|
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!
 |
|
John Clare-Panton - full time - Chief Flight
Instructor
|
Able to train:
private through ATP (single and multi-engine), checkouts,
flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, mountain
checkouts |
certificates /
ratings: ATP Airplane Single and Multi-engine, Gold Seal
CFI, Instrument, Multi-engine |
John is a gold seal instructor, formally of the R.A.F., and has flown in Europe,
and both the Middle and Far East. He has over six thousand hours of dual
instruction given and has graduated students in all disciplines from Private
through ATP. Prior to joining Peak Aviation Center, he was project manager with
British Aerospace on the Tornado Aircraft program in Saudi Arabia.
A note from
John:
Teaching students to fly is a privilege and one of the most satisfying
occupations. I want our students to receive the very best quality of instruction
not only in the air but throughout the learning process towards their goals.
Colorado Springs provides the very best environment for developing pilots who
can successfully manage the very variable conditions that flying has to offer.
We at Peak Aviation Center want you to enjoy your transition from ground dweller
to "Aviator" in a manner providing a lasting memory of your success.
Contact John:
john<at>cospilot.com |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Chad Traxler - full time
|
Able to train:
single-engine, light-sport, private, commercial, mountain checkouts,
flight
reviews |
certificates /
ratings: CFI, A & P
Chad started flying at Manassas
Airport near Washington DC in 2002 while working full-time as an
engineer. He earned his instrument rating at the Alexandria
airport near Minneapolis in 2007. After deciding to make a
career of flying, Chad moved to Michigan and enrolled in the
School of Missionary Aviation Technology, which emphasizes
training students to fly at unimproved airports (i.e. grass and
dirt runways that are often short and sloped). Chad earned his
aviation mechanic certificate and his commercial pilot
certificate in 2008. In January 2009, Chad moved to Colorado
Springs to complete his CFI training and has been working ever
since at Peak Aviation Center.
A note from
Chad:
There is nothing in the world like flying in the
mountains. After flying with a bush pilot in the mountains of
Alaska in 2008, I knew that I had to make mountain flying a part
of my career. Living in Colorado is an amazing opportunity to
fly in an environment that most only dream of. When I was
researching flight schools in Colorado, PAC stood out head and
shoulders above the rest. Come find out why we have a reputation
of providing high-quality training while also having fun.
Contact Chad: chad<at>cospilot.com |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Jerome Bierut - part time
(afternoons and evenings)
|
Able to train: single-engine,
private, instrument, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, complex,
high performance |
|
certificates /
ratings: CFI, instrument |
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 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
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, single and 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 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 |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Simon Enrich - part time
(varying)
|
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 12 years. After
completing his Helicopter CFI
and CFII in Denver, he helped open the
first helicopter flight school in Colorado Springs!
In 2007, 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 |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
Ben Suhler
-
part time
|
Able to train:
single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, mountain
checkouts |
|
certificates /
ratings: CFI, instrument |
Ben began pursuing professional aviation at Metropolitan State College of Denver
in Colorado from 2004 to 2008. While at MSCD he earned his flight ratings and
Bachelor of Science in Aviation Technology. After graduation he began working
at Cutter Aviation as a Line Technician. While there he began flying as a part time
corporate pilot and earned his flight instructor rating. He began teaching at Peak
Aviation in 2011 soon after earning his CFI. Ben has a solid foundation in aviation
from MSCD, as well as varied aviation experience and a passion for teaching.
A note from
Ben:
I have had a passion for aviation since I was seven years old when my dad took me
to the airport to look at airplanes. I have lived in Colorado all of my life and have
done all of my flight training here. I enjoy teaching and flying in this beautiful and
challenging area.
Contact Ben: ben<at>cospilot.com |
| |
|
|
 |
|
Doug Bohnert - part time
|
Able to train:
single-engine, multi-engine, light-sport, private,
commercial, checkouts,
flight reviews, mountain
checkouts, high performance and complex endorsements |
certificates /
ratings: CFI, single and multi-engine, advanced ground
instructor, A & P |
Doug has been in aviation
since he graduated from High School. as a mechanic, then a
Flight Engineer, and finally a Instructor Pilot. He started
with the US Air Force and has subsequently been involved in
several International Part 121 Air Carrier Operations.
He currently serves as a Pilot on the MD11 for World Airways
flying all over the world. Doug's experience and knowledge of
the military and civilian career options are a valuable
resource.
A note from
Doug: I
have been involved in aviation for most of my life. My
love of flying remains strong and is reinforced when I have the
privilege of teaching young enthusiastic people who share my
feelings about flying. My background is both military and
civilian (Part 121) and I offer a lot of insight for those
looking to make a career of flying. I’ve completed almost all my
flying training here in Colorado under Peak Aviation and am very
familiar with the area and our equipment. I train everyone as
though they are seeking a career in aviation; that way the
methods are proven and work! So whether or not you seek a career
in aviation, it is my goal to provide top notch, industry proven
instruction making you a safe, competent pilot.
Contact Doug:
doug<at>cospilot.com |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
Al Mathews
-
co-owner -
full time (on call)
|
Able to train:
single-engine, private, commercial, checkouts, flight reviews, mountain
checkouts |
|
certificates /
ratings: CFI, instrument |
Al has been a
pilot for 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 30 years. He
was a career Army pilot, both rotary and fixed wing and a school
trained test pilot. He has flown more than 45 different aircraft
and has approximately 8000 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 |
| |
|
|
|