Certified Flight Instructors
When people make the bold decision to become pilots they typically hit the Internet or talk to pilot friends to begin researching the process. While the Internet is a great source of information and your friends are sure to give you an elaborate story about their piloting adventures, the absolute best way to learn to fly is one-on-one with a certified flight instructor (CFI).
Sandills Fliers CFI's are our greatest strength. They each have hundreds (if not, thousands) of hours in the seat and leading/instructing others. Several of our esteemed CFI's have incredible amounts of combat hours and still, to this day, continue the mission.
Slim Thompson - Flight Lead
Platforms: T-37, T-1, KC-10, T-6, Caravan, Casa 235, Beech 400A, King Air 350
Hours: 11,000+, 1,100+ on NVG's
Sorties: 678 Combat
FAA Certs: ATP (SE & ME), CFII, MEII, Tail Wheel endorsed
AF Certs: AFI-I, NVG-I, CRM-I
Jack Stevens - Chief Pilot
Platforms: Cirrus, Beechcraft, Cessna, Piper, Helicopter
Hours: 7,500+
FAA Certs: ATP (SE & ME), CFII, MEII, Comm Rotarcraft, FAAS Team Rep, Tail Wheel Endorsed, Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot - CSIP 2014 - 2019, NAFI Master CFI - 2016 - 2020, FAASTeam Certified Instructor of the Year 2016, FAA Part 107
Flip Spencer - Chief of Standardization & Evaluation
Platforms: 30+ different
Hours: 6,250+
Sorties: 2,600+ Combat Hours
FAA Certs: ATP (SE & ME), CFII, MEII, Commercial Glider & Tail Wheel
AF Certs: AFI-I, NVG-I, Advanced Instrument School, CRM Facilitator
Parker Priest - Chief of Safety
Platforms: TH-67, OH-58, AH-64, CH-47, C-208, C-12, C-23, C-27, C-208, Aérospatiale, Alenia/Leonardo, Beechcraft, Bell/Textron, Boeing, Cessna, Extra, Hughes/McDonnell Douglas, Kodiak, Mooney, Piper, Marchetti, Shorts, VulcanAir – 40+
Hours: 4,000+
FAA Certs: ATP AMEL, Commercial ASEL & RW, CFII, MEII, 6 Type Ratings
Trained as Aircraft Accident Investigator by the DOD, DOT/FAA, and NTSB.