Veterans take to the skies in COCC’s aviation program

November 22, 2024

Nov 12, 2024 — The college’s aviation programs, which were founded in 2005 by veteran John Miller, consist of professional piloting for helicopters, airplanes …

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My week at Leading Edge was an absolute success from start to finish: educational, fun, and humbling in all the best ways. The whole experience felt like concierge-level service. I came in with a list of objectives, and even when surprises came up, the team kept everything moving and put every available hour to good use. The amount we accomplished in five days was staggering. The instructors were exceptional: safety-first, warm, encouraging, patient, and genuinely skilled at conveying knowledge. Every ground session was well-paced, and every flight maximized learning without pushing into fatigue. Student housing was perfect, and the line service crew was prompt, careful, and always right on time. Leading Edge showed me what a top-notch student experience should look like.

wurzel, Whirlybird Aviation LLC

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“I trained at Leading Edge from 2012 to 2015. After graduating, I flew a news R44 in Kansas City, then moved into tours, wildlife, and survey work in an R44 out of Northwest Arkansas. In 2017, I headed to Alaska to fly AS350 glacier tours with TEMSCO in Skagway. That experience led me to the airline side, where I spent four years flying the EMB145 for a regional carrier before joining Delta Air Lines in 2022. I currently fly the 757 and 767 out of Atlanta. For the last four or five years, I’ve also been getting my helicopter fix flying UH-1 Hueys with a warbird group, doing airshows, ride events, and flyovers. The training I got at LEFA set the foundation for a career that’s taken me across multiple aircraft types and every corner of the industry.”

Brandon Massey

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“I started with LEA in 2007 as a flight instructor. There were two R-22’s, an R-44, and the Jet Ranger (316CF). After a couple years of instructing the company purchased two L-Model 206’s and we began the hunt for fire contracts. I believe it was 2010 or ‘11 when we got our first contract in Miles City, MT when I began my fire career. It was around that time I became the chief instructor and was in that roll until 2013 when I moved on. I began working for Hillcrest Aircraft in 2013 flying a 206L4 and in 2014 was transitioned to the 407. In 2016 I was fortunate to get transitioned into the Bell 205 flying rappel contracts. Have been back and forth between the 407 and 205 ever since. In December of 2023 I became Chief pilot for Hillcrest Aircraft.”

Brandon Knox

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“I trained at Leading Edge from 2009 to 2016 and set a goal early on to fly Helicopter Air Ambulance. After graduating, I flew tours with Papillon in the AS350 and EC130, then moved on to Bristow flying the Bell 407 and Sikorsky S-76C++. I spent time with Guardian Flight flying HAA in the AS350 before joining LifeFlight Network, where I currently fly the AW119 and EC135. My goal when I started was to be part of a team that helps people, using my skills where they matter most. I am fortunate to be where I am and very thankful for it.”

Dustin Ballard

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“I earned my CFI and CFII at Leading Edge in 2015–2016. After graduating, I flew agricultural operations down in Texas for a couple of seasons, then spent a few years working as a government contractor flying drones for the U.S. military. I came back to Leading Edge in 2021 to instruct, and that’s when things really started moving. After a year on the flight line, I joined Maverick Helicopters in Las Vegas flying the EC130B4 and T2, and I’m now flying EMS for Med Trans in Lubbock, Texas, in the EC135. The foundation I built at LEFA gave me the versatility to move through very different sectors of the industry, and each step opened the door to the next.”

Jesse Rios

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“From day one of starting my flight training at Leading Edge Flight Academy, my goal has been to fly charter operations, specifically fire support and suppression. The foundational training I received as a student as well as the continued education and mentorship as a flight instructor has truly set me up for success in the industry. As a student pilot I appreciated the professionalism of all the instructors and how streamlined the whole pipeline was from private pilot to CFII. My time as a flight instructor for the company was very rewarding, helping students accomplish their goals and seeing them succeed was definitely the best part of the job. After instructing I moved to Las Vegas for a tour pilot position with Papillon Helicopters. After one year of flying in the Grand Canyon I will be returning to Leading Edge Aviation to work on the charter side of the company. I’m looking forward to this coming fire season and living in beautiful Central Oregon again!”

Kris Karnik

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“I want to thank all the instructors and staff at Leading Edge Flight Academy for providing us with top notch pilots over the years. Some of these pilots have stayed with us long term and have been upgraded from SIC to Captain positions in the Bell 212 for our oil and gas operations here in Alaska. The high skill sets and strong work ethics they have learned at Leading Edge Flight Academy has made this partnership immensely valuable to our operations here at Hilcorp Energy.”

