Instructors

Peak Aviation Center is proud to offer the largest staff of Flight Instructors in all of Colorado Springs. 
Our instructors are all highly trained and diligently aspire to be the absolute best instructors available. 
Some of our instructors are University trained with advanced aviation degrees while others have
careers outside of aviation and work as instructors because they love imparting their knowledge
of aviation to students.  Below is a bio of each instructor with a personal note from him as well. 
Please call or stop by to meet our instructors and to decide which instructor would best suit you!

 

  Robert Dorband - Full Time - Chief Flight Instructor
Able to train: single-engine, multi-engine, private, instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, MEII, ATP, checkouts, flight reviews, complex endorsements, high performance endorsements, instrument proficiency checks, mountain checkouts, GPS systems (Garmin and King), autopilots, glass cockpits and glass cockpit transitions (Garmin, Avidyne, Collins, Honeywell), flight director systems, pinch hitter courses, simulator proficiency, FMS proficiency, check ride preparation, "crew" environment procedures, spin/unusual stall procedures, high-speed aircraft transitions, and high crosswind landing techniques
certificates / ratings: ATP Airplane Single and Multi-engine, Gold Seal CFI, Instrument, Multi-engine, Advanced Ground Instructor

Robert has been flying in Colorado since 1998.  Originally a student of Peak Aviation Center, Robert did the majority of his training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ.  There he received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Aviation Safety.  As a native of Colorado, he has a vast amount of information on the area and can be a great tour guide for out of town guests.  Robert has been instructing full time at KCOS since 2002.  Robert and his wife both grew up in the local area and are celebrating the birth of their first child, a son born July, 2008.  Robert is also presently working toward a Master's of Divinity Degree.

A note from Robert:
I love to fly and I love to teach.  As a professional instructor I aim to provide you with the best possible service in ground instruction, flight instruction, and in the service of any and all needs that may arise in your time with us.  You, our customer, are supremely important, and I will always aim to serve you and your needs to the absolute best of my abilities.  I aim for excellence and I will always push you to be the best, most knowledgeable, and safest pilot that you can be.  Flight training isn't always easy, but it should always be rewarding and fulfilling!                   <><

Contact Robert: robert<at>cospilot.com

     

  Krystal Covin - full time
Able to train: single-engine, private, checkouts, flight reviews
certificates / ratings: CFI

Krystal accomplished the majority of her flight training in Waco, TX and graduated from Tarleton State University - Central Texas with a Bachelor of Science degree in Aviation Science; Minor in Business Administration. Krystal moved to the Colorado Springs area and finished her CFI training.

A note from Krystal:
Ever since my first flight on my 11th birthday I’ve been determined that I was going to strive to be a professional pilot and I haven’t looked back since.  What I didn’t know before was that being in control of an aircraft is more exhilarating that I had dreamt it would be.  The confidence that comes from knowing that I have the knowledge and abilities to be a safe pilot allows me to thoroughly enjoy every minute in the air.  Now that I have realized my dream, I want nothing more than to provide you with the professional instruction required to help you to  achieve your dreams, one step at a time.            
 <><

Contact Krystal: krystal<at>cospilot.com

     

 
Ali Ghorashi - part time (evenings and weekends)
Able to train: private through ATP (single and multi engine), checkouts, flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, mountain checkouts, GPS proficiency, autopilots
certificates / ratings: CFI, instrument, multi-engine

Ali started flying in Pearland, TX (near Houston) at Clover Field Airport in 1998 after obtaining an Electrical Engineering degree from the University of Louisiana. His initial training was conducted in Piper Warriors, Archers, and Arrows.

In 2000, he moved to Colorado and has been flying around Colorado Springs since then. He has flown out of both Meadow Lake and Colorado Springs Municipal airports. He obtained his CFI in 2003 and both his CFII and MEI in 2004 at Peak Aviation in Colorado Springs. At the same time, he obtained a Masters Degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

A note from Ali:
I have been passionate about flying for as long as I can remember. As an instructor, I have a chance to share that joy with my students and continue to learn about flying from each one of them. As someone who learned to fly while working full time, I can offer incite into flying on a limited time budget.

Contact Ali: ali<at>cospilot.com

Link to Personal Website

     
 
Rob Lancaster - part time (evenings and weekends)
Able to train: single-engine, private, instrument, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, complex, high performance, instrument proficiency checks
certificates / ratings: CFI, instrument, multi-engine

Rob recently moved to the Colorado Springs area from Dayton, Ohio. 
After obtaining his CFI rating, he immediately put his skills to work as a Flight Instructor for a local area flying club in Dayton.  He eventually went on to obtain his CFII and MEI ratings.

