CFI, CFII, MEI
BPFS CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
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.
John “Woody” Wood, FAA Designated Examiner
Age: Like a Fine Wine
Where I’m From: Phoenix, Arizona
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!
BPFS Flight Instructors
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 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.
Stone Parker, CFI
Age: 26
Where I’m From: Kailua, Hawaii
Why I got into aviation: As a kid, I was always fascinated by history, science, and engineering, which naturally sparked an early interest in aviation. While that passion was always there, it took a backseat to my love for baseball, where my goal was to play professionally. After graduating college and retiring from baseball, I found myself drawn back to my childhood interest in flying. In October 2023, I enrolled at Barbers Point Flight School and have been pursuing aviation ever since.
Tai Brezeale, CFI, CFII
Age:
Where I’m From:
Why I got into aviation: My name is Tai Brezeale, and I’m a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) at Barbers Point Flight School. Growing up with family involved in aviation, I developed a passion for flying at a young age and knew it was something I wanted to pursue as a career. After completing my flight training, I’m excited to share that passion with others and help students work toward their aviation goals. My goal as an instructor is to build students’ confidence in the cockpit while emphasizing safe flying practices, professionalism, and the importance of developing strong habits that will carry into their aviation careers. Outside of aviation, I enjoy surfing, golfing, and spending time outdoors here in Hawaii.
Nick Lauritano, CFI, CFII
Age: 28
Where I’m From: Hauppauge, New York
Why I got into aviation: My dad introduced me to aviation at a young age. As I got older, sports and school overshadowed my desire to become a pilot. After working in many different industries, I realized the challenge I was seeking was in aviation. Learning to fly in Hawaii has been a great privilege. I am excited to continue to help inspire and train the next generation of pilots.
Kekai Reeves, CFI
Age: 22
Where I’m From: Kuliouou, Hawaii
Why I got into aviation: Growing up in Kuliouou, I spent much of my time surfing, fishing, diving, skating, and enjoying everything Hawaii has to offer. My interest in aviation started through my mom, who is a flight attendant for Hawaiian Airlines. Growing up, I got to join her on layovers, skate and surf around the world, and experience the airline lifestyle. Seeing how much the pilots loved what they did made me want to pursue aviation myself. After taking a discovery flight with a family friend and seeing some of my favorite surf spots and skateparks from above, I knew flying was what I wanted to do. Now, as a flight instructor, I’m stoked to share my love for aviation and help other students chase their own dreams of flying.