Captain Trevor Piersee | Hilcorp Energy

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“Leading Edge Flight Academy consistently produces pilots who stand out. They arrive with not only the necessary technical skillset but, more importantly, the right professional attitude. Having a strong relationship with Leading Edge makes my job significantly easier. I have found that pilots coming from their program possess a strong foundation that allows them to flourish in our fast-paced, dynamic environment. Attending and instructing at a reputable flight school like Leading Edge truly provides the essential baseline for a successful flying career. I highly recommend their program to any aspiring pilot or organization looking for top-tier talent.”

David Oest | Chief Pilot | Papillon Helicopters

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“Leading Edge Aviation has always been a very good source of well-trained professionals that work hard and make our customers very happy. TEMSCO currently employs several Leading Edge Aviation pilots who are at various stages of experience from 1st year tour pilots to contract pilots, and we are very happy with all of them.”

Eric Eichner | Chief Pilot | TEMSCO Helicopters

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“I have recently left Maverick and got a job flying EMS with Reach Air Medical.”

Jared Skaugstad

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“Best thing about training: I greatly appreciated the support and friendships built from being immersed in the aviation world.”

Allen Hodovan

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“Best thing about training? Flying the Bonanza! Totally awesome experience, and Casey did a great job instructing.”

Jackson Phillips

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“After completing my training, and three years of instructing at Leading Edge, I went on to fly tours in Southeast Alaska with TEMSCO in the AS350 B2. After two seasons with TEMSCO, I took a fire pilot position with Heli-1 in the AS350 B3e. I’m currently back flying for Leading Edge fighting wildfire and conducting prescribed burn operations for the USFS in the Bell 407GX.”

Alex Cristiano

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“I’m having a great time and look forward to the rest of my time learning here!!”

Andriy Wybaczynsky

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“Chris was an amazing CFI and Greg also gave me some great tips on becoming an EMS pilot. He also gave me real life situations on my final check ride to make me think before taking actions. I wanted to say to you and your Team was all Outstanding and very professional at what Leading Edge Academy stands for cut above the rest!”

Dwane Means

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“My peers as well as the instructors and staff at LEFA and COCC were very important creating a fun learning environment throughout my training.”

Andrew Swanson

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“I am flying glacier tours out of Skagway Alaska for TEMSCO helicopters. We fly the AS350B2.”

Jack Carney

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“The best part of my training for this rating was the real world experience that my instructor brought to the table and helped me understand.”

Austin Strong

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“Best thing about training? Passing Checkride but other than that, I would say flying solo. Knowing that for the first time, you are the sole manipulator and no one else can help you fly and land safely. It’s all on you and if you fly well, you did it through hard work and training.”

Tyler Wright

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“My stage check prepared me for the checkride because the ground was far more in depth. I found my weak points in my knowledge and was able to focus more on them before my checkride. The flight gave me a good example of what a checkride will feel like.”

Christopher Woerner

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“My instructors really helped me be prepared for checkride as they challenged my ground knowledge and flight skills.”

Gavin Christian

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“I work for PJ Helicopters in Northern California and have been there for four years now! I started flying a Bell 407 for firefighting and have since transitioned into power line and wire work, along with Human External Cargo (HEC) operations. I enjoy the variety of work we do and hope to continue growing within the company.”

Sami Gotschall

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“I instructed at LEFA from 2018-2021. I then went to tours at Maverick, then on to EMS with Sanford Health. Aside from the 22/44 I have time in the 206, 130 and currently the 145 as a SPIFR role. I miss my time at LEFA, it was the foundation I needed to move forward. My advice? Just keep working hard and flying safe, and opportunities will come. And don’t forget to network.”

Cole Schwerin

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“For the past 2 years I’ve been working for Columbia Helicopters as an SIC in multiple aircraft types supporting their missions worldwide, whether that be domestic fire fighting operations or overseas part 135 work for the DOD.”

Tanner Oldenkamp

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“After LEFA I spent two summers working for TEMSCO in Skagway, AK. The company utilizes AS350 B2/B3s to fly tours. I spent my time flying people from cruise ships to various glaciers and our dog camp location. I absolutely loved Alaska! The beauty is unmatched. And the flying was both challenging and rewarding. After Alaska I was looking for a change of pace. So I went back to flight instructing, but this time for the US ARMY. I currently am an Instructor Pilot at Fort Novosel, which is where all Army helicopter training takes place. We currently train in EC145s.”

