Willamette Aviation | Flight Instructors

They are a rare breed of men and women — FAA Certified Flight Instructors. And have no doubt, these are hardy souls who willingly allow novice pilots to fly them around day after day, in good weather and bad, enduring everything from awkward skids to back-of-the-curve approaches until their charges are seasoned enough to pass the requisite flight tests. At Willamette Aviation, our CFIs are among the best around, high-hour pilots who love teaching the art of the airplane. Come take an introductory flight to find out how challenging — and fun — flying can be.

A native Californian who has lived in Oregon for nearly 20 years, Steve Thornton loves to teach because it allows him to share his love of flying with other pilots, be they first-time students or multi-rated aviators. Steve also says that teaching flying allows him to pursue every pilot's first goal — to always be better. Steve is an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor with more than 2,400 hours in the right seat as a CFI, and he holds six FAA ratings. Besides flying, he enjoys skiing, back-packing, and scuba-diving. But flying remains his life's passion. His favorite place to get some altitude? Over the San Juan Islands in the spring and summer.

Tom Dawson came to Oregon after spending 20 years in the United States Air Force, where he served as an aircraft and weapons controller. Tom developed his love of flying during his time in the Air Force. He's also been active in the Civil Air Patrol, serving as safety officer and squadron check pilot, and he has worked professionally as a charter pilot. Tom has logged over 3,000 hours, half of that time as a Certified Flight Instructor. A Gold Seal Flight Instructor, he's also an Advanced Ground Instructor and Instrument Ground Instructor. His degree in Secondary Education makes him a valuable teacher who has guided student pilots through Private, Commercial, and CFI ratings. Tom believes flight instruction is the most rewarding and important job in aviation. When not flying he enjoys reading, spending time with his four children, and hiking in the great northwest.

Jess Smith is no stranger to Willamette Aviation, earning his instrument rating at Willamette Aviation in 2002, and returning for his CFII in 2006. Jess is a devoted aviation enthusiast, holding a Commercial Certificate, as well as Advanced Ground and Instrument Ground Certificates. He also passed both the CFI and CFII check rides on the first attempt — a rare accomplishment according to the FAA. When not around the office instructing, Jess will probably be found at his day job (actually graveyard job) as a patrol sergeant for the Portland Police Bureau. Jess also flies commercially for the Portland Police Air Unit. Earning an A&P certificate is Jess's next goal, and he can be seen occasionally assisting Jim Aanes in the maintenance department.

Craig Hochstetler first became fascinated with aviation when he visited the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum as a high-school student, and he knew he would be a career pilot not long after he started earning his Private Pilot Certificate (in an Aeronca Champ) when he was just 17. In just a few years he worked his way up to Instructor, passing his CFI ride on the first try. He's also a graduate of Lane Community College, where he earned an AAS in Flight Technology, and he's currently enrolled at Embry-Riddle, pursuing a degree in Professional Aeronautics. In addition to flying, Craig enjoys being in the great outdoors, be it hunting, camping, or fishing. When he's in the air, his favorite plane remains the trusty Champ.

Ian Shanahan first discovered his passion for flying when he was given a flight lesson at Willamette Aviation as a high school graduation gift. It was then that he decided to pursue a career as a pilot, and he's been flying ever since. Ian received thorough training at the University of North Dakota, where he earned a B.S in Aeronautics. When not flying, Ian likes to spend time with his wife, run in local races (Hood-to-Coast is a favorite), and play ultimate Frisbee. He also isn't the first member of his family to take to the skies — his grandfather was a wing-walker.

Justin Schlimpert spent the last 10 years dividing his time between a career as an executive sales manager and pursuing his FAA credentials. Now that he's worked his way up to CFI (passing his checkride on the first attempt), he's taken on flight instruction full-time. Justin grew up in aviation — which is a bit of an understatement, considering that his grandfather was president of McDonnell Douglas during the space program years. Justin even remembers flying with his grandfather to the office in the "company car," a Beechcraft Baron. When not flying, Justin likes to ratchet up the adrenaline by riding his Harley and carving up sand in his dune buggy.

Heikki Julkunen's love of flying has been ongoing for almost 20 years. He started off in hang-gliding, then moved to flying planes several years ago and hasn't looked back. Heikki has received his Instrument, Commercial and CFI ratings at Willamette Aviation and also holds a Multi-Engine rating. In his former life, Heikki was a computer engineer, and he still continues to tinker around with developing both software and hardware applications relating to flying. In his spare time, he likes working on his Piper Cherokee as well as scuba-diving, mountain biking, motorcycles, and hiking.

Stan Swan is a native Oregonian who discovered a love of flying while in his teens, leading him to serve as a Civil Air Patrol cadet throughout high school and most of his university career. After a tour in the Army, he learned to fly on the GI Bill, earning his Commercial, Instrument and CFI ratings. Stan then transitioned to the business world, rising to management positions in several local manufacturing companies, and after a long hiatus he has return to flight instruction, his first love. Stan owns a Piper Comanche 260, which has provided him with most of his aviation experience. He always looks forward to introducing many new pilots to the world of aviation, while helping old pros become better and safer at what they do.

Dick Oman began his flying career in the 1970s, earning his private pilot certificate at Scappoose. However, it would be some time later that he would puruse his professional credentials as a cerfitied flight instructor. Regulars at Willamette Aviation know Dick as our office manager, joining our team in 2003. Since then, he's been a regular at our Aurora campus, both at the dispatch desks and on the ramp. In his free time, Dick likes to fly with his wife Karen (also a pilot) and daughter Punahele, who is taking lessons. Favorite destinations in the Pacific Northwest include the San Juan Islands, while the family has taken extended getaways in Alaska, the Carribean, and Africa — always with the hope of finding a small plane for a tour by air.

David James took his first flight lesson right here at the Aurora Airport when he was just ten years old, and he joined the Civil Air Patrol two years later. He's barely touched the ground since, currently flying right-seat in King Air turboprops and Citation jets. David appreciates the challenge of flight, and how each new experience offers more for pilots to learn. When not flying, he can be found on a kayak in our region's rivers, shooting Class III and IV whitewater.

Dennis Lenihan grew up in West Linn and attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., where he earned his degree in Aeronautical Science. He flew his first solo right here at Willamette Aviation, and he's glad to be back. "Willamette Aviation has an extended-family atmosphere," Dennis says. "Whether you are an instructor or a customer, you get to feel like you are part of something." When not flying, Dennis enjoys riding quads at the Oregon Coast and other outdoor activities.