Sundowner Aviation's Flight Instructors

Pat began his aviation career over 40 years ago in 1973 in the United States Air Force. After several years as an instructor pilot in T-37s at Reese Air Force Base in Texas, Pat served for 3 years as a B-52G Aircraft Commander based in Barksdale AFB Louisiana. A constant feature of Pat’s aviation career has been teaching, from 1982 through 1997 he continued to instruct pilots for the USAF. After concluding his time in the Air Force, Pat began flying for one of the major airlines, flying the Boeing 737, 757, and then 767s on international routes. Altogether Pat has over 17,000 hours of flying in his career, of which about 4,000 hours have been focused on training new and more experienced pilots. Join us at Sundowner Aviation and learn and benefit from Pat’s many years of successful instruction.

• Nearly 4,000 hours as instructor in the T-37, T-38, T-3, and UV-18A Twin Otter.
• Over 1,000 hours as Aircraft commander in B-52
• Pilot with major airline from 1997-2016
• 11,600 hours with airline flying Boeing 737, 757, and 767.
• Instructor in Light Sport, Cessna 172, BE-23, PA-24, PA-28, and PA-23.

Pat’s advice for new students: “Get your knowledge test done and out of the way.”

Melissa is a CFI who started her training in 2019, she completed her private pilot license here at Sundowner Aviation, and then moved to Florida and finished her Commercial and CFI ratings at American Fliers. During her training, she flew the Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, and Piper Comanche.

Melissa’s advice to students: “Be patient with your training and enjoy the ride!”

Joey is a CFII who began his training in 2020 outside of Charlotte, NC then moved to Ohio University in Athens to finish out his ratings. During training, he flew the Cessna 172 and the Piper Warriors.

Joey’s advice to students: “Remember that there is always more to learn.”

Vincent is a CFI who began his training at Dayton-Wright Brothers airport in the Fall of 2020 flying the Cessna 172 and 152.

Vincent’s advice to students: “Make sure you’re prepared for each lesson, and be ready for the challenge that aviation is as a whole.”

Lexi’s dad began teaching her to fly when she was just 8 years old, but she began formal training to earn her PPL in 2019. Lexi finished the majority of her ratings here at Sundowner Aviation. Over the years, she has had the pleasure of flying 16 different aircraft, including single engine, multi-engine, and seaplanes, with most of those hours spent in a Piper Comanche 250. Outside of being an instructor, Lexi is a part of the 99’s, Women in Aviation, AOPA, and is currently assisting her dad build an RV-4.

Lexi’s advice to students: “Although the road may seem very long, it’s best to fully embrace where you’re currently at in training. Someday, with dedication and hard work, you’ll be where you dreamed and look back fondly on those early days. Don’t let it pass you by without appreciating the “now”.”

Nathan began flying in 2020 and completed his training at the Newark-Heath Airport and Averett University. He obtained his private pilot’s license before he had a driver’s license and still really loves to go flying. During his training and work as a CFI, Nathan has flown the Piper Archer, Cessna 172, Beechcraft Duchess and Piper Seminole.

Nathan’s advice for students: “Always be safe with your flying.”

Alaina began flying in early 2023 at Sundowner Aviation, and then soon afterward began working as the office manager while working through her certifications. She obtained her private, instrument rating, commercial, and her flight instructor certification here. She’s flown the Cessna 172, Piper Cherokee, Piper Comanche, and the Piper Aztec.

Alaina’s advice to students: “Be ready to study and come prepared for each lesson. It may not sound glamorous, but you’ll be doing yourself a favor. Studying is going to be just as important as your ability to fly, if not more. The more time you spend with the material on the ground, the easier it’ll be to focus on (and enjoy!) flying during your lessons.”

Jeff is a CFI who began his flying journey in 2020, getting his PPL here at Sundowner Aviation before obtaining his Instrument rating and Commercial license with the Columbus Flying Club. He then returned to Sundowner Aviation to complete his CFI training. Jeff has experience in the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 177 Cardinal, and the Piper PA-28-180 Cherokee.

Jeff’s advice to students: “Learning to fly is a fun and exciting journey! Ask questions, embrace mistakes as learning opportunities, and commit to consistent practice to build confidence and proficiency.”

Patrick first began training during his freshman in college at Purdue University Flight Program back in August 2004. Some of the aircraft he’s flown over the course of his career are the CL-30 (Challenger 350), L-39 (Albatross), P-51 (Mustang), T-38 (Talon), Grumman Widgeon Seaplane, Ford Tri-Motor, BE30/20/10 (King Air 350/200/100), UH60 L/M (Blackhawk). Patrick is involved with the Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), FAA Safety Team (FAAST), EAA, and Fairfield County Pilot’s Association.