Becca Voltin

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“Training at Leading Edge Flight Academy was key to preparing me for a successful career flying helicopters in Alaska’s oil and gas industry. The school’s location in Bend gave me the opportunity to learn how to handle the fast-changing weather conditions typical of Alaska, with a strong focus on quick decision-making and situational awareness. The chiefs are always approachable and have their office doors open, creating a supportive learning environment. The instructors’ vast experience, combined with the school’s strong network of alumni and industry connections, played a major role in helping me land my job. I’m incredibly grateful for the skills and opportunities that Leading Edge Flight Academy provided, which set me up for success in such a demanding and dynamic environment.”

Jackson Howery

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“The cross country was a huge confidence boost! And, of course, taking my foggles off at the DA and seeing that there’s an actual runway right in front of me!I am appreciative of my instructor and his true professionalism. He was always on time for our lessons and he found me an answer to every single question that I had. This rating was difficult for me, and I wouldn’t have been able to do without the reliability of a great CFII!”

Nicole Mulligan – Instrument Pilot

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“After attaining my 1000hrs, I took a job in the New York City region at first flying tours and charters. The off airport and cross country experience I gained at Leading Edge proved vital to help me fly in this area due to all of the right waterfront and hospital rooftop helipads we often land on as well as the random off airport pickups or drop offs we have. Following that job, I took a position with an ENG company doing the news. I’m having a great time flying!”

Robert Rodgame

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“My instructor was very thorough during the End Of Course check. I was beyond prepared for my checkride and went into it with all the information I needed to pass.”

Josiah Stranberg

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“I earned my Instrument, Commercial, and CFI/CFII ratings at Leading Edge, where I had the opportunity to learn from exceptional instructors who truly set me up for success. After completing my training, I stayed on as a flight instructor at LEFA for just under a year, which was an incredibly rewarding experience. I now work seasonally as a wildlife survey pilot during the winter months, and I spend my summers flying in Alaska. In summer 2025, I flew as a Denali glacier ski pilot out of Healy AK, in a C-185 and Turbine Beaver on skis —an experience that further deepened my passion for backcountry and mountain flying. This year, I achieved a longtime goal of mine by joining Alaska Seaplanes in Juneau as a DHC-2 Beaver floatplane pilot. My interest in working for Alaska Seaplanes actually began on my very first tour at Leading Edge with Kate Ayres when she told me about the pathway program they had with them. I’m incredibly grateful to her and the entire LEFA team for their support and encouragement throughout both my training and time as an instructor—they played a huge role in helping me get to where I am today.”

Zoe “Bo” Doden

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“What would you have liked different in training? Nothing comes to mind, compared to the previous school where I did my primary training, Leading Edge is on such a higher scale of professionalism with safety a top priority, I have no complaints!”

David Cloutier

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“While pursuing my Private Pilot Certificate, I tried out three different flight schools that either closed their doors for good or weren’t the right fit. LEFA was one of the few schools that could honestly stand by their GI Bill® program. Their instructors accelerated my training and helped me achieve my CFII in 9 months. Finding a good flight school is hard! I’ve talked to so many students recently who have been failed by poorly operated schools that don’t hold up their promises. After completing my flight training and instructing at LEFA, I got the opportunity to fly tours in EC 130s and AS 350s in the Grand Canyon. Those experiences prepared me for the 2020 fire season, where I went on to fight fire in Central Oregon. Over the past few years I have had the opportunity to fly a variety of utility work, to include Alaska Heli-Ski and Power Line Construction. Attending Leading Edge Flight Academy built my foundation and provided me with the tools that I use on a daily basis to fly safely in challenging environments.”

Tori Palmer

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“Best thing about training? Off airport training! I was able to find the limits of my skills and grow them. My instructor showed me creative ways to approach complex off airport landings. I really enjoyed being exposed to the creative side of flying and learning new ways to mitigate risk.”

Jake Heckman

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“Currently, I am a pilot with Air and Marine Operations as an Air Interdiction Agent with U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Leading Edge set the foundation for my career goals. The wealth of knowledge I learned while at LEFA is still with me to this day. Leading Edge Flight Academy helped me get to where I am now in many ways! First, while a student, I worked Line Service and then in Dispatch, where I learned aircraft scheduling, maintenance coordination, and the importance of ground support. Then, when hired as a flight instructor, I had great mentors who taught me the valuable information that I now use flying every day!”

Mario Armendariz

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“I really enjoy the culture, professional atmosphere, and how welcoming and friendly everyone is from the top down. There is so much to learn, and I haven’t asked a question and gotten anything other than an answer or help finding one, and friendly chats and conversations are easy to come by.”

