Flight Training Experience Awards

Southwest

Brian Schultz
Airport: Lake Havasu City (HII), Arizona
Years experience: 16

Students praised Schultz for his style of training and professionalism. Some who began their training at other flight schools said he was far superior to others they had learned from. He does an impeccable job of tailoring training to the learning style of each of his students, his students said.

West

Carol Bennett
Airport: John Wayne-Orange County (SNA), California
Years experience: 6

Praising her in the Flight Training Experience Survey, Bennett’s students said they cannot think of anything that she needs to improve upon. They only wish additional aircraft were at her disposal so she could train students in a variety of airplanes. 

Northeast

Gashaw Mengistu
Airport: Montgomery County Airpark (GAI), Maryland
Years experience: More than 8

Mengistu’s students say he is very helpful in not only training students, but also in helping them discover all available resources and information on flying. This helps to enhance their experience beyond his teaching. They hope his talents are available for many years to come. 

Midwest

Mike Biewenga *National Best Flight Instructor
Airport: Lake in the Hills (3CK), Illinois
Years experience: 4

Biewenga won our National Best CFI Award, as well as the Regional Best CFI Award. He is described as excellent, professional, and very good at what he does. In addition to his student training, he helps train other CFIs, handles scheduling, and also works on the airplanes. There is just not enough of Biewenga to go around, his students say.

Southeast

Mike Davis
Airport: Fairfield County (FDW), South Carolina
Years experience: 15

Davis scores high marks all around and is described as a “phenomenal” flight instructor. His students feel capable of safely flying an airplane in all types of situations because of his instruction. One of Davis’ students was at a loss for words, saying, “You just have to interact with Mike to see why he is one of the best!”