training: Kent State University BS Aeronautical Studies, Minor Flight Dispatch.

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?

Seeing that lightbulb moment when everything comes together and the joy the student and I can share together while reaching milestones in their aviation careers.

Favorite Quote: “Focus on the journey, not the destination.” – Chris Hadfield

Hometown: Naperville, Illinois

Ratings: CFI/CFI-I, Commercial Single, Instrument, High altitude

Flight Experience: B.S. Mechanical Engineering – Colorado State University. Sawyer Flight Academy (AZ), American Flyers (AZ), Greeley Flight School (CO).

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
I love seeing students progress from no experience to becoming a proficient pilot. It’s always a fun challenge to tailor my lessons to each student because everyone learns differently.

Favorite Quote: “Taking off is optional, landing is mandatory.”

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Ratings: IRA, CSEL/MEL, CFI, CFII, Complex

Flight Experience/Training: Illinois Aviation Academy, Leopard Aviation, Sierra Charlie Aviation

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? Being able to share my passion for aviation with others & being able to help shape the next generation of aviators.

Favorite Quote: “The most effective way to do something is to just do it.”

Hometown: Glendale, AZ

Certifications/Ratings: CFI, CFII, Commercial Airplane (Single & Multi Engine), Instrument Airplane, Complex endorsement

Flight Experience/Training: Kent State University B.S. Aeronautics, Professional Pilot Concentration, minor in Aircraft Dispatch
Cessna 152, Cessna 172SP/R/K/N, Cessna 175, Piper PA-28R Arrow, Piper PA-44-180 Seminole

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? What’s most rewarding to me about being a CFI is the opportunity to positively impact how someone learns to fly. My own instructors inspired me, and I strive to provide that same supportive and effective learning experience to my students. I find it fulfilling to help students develop the skills, knowledge, and confidence needed to become safe, responsible pilots. Watching them grow and succeed on their checkrides makes instructing especially meaningful to me.

Favorite Quote: “Aviation is proof that given the will, we have the capacity to achieve the impossible.” – Eddie Rickenbacker

Hometown: Phoenix AZ

Ratings: CSEL, CFI, CFII, advanced ground instructor, advanced instrument ground instructor

Flight Experience: SEFT, SCA

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? Watching students slowly build to the moment where it all makes sense!

Favorite Quote: “As you walk down the fairway of life you must smell the roses, for you only get to play one round.”