Patrick’s advice to students: “Stay positive even when the training becomes difficult. Always remind yourself of the “why” you wanted to become a pilot and be ever thankful for the opportunity given to you, either through supportive family and friends or personal motivation.”

Brianna began flying in 2019 when she was 15 years old. She did the majority of her training at American Flyers in Pompano Beach, FL. Brianna has flown and taught in C172, Piper Cherokee, and Piper Seminole. Her favorite aircraft that she’s flown is a Beechcraft Twin Bonanza as well as a Beechcraft King Air C90. She is involved with Women in Flight at OSU, as well as the Ninety-Nines and Women in Aviation.

Brianna’s advice to students: “Something Brianna wish she knew before she started is that failure is a part of the process.”

Spencer began flying in the summer of 2022 at Sundowner Aviation. After finishing his private pilot certificate, he attended Ohio University where within just a year and a half he received his instrument rating, commercial certificate, and became a flight instructor. Spencer is currently working on obtaining his multi-commercial and his CFII. He’s has flown the Cessna 172, Piper Warrior, and a Piper Arrow, and he’s double majoring in Aviation Flight and Aviation Management.

Spencer’s advice to new students: “Stay consistent. As you will learn, proficiency is super important when it comes to being a pilot. Staying consistent with ground training and flight lessons will not only lead you to be a better pilot but move through training much quicker.”

Aaron began flying in 2018. He gained experience flying in many different airspaces in Florida, South Carolina, and Pennsylvania, before obtaining his CFI license here at Sundowner Aviation. Aaron has a background flying C172’s, PA28’s, DA40’s, DA42’s, AA5A’s, and light sport aircraft. In addition, he is involved in Army Aviation, flying unmanned aircraft for the military.

Aaron’s advice to new students: “Set a goal and stay focused. Keep your eyes on the prize and never be afraid to ask questions. Every step forward begins with curiosity and courage.”

Bill is a CFII who started flying in 1977. Throughout his years flying, he’s gained over 400 hours in retractable gears, over 700 hours in the Piper Cherokee, and many more hours in the Cessna 172 and other planes. His training took him all across the Eastern US in places such as Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Illinois, and Florida.

Bill’s advice to students: “Fly because you have a love for the air, that’s what’s going to make you successful.”

Tim had his very first solo in August 1990 and did his training at The Ohio State University academic flight lab. Tim says that his favorite plane is the one he’s at the controls of, although flying an Aeronca Champ is a sublime experience. He is currently involved with AOPA, EAA (local chapter 443), SAFE, and NAFI.

Tim’s advice to students: “Study or fly a little every day. Aviation isn’t a single crowning accomplishment, instead, proficiency and understanding are built a little, every day. ”

Greg earned his private pilot license in 1975 while in high school.  After enlisting in the USAF, Greg continued to fly earning his instrument rating, commercial license as well as his instructor and multi-engine license.  While enlisted, he was awarded a scholarship and a pilot slot and was sent to The Pennsylvania State University for Electrical Engineering.  On weekends while attending school, Greg flew tow plane and gave glider rides and instruction.  After finishing his E.E degree he went to the USAF Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Vance AFB for a year.  Graduating third in his class at UPT he went on to fly the A-37 Dragonfly as a Forward Air Controller (FAC).  After flying the A-37 he was able to transition to flying the A-10A doing a similar mission.  He went on to fly the A-10 for more than a 1000 hours after being assigned to the famous Flying Tigers at England AFB, Alexandria LA.  After a non-flying tour he volunteered to be an instructor pilot in the Cessna T-37B (Tweetie Bird).  The aircraft was affectionately called the Tweet because it sounded like a very loud dog whistle while taxing on the ground.  After teaching in the Tweet for over 2000 hours Greg retired and taught in the T-6 Texan II simulators for over 4 years.  After his Air Force career he went on to fly in various aircraft and missions to accumulate over 11,000 hours.  He has instructed more than 3000 hours.

• CFI, CFIG, CFMEI, CFII, ATP, ASEL, AMEL, ASES
• 2000+ hours teaching in the T-37B
• 1000+ hours in the A-10A
• 1000+ hours in tailwheel aircraft
• 4000+ hours in multi-engine aircraft
• 3000+ hours in turbine aircraft

He has flown various single and multi-engine aircraft to include: most of the Cessna series aircraft, many of the Grumman American aircraft, Citabria, Scout, SeaRey, Peitenpol, Grega, Spezio, Zenith 750 STOL, Luscombe, Taylorcraft, Quicksilver, Schweitzer 2-33, Schweitzer 1-26, Grob 103, Stinson 108, USAF T-38 Talon, T-34B, Cessna 310, Beech Sierra, Beech Musketeer, most of the Piper series, J-3, Super Cub, King Air 200, Aztec, Commanche, Mooney, Bonanza, Apache …