ABOUT US
CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING CFI'S
Bill Jones - Chief Flight Instructor
Call Sign: Bill
Why I'm a Pilot: I grew up around aircraft; my grandfather and father were both pilots. I was hooked at a very early age! With my father and grandfather being pilots, I spent very little time in daycare as a child. Instead, my summers were spent at the airport hanging out at the hangar, flightline, pilot's lounge, and flight planning rooms. My father and grandfather were both A&Ps, so I witnessed many airframe related repairs and lots of engine work. I spent my first two years out of college as a software engineer before I began flying. Since then, I have amassed time in single engine, multi-engine, and turbo. Next on my list is tailwheel and seaplane! I am passionate about flight instruction and sharing the magic of flight with others.
Favorite Plane: DA-40
Occupation: CFI, CFII, MEI
Favorite Aviation Experience: Flying with my family
Jack Embery - Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Why I’m a pilot: Like almost every pilot out there, my passion for aviation began at a young age. After my first discovery flight at the age of eight, I was hooked. My fellow aviators know, once you experience that feeling, there's no turning back! I look forward to sharing the world of aviation with enthusiasts seeking to obtain their pilot certification.
Favorite Plane: Anything that can fly!
Occupation: Assistant Chief and CFII
Favorite Aviation Experience: Sharing the joys of aviation with friends and family, and having them join me in the sky on flights!
Jacob Glenn
Call Sign: Jake
Why I’m a pilot: I don’t remember a time when I wanted to do anything else! I started flying in high school and went on to earn a degree in Aviation in 2017. I then commissioned into the Army and went through initial entry rotary wing training and the UH60M Course at Fort Rucker, AL. I love everything about general aviation, from airport management to the sense of community, and of course, flying.
I also offer high performance, complex and mountain training in an S35 Bonanza! Please contact me directly to schedule a training flight.
Favorite Airplane: DC-3
Occupation: Pilot
Most Exciting Aviation Experience: Island Hopping in Hawaii
Victoria Lawrence
Call Sign: Tailor
Why I'm a Pilot: I realized at 19 years old this is what I want to do!
Favorite Aircraft: The cute ones!!
Occupation: CFI,CFII & MEI
Favorite Aviation Experience:
Watching others discover the joy of flying
Nick Hamzezadeh
Why I'm a Pilot:
My earliest memory as a kid is watching beautiful Tupolev 154's depart out of a rainy Moscow, and since first experiencing flight it's been my life goal and motivation. I have passions for aviation both on the flying and engineering side, teaching, and helping others attain their dreams.
Favorite Plane:
Beechcraft's King Air
Occupation:
CFII and Aerospace Engineering Student
Favorite Aviation Experience:
Taking the club's trusty N831TS down to the coast and back over 1,500 miles for a weekend.
Dustin Ringdahl
Call Sign: Specs
Why I'm a Pilot: I have wanted to be a pilot since as long as I can remember. I have always been a fan of big jets and have been working towards the goal of flying heavy metal for around 10 years. I currently work as a First Officer for SkyWest Airlines flying CRJ aircraft and flight instruct as much as I can in my free time because I love teaching and keeping my stick and rudder skills sharp!
Favorite Plane: Cessna 206 Amphibian
Occupation: Airline Pilot and CFI
Most Exciting Aviation Experience:
Cloud hopping and mountain flying no matter what I’m in!
Stephen Vaughn
Why I'm a pilot: I found my love for flying at a young age. My dad was a pilot in the Air Force, and some of my earliest memories are from flying the C-17 simulator when I was between the ages of 3 and 5 years old. I took my first real flight in a glider on the north shore of Hawaii, and since then I knew I wanted to fly. I got my private certificate after graduating high school and before leaving for college. I attended Kansas State University in Salina, Kansas where I continued my flight training and learned to be a flight instructor. I love being given the opportunity to introduce people to the world of aviation and prove that really anyone can be a pilot.
Favorite Aircraft: C-17 Globemaster III
Occupation: CFI
Favorite aviation experience: Flying gliders on the north shore of Hawaii
Justin Matejcek
Why I'm a Pilot: While I was in the military I worked extensively with helicopters, albeit I was usually jumping out of them or riding in the back while flying NAP of the earth to our objective. After I left the military I became a skydiver and found one of the things that made me smile was being back in helicopters. I didn't think I would be able to fly due to an injury sustained overseas so I began studying biomedical engineering. While I enjoyed that field, my head was always in the clouds so I went through the extensive process to get my medical. After getting my medical approved, I immediately began my flight training. I love the dynamics and complexity of flying helicopters along with the operations they are used for.
Favorite Aircraft: AStar and MD500
Occupation: CFI, CFII, Founder and President of Veterans Adventure Group
Most Memorable Aviation Experience: While there are numerous amazing experiences to choose from, the two experiences that immediately come to mind are going through a mountain flying course with a retired Coast Guard pilot. We landed in some very challenging ridgelines out in the Oregon mountains. The other experience that immediately comes to mind was doing off airports under NVGs. Seeing the dust kick up and the static electricity on the rotor blades took my back to my days in the military.
Jaiden Dickamore
Why I'm a Pilot: In high school I realized that I want a career in aviation. I realized that helicopters offered the adventure and freedom that I wanted in my life. After my first flight I knew that I chose the right path.
Favorite Helicopter: K-MAX
Occupation: CFI, CFII
Most Memorable Aviation Experience:
Flying around the Grand Canyon and Zion national park under night vision. It was such an awesome experience!
Zach Fisher
Why I'm a Pilot: I have always loved being in the sky. I got the opportunity to take a discovery flight, and I jumped at it. I decided that I wanted to go on with this aviation thing and try my best to make it my career. I am never looking back! It is a very challenging, rewarding, awesome industry and I am so happy that I am able to share that love and passion with others.
FAVORITE AIRPLANE: Boeing 777-9
OCCUPATION: CFI
FAVORITE AVIATION EXPERIENCE: Getting to fly over the Rockies in a Phenom-300!
Laura Niichel
Why I Became a Pilot: My love for aviation took off (haha, get it?) when I was just five years old, sitting right seat with my dad in a Piper PA-42 Cheyenne —feet barely touching the floor and eyes just shy of the windshield. Now, I get to fly with him not only as a passenger, but as the one in control. Following in my father’s footsteps while having the most incredible office view (the sky, obviously!) is what makes being a pilot so special. Oh, and let’s be real… it’s also a guaranteed way to be the coolest person in the room!
Favorite Plane: EA500 or SR20—These planes are near and dear to my heart!
Occupation: CFI
Most Exciting/Favorite Aviation Experience: Cruising at 10,500 feet, rock candy in hand, and a lifelong friend by my side as my co-pilot—flying to Branson, Missouri to ride roller coasters was an unforgettable adventure! But beyond the altitude and the sweet treats, it’s the friendships and connections within the aviation community that make every flight so special to me!
Tanner Harbick
Why I Became a Pilot: My love for aviation comes from the freedom that flying offers. I found aviation at the end of my time in college. From there I spent some years working before pulling the trigger on making flying my career. Best decision I have ever made!! I credit my uncle for helping me pursue the career when I got started. As a retired Captain for Delta, he played a huge role in showing me that it was possible. Sharing the beauty of flying and the reward of others achieving their goals is unmatched. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
Favorite Plane: JMB VL-3
Occupation: CFI and commercial drone pilot
Most Exciting/Favorite Aviation Experience: Flying into my home airport in Buena Vista!
Trust The Experts!
Our instructors are experienced pilots with a passion for teaching. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson, and are committed to helping you reach your full potential as a pilot.
