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.