Skip to content

MEET THE CLIPPER AVIATION FLIGHT CREW!

Our team includes a diverse group of pilots, instructors, and support staff who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to you. We believe that the best way to learn is through hands-on experience, and our team is here to guide you every step of the way.
 
clouds-team

MEET OUR FLIGHT TEAM

Here you can view our world-class flight crew and see what makes them each passionate about aviation. After getting to know us, we would love to get to know you. So please reach out and schedule a time to come join us in person.

dotted-line
Alex-Gornakov--r
Alex Gornakov
Chief Pilot - CSIP/CFI-AIM

Alex Gornakov

Chief Pilot - CSIP/CFI-AIM
"I give a lot to my clients and expect focus and commitment in return. An experienced instructor and 'avgeek' through-and-through, I seek to instill a deep sense of passion in my students. As a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot, I train to the highest levels of safety and proficiency."
Jj-Gutowski--r
Jeff "JJ" Gutowski
Asst. Chief Pilot - CFI-AI

Jeff "JJ" Gutowski

Asst. Chief Pilot - CFI-AI
"Like many pilots, I traded a desk for a cockpit after my first flight. A passionate aviator with a deep-rooted love for sharing knowledge with others, I seek to inspire curiosity in my students. I train aviators with a mindset towards developing skills that will serve across a lifetime of flying."
Bryan-Ferrel--r
Bryan Ferrell
Check Instructor CFI-AIM

Bryan Ferrell

Check Instructor CFI-AIM
"Born and raised in Portugal, my ongoing journey in aviation has opened an incredible world of experiences. Following time in the Air Force, I found passion in flight instruction. Detail-oriented and with precise and elevated standards, I look forward to helping you achieve your flying goals."
Benedikta-Unterecker
Benedikta Unter Ecker
Head of Curriculum CFI-AI

Benedikta Unter Ecker

Head of Curriculum CFI-AI
"Bridging the fun and serious aspects of aviation, I work with my clients to create well-rounded, knowledgeable pilots who safely explore their passion. I aim to unlock students' full potential with an adaptive learning environment catered to their unique and individual learning styles."
Para-Malekpour--r
Parsa Malekpour
CFI-AI

Parsa Malekpour

CFI-AI
"As a child, my mother showed me how to make paper airplanes and I remember my wonder at how they glided through the air. This passion for aviation grew with age and led me to become a flight instructor. My goal is to teach students core skills that can be built upon as they grow."
Jett-Vasquez-WO-1
Kayla Jett
CFI-AIM

Kayla Jett

CFI-AIM
"Unlike many aviators, my passion for flight didn't come until later in life. I was in an entirely other career. But, from my first discovery flight, I was hooked. My goal is to aid students in safely pursuing their aviation goals while maintaining the excitement that only comes from flying an airplane." 
Supreet-Wahi--r
Supreet Wahi
CFI-AIM

Supreet Wahi

CFI-AIM
"After becoming infatuated with aviation from an early age, it was always my intention to gain my wings. Having switched careers to pursue flight instruction full-time, I dedicate a significant amount of my time to providing training for our tailwheel, aerobatics and upset recovery clients."
Tara-Lopez-wo
Tara Lopez
CFI-AIM

Tara Lopez

CFI-AIM
"Growing up, I was always that kid who ran outside when a plane was flying over my house, and I still do! It is a great privilege to now be a part of the aviation community and to be able to share the importance of discipline and determination with future aviators. I look forward to working with you to foster your passion, skill and love for aviation."
Noah-Clark--r
Noah Clark
CFI - AIM

Noah Clark

CFI - AIM

"Growing up near an airport in Hawaii, my earliest memories consisted of plane-spotting large airliners flying out of Honolulu. As an instructor, I aim to reveal my clients’ passion for aviation through a welcoming, exciting, and safety-focused learning environment tailored to each unique learning style."

