BLAKE MILLER, CHIEF INSTRUCTOR PILOT. CFI, CFII

Age: 32

Where I’m from: Niu Valley, Oahu

Why I got into aviation: When I was a kid, planes were often a topic of conversation in my family seeing that both my parents worked in aviation as mechanical engineers with my dad having received his private pilot certificate as well. So when I was in high school, I had an interest in becoming a pilot but didn’t pursue it at the time. While in college, various opportunities arose that led me in the direction of the field of education, and the idea of flying drifted away. After college, I taught middle and high school for seven years. Then at the age of 29, looking for a change of pace, I thought back to my desire to fly and decided to begin my flight training. Now as a flight instructor, I feel privileged to be able to both teach and fly.

Kailee Balthazar Chang, Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII

Age: 25

Where I’m from: Kaimuki, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: I was introduced to aviation while attending college in Salt Lake City, Utah. After making a few friends who were in the Aviation Program, I quickly became aware of the opportunities that this industry could provide, plus a few perks that came along with being a pilot like traveling the world! By being a full time student athlete and flight training, time management and discipline were two important qualities to uphold in my books. After receiving my B.S. in Aviation Management and Minor in Flight Operations in 2021, I knew Aviation was the career for me. The joy of having an office in the sky is such a blessing and being able to share my experiences, with not only other women in aviation, but with the people of Hawaii is a dream come true! I'm excited to share my love of aviation with any future aviators and encourage anyone who is on the fence about flying, to just do it!

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams" - Elenor Roosevelt.

Jared Davis, Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII

Age: 24

Where I’m from: Kaneohe, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: Growing up in Hawai’i has been nothing short of amazing. While I enjoyed everything the islands have to offer I often found myself yearning to explore what the rest of the world had to offer. With many family friends in the aviation industry there was no surprise to me that aviation became a true passion. From my first flight I knew I was hooked. This was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life. Not only is it insanely fun but the idea of being able to explore the world while meeting new people from different cultures will always be intriguing. My love for these aspects will forever be a driving force for me to continue this passion till physically cant.

Ricky Nguyen, Flight Instructor CFI, CFII

Age: 23

Where I’m from: Oahu, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: My introduction to aviation began when my friend invited me to back-seat one of his training flights in high school. I wasn’t sure what I wanted to do after I graduate so I anxiously agreed with no knowledge about aviation. Immediately after takeoff I was hooked on the amazing views Hawaii has to offer and fascinated by aviation’s complexity. Soon after, I graduated and began my training at a local flight school here at Kalaleloa. A few years later here I am back at the same airport where it all started; hoping to pay it forward and help students achieve their goals with the best office and views in the world!

Brandon Liu, CFI

Age:

Where I’m from: Honolulu, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: Growing up with a parent in the airline industry, I was fortunate to travel often and quickly became fascinated with airplanes. Though I initially pursued a different career path, the thought of becoming a pilot never left me. While working full time, I completed all of my flight training at Barber’s Point Flight School, eventually earning my certifications and becoming a flight instructor. Now, I’m excited to help others reach their goals and experience the same passion for aviation.

Gavinson Suga, CFI, CFII

Age:

Where I’m from: Kapolei, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: My passion for aviation began at a young age, watching my dad fly various airplanes. That passion only grew as I started fueling planes at Barbers Point Aviation Services, further fueling my desire to pursue a career in aviation. What excites me most about flying is the constant opportunity to learn every day and being able to share my knowledge and experience with others as a flight instructor.

John “Woody” Wood

Age: Like a Fine Wine

Where I’m From: Phoenix, AZ.

Experience: John "Woody" Wood’s passion is flight instructing, and he brings 40 years of CFII experience to the BPFS team since 2021.  Born and raised in Phoenix, Woody went to Navy flight school and was an F-14 fighter pilot for 30 years. In the Navy he taught all levels of flying from basic to advanced strike warfare and graduated from Topgun.  All the while he was in the Navy, he taught part time in light aircraft at various flight schools and clubs from Florida to California.  He was a Commander of a squadron and an air wing, Flying off of aircraft carriers, he made over 800 carrier-arrested landings, flew/served in war time in Iraq and Afghanistan, and accrued over 6000 hours flight time in single and multi-engine aircraft. 

He will tell you that teaching and flying at Barbers Point Flight School is the best thing he does!

Michael “Mikey” Mudrick, CFI, CFII

Age: 34

Where I’m From: Wailuku, Maui

Why I got into aviation: I first got into flying from being a passenger on commercial airlines; looking out the window and really seeing how small everything is from up there. My curiosity developed into wanting to fly planes and learn how these massive machines can take to the sky. I enjoy fishing, golf, board sports, and spending as much time as I can with my family and friends when I am not flying.

Peter Hanohano Hashimoto, CFI, CFII

Age: 27

Where I’m From: Waimanalo, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: When I was younger, I frequently flew from island to island to visit my family who lived on other islands. I loved to fly on the little planes and the experience of flight became something that I looked forward to. I didn’t know it at the time, but these experiences are where my passion for flying is rooted. As I got older, I didn’t know what career path I wanted to choose. I thought that aviation would be great, but was unsure of how to get into it. It just so happened that one day I made the decision to take an introductory flight and that kicked off my path to flying. Now as a CFI, I am grateful to be able to help other people find their entrance into flying and experience the same joy I feel in aviation.

Clarence Gyomoto, CFI

Age:

Where I’m From: Tokyo

Why I got into aviation: Hello everyone, I was born in Maui, raised in London and spent most of my lifetime in Tokyo. For the reason of going through several countries since my childhood, I automatically became interested in jets and dreamed of becoming a pilot.
My first flight was in Hawaii and after flying over the blue ocean, seeing the horizon, and beautiful sunset, I felt that I needed to share this experience with others!
Barbers point flight school is friendly, has a wonderful team and well maintained aircraft so it was a no-brainer that I would want to end up here. I am eager to work with all aspiring pilots and if you have any questions, please call the school and ask for me. I would be happy to get you ready for takeoff!

Mahalo!

こんにちは、飛行教官及びツアーパイロットの五本と申します。ご覧頂き有難う御座います♪私はハワイ出生の後、飛行機に乗る事が多かった幼少期、物心がついた頃から飛行機に興味を持ち、いつの日か生まれた上空で自由に青い空を飛んでみたいと思いながら一念発起をして訓練に勤しんで参りました。ハワイはとても素敵な所なのでサンセットフライトをご一緒に出来たらと願っております。また、飛行訓練にもご興味をお持ちの方へも丁寧にご対応させて頂きたいと思いますので、どうか宜しくお願い申し上げます。

John Udasco, CFI, CFII

Age:

Where I’m From: San Francisco Bay Area

Why I got into aviation: From a young age, I was drawn to aviation and originally dreamed of joining the Army to fly AH-64 Apaches. Life eventually led me into a successful career in the software and technology industry, but my passion for flying never faded. In 2012, I earned my Private Pilot License and flew recreationally for several years. Later, while sitting in the back seat during my son’s discovery flight at BPFS, I was inspired by both the flight experience and the instructor’s teaching style. That moment motivated me to pursue all of my ratings and begin a second career in aviation. Today, I hope to inspire and guide future professional pilots, career changers, and those who simply want to experience the joy of flying.