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Checkouts  >  Checkout Instructors

CHECK-OUT INSTRUCTORS

RFC has several highly qualified Club Instructors. Many are professional pilots in airline, cargo, or Part 135 operations, and all have years of experience flying a variety of aircraft.

Please note: Instructor availability is not listed on the online scheduling system. Before scheduling a training or check-out flight, coordinate with the Club instructor to make sure they're available.

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ANDREW WALTON

Check-outs: Cherokee

Other Instruction: Primary, Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $60/hr or $50/hr Cash

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2021

CFI Obtained: 2023

PIC Hours: 200+

About Me:

Like most pilots, I have loved aviation since I could look up to the sky. Originally in the healthcare industry, I realized aviation was where I belonged after joining RFC in 2021. I completed the rest of my ratings to become a professional pilot in 2023.  As a CFI, I prioritize safety and risk mitigation by stressing checklist usage, having comprehensive systems knowledge, and abiding by the adage, 'never fly where your brain hasn't taken you 5 minutes earlier.' With the abundance of resources available today, I emphasize that maintaining ground proficiency is just as important as flight proficiency. There is truly nothing like sharing the gift of flight with others. Feel free to reach out to me via email or text/call.

Mike Elkheir
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DANIEL SIMPSON

Check-outs: Cirrus (AFR/IPC only), Cherokee

Other Instruction: Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $75/hr or $60/hr Cash. Make an appointment

Ratings:

ATP AMEL; Commercial ASEL

CFI/CFII plus AGI/IGI

Type Ratings: CL-65

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2018

CFI Obtained: 2021

PIC Hours: 1500+

Instructing Hours: 650+

About Me:

I grew up loving aviation; one grandfather worked for Cessna and the other was an engineer at Beechcraft. My first flight was in a Travel Air Biplane and I was hooked. I joined RFC in 2017, through which I earned my Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot Certificates. I have been a ferry pilot for Van Bortel Aircraft, an instructor for Cirrus operator here at KADS, and now as a Pilot for a Regional Airline that operates for American. As a CFI, my goal is to develop proficiency, safety, and confidence in each pilot through the use of standard operating procedures, flows and checklists. I use the case-study method and realistic scenarios to guide much of the training, incorporating the understanding of aircraft systems and equipment, and a focus on good risk management practices.

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Hector Valero

Check-outs: Cherokee

Other Instruction: Primary, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $50/hr Make an appointment

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2023

CFI Obtained: 2024

PIC Hours: 200+

About Me:

Like many, I’ve always been fascinated by aviation, but it wasn’t until I dove into flight training that I realized how much I loved teaching it, too. I’m a CFI, FII, and MEI, and I focus on making flying both safe and fun. My background in human resources taught me the importance of clear communication and patience, which I bring to every lesson. Whether we’re going over the basics or digging into more advanced concepts, I aim to create a relaxed, supportive environment where you feel confident and excited to learn. Feel free to reach out anytime—I’m always happy to talk flying or answer any questions!

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JUAN FLORES

Check-outs: Cirrus, Bonanza, Arrow, Cherokee

Other Instruction: Transition, Recurrent, Flight Reviews, IPC

Cirrus Rate: $85/hr ($75 for Military, Veterans, First Responders)

Other Aircraft: $65/hr ($55 for Military, Veterans, First Responders)

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI plus AGI/IGI

Type Ratings: G-IV, G-V/450/550, Challenger 604/605/650

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2004

CFI Obtained: 2017

PIC Hours: 900+

Instructing Hours: 400+

About Me:

The flying bug hit me early, and I've spent most of my adult life heavily involved in aviation. I've served as an instructor and contract pilot in various single and multi-engine aircraft, and I'm also a supporting crew member at CAE-DFW, a Part 142 training center where I train in a multi-crew environment with special emphasis on abnormal/emergency procedures.
I've accumulated nearly 20 years of service as a full time air traffic controller in the U.S. Air Force and the FAA, and my roles as airman & controller have allowed me to develop a deep perspective and appreciation of our national airspace system that I enthusiastically strive to pass on to my students and colleagues in both fields.

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MICHAEL ELKHEIR

Check-outs: Cirrus (AFR/IPC only), Bonanza, Arrow, Cherokee

Other Instruction: Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $65/hr or $50/hr Cash

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI

Type Ratings: G-200

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2011

CFI Obtained: 2020

PIC Hours: 700+

Instructing Hours: 250+

About Me:

Ever since I was a little child, I've always had a passion for aviation. As such, I became a flight instructor to share my passion for flying with others. I enjoy teaching others, specifically those who strive to achieve a high level of proficiency and safety above all. The best instructors I have ever had the privilege of flying with used realistic scenario-based training along with a fun learning environment, and I strive to do the same for the pilots I teach and mentor.

