SAFE #: S0007938
Hometown: Prescott AZ, United States
Home Airport: KPRC
Occupation: Flight Instructor
Education: BS
Pilot Certificates: CASEL, CAMEL, CFI, CFII, AGI, IGI
Airplanes Flying/Flown: Cessna 162/172/182/310, Piper PA-28
Educational Specialty: IT, Aviation Technology
Q & A
What drew you to aviation?: My dad was a private pilot since the 1950s so I grew up around airplanes. I love flying and want to share that with people.
How long have you been involved in aviation education?: I completed my CFI in 2021 and have been instructing since then. I also started teaching aviation courses at the local community college at the same time.
What's your favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: I love seeing the “A-HA” moments on a student’s face when they suddenly understand something.
What's your least favorite part of what you do in aviation education?: Figuring out how far to let a student get into a dangerous situation before stepping in. We learn more from our failures than from our successes, but failures in aviation have the opportunity to be catastrophic.
Do you have a memorable aviation experience you'd like to share?: My dad quit flying due to health reasons before I completed my private pilot rating. I went back home to visit and rented a plane to take him up on a “$100 hamburger” run.
Why did you join SAFE?: As a relatively new flight instructor, I like having access to the various publications and mentoring tools so I can grow as an instructor.
What would you like to see change in aviation?: The cost has become prohibitively expensive for the average person. I would like to see more scholarship opportunities available to help people with an interest get involved in aviation.
Any suggestions on how the above might be accomplished?: Flight schools and/or flight-based organizations (SAFE/AOPA/EAA/Etc.) could partner with aerospace companies to provide scholarships/grants/low interest loans to people who want to become involved, but lack the funds.
Who are your role models in aviation?: My dad was my role model for his positive attitude towards flying and his aversion to risk. I was able to have him awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award for 50+ years of safe flying just before he died.
