“Best in Glass” Expert Instructors

Kyle Buse

Hometown: Stanwood, WA

Education: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII

Brief description of aviation experience: I received my flight training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ and obtained my CFI and CFII at Galvin Flying Service.

Brian Quarles

Hometown: Saint Paul, MN

Education: BS Aeronautics – University of North Dakota 2007 / BA Environmental Design University of Minnesota 2004

Type Ratings: CE510

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: ATP AMEL, Commercial ASEL

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: Part 141 instructor & examiner at UND in Grand Forks, ND 2007-2008; Factory instructor & delivery pilot at Cirrus Design in Duluth, MN 2008-2009; Part 61, 141, & FAA flight instructor at Galvin Flying 2010-present; Part 91 corporate pilot at Veravanti, Inc. in Everett, WA 2010-present.

Bob Allen – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Seattle

Education: BA Philosophy (1966), St. Patrick’s Seminary, with 2 years graduate art studies at San Francisco State College and the University of Florence, Italy

BA Art History (1972), University of Washington with 2 years graduate studies in art history, University of Washington

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII

Brief description of aviation experience: I became a Galvin Flight instructor in May of 2003. I especially like working with young students and older folks who have decided to (finally) take up flying after having postponed the experience for years. I am a founding member of Cascade Flyers and a Mission Orientation Pilot for Angel Flight. I consider social activism in aviation to be an integral part of my flying life.

Keith Alter – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Woodland Hills, CA

Education: Ph.D. Aeronautics and Astronautics, Stanford University

Type Ratings: CE-525

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: ATP AMEL, Commercial ASEL

Flight Instructor Certificates: CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: I have been a pilot for 26 years and a flight instructor for 23 years.  I’ve been a flight instructor for Galvin Flying Services for 11 years. I have spent much of my career investigating applications of GPS for aviation and I’ve been involved in the development of Synthetic Vision.  When I’m not instructing for Galvin I work for Boeing Flight Test, as a Test Director with the 787 flight test program.

Brandi Balzarini – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 150, 152, 172, 172RG, 182RG, 310, Piper Warrior, Archer, and Arrow, Beech BE-33

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Education: B.S. Professional Aeronautics, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Tyler Cords – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Renton, WA

Education: BS Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Type Ratings: DHC8-SIC

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: Gold Seal CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: Started flying in high school, attended Embry-Riddle for much of my training. I joined Galvin in 2006 to start instructing.  I have since flown for Horizon Airlines, and done work as a Technical Pilot for GE Aviation’s PBN services.

Dave Cowan – Certified Flight Instructor

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: ATP, Part 135

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: C500, C441, and most popular single and multi- engine piston airplanes

Hometown: Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada

Education: B.S. Mechanical Engineering, Michigan College of Mining & Technology

Katherine Favini – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 152, 172; Diamond DA-20; Piper Cub, Warrior, Seminole; Columbia 400

Hometown: Issaquah, WA

Education: A.A. Green River Community College

Charles Fitzgerald – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 152, 172, 172RG, 182, 182RG, Citabria

Hometown: Norfolk, Virginia

Education: Bachelor and Masters Degree in Aeronautics/Astronautics, MBA

John Hansen – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Green Bay, WI

Education: B.S. Computer Science, Brigham Young University; EMBA, University of Washington

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL, ASES Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A

Brief description of aviation experience: Piston: Cessna C152, C172, C172RG, C182, C182RG, T206, C340, T206 floatplane; Piper PA-18 floatplane, PA34-200T; Cirrus SR22; Diamond DA20, DA40; Beechcraft BE58P, D95A; Turboprop: Cessna C425, C441

Christopher Hunhoff – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Mill Creek, WA

Education: Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: Ten years in the Aviation Training Industry, a Master Certified Flight Instructor (MCFI) and a former volunteer Aviation Safety Counselor in the northwest mountain region. I’ve flown for part 135 Operations as PIC in Turbine Aircraft. As the Chief Flight Instructor of Galvin’s FAA approved Flight school I have developed an excellent, working rapport with the FAA and other regulating bodies. Prior to my career in General Aviation I served as an Acoustic Sensor Operator (AW) and Naval Aircrewman of the United States Navy holding a secret security clearance and a flight status logging over 1100 hours of flight time aboard the P-3 Orion aircraft including two WESTPAC deployments and numerous detachments. Over 600 hours were spent analyzing data and prosecuting real world submarines during the Cold War era. Missions also including maritime surface surveillance, mine countermeasures, counter narcotics, and land/sea rescue missions. I was employed by the Boeing Commercial Airplane Company as a Flight Line Delivery Electrician performing pre-flight functional tests and post-flight system fault troubleshooting and repair for the 747-400 and 767 lines in Everett, Washington and worked on the new Presidential Aircraft.