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OTAVIO NUNES

Check-outs: Arrow, Cherokee

Other Instruction: Primary, Flight Reviews

Rates: Variable

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 1995

CFI Obtained: 1999

PIC Hours: 3500+

Instructing Hours: 2000+

About Me:

I am originally from Brazil and spent my youth in Southern California, where I learned how to fly in a busy, complex airspace that offers many challenging flying environments. I have worked in the Airline Industry for the last 28 years and recently retired from American Airlines.

As a CFI, I enjoy sharing my knowledge and experience accumulated over the years. I strive to share my passion for aviation through my enthusiasm and patience while teaching new and experienced students aviation skills. I focus on scenario-based training with a significant emphasis on aircraft performance, limitations, and standard operating procedures.  

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STUART THOMPSON

Check-outs: Bonanza (preferred), Arrow

Other Instruction: Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $60/hr 

Ratings:

ATP ASEL/AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI

Type Ratings: CE-500, BE-200/100/90, CE-441, PC-12, TBM 900/850/700, Commander 695A, PA-46-500TP Types

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 1994

CFI Obtained: 1996

PIC Hours: 10000+

Instructing Hours: 4000+

About Me:

After flying for some airlines in the late 90’s, I am now a full-time contract pilot primarily flying Citations, King Airs, Conquests and more. I’ve owned eight Bonanzas and two Barons since 1994.... over 6,000 hours in Bonanzas, and 1500 in Barons. Regarding RFC Dallas pilots, I specialize in transitioning pilots into Bonanzas and with instrument and commercial training.

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TRAVIS NELSON

Check-outs: Cherokee, Bonanza

Other Instruction: Primary, Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $60/hr - Make an appointment

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, AMEL

CFI/CFII/MEI plus AGI/IGI

Type Ratings: PC-12, PC-24

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 1999

CFI Obtained: 2021

PIC Hours: 1100+

Instructing Hours: 400+

About Me:

I earned my PPL in 1999 in a Cessna 152, while serving in the US Army Reserve (USAR) and also as a Garland Police Officer. I've been an RFC Club member since 2015 and have flown close to 200 hours in the Club Bonanzas. In 2021, I obtained my CFI/CFII/MEI/IGI/AGI and started instructing part-time with American Flyers. During that year I retired from the USAR, and in January of 2023 I retired from the Garland PD. I currently work at Flight Safety, teaching in the PC-12 and PC-24 aircraft. My teaching style is centered on scenario-based training, checklist usage and developing a good flow in all phases of flight. 

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MADIE WOMACK

** Currently not instructing -- will return after July 2024 **

Check-outs: Arrow
Other Instruction: Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC
Rates: $55/hr ($45 for Military, Veterans, First Responders)
Ratings:
Commercial ASEL, ASES, AMEL
CFI/CFII
Type Ratings: CE-500
Years & Hours:
License Obtained: 2018
CFI Obtained: 2020
PIC Hours: 800+
Instructing Hours: 400+
About Me:
My aviation career began in the US Navy maintaining the F-18 Superhornet ejection seats. I began flying while still in the Navy at my base's flying club in a Piper Warrior and T-34 Mentor. My initial instructors were retired and active duty fighter pilots. Currently, I instruct, fly corporate multis/jets, and prefer aerobatics. I enjoy helping others further their aviation knowledge and/or careers. Feel free to contact me directly via cell phone.
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TOM JOHNSON

** Currently not instructing **

Check-outs: Bonanza, Arrow, Cherokee

Other Instruction: Advanced, Flight Reviews, IPC

Rates: $50/hr 

Ratings:

ATP AMEL; Commercial ASEL

CFI/CFII/MEI

Type Ratings: DA-10

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 1989

CFI Obtained: 2001

PIC Hours: 3300+

Instructing Hours: 1000+

About Me:

I joined the Club in 1992 and I am currently the Flight Instructor Coordinator for RFC. I have a passion for aviation and this is evident in my flight instructing methodology and enthusiasm. I stress safety and adherence to RFC procedures. I am Director of Operations for a Part 135 Air Carrier, Company Instructor & Check Airman and Captain flying freight in Beech Bonanza's, Beech Baron's & Cessna 400 Twins. I also provide contract pilot services in Falcon 10 & Beechjet 400A corporate jets.

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BRANDON MASO

** Currently not instructing **

Ratings:

ATP AMEL; Commercial ASEL, ASES

CFI/CFII/MEI plus AGI/IGI

Type Ratings: G-100/IA-1125, B-757/B-767, B-737

Years & Hours:

License Obtained: 2008

CFI Obtained: 2014

PIC Hours: 5000+

Instructing Hours: 3000+

About Me:

I began flight training at age 10 and flew on-and-off until I was old enough to obtain a certificate. I joined the Club in late 2007 at age 16 and have been a highly active member, and later instructor, since then. I now fly for American Airlines. Before that, I flew international cargo operations in a B-767 for a few years, and I have previously served as PIC and instructor pilot for a Part 135 operation in a Pilatus (PC-12) here at KADS. My teaching style is centered upon scenario-based training, and the case-study method (i.e. learning from the mistakes of others). I ardently believe that ground training is just as important as flight training. Please see my schedule link (above), and/or contact me directly.

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