Welcome  Accomplishments  News and Views  Learn To Fly  Instructors  Aircraft Rental  Discount Plan  Gift Certificates  Pilot Supplies  Tips and Tricks  Museums  Day Trip Ideas  Demo Flights  Aerial Photography  Gallery  Links  Contact or Visit Us  (410) 574-3897  E-Mail Phoenix

Flight Instructors     Walter Coats, Jr. CFII Walt started flying after receiving an introductory flight as a gift. After a few more lessons, he became hooked and now has over 3000 hours, with 2000 hours as a flight instructor.. His ratings include commercial, instrument, complex, and high-performance airplanes. A recently retired high school science for over 35 years, Walt also enjoys golf and gardening (he teaches that, too, in a Sunday School class) and serves as a mission pilot for the Civil Air Patrol. He has participated in searches for downed aircraft and boats in distress. Walt explains and demonstrates the skills needed to safely fly an airplane, making it easy to understand. His teaching style emphasizes more than simply preparing students to pass FAA tests: his goal is to help people become safe and proficient pilots. He finds flying relaxing and challenging at the same time, with the greatest satisfaction being a safe landing following a well-planned trip. "Flying is only the second greatest thrill; landing safely is the first. I'll prepare my students to enjoy both of these thrills." Bruce Hollen CFII Bruce turned his lifelong love of aviation into action and has been flying since 2001. He received all his training at Phoenix Aviation and looks forward to the opportunity to share his passion for aviation with his students as an instructor. His availability can match almost any student's schedule, and he's willing to take the time to make sure students understand the concepts needed to be a safe, proficient pilot. In addition to his flying accomplishments, Bruce is also a professional bowler. He enjoys tennis, piano, and his three children. "Flying is freedom" according to Bruce. "After you become a private pilot, you can hop in a plane and, with few exceptions, fly anywhere you want to—on your schedule. If you're thinking about becoming a pilot, give it a try. Almost anyone who wants to can do it! There is nothing like training on your own schedule in an airplane you're piloting. Become a pilot—you'll never regret it." Nick Pugh CFII, MEI Since childhood, Nick dreamed about flying, eventually pursuing an aviation career. He earned his commercial and flight instructor ratings with Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) in Jacksonville, Florida. As a fulltime instructor, Nick is available seven days a week and can accommodate people with busy schedules. He's a patient, intuitive instructor who tries to relate to each student individually and enjoys working with students of all levels. Away from the airport, Nick plays the guitar and spends time around the water as well as in the air, enjoying sailing and fishing, along with snowboarding. He cherishes the freedom of the skies and the satisfaction of a soft landing after a safe, successful flight, and flying has opened up new opportunities and places to explore. "As we leave the ground behind, we can momentarily forget our troubles and focus on the more important things in life—like what we're capable of and can achieve." Dave Stewart CFI Dave found a bargain book about how to get your pilot's license in a local bookstore. Becoming fascinated, he scheduled a demo flight with Phoenix Aviation. From that point, he was hooked like so many of us and he quickly progressed through his ratings and now, a flight instructor, he can conduct those demo flights and inspire the next aviator. He sums it up well, "As a pilot, you will have the freedom that only a very small fraction of the world population can enjoy." In addition to flying, Dave enjoys reading, especially science: astronomy, cosmology, and physics to name a few favorites. He also enjoys camping, hiking, golf, movies, and coffee (he managed a coffee shop for a few years before the flying bug hit). He has a very flexible schedule, places a strong emphasis on safety, and helps students incorporate safe practices and procedures as second nature.  Dave  keeps flying fun while adhering to high standards and thoroughness in instruction.  Frank Bober CFII, MEI (Multiengine) Tailwheel, Aerobatics Sue Shambeau CFI Carol Christian CFII, Tailwheel, Aerobatics     Copyright © Phoenix Aviation Incorporated 2005. All Rights Reserved.