A note from Rob:
A career in the field of aviation has been the primary driving force for all my training.  From the start of my pilot training, my goal was to obtain a commercial rating and immediately seek employment with the airlines.  But my training quickly led to a desire to obtain additional ratings and certifications.  In 1999, I met an extremely knowledgeable individual by the name of Jim Walden who had years of aviation experience as a FAA Designated Examiner, Flight Instructor, and Corporate Pilot.  Jim was willing to give me the kind of unparalleled flight training I could truly benefit from in becoming both a safe and proficient pilot.  With his guidance and understanding of what it takes to be a successful pilot, the goal of becoming a CFI soon became a reality.
    In searching for a pilot training center to instruct at in the Colorado Springs area,
I wanted to teach at a school that provided the best and highest quality flight training in the most efficient and cost effective fashion possible.  After talking with several different flight schools in the local area, it became quite evident that Peak Aviation Center held to this standard.
    Learning to fly is a dream many talk and dream about. 
If your goal is to fly for pleasure, business, or professionally, Peak Aviation Center can help you achieve that goal!                   <><

     

Contact Rob: robl<at>cospilot.com

     

 

  Jerome Bierut - part time (afternoons and evenings)
Able to train: single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, complex, high performance
certificates / ratings: CFI

Jerome was a flight instructor in Ohio before moving to Colorado.  As a passionate golfer and pilot he has a great ability to relate to students and his breadth of experience are a great asset to any student.

A note from Jerome: 
I am addicted to golf and passionate about flying. I started flying at the age of sixteen. That was several presidents ago! After a quarter century in the high stress computer tech world, I am now fortunate to be able to make a living from both the aviation and golf industries. Life is good.

Contact Jerome: jerome<at>cospilot.com

     
 
Simon Enrich - part time (varying evenings and weekends)
Able to train: single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews
certificates / ratings: Airplane CFI, Helicopter CFI, instrument

Simon has been living in Colorado Springs for 10 years.  After completing his Helicopter CFI and CFII in Denver, he helped open the first helicopter flight school in Colorado Springs!  In October Simon earned his airplane CFI and began instructing at Peak Aviation.

A note from Simon: 
My one great passion in life is flying.  I really enjoy instructing and seeing students excel in flying, no matter what your schedule or situation is I will do my best to help you excel in aviation.

Contact Simon: simon<at>cospilot.com

     
 
Vaughn Harris - part time (weekends)
Able to train: single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, complex, high performance
certificates / ratings: CFI, instrument, multi-engine

Vaughn came to Colorado from Florida and has many years of experience as a Flight Instructor.  With close to 8,000 total hours he has the experience to be a great asset to any student, both new and experienced. 

A note from Vaughn:
There are some things that one must do during his or her life. For me, learning to fly & be in control of an aircraft was something I just had to accomplish. Now I am prepared to help you experience the same thrill of flying an aircraft above some of the most beautiful scenery imaginable. I will help make learning to fly a pleasant & fun experience. You will remember the day you solo for the rest of your life. Come join me & enjoy the exhilaration of flight.                               <><

Contact Vaughn: vaughn<at>cospilot.com

     

  Al Mathews - co-owner
Able to train: single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, mountain checkouts
certificates / ratings: CFI, instrument

Al has been a pilot for almost 30 years, flying various general aviation aircraft during his career as an Air Force Communications Engineer.  He is the Vice-President and co-owner of Peak Aviation Center and is a Certificated Flight Instructor.  He and Pat Carlile have established High Hopes for Teens, a non-profit program to introduce at-risk youth to aviation.  He has worked directly with youth in a number of different areas of aviation, scouting, and church mission projects; including taking many up for their first flights.    <><

Contact Al: allen<at>cospilot.com

     

  Pat Carlile - co-owner - part time (on call)
Able to train: single-engine, multi-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, mountain checkouts, helicopter transitions
certificates / ratings: CFI, MEI, ME ATP

Pat has been flying professionally for more than 27 years. He was a career Army pilot, both rotary and fixed wing and a school trained test pilot. He has flown more than 35 different aircraft and has approximately 6000 total hours military and civilian combined. He holds a Multi-engine ATP/MEI/CFI airplane ratings as well as commercial Helicopter with Instrument. He currently flies corporate and charter out of the Colorado Jet Center but is available with coordination for instruction and pilot services.                       <><

Contact Pat: pat<at>cospilot.com