
FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS
DEDICATION. EXPERTISE. PASSION.
Certificated Flight Instructors (CFIs) at Twin Oaks will provide a personalized, high quality flight training experience for Sport, Private, and Commercial pilot certificates as well as Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings, plus all of the Flight Instructor Certificates and ratings (CFI, CFI-I, MEI). We also periodically teach in-person ground school classes for Sport/Private, Instrument and Multi-Engine.

Flight Instructor
Alexander Cherevatenko
CFI, AGI
My aviation journey began with Twin Oaks in 2022 with an EAA Young Eagles flight. I loved the freedom, the adventure, and the feeling of flight. I proceeded to spend all of my summer job’s earnings on flying lessons. I did my first solo when I was 16, private when I was 17, and commercial and CFI when I was 18, with all of my training done here at Twin Oaks! When I am not flying airplanes, I fly gliders at the Willamette Valley Soaring Club, work on cars, and spend time with my friends. As a current college student at Portland State University, I know the financial challenges associated with flight training and strive to provide effective and reliable flight instruction. I have experience in aviation scholarships for young people and will help guide you through every step to help you reach your goals in aviation!

Flight Instructor
Arash Mohebbirad
CFI
My aviation journey began in 2019 at Twin Oaks Airpark, where my passion for flying quickly evolved into a lifelong pursuit of excellence in the sky. As a flight instructor, my goal is to offer an enjoyable experience while helping you reach your aviation ambitions efficiently and affordably.

Flight Instructor
Caden Pang
CFI, CFI-I, MEI
When I was a kid, I loved playing aviation video games but I never really considered being a pilot until after I graduated high school. After taking a discovery flight with a friend from middle school and former Twin Oaks instructor, I knew then that I wanted to be a career pilot. Having done nearly all my training here, I can say that Twin Oaks is the place to learn how to be the best p ilot you can be. I want prospective students to know that I dedicate all of my time to flight instructing and to their progression on becoming a well-rounded pilot. I want you to be all that you can be. When I am not flying, I am trying new hobbies like skiing and getting back into old hobbies like SCUBA diving and racquetball. I look forward to seeing you at Twin Oaks!

Flight Instructor
Cassidy Taylor
CFI, CFI-I
Although I grew up with a career pilot for a father, it wasn’t until my third discovery flight - many years into a career in clinical research - that I fell in love with flying’s unique blend of tactile skill and intellectual challenge. Inspired by an instructor who had made her own career change after a decade in another field, I found the courage to pursue flight training myself. To make it financially feasible, I continued working full-time throughout my training. That experience gave me a deep appreciation for the challenges of balancing a career with flight school. Now, as a CFI, I’m especially passionate about supporting students who are navigating that same path - though I’m equally excited to share the joy of flying with anyone, no matter their background!

Flight Instructor
Derek Galligan
CFI, CFI-I, AGI, IGI
There is no better way to enjoy the Pacific Northwest than from the air. From a breakfast trip to Sisters to a weekend camping in the San Juans, the freedom to move about our beautiful corner of the world by air is an incredible privilege. Learning to fly is an adventure like no other. My approach to your training is one of patience, support, and fun to adapt your learning style to the demands of aviation. Whether you're brand new to flying or looking for advanced instruction (or perhaps jumping back into aviation after some time off), it'd be my privilege to work with you. I'm available to provide private (beginner), commercial, and instrument instruction.

Flight Instructor
Dmitry Kukushkin
CFI, CFI-I, AGI
I started flying in 2009 out of Twin Oaks, enjoying my PPL privileges to take family to the ocean side airports like Manzanita, Pacific City and Gleneden Beach. But only in 2023 did I decided to turn my hobby into a profession. I completed IFR, CPL and CFI in under 10 months, enlisted with Civil Air Patrol and logged more hours in 10 months than in the prior 10 years. I enjoy teaching and believe that learning to fly should have a place for enjoyable moments and remote airport visits. My favorite airplane to fly is the RV12iS, and I am also proficient in the Cessna 150/172 and Piper Cherokee. I am in my second decade of my relationship with Twin Oaks and it's amazing team. I am happy to become part of this team now, and am available to provide private (beginner), commercial, and instrument instruction.

