Derek Quinton

SAFE #: S0006601

Website: http://kearneyaircraft.com

Hometown: Kearney NE, United States

Home Airport: KEAR

Occupation: Contract Pilot/ Aviation Servive Tecnician/ Flight Instructor

Education: University of Nebraska Kearney; B.S. Aviation

Pilot Certificates: Commercial Pilot, Instrument, ASEL, AMEL

Airplanes Flying/Flown: Cessna 172, Piper Arrow, Beechcraft Bonanza, Piper Aztec, Cherokee Six

Educational Specialty: Complex Training, High Performance Training

Q & A

What drew you to aviation?: Aviation has been a life long interest for me. I knew from a young age I wanted to have a career working around airplanes and now desire to contribute my time to the industry and my local aviation community.

How long have you been involved in aviation education?: Since earning my initial CFI certificate July 2019

What's your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: My favorite part is helping a student pilot overcome their hurdles during training. There comes great satisfaction in helping someone achieve their goal to becoming a pilot or aviation professional.

I also enjoying sharing knowledge and acquired skill to newer pilots.

What's your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: The paperwork required.

Why did you join SAFE?: I joined SAFE because I want to be a part of an organization that promotes a higher standard to aviation education and provides the tools to achieve this goal.

What would you like to see change in aviation?: I would like to see the FAA consider local airport input from local pilots, airport operations, and airport management when it comes to airport construction projects at smaller part 139 airports to further understand the impacts of so called "improvements" that can impact day to day operations.

Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: The FAA may need to utilize the local FSDO during construction projects to facilitate input from projects within the FSDO's jurisdiction.