Michael-Sahakian
Michael Sahakian
CFI - AI

Michael Sahakian

CFI - AI
"When I was very young, I got to sit at the controls of a B737 simulator at Boeing - let’s just say that leaves an impression!  After getting lost in the jungle of life, I realized I had it right the first time with my passion for aviation!  I love sharing this journey with my students in creating the best aviators out there."
Emily-WO
Emily Hauke
CFI-AIM

Emily Hauke

CFI-AIM
"My love of travel, people, and flight brought me into the world of aviation and I’ve found my home instructing at Clipper Aviation. I strive to foster your passion and excitement for flying, as well as help you gain the knowledge and experiences needed to make you a safe pilot. Becoming a pilot is one of the best decisions I have ever made; I hope I get to be a part of your aviation journey."
Marco-Soriaga
Marco Soriaga
CFI-AI

Marco Soriaga

CFI-AI
"Like many of my fellow aviators, my passion for flying started at a very young age. I am grateful for the general aviation community and its boundless opportunities. I aspire to inspire and motivate both seasoned aviators and the future generation of pilots; encouraging a continuous focus on safety and good aeronautical decision making."
Jade
Changhwan "Jade" Jung
CFI-AI

Changhwan "Jade" Jung

CFI-AI
"Embarking on my aviation journey at Embry Riddle, I was captivated by the distinctive and fascination of the pilot profession. Now, as a dedicated flight instructor, I want to share my diverse experience with new pilots. I always prioritize safety and, at the same time, strive to make the flying experience enjoyable and invaluable."
Nipun
Nipun Nair
CFI-AIM

Nipun Nair

CFI-AIM
My passion for aviation began as a kid. I've transitioned many careers, to finally achieve my dream. I'm excited to introduce new aviators to the world of flying and guide them to becoming safe, responsible, and well-rounded pilots.
Kathy-Blocker
Kathy Blocker
Head of Operations & HR

Kathy Blocker

Head of Operations & HR
"I am new and currently drafting my BIO."
Tess-Mcdaniel--r
Tess McDaniel
Client Success Adviser

Tess McDaniel

Client Success Adviser

"If you had to pick a superpower what would it be? I always answered with the ability to fly. Until I grow wings of my own, I am honored to be surrounded by some of the best aviators in Los Angeles. My dedication is helping aviators pursue their dreams and reach higher than the sky’s limit."

Emma-Young--r
Emma Young
Operation Coordinator

Emma Young

Operation Coordinator
"Growing up constantly traveling, I formed a love for the adventure of flying. My goal is to provide that same inviting, affable experience for our aspiring and established pilots as I experienced. Majoring in psychology, the interaction with clients and team members perpetually benefits my growth in learning."
Hilary-Johnson
Hilary Johnson
Receptionist

Hilary Johnson

Receptionist

As a geography major, having a bird ' s-eye view of the world allows me to understand how the earth and weather interact through its landscapes. By flying, I am able to connect with my skills and enjoy what mother nature has to offer. 

Alex-Garcia
Alex Garcia
Flight Crew Support

Alex Garcia

Flight Crew Support
"My passion for aviation has always been deep-seated in me. After working for a corporate company for almost 10 years, I decided to pursue this passion by becoming a pilot. I have never looked back!"
Ricky-Arieta
Ricky Arrieta
Line Service

Ricky Arrieta

Line Service
"Im new and working on my Bio."
Juan
Juan Lezama
Line Service

Juan Lezama

Line Service
"Im new and working on my Bio."
James-Raffini--r
James Raffini
President

James Raffini

President
"Born and raised in Hong Kong, my interest in aviation began as a passenger on many long-haul flights. Since receiving my pilot's license in high school, flying has given me 15 years of adventure. Transitioning from a career in finance to aviation has allowed me to continue this journey."
Charles-Raffini--r
Charles Raffini
President

Charles Raffini

President
"My lifelong passion for aviation has expressed itself in several ways. As an active pilot since high school and a former aviation consultant, both my personal and professional lives have revolved around this space. My hope is that Clipper Aviation allows many others to experience the joy of flying as I have."

JOIN OUR TEAM

Do you have what we are looking for in a Certified Flight Instructor or team member? If so then
we want to meet you!
image 47

CONTACT US TODAY

dotted-line

We are excited to help you along your aviation journey!

propeller

FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM

dotted-line

@CLIPPER.AVIATION

shake-hands
image-text
old-picture
hiring-flights-img
teacher-student-img