Meet the team

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earthquakeaviation was built to offer students a training environment that feels personal, structured, and genuinely supportive. As Founder and Executive Director, Sylvia oversees program development, partnerships, and the overall direction of the school. She focuses on creating a place where students are known by name, instructors have what they need to teach effectively, and families can trust the process from start to finish. Her leadership keeps the school grounded in its family‑run values while guiding its continued growth.

The Chief Pilot provides the experience, leadership, and instructional oversight that shape the quality of flight training at earthquakeaviation. He guides our instructor team, maintains training standards, and ensures students receive consistent, safe, and effective instruction throughout their time in the program.

He serves as the connection point between students, instructors, and school leadership, helping clarify expectations, reinforce safety practices, and maintain a structured training environment. His ability to evaluate student progress, mentor instructors, and uphold FAA‑aligned procedures strengthens the reliability and professionalism of our flight training.

As earthquakeaviation continues to grow, his leadership in pilot training standards, flight instruction oversight, and aviation safety culture remains essential to delivering the level of training our students and partners expect.

I specialize in training both beginning flight students and pilots preparing for their checkrides. One of the most rewarding parts of instructing is introducing new students to aviation and watching their confidence and enthusiasm grow with each lesson. Checkride preparation, whether for private, instrument, or commercial pilot certification, allows us to review and refine every aspect of their training, strengthen their knowledge and decision-making skills, and ensure they are fully prepared for success. Seeing a student progress from their very first flight to earning their certificate is an incredible experience, and I'm committed to providing patient, personalized instruction that helps every student reach their goals safely and confidently.

Aircraft I have had the privilege of flying include Cessna 150, Cessna 172, Cirrus SR20, Piper Archer, Cessna Cardinal, Bonanza V Tail, and Glasair1RG.

Before pursuing aviation full-time, I spent more than 20 years in healthcare, beginning my career as an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and ultimately leading the operations of multiple Urgent Care and Primary Care facilities. Throughout that journey, I developed a strong foundation in leadership, communication, problem-solving, and working under pressure. Skills that translate directly to aviation and flight instruction.

When not instructing, I enjoy spending time with family and my dog Patrick, playing the always-needed round of golf, and traveling.

Providing flight instruction is not only rewarding but also allows me to be a part of someone else’s dream, and I believe it also makes me a better pilot. 

Specialty: Instrument training

Teaching Philosophy:  My teaching philosophy is centered on helping students achieve their aviation goals by developing them into confident pilots. I strive to create a supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, learning from mistakes, and building sound decision-making skills while respecting their time, investment, and individual success.

Aircraft Experience: C150, C172, C182, C206, Tecnam P2010, Tecnam P2008, Tecnam P2006, PA-28A, Grumman AA5, Bonanza A36TC

Professional Background: Aviation Science Degree from Baylor University, 141 Flight Instructor

Personal Details: I enjoy watching movies, playing guitar, and cooking. My favorite aviation memory was doing a surprise discovery flight on my 13th birthday

Why you teach: I teach because I enjoy seeing people achieve their dreams. I want to be remembered as a flight instructor who genuinely cared about my students and their success. 

• Specialties — checkride prep, landings, cross‑country flights

• Teaching philosophy — My teaching philosophy as a flight instructor is centered on creating a calm, structured, and safety-first learning environment for students. I build confidence through clear instruction, deliberate practice, and positive reinforcement. Helping each student develop the skills needed to become a safe and capable pilot.

• Aircraft experience — C172, PA‑28, C150, Ranger R7.

• Professional background — University of Houston Grad & Former Digital Marketing Specialist.

• Fun personal detail — Besides aviation, I enjoy camping, hiking, soccer, and reading.

• Why you teach — I teach to help others develop the skills, judgment, and confidence to safely pursue their passion for flight.

Our Director of Student Services is the steady, welcoming presence that keeps our students supported from the moment they walk through the door. She manages enrollment, testing, daily office flow, and our campus store with a level of clarity and care that reflects the heart of our family‑run school.

She ensures students and families always receive accurate information, smooth guidance, and a positive experience. Her work strengthens our enrollment pipeline, keeps our testing process organized, and supports instructors by handling the details that allow them to focus on training future pilots.

As we continue to grow, her leadership in student services, enrollment management, and student support remains a cornerstone of what makes earthquakeaviation feel both professional and personal.

The Director of Engineering & Liaison Services provides the technical expertise and clear communication needed to keep pilots, mechanics, and leadership aligned. With a strong aerospace engineering background, he interprets complex issues and explains them in practical, understandable terms for every group involved.

He serves as the neutral connection point between flight crews, maintenance teams, and school leadership—reducing friction and ensuring everyone has the information they need to make safe, informed decisions. His ability to translate technical concerns and clarify differing perspectives supports a collaborative environment and helps preserve strong working relationships across the school.

As earthquakeaviation continues to grow, his leadership in engineering liaison work, technical communication, and flight‑maintenance coordination remains essential to maintaining the family‑run culture and high standards that define our program.