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Flying Panthers
Flight School & Flying Club

Our Instructors

Recommended instructor rates (payable directly to your instructor): $30/hr primary, $30/hr advanced

Phil Cypret

Phil Cypret. FPFS’s Chief Flight Instructor - CFII, MEI, Seaplane, Rotorwing, A&P. Ground School Instructor Private and Instrument. Over 5,000 hours single-engine.

Available for:

  • Private Pilot Training
  • Instrument Flight Training
  • Commercial Flight Training
  • Biannual Flight Review
  • Discovery Flights

Chris Klevesahl

Former FAA Control Tower / Radar Approach Control Air Traffic Controller. I’ve moved over to the cockpit side of flying to share my experiences and knowledge in aviation.

Ratings Held:

  • Commercial
  • Instrument
  • Multi engine
  • CFI

Available for:

  • Discover Flights
  • Pre-Solo
  • Private
  • Commercial
  • Instrument

Claudiu Mich

Claudiu has been passionate about aviation since early childhood. As a CFI, he now enjoys sharing his love of flying with others.

Available for:

  • Private
  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • Discovery Flights

Uday Gangavath

Uday Gangavath is a certified flight instructor with instrument rating. He shares a deep compassion in enabling someone’s dream of flying, born in a land of diverse culture, India, pursued his dream of flying in the United States made him well versed in flying with fellow pilots from all over the world understanding a much broader cultural aspect of Aviation. His relentless love for aviation keeps him on his toes to attend and deal with the hurdles faced by his students.

Available for:

  • Private Pilot Training
  • Instrument Flight Training
  • Commercial Flight Training
  • Biannual Flight Review
  • Discovery Flights
  • Mock Check Rides

Rick Hinds

I’ve always been fascinated with aviation, and Ive always had a passion for teaching others. Being a CFII has allowed me to do both. I would love to get you started on your aviation journey or, for current pilots, further your training and experience.

Available for:

  • Private
  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • Flight review/IPC
  • And any other aviation related needs!

Amy Whelan

Amy Whelan is a Certified Flight Instructor with Instrument rating. She fell in love with aviation after attending air shows around the Sacramento valley. She recently graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Science and minor in Airline Operations. Amy has a passion for introducing new people to aviation and helping others further their aviation knowledge.

Available for:

  • Private
  • Instrument
  • Commercial
  • Flight reviews
  • Discovery flights

Jacob Torba

I started drawing airplanes in elementary school and now I'm caught up in this whole mess. Enthusiastic to get others into the world of aviation and enjoying the world from above.

Available for:

  • Private Pilot Training
  • Commercial Flight Training
  • Biannual Flight Review
  • Discovery Flights
  • Mock Check Rides
  • Helicopter and Fixed Wing Instruction

Adriel Palaia

Adriel is a CFI/CFII who is a passionate flight instructor that really cares and enjoys helping students achieve their aviation goals. He is also a part time flight attendant for UNITED airlines. Adriel is ready to take on new and experienced students to further their training.

Available for:

  • CFI/CFII/AGI
  • PRIVATE
  • INSTRUMENT
  • COMERCIAL
  • BIANNUAL FLIGHT REVIEW
  • DISCOVERY FLIGHTS

Tom Jones

I’ve been fascinated with all things aerospace since an early age. I’m a retired navy pilot and lead the Aerospace Museum as my main job. I’m happy to share many years of flying knowledge and help you toward your flying goals.

CFII, MEII, CFII-Helicopter, Comm ASEL, ATP MEL, ATP Helicopter, Multiple type ratings. Over 4,300 hours – multiple aircraft categories.

Available for:

  • Instrument Flight Training
  • AMEL / MEII
  • Helicopter Flight Training
  • Flight Reviews
  • Discovery Flights

David Calabretta

Hello! My name is David, I love to fly and have a strong passion for aviation, I have my CFI, CFII and MEI certificates. I am happy to help you in any way to meet your aviation needs.

Available for:

  • Private Pilot Training
  • Instrument Flight Training
  • Commercial Flight Training
  • Multi Engine Training
  • Biannual Flight Review
  • Instrument Proficiency Check