ABOUT US
CHECK OUT OUR AMAZING CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS:
Marty Beylin
Chief Instructor -
Why am I pilot?
As a young child, I was told by teachers I couldn’t make money by staring out of a window
Favorite aircraft?
Pitts S2B
Current occupation?
Chief Flight Instructor
Most memorable flying experience?
I was flying my Pitts S2B, practicing inverted flat spins. In the middle of an inverted flat spin the engine quit. I recovered from the spin, restarted the engine and returned to my home airport safely.
Justin Matejcek
Why I'm a Pilot: While I was in the military I worked extensively with helicopters, albeit I was usually jumping out of them or riding in the back while flying NAP of the earth to our objective. After I left the military I became a skydiver and found one of the things that made me smile was being back in helicopters. I didn't think I would be able to fly due to an injury sustained overseas so I began studying biomedical engineering. While I enjoyed that field, my head was always in the clouds so I went through the extensive process to get my medical. After getting my medical approved, I immediately began my flight training. I love the dynamics and complexity of flying helicopters along with the operations they are used for.
Favorite Aircraft: AStar and MD500
Occupation: CFI, CFII, Founder and President of Veterans Adventure Group
Most Memorable Aviation Experience: While there are numerous amazing experiences to choose from, the two experiences that immediately come to mind are going through a mountain flying course with a retired Coast Guard pilot. We landed in some very challenging ridgelines out in the Oregon mountains. The other experience that immediately comes to mind was doing off airports under NVGs. Seeing the dust kick up and the static electricity on the rotor blades took me back to my days in the military.
Tanner Harbick
Why I Became a Pilot: My love for aviation comes from the freedom that flying offers. I found aviation at the end of my time in college. From there I spent some years working before pulling the trigger on making flying my career. Best decision I have ever made!! I credit my uncle for helping me pursue the career when I got started. As a retired Captain for Delta, he played a huge role in showing me that it was possible. Sharing the beauty of flying and the reward of others achieving their goals is unmatched. Can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
Favorite Plane: JMB VL-3
Occupation: CFII and Commercial drone pilot
Most Exciting/Favorite Aviation Experience: Flying into my home airport in Buena Vista!
Eric Sweetser
Flying Experience: 7 years. Over 1,100 hrs of instruction given.
Occupation: CFII/MEI Former worldwide yacht captain that is a recent transplant to Colorado Springs. Married with 2 girls.
Favorite Plane: Diamond 40/42 - for its open cockpit design, its maneuverability and safety.
Memorable Flying Story: Night flight on the 4th of July-
Leaving 4N1, climbing above the tree line and witnessing hundreds of firework displays as we flew up the Hudson River to KALB. The whole night sky was lit up with bright explosions below the aircraft as we flew. The only time I’ve had to look down to see fireworks!
Matt Parks
blahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
Tyler Derderian
Why I'm a Pilot: From a young age, I've always had a passion for aviation, watching from the windows of Newark Airport as jets flew past. As I grew older, my career path took me away from aviation and into the United States Army, where I served as a Field Artillery Officer, shooting cannons and managing 42 Soldiers. Knowing the Army wasn't my forever job, I began to start thinking about life after the Army, which led me back to my passion for aviation. I leaped headfirst into my training while still on Active Duty, and fell in love with everything that encompasses flying, most of all, I loved the challenge. Every time I fly, it reminds me of that little kid sitting in awe in the Newark Airport, dreaming about what it would be like to fly. Now I am living my dream and helping others live theirs.
Favorite Aircraft: DA-40, Boeing 757, Mcdonell Douglas MD-11
Occupation: CFI, CFI-I, United States Army Officer
Most Memorable Aviation Experience: While I have numerous memories I could spend hours talking about, my most memorable experience is going through the club's mountain flying course. Taking the DA-40 to KLXV and getting my certificate for landing at North America's highest elevation airport, then practicing box canyon maneuvers and flying to Salida for lunch, was a memory I'll always have and never forget. Another experience that comes to mind is my first time in the clouds, shooting approaches and breaking out, and seeing the runway.
Corey Green
Rotor Instructor
Why I'm a Pilot: In a previous career I conducted lots of back country search and rescue with the local Sheriff's Department and had the privilege to see helicopters in action, since then I've always had the desire to be a pilot. Plus it sounded like fun.
Favorite Helicopter: MD500 or BO-105
Occupation: CFI
Most Memorable Aviation Experience: Off airports in general. Landing on pinnacles and ridgelines with gorgeous views and able to make fun approaches and departures is hard to beat.
Glen Terry
Why I'm a Pilot: Unlike a lot of pilots, I did not have dreams of flying planes when I was younger. I didn't even think of it as an option. It only occurred to me once I got my foot in the door of the aviation world as a flight attendant. I found out that flying planes is way cooler, so I decided to make a change to start training and get on the other side of the door.
Favorite Aircraft: Planes rule and helicopters drool!
Occupation: CFII/MEI
Most Memorable Aviation Experience: My first solo flight was the most memorable and exhilarating experience of my life so far.
Trust The Experts!
Our instructors are experienced pilots with a passion for teaching. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to every lesson, and are committed to helping you reach your full potential as a pilot.
