Meet Our All-Star Instructor Team!
At Mach 5, over a dozen flight instructors pull from their unique career experiences to make sure that students get the absolute most out of training. When you train with Mach 5, you’re flying with experienced, passionate aviators. Among them are fighter pilots, airline captains, corporate pilots, and career instructors.
Dennis Pearson
Owner
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP Tailwheel & Aerobatics
Dennis is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor and retired F-15C fighter pilot.
Tony Pollizzi
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP
Tony is a United States Air Force Academy graduate and pilots with over 5,000 military flight hours and deployments world-wide.
Hailey Traux
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII Tailwheel
Hailey is a passionate career instructor, EAA Young Eagles pilot, and proud owner of a J-3 Cub.
Jeff Ebey
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI
Jeff's flying career spans 40 years. He's worked for airlines, the FAA, and at a university.
John Kleunker
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP Tailwheel Only
John is a corporate pilot, tailwheel and aerobatic instructor, and awarded "National Top Pilot" in 2001.
Chester Gault
Chief Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP
Chester has been a flight instructor for 40+ years, and is a United States Air Force veteran and B-787 airline pilot.
Joshua Landry
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI Tailwheel & Aerobatics
Joshua earned a Physics degree from UC Davis before becoming a flight instructor here at Mach 5!
Bennett Carlson
Flight Instructor
CFI
Bennett is a flight instructor and mountain aficionado, from mountain flying to climbing and snowboarding.
Larry Uzelac
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP Tailwheel
Larry has been a flight instructor since 1995 and is an experienced tailwheel and glider pilot.
James Jacobson
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP Tailwheel & Aerobatics
James is a nationally-ranked aerobatic pilot, a tailwheel instructor, and a graduate of the University of North Dakota.
Andrew Moon
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII/MEI/ATP
Andrew is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor, corporate jet pilot, and part-time law enforcement pilot.
Mike Richardson
Flight Instructor
CFI/CFII
Mike comes from a flying family, and started his career after being inspired by his grandfather.
Brandon Kane
Flight Instructor
CFI
Brandon learned to fly in Auburn before earning a degree and finishing his training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.
Gary Jestice
Flight Instrutor
CFI/CFII/MEI
Gary has over 18,000 flight hours. Along the way, he's been a Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Designated Pilot Examiner, and more!