Nick Clements

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“Leading Edge prepared me for my career in many ways. The high standards of proficiency taught me persistence and instilled a sense of pride in giving 110 percent every day. The experience and backgrounds of each instructor and supervisor were invaluable in providing crucial insight and honesty I needed to choose the career path best for me outside of school. I felt at home at Leading Edge. There was always an open door, a listening ear, and at times a shoulder to cry on. I strongly urge that anyone interested in this program not only attend for its high standard of training but for its support and camaraderie.”

Sy Murdoch

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“Starting flight training which was a completely new endeavor, in a completely new state can be quite the challenge. Leading Edge Flight Academy, however made that transition a breeze. At Leading Edge Flight Academy everyone is treated like family and they thoroughly ensure every student such as myself was prepared for our futures in Aviation, from every preflight to check ride, no matter where it took us. From being Deputy operating as a Sheriffs Department Tactical Flight Officer, to being dual qualified on the Beechcraft 99 and the 120 LEFA paved the way.”

Katani Best – First Officer FreightRunners Express

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“I started my aviation journey with Leading Edge. I received exceptional training that set me up for success as a 135 cargo pilot, as well as the 121 flying I’m doing now. The best part of training and working at Leading Edge was working alongside some of the most kind, knowledgeable, and skilled aviators in the industry. I was provided with not only the skills to succeed but a network of people who have moved into all facets of the industry. That in itself is invaluable.”

Mitch Bumby

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“Leading Edge was where I started my aviation career. They gave me to tools necessary to instruct, fly in rural Alaska, and finally become an Airline pilot. Training was always fun and exciting, but at the same time challenging. As a veteran, it is unbelievable that in two years, I got a degree as well as all my fixed wing ratings at no out-of-pocket expense. I always think to myself, “Why doesn’t everyone do this?”

Clint Sheppard

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Becoming an airline pilot has always been my ultimate goal, and Leading Edge provided the best opportunity to build my flight experience up to the minimums required by the airlines. I grew up watching airplanes fly into the Bend airport, and flying over my hometown on a daily basis is one of the highlights of my career so far. As a SkyWest pilot, I now find myself flying into many of the same airports I first visited during my time at Leading Edge!

Garrett Ross

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“COCC and Leading Edge helped get me to where I am today. The instructors, working with management, always wanted the best. It’s the group of people you work with that makes a company great, and at Leading Edge the camaraderie within the organization was awesome. That is what I saw as a student and an instructor. I really liked my time there and enjoyed the fact that everyone was tracking the same goal. I would recommend anyone to go fly there because there is a distinct difference in the knowledge and ambition coming out of this school that I haven’t seen from other pilots from different schools.”

Andrew Camara

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Air Methods Corporation provides advanced air ambulance services as a flying ICU (Intensive Care Unit). The crew consists of one nurse, one paramedic, and the pilot. We respond at the request of EMS to rural scenes, and also transfer patients between hospitals. Our base in located in Osage Beach, Missouri. Air Methods has over 330 bases in 48 states. The education I received from Leading Edge and COCC prepared me in all aspects of flying, from air traffic-controlled environments to rural off-airport operations in the Cascade Mountain range. Flying in the mountains of Oregon prepared me perfectly to be an air ambulance pilot (now) and a bush pilot in Alaska (my previous 4 years experience).

Will Lawrence

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“I work for JR Helicopters as an OAS-carded fire and short haul helicopter pilot flying AS-350b3 Astars. I fight fires and do search-and-rescue for Sequoia National Park in California. In the winter months, I am on-call for Part 135 commercial work. I couldn’t have asked for better training than I received at Leading Edge Aviation and COCC. They prepared me above-and-beyond with both my flight training and knowledge-base for my career in aviation. On top of that, I got to do it all in amazing Central Oregon!”

Jordan Kunhmuench

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“It’s become part of who I am and I will never lose the desire and love I have for it.” Alice loves the freedom and adventure it brings! She wants to make flying into her career and inspire more women around the world! She highly encourages any women’s curiosity in aviation to give it a try! She says, “Being a female pilot is empowering and rewarding!”

Alice Reed

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I’ve obtained my Private certificate, Instrument rating, and Commercial certificate. I went on to obtain my CFI/CFII, flying as an instructor and running Part 91 tours through the end of my training program. By the time I graduated, I was interested in using my experience to pursue a few different career paths. From Grand Canyon helicopter tours to working off-shore and gas or utility operations, the sky is truly the limit for COCC/LEFA graduates.

Levi Rogers

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That job really inspired me to pursue a career as a pilot. I started flight school at Leading Edge in 2016. I felt like I was getting a late start with my career and didn’t want to take on a lot of debt, so I worked my winters in Antarctica to save money and spent the summer finishing a rating. I’ve been so happy with my flight training at Leading Edge and all of the instructors who have helped me along the way.  