Matthew Lehde – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 150/152, 172, 501; Diamond DA20, DA40; Piper Cherokee, Seminole; Socata TBM 850; B-767 Simulator

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Education: Currently working on an aviation degree from Utah Valley State College

INTERESTS:

James Lilje – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Raised in Davenport, Washington currently residing on Vashon Island.

Education: Washington State University.

Type Ratings: Boeing 737, 757, 767 and 777.

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot AMEL, Commercial Pilot ASEL, Private Pilot Hot Air Balloons. I also hold a Flight Engineer (Turbojet) Certificate.
Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII MEI. I also hold a Ground Instructor (Advanced and Instrument) Certificate.

Aviation Experience: My flying career began when I enlisted in the Navy’s Aviation Officer Candidate Program while in college. I began flight training in the fall of 1968, was commissioned as a Navy Ensign in January, 1969 and received my Naval Aviator Wings in January of 1970.

My first assignment after flight training was as an instructor with Training Squadron Four based at NAS Pensacola, Fl. Instructing in the twin jet T-2B/C “Buckeye” I taught formation flying and air to air gunnery. After my tour in Pensacola I was transferred to NAS Lemoore, CA and assigned as a pilot with Attack Squadron 212. I flew the A-4F “Skyhawk” from Aircraft Carrier decks in the Pacific and Indian Oceans. Following my discharge from the Navy, I was hired by United Airlines in 1979 as a Boeing 727 Second Officer (Flight Engineer). While I was with United I flew the Boeing 727, Boeing 737, DC-10, Boeing 757, Boeing 767 and finally retired as a Boeing 777 Captain in October 2006. I began working for Galvin Flying Services as an Instructor in June of 2007. I have specialized in instruction for advanced ratings and in instruction of Air Safety Inspectors under Galvin’s contract with the FAA. I instruct on the Diamond DA40, DA42 and the Mooney 201.

Bill Martin – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Boeing 737, Cessna Caravan, 172, 182; Diamond DA-20, DA40, DA42 TwinStar; Piper Seneca, Seminole; Beechcraft Bonanza, Duchess; Mooney M20; Columbia 400

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Education: B.S. Aeronautical Science, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University

Jack McGoldrick – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: All Cessna single models; Piper Warrior, Archer, Beechcraft Bonanzas, Mooney All Models, Piper Super Cub, Stinson, Diamond DA-40

Hometown: New York City, NY

Education: B.A. Business Administration, University of Washington

Brad Meeuwse – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 150, 152, 172, 182, 206, 207, 208, 421; Diamond DA-20, DA-40, Piper Warrior, Archer, Archer 2, Seminole; Taylorcraft; Hughes 300, 500, Robinson R-22; Engstrom

Hometown: Irian Jaya, Indonesia

Education: A.A South Seattle Community College, Airframe and Powerplants Technician; Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

INTERESTS:

Mathew Morey – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 152, 172, 310; Diamond DA20, DA40, DA42, Piper Pa-28 Arrow, PA-44 Seminole; Columbia 400; American Champion Super Decathlon

Hometown: Port Orchard, WA

Education: B.S., Embry Riddle Aeronautical University

Dave Mutzel – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS: FAA Gold Seal, Multi-Engine Aircraft Instructor, Instrument Instructor

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: FAA Gold Seal Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Beech Bonanza 36, Baron 58, King Air 90; Cessna 150, C152, C172, C182, C182RG, C210; Diamond DA20, DA40, DA42

Hometown: Houston, TX

Education: University of Texas, Austin BBA Seattle University, Seattle MBA Program

INTERESTS: cycling, skiing, climbing

Shimon Nishimura – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Grew up in Japan but Seattle is now my hometown

Education: B.S. Embry-Riddle University

Type Ratings: DHC8-SIC

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial AMEL ASEL

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: Trained by Galvin Flying Services, instructor for Galvin since 2005, I have flown part 121 for a regional airline.

