OUR FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS

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.

Eden Kawabe, Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII

Age: 26

Where I’m from: Mililani, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: Growing up in Hawaii, I developed a love for travel and adventure. My journey to becoming a pilot began when I worked as a flight attendant and saw firsthand how amazing flying could be. Seeing female pilots confidently command the flight deck inspired me to pursue my own dreams of flying. After taking my first intro flight, I was hooked and knew this was the path for me.

Troy Slade, Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI

Age: 26

Where I’m from: Kapolei, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: After completing my bachelors in biology and the necessary actions for a pre-med student, I contemplated if becoming a physician was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. At this time, I started exploring other career fields and took an introductory flight at Barbers Point Flight School. I could not stop smiling the whole five minute drive home. This is when I knew that I wanted to be a pilot. Seeing my home from a whole new perspective and flying over my actual house was an exhilarating experience. Soon after, I went to flight school in Arizona and spent a year finishing all my certifications. Fortunately after, I got hired and started instructing at Barbers Point Flight School. Being able to fly, teach and work at home has been my biggest blessing so far. Since becoming a pilot, I’m so grateful that I had the opportunity to fly to all islands in Hawaiʻi and a few states in the mainland. I also love that you’re always learning as a pilot! Thank you to my previous instructors, my coworkers and BPFS for everything you did and continue to do for me! For those interested in flying, I highly recommend doing an introductory flight and I truly hope you have the same experience as I did! 

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.

Justin Kim, CFI

Age:

Where I’m from: Honolulu, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: I was born and raised here and a proud graduate of the University of Hawaii at Manoa. With a background in leaders management, I made a bold career change to pursue my passion for aviation. I got into aviation because the thought of traveling the world and going to different places is something that always in me. I'm excited to be a part of an industry that connects people all around the world!

I'm blessed to be able to instruct here at home as well as at the school where I obtained all my ratings.

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.

Kainalu Obayashi, CFI, CFII

Age: 29

Where I’m from: Kapolei, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: Since I was a kid I’ve always been interested in flying. I loved watching and learning about airplanes. Naturally, I wanted to end up flying them. After college I drifted away from that goal and worked in conservation and land management for a little over 4 years. In 2023, I finally decided it was time to go after my dream career. As an instructor I want to help others achieve their goals in aviation while working towards fulfilling my own. Never too late to start. Go for broke! 

Manai Yerxa, CFI, CFII

Age: 23

Where I’m from: Waialua, Hawaii

Why I got into aviation: Growing up, I had always dreamed of building a career in aerospace engineering, designing planes and rockets, until I got a taste of it by joining my high school's robotics team. I quickly realized that I much rather be flying aircrafts than sitting in front of a computer screen designing parts for them. After taking my first introductory flight at Barbers Point Flight School, I knew I wanted to become a pilot and I’ve never looked back. 

John “Woody” Woods

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.