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: Albuquerque, New Mexico

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

Flight Experience: United Aviate Academy

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? For most people, becoming a pilot starts as a dream. I can’t think of anything more rewarding than helping someone turn that dream into reality.

Favorite Quote: “Verily, with hardship comes ease.”

Hometown: Phoenix, AZ

Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), CFI, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument. Type rating in the Citation XLS (CE-560XL).

Aircraft Specialty: Citation XLS+, Cirrus SR20, SR22, and SR22T, Beech Bonanza, Diamond DA42, and Cessna 172.

Flight Experience: Over 13 years of total flying experience with 12 years in the Cirrus; Scottsdale Executive Flight Training, Scottsdale, AZ (Primary and CFI); Blue Line Aviation, Smithfield, NC (Commercial), FlightSafety International, Orlando, FL (ATP).

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?
Being able to give back to aviation, building confidence in my students, and helping them advance to new levels- altogether, I love making aviation more fun and safe at the same time for everyone.

Favorite Quote: “All we have to decide is what to do with the time that is given us.” – J.R.R. Tolkien

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: 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: Billings, Montana

Ratings:

• ATP certificate with commercial Multi Engine privileges
• Instrument rating
• CFI and CFII
• Two type ratings: CE-525, CE-560XL

Flight Experience/Training: I began flying in 2020 and I’ve logged over 2,000 total flight hours including 1,600+ hours of instruction given. My experience spans both part 61 and 141 training environments in New York. I have experience in advanced level D simulators and have flown a wide range of aircraft from G1000 equipped trainers to turbine jets and bring a strong foundation in CRM system training scenario based instruction.

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI?For me the most rewarding part of being a CFI is seeing the enjoyment on a student’s face when they finally master a skill they’ve been struggling with – those breakthrough moments that make teaching aviation so fulfilling.

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: Lake Stevens, WA

Ratings: CFI/CFII/MEI, CE-750 SIC

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

Aircraft experience: C150, C152, C172, SR20, SR22, Baron BE-55, Citation X

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: “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9

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.”

Hometown: Littleton, CO

Certifications and Ratings: CFI/CFII, Advanced Ground Instructor, Instrument Ground Instructor, Commercial Airplane (SEL), Instrument Airplane, Complex and High-Performance Endorsement

Flight Experience/Training: Elon Aviation (NC) and Scottsdale Executive Flight Training

Aircraft Experience: Piper Archer and Arrow, Cessna 152 and 172

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? I believe that the most rewarding part about being a CFI is meeting people from all walks of life who share this one crazy passion. It’s about building a community, not just logging hours!

Favorite Quote: “Self-confidence is not taught or learned; it is earned by surpassing your own self-limitations.” — John Raynolds

Hometown: Graham, Texas

Certificates and Ratings: CFI | CFII

Aircraft Experience: Cirrus SR20, SR22,SR22T, Vision Jet S50, Bonanza V35, Piper Archer, Piper Seminole, Cessna 172/182

Flight Experience/Training: Las Cruces Aviators, ATP, AD ASTRA Private Flights, Scottsdale Executive Flight Training

What is rewarding to you about being a CFI? One of the most rewarding aspects of being a CFI is witnessing the moment when everything clicks for a student. Seeing that “light bulb” moment when concepts come together, confidence grows, and a genuine passion for aviation begins to take flight.

Favorite Quote: Matthew 7: 7-8