All Colorado Flight Center instructors are certificated flight instructors (CFIs), authorized by the FAA to conduct ground and flight training. Flight training is conducted according the the policies specified in our Operations Manual. Our instructors have a wide variety of experience in primary, advanced, instrument, multi-engine, and mountain flying instruction. Additionally, we are Western Colorado's only flight school on the leading edge of cockpit and avionics technology. Ask around! You won't find another flight school that can compete with our hours, experience, and knowledge of Garmin, Bendix/King, Avidyne, Chelton, and other advanced EFIS systems. Don't spend your valuable lesson time teaching your instructor how to work your panel; come to the experts and get the most out of your flight instruction dollar.

GRAND JUNCTION:
Collin Fay	Collin began flying in 1989, and now has logged over 4000 hours of flight time, including more than 2500 hours of instruction given. His credentials include CFI, CFI-IA, AGI, and MEI. He is also a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner working under authority of the Salt Lake City FSDO. e-mail Collin
Bradley Sullivan	Bradley, a Colorado native, learned to fly in the high deserts of southern Utah. After flying recreationally for a year, he attended Pinnacle Aviation Academy in San Diego California, where he earned his advanced ratings and certificates.  He moved to Grand Junction in 2001, and has been actively involved with the local aviation community ever since. Logging over 3500 hours of dual instruction, Bradley brings his passion for flying and joy of teaching to Colorado Flight Center. e-mail Bradley
Marisa Fay	Marisa Fay founded Parkwest Air Tours in 1999 and has managed that business since its inception. A private pilot, Marisa also oversees the administrative and promotional side of Colorado Flight Center. She also is a freelance writer and has had articles published in AOPA Pilot, Pilot Getaways, and Southwest Aviator magazines. e-mail Marisa
Tina Bond	A Wyoming native, Tina loves the milder climate of the Grand Junction area. She has owned and operated her own business and knows the value of customer service. Tina loves being around the flying atmosphere because she always wanted to learn to fly, and last year, she became a private pilot! As our receptionist and front office manager, Tina will greet you at the door and will most likely be the voice on the line when you call. e-mail Tina
Roy Reece	Roy has been flying professionally since 1974, starting as a flight instructor and eventually moving into corporate aviation flying turbo-props and small jets. Ultimately, Roy flew the 727, 737 and 757 for Continental Airlines until he recently retired. Despite having his CFI, CFI-IA, MEI, ATP and Flight Engineer ratings, Roy says "I'm still learning and instructing is a great way to learn." e-mail Roy
Dwain Watson	Dwain began his flying career in 1976 while attending Iowa State University. He flew tactical jets for the US Navy for five years. He has been actively involved in aviation in Grand Junction since 1985, including 25 years of experience as a search and rescue pilot in the Colorado Mountains. Dwain is a NAFI-certified Master Flight Instructor with 1800 hours dual instruction given. He has over 3200 hours of flight time including approximately 1000 hours of tailwheel time. He has also taught aerobatics. Dwain holds MCFI with FAA Gold Seal, CFII, AGI, IGI. e-mail Watson
Curtis Thomas	Curt recently moved to Colorado to enjoy the beautiful vistas and to share his passion for aviation as an educator and pilot for Colorado Flight Center. Curtis is originally from Wisconsin, where he initially began flying in 1991. After working as a geologist, he returned to his true passion and pursued a career in aviation. Curt is a dedicated pilot and educator; his credentials include CFI (Certified Flight Instructor), CFI-IA (Certified Flight Instructor Instrument Airplane), and MEI (Multi-Engine Instructor). e-mail Curt
Ray Salmon	Ray started flying in the UK in 1995 before moving to the US in 1998. While in college he started working as a flight instructor, corporate and charter pilot. In 2004 he and his family moved to Colorado where he flew the DHC-8 for Mesa Airlines for 3 years. While at Mesa, Ray became a simulator instructor and check airman, furthering his passion for teaching aviation to those just getting started in flying. In 2008, he decided to return to flight instructing, while working for the City of Grand Junction. Ray has several thousand hours of flight experience and is committed to excellence in his flying and instructing. e-mail Ray
Craig Stout	Craig started flying in Denver as a Private Pilot while juggling life and work.  During this time, he earned his instrument and multi-engine ratings, and his Commerical Pilot and Flight Instructor certificates.  He also became an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic (A&P.)  In addition to teaching with CFC, he also works as an Avionics Technician for West Star Aviation.  e-mail Craig
Sterling Hurst	Sterling earned his Private Pilot certificate while in the USAF in 1968, after which he gained his advanced certificates and ratings. While working at the Laramie, Wyoming FSS in 1978, he became an active CFI and FAR Part 135 charter pilot. He and his family moved "back home" to Grand Junction in 1981 and he now has 3500 hours of flight time with 2000 hours of flight instruction given. Sterling says, "Our joy and work at Colorado Flight Center is to train you to become a fully competent, wise and safe pilot - even safer than driving your own car!"  e-mail Sterling
RIFLE:
Jay Cronk	Colorado resident Jay Cronk earned his first pilot certificate in 2005.  He has more than 550 hours in high-performance glass cockpit airplanes, with 700 hours total time in complex, turbo-charged, and high wing and low wing aircraft. A Florida native, he worked for Motorola and IBM on the East Coast before starting his own custom home design/build firm here in the Rockies. Jay loves to teach and, in addition to being a CFI, is a Professional Snowboard Instructor and Master Certified Fly Casting Instructor. e-mail Jay
Joe Carpenter	After earning his private pilot certificate nearly 3 decades ago, Joe flew for business and recreational purposes, and for the sheer joy of flying.  Busy with an active career and raising a family, his certificate rested for a number a years, but he recently earned his advanced ratings and instructor's certificate.  As a marketing and finance executive, Joe has enjoyed a successful and well established history of teaching, training and coaching others. You’ll find his personable style, attention to detail and enjoyment of instructing provide an effective combination for his role as a CFI. e-mail Joe

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