Aviation is my passion! Whether learning or teaching, there is so much that I have to be grateful for thanks to this industry. The mentors, students, & others within the industry give me the satisfaction of knowing I am precisely where I need to be.

Education

ASU
Bachelor of Science August 8, 2022 - May 8, 2026 Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering's Aeronautical Management Technology & ProFlight

Work Experience

CFI
Independent - January 1, 2026 Responsible for training students beyond exceptional standards in all subject matter areas, procedures, and maneuvers included in the tasks within each area of operation in the appropriate Practical Test Standard.

Highlights

Emergencies can and probably will happen.
July 30, 2026 I was flying with an old friend in his Cessna 182. I was in the left seat while he was flying a practice RNAV approach into Coolidge, Arizona. As we were on the final approach fix, I helped out by putting the gear down. Approaching minimums, we decided to go 'missed' on the approach - 'cram climb clean'... suddenly there was a loud knocking sound as the gear came up. We both looked at each other, "That didn't sound good!" Moments later, my friend pointed out that the gear was stuck about halfway up. We cycled the switch and reset electrical equipment to no avail. I asked Alan to pull the emergency extension. Our one fail safe did nothing. "Well," I said, "we can G it out." I took the controls and tried some steep turns. No matter how hard I pulled back, the gear did not budge. We realized we'd likely be forced to land with the gear stuck where it was. We diverted towards the Tucson area (KRYN) where the runway was long and wide. The feeling of being stuck in an airplane with half our landing gear out and preparing for an emergency where the gear might potentially collapse under the unexpected lateral and vertical loads, or a possible wingtip strike and/or propeller damage was worrisome. All these scenarios went through my head at the same time. Fortunately by some miracle, the gear came fully down as we approached Ryan Airfield. We finally had the green indicator light and three in the mirror. Still nervous that the gear might collapse on landing, we executed a very soft touchdown. We taxied over to the mechanic hangar and sure enough, hydraulic fluid had sprayed all over the belly of the aircraft. A hydraulic connector had blown. Point being, train for emergencies. They can and will happen. I've now had gear problems on two occasions and one electrical fire. In those moments, you will be nervous. Practice the procedures and stay calm: aviate, navigate, communicate.

Aircraft Experience

CRJ200
  • Time in Type: 55sim hrs
  • Last Training: April 30, 2026
  • Training Type: Level 6 Simulator
  • Facility: Polytechnic Campus
C-310
  • Time in Type: 35 hrs
  • Last Training: July 20, 2026
  • Training Type: Recurrent
  • Facility: E95
C-172
  • Time in Type: 194.2 hrs
  • Last Training: July 23, 2026
  • Training Type: Recurrent
  • Facility: Epic Flight Academy