OUR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS
Who We Are
Jason M. Jeffery - Owner
Airline Transport Pilot, CFI CFII MEI
Experience: Jason has been flying since 2008 and instructing since 2012. He's earned his Gold Seal on his flight instructor certificate for his high first-time pass rate for all his students.
Hobbies: Playing guitar, snowboarding, fishing & hunting, outdoor sports, shooting, recreational flying, and cooking.
Michael Ha
Commercial Pilot (Land & Sea), CFI CFII
Experience: Michael has been flying since 2009. With extensive flight instructor experience under part 141 and 61, Michael specializes in international students and accelerated training courses.
Hobbies: Outdoor activities, sound engineering, traveling, fantasy sports.
Xavier Cobb
CFI
Experience: Raised in Louisiana, but has lived in California since 2018. Xavier received his instrument rating, commercial pilot certificate, and flight instructor certificate from Pacific Air. He enjoys seeing the growth that students undergo while flight training and is excited to see their progress.
Hobbies: Exercising, motorcycles and cars, at-home flight simulator.
Mitchell Armstrong
CFI, CFII, MEI
Experience: Mitchell was born and raised in Long Beach. He attended school in Long Beach as well. His father was a pilot, which attributed to his interest in becoming one himself. He started flying in 2018 and has been hooked ever since. Mitchell is passionate about flying and thrilled to share the experience with his students.
Hobbies: Hiking, camping, fishing, cars, boating, water sports.
Sam Williams
CFI
Experience: Originally from Georgia, Sam moved to Long Beach in 2019 to attend Pacific Air Flight School and pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. After completing his training, he was hired as a flight instructor in December of 2021. Sam is the first pilot in his family and is always excited to help his students follow their dreams to fly.
Hobbies: Surfing, camping, snowboarding, golfing, running, and hanging with his dog.
Kevin Pryor
CFI
Experience: Native to the LA area, Kevin has been flying since 2016. He fell in love with flying after his intro flight which ignited his passion for aviation. As a flight instructor, he is looking forward to passing on his knowledge to his students.
Hobbies: Golfing, gaming, wake boarding, snow boarding, playing cards, being at the beach, and exercising.
Chris Despars
CFI, CFII
Experience: Chris has been flying in airplanes since 6 weeks old. Both parents worked for Delta. He finished his Bachelors degree at Arizona State University, then completed the 7 month to 0 hours to CFI multiengine program at ATP Flight School. He finished Private single, multi, instrument, commercial single and multi in 5 months. Three months after finishing commercial single engine, he finished his CFI3421191 check ride, then a week after that his CFII. He is working towards his 1500 hour minimum, then plans to go to regional airlines or private.
Hobbies: Dirtbiking, snowboarding, eating out at restaurants.
Giancarlo Chico
CFI, CFII, MEI
Experience: Giancarlo had his first flight when he was 17 years old, in Puerto Rico, sparking an immense appreciation for aviation. For the past 10+ years, he has worked in various fields as an EMT, martial arts instructor, rock climbing instructor, screenwriter, video game writer, Google analyst, and talk show producer. However, his love of flying never wavered, and Giancarlo has now decided to make aviation his primary career, looking to turn the rest of his life into an adventure; one where he can share his passion of flying with others.
“The sky’s not the limit but you’re never gonna guess what is.” - Julian Casablancas
Hobbies: Boxing, rock climbing, writing, reading, archery, sky diving, ziplining, going to the movies.
Eric Ramos Cervantes
CFI & CFII
Experience: started flying in 2017 but my passion for flying came from a young when my dad would take me to airshow's and watch planes take off at John Wayne. I take pride in my students, teaching them all aspects of flying to make them safe responsible pilots. It's not about how many pilots
"The engine is the heart of the plane. But the pilot is the soul."
Hobbies: love paintball, Video games, shooting, mountain biking, hiking, car cruises.
Brandon Centeno
CFI
Experience: Brandon has always considered LA his "home away from home." While serving four years in the US Air Force as a weather officer, he got his private pilot, instrument rating, commercial and CFI/CFII ratings. Brandon brings a diverse background of experience having trained in Kansas, Louisiana, and having a weather degree.
Hobbies: Dancing, soccer, cooking, swimming, flight sim, walking along the beach.
Derek Sato
CFI
Experience:
Hobbies:
Amanda Villapudua
CFI
Experience: Meet Amanda. Flight attendant turned pilot. Amanda began her training in 2020 and has completed her entire pilot training from Private to CFI at Pacific Air Flight School. Having flown for a major airline and accumulated a wealth of real-world aviation knowledge, Amanda hopes to share her expertise with aspiring aviators.
Hobbies: Dancing, reading, traveling.
