SAFE #: S0003555
Hometown: Fayetteville AR, United States
Home Airport: KDUA
Occupation: Lead Flight Instructor
Education: Southeastern Oklahoma State University
Pilot Certificates: Commercial, CFI, CFII
Airplanes Flying/Flown: C150, C172, C182RG, CGS Hawk, Aeronca Defender, RV-7, J-3 Cub, C182, SR20, C-310
Q & A
What drew you to aviation?: I grew up around it, but I fell in love with the freedom aspect and the peace that it brings. Over the years, I have grown a deeper appreciation for the industry and am looking forward to continuing my career in aviation.
How long have you been involved in aviation education?: I am newer CFI, but I have been around the aviation education system for 8 years. I have been fully active in aviation for the past 14 years.
What's your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Getting to fly and share my passion with other people. As an instructor, this is the best of both worlds!
What's your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Watching students struggle through training trying to find their passion for the industry.
Why did you join SAFE?: To be a part of a greater community of educators to share experience and notes with.
What would you like to see change in aviation?: The number of student pilots that become licensed pilots.
Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: A key to increasing the number of student pilots that become licensed pilots is to increase the instructor-student mentor relationship. As instructors, if we do not have a passion for teaching and our students, our students suffer and lose interest in the industry and decide to discontinue their training.
