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Alex Gornakov

(Chief Pilot - CSIP/CFI-AIM)

"I give a lot to my clients and expect focus and commitment in return. An experienced instructor and 'avgeek' through-and-through, I seek to instill a deep sense of passion in my students. As a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, I train to the highest levels of safety and proficiency."

Jeff "JJ" Gutowski

(Asst. Chief Pilot - CFI-AI)

"Like many pilots, I traded a desk for a cockpit after my first flight. A passionate aviator with a deep-rooted love for sharing knowledge with others, I seek to inspire curiosity in my students. I train aviators with a mindset towards developing skills that will serve across a lifetime of flying."

Bryan Ferrell

(CFI-AIM)

"Born and raised in Portugal, my ongoing journey in aviation has opened an incredible world of experiences. Following time in the Air Force, I found passion in flight instruction. Detail-oriented and with precise and elevated standards, I look forward to helping you achieve your flying goals."

Jeff Coll 

(CFI-AI)

"Originally from Guatemala and with flight experience also including Canada and the US, my international background has given me the experience needed to fly and coach effectively in a wide range of settings. I would describe my teaching style as patient and student-centric."

Parsa Malekpour

(CFI-A)

“As a child, my mother showed me how to make paper airplanes and I remember my wonder at how they glided through the air. This passion for aviation grew with age and led me to become a flight instructor. My goal is to teach students core skills that can be built upon as they grow.”

Benedikta Unter Ecker

(CFI-A)

“Bridging the fun and serious aspects of aviation, I work with my clients to create well-rounded, knowledgeable pilots who safely explore their passion. I aim to unlock students' full potential with an adaptive learning environment catered to their unique and individual learning styles.”

Asher Young

(CFI-AI)

" With an academic background including degrees in Aeronautical Management Technology and Human Factors in Aviation, my passion has always been flight. I enjoy applying these learnings to my flight instruction and seek to offer students a safe, welcoming environment."

Supreet Wahi

(CFI-A)

"After becoming infatuated with aviation from an early age, it was always my intention to gain my wings. Having switched careers to pursue flight instruction full-time, I dedicate a significant amount of my time to providing training for our tailwheel, aerobatics and upset recovery clients."

Jessica Vasquez

(Office Manager)

"I aspire to one day earn my wings and even find my way to the flight deck of an airliner. Coming from a diverse background, but one not rooted in aviation, I have fully embraced the incredible community and am eager to learn and work with our pilots to find ways for all of us to continue to grow."

Emma Young

(Office Assistant)

"Growing up constantly traveling, I formed a love for the adventure of flying. My goal is to provide that same inviting, affable experience for our aspiring and established pilots as I experienced. Majoring in psychology, the interaction with clients and team members perpetually benefits my growth in learning."

Johann Alexander

(Media Specialist)

“My passion for aviation was sparked through a shared experience in a small airplane when I was young. I apply my artistic and unique talent in photography to aviation, bringing it to life by sharing the adventures of flying and flight training, along with constantly looking to inspire aviators to unlock the unbelievable.”

Charles Raffini

(President)

"My lifelong passion for aviation has expressed itself in several ways. As an active pilot since high school and a former aviation consultant, both my personal and professional lives have revolved around this space. My hope is that Clipper Aviation allows many others to experience the joy of flying as I have."

Jamie Raffini

(President)

"Born and raised in Hong Kong, my interest in aviation began as a passenger on many long-haul flights. Since receiving my pilot's license in high school, flying has given me 15 years of adventure. Transitioning from a career in finance to aviation has allowed me to continue this journey."

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