Flight Instructors

Klaus Thalinger

Director of Operations

Experience: 6000 hours +

Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot

Flight Instructor, Instrument, Multi-Engine, Seaplane

Advanced Ground Instructor

Instructor since: 2001

Favorite Airplane I flew: Cessna 404

I like teaching my students: How to fly an airplane by not just numbers, but by their seat of the pants

Here is why I do it: Because I want to fly a Draken

Favorite quote: Shoot for the moon – even if you miss you will land among the stars

Mike Dorr

Chief Flight Instructor

Experience: 7000 hours +

Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot

Flight Instructor, Instrument, Seaplane

Advanced Ground Instructor

Instructor since: 1994

Favorite Airplane I flew: Baron, CE-402, BE-99

I like teaching my students: How to land

Here is why I do it: Cause its fun!

Favorite quote: Live free or die

Mark Rolfe

Flight Instructor

Experience: 1000 hours +

Ratings: Commercial Pilot

Flight Instructor, Instrument, Seaplane

Advanced Ground Instructor

Instructor since: 2005

Favorite Airplane I flew: Mudry Cap 10

I like teaching my students: How to have fun flying while staying safe

Here is why I do it: I like the interface between the magic of flight, science and people.

Favorite quote: The superior pilot uses their superior knowledge to avoid using their superior skill.

Matt Sylvester

Flight Instructor

Experience: 350 hours +

Ratings: Commercial Pilot, Seaplane, Flight Instructor

Instructor since: 2010

Favorite Airplane I flew: Dehavilland Beaver - Anything on floats or skis.

I like teaching my students: To enjoy it, Why do this if it isn't fun?

Here is why I do it: I love floatplane flying!

Favorite quote: Oh, I have slipped the surly bonds of earth...

Doug Manter

Flight Instructor

Experience: 2400 hours +

Ratings: Commercial Pilot

Flight Instructor, Instrument, Multi- Engine, Seaplane

Instructor since: 1995

Favorite Airplane I flew: Cessna 172 Floatplane, Piper Seneca

I like teaching my students: Make sure they understand the “why?”

Here is why I do it: I grew up in it, my Dad was a Navy Test Pilot

Favorite quote: Know thee power setting, less the ground rise up and smite thee