Flight Instructors
At PCA we do things a little differently. Aside from flying the most modern, safe, and reliable aircraft, we also allow you to pick your own flight instructor. Each of the Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) listed here meets PCA standards and is current and qualified to instruct in the aircraft listed in their profiles. They work as independent contractors and set their own hourly rates.
Feel free to contact them to discuss your aviation goals or reach out to PCA staff and we can help you get started.
Dana Tschirley
Dana brings 20 years of aviation experience to the table. She started as a KC-135 pilot in the Air National Guard before she transitioned to the C-17 in the Air Force Reserves. Aside from being a mother of five, runner, snowboarder, and mountain biker, she's also a lot of fun to fly with.
Rating Held
CFII, MEI
PCA Aircraft Qualified to Instruct
All
Allowable PCA Checkouts
Basic Aircraft, IFR, Night and Mountain
Matt Downs
Matt is a 30 year aviation veteran who started flying at the age of 16. From the Lear jet 35, C-17 to the B-737, Matt has been all over the world in many different aircraft. He's currently a Captain at Southwest Airlines. Matt is an avid surfer, mountain biker, skier, kiteboarder; if it's an outside activity he probably does it. Passionate about life and aviation, he's excited to share his aviation experience with everyone.
Rating Held
CFII, MEI, ATP
PCA Aircraft Qualified to Instruct
All
Allowable PCA Checkouts
Basic Aircraft, IFR, Night and Mountain
Chris Bloomer
Chris has been in and around aviation his whole life; from routine crossings of the Atlantic as a child to being a flight instructor for multiple years. When not flying you can find him skiing, which he also teaches, or watching Tottenham Hotspur, where he holds a season ticket.
Ratings Held
CFI, CFII, MEI
PCA Aircraft Qualified to Instruct
All
Allowable PCA Checkouts
Basic Aircraft, IFR, & Night
Adam DiPetrillo
Adam served in the US Army and Air Force for 20 years as a Cyber Warfare Officer developing programs to defend military and civilian critical infrastructure at home and abroad. He holds a Master of Science degree in Cybersecurity from Brown University. In addition to being a CFI, Adam is a high school baseball umpire, substitute teacher and runs a local custom woodworking company. Adam is a devoted baseball fan, global traveler, avid cyclist, skier, hiker and gardener.
Rating Held
CFI
PCA Aircraft Qualified to Instruct
All
Allowable PCA Checkouts
Basic Aircraft, IFR, & Night