Becca Voltin

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Leading Edge Flight Academy, in partnership with Central Oregon Community College, is very happy to announce the new Instrument Rating Scholarship. We are excited to be joining the list of Whirly Girl contributors and help advance women pilots in the industry. The recipient will receive the required training for a helicopter instrument rating, gaining the invaluable skills necessary to become a better, safer pilot. At Leading Edge, we instill our values of safety and professionalism with each student we graduate through a course; helping the aviation community grow, one success story at a time. Director of Flight School Operations

Nicole Wolf

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“I wanted to do something that challenged myself. Do something interesting, something that would benefit me for the rest of my life.”

Jackson Jukin

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“Leading Edge is known for its diversity and high standards. Not only did they give me the skill set needed to pursue my career, LEFA helped pave the path to my first turbine transition job – one of many steps needed to get me to where I am today.”

Twila Contreras

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“I can always depend on Leading Edge’s high standards to provide quality pilots that excel within Papillon.”

Tyler Carver, Papillons Chief Pilot

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It was a really fun experience to be able to help ferry the MD500 across the country and fly through extensive airspace. It’s one of those things that, as an instructor, you always talk about and teach but not everyone has done it. I’m truly grateful to have had the opportunity. It’s definitely something I look forward to passing on to another person one day. It was nice to fly one of the coolest helicopters around too, so I can’t complain!

Cody Davis

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“When I started flying, the college and the flight provider laid out a plan for me—where I was gonna start and where I wanted to end up… 3.5 years later, I’m going to the airlines, which is exactly where I wanted to be when I started.”

Jake Edgerly

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Instructing at LEFA for 2.5 years not only got me the flight hours and experience necessary to make the next step in my career, but made the transition to flying bigger/faster aircraft easier. LEFA’s safety oriented, fast paced and professional program helped me sharpen valuable skills that have been necessary to meet the high safety and punctuality standards in the corporate pilot industry.

Cullen Foss

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“Leading Edge provided me with the exceptional training that prepared me for an awesome career as a professional aviator. The kicker is that you get to train in the dynamic and gorgeous area that is central Oregon! I couldn’t be happier with my decision to fly at Leading Edge and choose aviation as my career!”

Adam Mitchell

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“After instructing I got the opportunity to work in Alaska, delivering parts and supplies to a remote gold mine. It helped pave the way to land my current job at a 135 operation. I fly C207s into the local villages delivering cargo and passengers in the Yukon Delta where driving is not always an option. It’s always good to maintain relationships in the aviation community because you never know who’s going to help you get to the next step in your career– or who you may help!”

Dayne Schafer

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Leading Edge has been a great stepping stone for me to transition from military aviation into the commercial world. I did a lot of long IFR flights, in a large multi-engine aircraft, utilizing crew resource management and operating under military rules. Leading Edge allowed me to experience VFR flying out of a busy uncontrolled field, in a tiny/simple plane, utilize single pilot resource management, and get spooled up on the FARs as they apply to general/commercial aviation. Without the opportunity to experience this first hand as I did, and then pass that knowledge on to my students, I’d still be trying to wrap my head around the differences between military/commercial aviation.

Brad

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“As a First Officer, I assist Captains in the operation of our CRJ fleet; we get to fly the 200, 700, and 900 variants to all parts of the country! As a Procedures Instructor, I teach new hires how to apply what they learn from Ground School to successfully accomplish a regular gate to gate flight. The foremost impact of my time at Leading Edge was getting to train and work alongside some of the sharpest and kindest individuals one could…I learned a staggering amount both personally and professionally. They are all inspiring and motivating to keep oneself improving and growing, which is arguably the most important habit any pilot can develop.”

Steven Crowe

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“I moved to Bend, OR after I retired from the Navy to pursue my passion of becoming a professional pilot. Even though I was a relatively junior instructor with just a handful of CFI experience, I was hired by Leading Edge Flight Academy. Over the past two years, I’ve had the opportunity to grow and hone my skills as a pilot and ultimately assume the title and responsibilities of Lead CFI and Check Instructor. Flying in Central Oregon presents unique challenges and opportunities for young students and their instructors. Pilots are presented with real-world flying scenarios that can teach them valuable lessons about flying safely while executing sound decision making skills. I had the pleasure of having Nick as one of my first students when I started teaching at Leading Edge. It has been very rewarding to see him (and others) earn their pilot wings and become instructors as well! As I move on to a career in the airlines I reflect on my time at Leading Edge and am thankful for the amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with.”

Andrew Reischauer

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