Flight Instructor
Eldon Fitzgerald
CFI, IGI
My love of flight was inspired at a very young age by tales of my uncles' experiences as aviators in WWII. I became a member of Civil Air Patrol in my youth which connected me to my first instructors and my first solo flight as a teen. Now as an instructor myself, one of the benefits of my job is meeting people of all backgrounds and experience. It has been particularly rewarding to fly with the son and granddaughter of one of my first instructors and to instruct my own kids. Whether you are starting on the path to an aviation career or finally fulfilling a life-long dream, I tailor instruction to your learning style and goals; you set the pace. I can provide private pilot and commercial pilot instruction, instrument ground instruction, flight reviews and tail-wheel endorsements. I believe flight training should be informative and fun. When not flying, I enjoy riding or working on vintage motorcycles.

Flight Instructor
Elena Bushuev
CFI, CFI-I
I come from an aviation related family and started traveling at a young age. Visiting new places and meeting new people was always fun to me. My personal aviation journey began with getting a job as a flight attendant and I truly fell in love with the lifestyle. I honestly never thought of being a pilot. Being originally from Russia I never imagined a woman could do it, but watching pilots at my job and meeting women who fly sparked that interest in me. At some point I couldn’t wait to try flying myself and thought if I won’t do it now, I will regret it for the rest of my life. That’s how I started flying and I enjoy every moment of it now! I love to share my love of flight and see people reaching their goals. Everyone’s journey is different, not easy at times, but as long as you don’t give up - nothing is impossible!

Flight Instructor
Elise Lam
CFI, CFI-I
I believed I could fly and so I did. I believe you can too.

Flight Instructor
Hayden Yakola
CFI, CFI-I
Come fly with me!

Flight Instructor
Jay Thomas
CFI
Come fly with me!

Flight Instructor
Logan Tiffee
CFI, CFI-I
Like many others, I’ve been fascinated with aircraft from an early age. After finishing high school and not quite sure what life had in store, I went up on a discovery flight and was hooked. Aviation has allowed me the opportunity to meet and work with a dynamic group of people who are truly passionate about what we do. Whether you want to take your family on weekend trips to see the coast or become an airline pilot to see the world, there’s a place for you in aviation. I teach ground, sport, private, instrument, and commercial students.

Flight Instructor
Loren Skowlund
CFI, CFI-I
From a very early age I caught a case of the aviation bug. Although I never had the privilege of being introduced to aviation through family or friends, I can still remember the excitement of going to PDX as a kid and being in awe as I watched airliners takeoff and land. While I always thought being a pilot was out of the question, I discovered PCC’s Aviation Science program in 2019, and enrolled. Soon after, I heard about Twin Oaks from a fellow classmate and former Twin Oaks instructor. I began taking flight lessons in the Spring of 2020, and the rest is history. The thing I love most about instructing is the opportunity it gives me to share my passion for aviation with others. There’s nothing quite like sending someone off on their first solo, or seeing the smile on someone’s face once they earn their certificate after countless hours of hard work. I teach ground, private, sport, and commercial, and look forward to seeing you in the cockpit!

Flight Instructor
Matt Nickel
CFI, CFI-I
Come fly with me!

Flight Instructor
Miguel Pedraja
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
My journey to becoming a pilot began long before my first flying lesson. Growing up in the Philippines with my mom while my dad worked in the U.S., I spent a lot of time at airports. From an early age, I dreamed of being in the cockpit of an airplane, connecting people with their loved ones and helping them start new adventures. I later earned an engineering degree from UW in Seattle and saved for flight school while working. The skills I developed as an engineer, such as problem-solving and attention to detail, are a big part of how I approach flying and teaching today. Now a full-time flight instructor, I’m driven by helping others reach their aviation goals. I believe the key to becoming a confident pilot is a safe, supportive, and engaging learning environment. As your instructor, I’ll guide you every step of the way, giving you the tools and knowledge to elevate your flying. Together, we’ll move forward on your own aviation journey—one lesson at a time!

Flight Instructor
Nick Wymetalek
CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Come fly with me!

Flight Instructor
Peshrow Qadir
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
I started my flight training in early 2023, and earned my instructor certificate in 2024. However, my passion for aviation started long before I stepped into the cockpit. It started when I was a little kid. I would go to PDX with my dad and watch the airliners there takeoff and land while he did his work, which is where my love for aviation started. While studying at Portland State University, I decided to finally start my journey in aviation. As the first one in my extended family to become a pilot, it seemed quite daunting at first, and I wished I had a person there guiding me along the way. As an instructor, I've made it my goal to be that guiding hand for my students, while also providing a fun, safe and efficient environment to train in.

