Your Flight Instructors

Mike

CFI/CFII, Founder/Owner, Instructor

Well regarded among peers, students, and commanders, Painted Skies founder and instructor MIKE brings a wealth of not only aviation knowledge, but instructional technique honed from a military aviation career of 20 years.

Graduate US Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, CO

Graduate F-16 Pilot Training, Luke AFB, AZ

Instructor USAF Fighter Weapons School, Nellis AFB, NV

F-16 Fighter Squadron Commander, Hill AFB, UT

USAF Retired. Captain, Airbus 320/321

Proficient in Diamond DA-40, Cessna 150, 172 (S,P, SP, R)

A deep love for flying. A natural ability to teach. A student first mind-set.

Naomi

CFI/CFII, Principal Flight Instructor

Highly requested instructor, NAOMI, brings Painted Skies extensive experience in general aviation and instruction, along with a passion for instruction and joy of flight.

Graduate— Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Over 1,000 hours of flight instruction

100% Check Ride and Stage Check pass rate. Experience with traditional instrumentation, mixed instrumentation, and various glass panel configurations.

Proficient in Diamond DA-40, DA-42NG. Cessna 150, 172 (S, P, SP, R). Beechcraft B23. Piper PA-28-181, PA-28-161, PA-28-151, PA-28-R. Cirrus SR20 G7.

Rick

CFI, Chief Flight Instructor

Highly experienced general aviation pilot with thousands of hours of flight across a wide variety of aircraft, RICK offers Painted Skies students a broad understanding of general aviation. A certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA), his technical expertise, enables a rare blend of hands-on maintenance skill and operational knowledge.

Liberty University, Lynchburg, VA

Recipient of the Wright Brother’s Master Pilot Award, 2024

Certified A&P with IA

Proficient in Diamond DA-40, DA-42NG, 172(S, P, SP, R), Stearman