Mike Oswald – Chief Flight Instructor

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Chief Pilot, FAA Training

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: 70+ from J-3′s to MD-80′s

Hometown: Walla Walla, WA

Education: Aeronautical Administration, Parks College of St. Louis University

INTERESTS: boating (classic yachts and commercial marine), exploration of the Inside Passage, amateur radio

Rob Price – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS: C172, A36, DA20, DA40, DA42, Columbia Factory Authorized Instructor, Diamond Factory Authorized Instructor, 141 Private, 141 Instrument, 141 DA40, Single-Engine Aircraft Instructor, Multi-Engine Aircraft Instructor, Instrument Instructor, CFI Sign-Off (200/2), G1000

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Tailwheel instruction

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Beech A36 Bonanza , 58P Baron, C90 King Air; Cessna 140, 150, 152, 172, 177RG, 182, 206; Columbia (Cessna) 400; Diamond DA20, DA40, DA42

Hometown: Guilford, CT

Education: B.A. Mathematics, Yale University

INTERESTS: Software, rock climbing, snowboarding, food and wine

Len Quiat – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Denver, Colorado

Education: Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Washington

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot- AMEL, Commercial Pilot- ASEL

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: Gold Seal CFI-A CFII MEI IGI

Brief description of aviation experience: Started flying (again) in 2003, and became a flight instructor in 2007. I became a Gold seal instructor in 2010. Currently working as Flight Test Director for Boeing Commercial Aircraft, and have experience as a Payloads engineer.

Daniel Schwartz – Certified Flight Instructor

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 150, C152, C172, C172RG, C182; Piper Cherokee PA-28, Arrow PA-28R, Seneca PA-34; Diamond DA20, DA40, DA42; Beech 58 Baron; Stearman; Pitts 2S; Bell 206B Jet Ranger, 206-L Long Ranger; MBB BK-117, A-Star, Robinson R-22

Hometown: Chicago, IL

Education: B.A., University of Chicago; MA in Marine Policy from the University of Rhode Island, other professional courses at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and the U.S. Naval War College

Chris Smith – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Bainbridge Island, WA

Education: BA, University of Arkansas, MBA, University of Utah

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII

Brief description of aviation experience: Over 2,000 hours total time. 700+ hours instructing

Erik Spring – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS: Seaplane

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna C-152, C-172, X-182; Beechcraft BE90, BE-58; Piper PA-18, PA-28, PA-44; Diamond DA20, DA40

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Education: B.S. Aviation Management, University of North Dakota

INTERESTS: Biking, Hiking, Running, White Water Kayaking, Sailing, Water Skiing

Timothy Vollink – Assistant Chief Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna 140, 152, 172, 182, 206, 208, 210, 206, 340, 414, 421; Beechcraft Bonanza, A-36, C-90 King Air; Piper Cherokee, Warrior, Archer, Arrow, Seminole, Lance; Pilatus PC-12

Hometown: Travers City, MI

Education: Flight Safety International, University of California

INTERESTS:

Kit Warfield – Certified Flight Instructor

INSTRUCTOR QUALIFICATIONS:

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS:

AIRCRAFT FLOWN: Cessna Citation I, C152, C172, C172RG, C182,C182RG; Diamond DA20, DA42; Piper PA-44 Seminole; Super Blanik L-23 glider; Robinson R-22 helicopter; Boeing 737-200 Level D simulator, Cessna 208 Caravan Level D simulator

Hometown: Livingston, MT

Education: B.A. English; Carroll College, Montana

INTERESTS:

Bruce Williams – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Seattle, WA

Education: BA Whitman College

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII

Brief description of aviation experience: I’ve been flying since the early 1970s. I’ve flown most of the common GA types, and today I specialize in training in TAA and stall/spin/upset and aerobatic training in my Extra 300L.

Christoph Zelazowski – Certified Flight Instructor

Hometown: Warsaw, Poland

Education: M.Sc. Computer Science, Warsaw University of Technology, Poland

Pilot Certificates and Ratings: Commercial ASEL AMEL Instrument

Flight Instructor Certificates and Ratings: CFI-A CFII MEI

Brief description of aviation experience: I took my first flying lesson in 2003 and obtained all of the certificates and ratings at Galvin Flying. Since 2006, I’ve been a flight instructor.