About me

Aviation background

I started flying in 2002 and earned my Private Pilot certificate while in high school. I went on to study Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, and through the university's flight program I completed my Instrument, Commercial ASEL and AMEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates. I'm also endorsed in high-performance and tailwheel aircraft.

I spent several years instructing at the university before transitioning into a software engineering career. I've been a member of Leading Edge Flying Club at KPWK since 2013 and have volunteered as a pilot with Angel Flight, flying patients to critical medical care — work I consider both humbling and rewarding.

Teaching philosophy

My lessons focus on building confidence and aeronautical decision-making in a supportive, realistic training environment. Each flight is briefed and debriefed; ground time is treated as seriously as flight time and is billed at the same rate.

Availability

I work as a software engineering executive during the week and fly and teach on weekends. The schedule is consistent week to week, which makes it easy to plan a regular lesson cadence. My up-to-date schedule will be shared after you request training.