Flight Instructor
Phil Mandel
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
Philip once thought flying was for the rich, famous, and crazies. Then he met a private pilot and aircraft owner, just a “regular guy,” which caused Philip to think, “Hey, maybe I can do this too, even though I’m not rich, famous, or crazy!” The following day (literally), Philip stopped by his local airport (Boston area) where he signed up for flight lessons, earning his private pilot certificate back in 1981. Today, as a flight instructor, Philip does ground and flight training for primary students, instrument students, commercial pilot applicants, flight instructor candidates, and more: Aircraft checkouts, insurance requirements, transition training, high performance aircraft, complex aircraft, flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, tailwheel training, Pilot Proficiency WINGS activities, even aircraft ferrying. In his spare time, you will find Philip on a long distance bicycle ride, playing a piano recital, or relaxing at home with his sweet cats Echo and Emo

Flight Instructor
Ron Magnus
CFI, CFI-I, MEI
Airplanes fascinated me from a very young age, I always enjoyed watching the three bladed propellers of the early airliners rotate as the engines started at the original Portland Airport which means I'm a "Native" as I was born and raised in Portland. Aside from flying (there's other activities?) I like to repair things, ride and formerly race bicycles, work with Ham radio and watch my family grow. As for flight instruction, I work with individuals who wish to pursue Private and Commercial Pilot certificates as well as Instrument and Multi Engine ratings. Having a background in customer service has allowed me to taylor my approach to student's personalities for the greatest transfer of knowledge.

Flight Instructor
Ruben Duma
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
From singing airplane rhymes and watching the birds fly, to reading about the principles of flight, I was passionate about airplanes since I can remember. As a flight instructor my objective is not only to provide instruction, but also to make it enjoyable, and truly help you achieve your aviation goals in a cost-effective and timely manner. When I’m not flying I’m closely surrounded by my lovely wife and daughter, our fluffy cat and our enthusiastic German shepherd.

Flight Instructor
Ryan Hansen
CFI, CFI-I, MEI
From a young age, I dreamed of becoming a pilot, and just a few years ago, I realized that dream was achievable. Now I'm excited to share that dream with you! I have a flexible schedule that allows me to be available full-time for private, instrument, and commercial training, plane checkouts, flight reviews, and WINGS training. Whether you're brand new to flying or looking to build on your existing skills, I'm here to help. My goal is to provide a supportive and safe learning environment. When you train with me, you can expect a personalized approach to instruction that's tailored to your individual needs. Safety is always my top priority, and I'll work with you to develop your skills and confidence in the cockpit. So let's go flying together!

Flight Instructor
Sam Tarrel
CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
Coming from two parents who met while skydiving, a dad who has degrees in aeronautical engineering and has been a flight instructor for over 40 years, aviation has been a central part of Sam’s life since he was a child. He started receiving flight instruction from his dad at age 14, and got more serious about pursuing flying at age 16. At age 17 he completed his first solo and was in the final stages of his private pilot training when “life happened” and aviation got put on the back burner. Fast-forward 16 years to 2019 and Sam decided it was time to get back in the cockpit and pursue his passion for teaching aviation as a flight instructor. Sam has always been a passionate educator. From percussion - to cooking - to photography, Sam has always enjoyed sharing his knowledge and experiences with the goal of enriching other peoples’ journeys. When not flying, Sam is an active commercial and portrait photographer. He has the best, most supportive wife with whom he loves to travel and go on adventures with!

Flight Instructor
Sheri Brownlie
CFI, AGI, IGI
Sheri’s passion for aviation began in high school, but it wasn’t until nearly two decades later—when her own children began flight lessons—that she finally took to the skies herself. That long-held dream quickly turned into a calling. In 2020, Sheri launched the Aerospace program in the Hillsboro School District, creating pathways for students to explore the world of aviation. Today, she continues that mission as the STEAM Symposium and NextGen Aero Club Coordinator with the Oregon Air Show Charitable Foundation, inspiring the next generation by introducing them to the wonders of flight and the wide range of careers within the aviation industry. Sheri is also a dedicated flight instructor, offering sport, private, and commercial instruction, as well as flight reviews. Whether you're preparing for your first solo or working toward your next certification, Sheri is ready to help you experience the freedom, adventure, and joy of becoming a pilot.

Flight Instructor
Tyler Carr
CFI
Come fly with me!




