I bring a lifetime of aviation experience to the table, including roles as a retired airline pilot, former FAA Aviation Safety Inspector (ASI), Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), and recipient of the prestigious FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award (2015). With over 27,000 total flight hours, I’m committed to passing on the art and discipline of flying to the next generation of aviators. As a Lt. Colonel in the USAF Auxiliary​/​Civil Air Patrol, I serve as an instructor pilot, check pilot, and examiner. I’m also active with the 147th Squadron at KBBG in Branson, where we operate a Cessna 172S with NXi G1000 glass cockpit. I specialize in instrument simulator training (Redbird TD2​/​G1000) as well as comprehensive flight instruction for all experience levels. How I Teach You provide the airplane—I provide ground and flight instruction using proven methods and structured syllabi from Sporty’s and Gleim. My focus is on building confidence and safety from day one. - Most of my students are ready to solo after 10–12 hours, but I believe in ensuring proficiency and typically recommend 2–3 additional hours to build confidence. - Before solo, I often challenge students to fly a full traffic pattern with no instruments—just visual reference and engine sound, just as the Wright brothers did. With my guidance and safety backup, this exercise develops strong stick-and-rudder skills and situational awareness.

Flying At/Near These Airport(s)

Flight Training Available at These Airports in Southern Missouri and Nearby KSGF – Springfield–Branson National Airport (SGF), located in Springfield, Missouri KBBG – Branson Airport (BBG), located in Branson, Missouri KFWB – Branson West Airport (FWB), located in Branson West, Missouri KPLK – M. Graham Clark Downtown Airport (PLK), located in Hollister, Missouri KHRO – Boone County Airport (HRO), located in Harrison, Arkansas

Aircraft Experience (Instructed in)

Almost all GA training airplanes

Aircraft Experience (Piloted)

5000+hours instruction given, current instructing for Civil Air Patrol in C-172S and C-182TAA.

Type Ratings Held

DC-9, MD-80, L-1011

Pricing - Hourly Rate (e.g. Ground School, Flight Lesson, Travel Time, Flight Review)

$65​/​hour ground and flight

Pricing Notes

Includes ground, preflight, and flight, debriefing times.