Meet Your Instructor
Aaron is a former F/A-18F Weapon Systems Officer and current airline pilot flying the Airbus A220. He developed a deep love for aviation as a child and has relentlessly pursued that passion ever since.
After graduating from the US Naval Academy with a degree in Aerospace Engineering in 2007, he reported to Naval Air Station Pensacola for Navy Flight School, earning his Wings of Gold in March of 2009. During his time in the Navy, he flew over 1,000 hours in five different Naval Aircraft, 900 of which were in the Super Hornet. He logged more than 200 carrier arrested landings over the course of two combat deployments onboard USS ENTERPRISE.
After transitioning from active duty service, Aaron discovered a passion for teaching, becoming a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in 2019. Since then, he has helped dozens of students achieve their goals—including several who are now airline pilots. In 2020, he earned his Gold Seal CFI designation from the FAA.
Today, Aaron is a flight instructor, Navy Reserve Commander, and active airline pilot flying the Airbus A220. Along with Airline Transport Pilot, he holds CFI, CFI-Instrument, and Advanced Ground Instructor Certificates. He is type-rated in the Embraer E170, E190, and Airbus A220.
Gold Wings Aviation reflects Aaron’s passion for teaching and his conviction that all students should be trained as professional aviators from the very first lesson. His goal is to equip every Gold Wings student with the flying skill, discipline, and command responsibility that will carry them throughout their careers.
Instructor Culture
Experienced Instructors.
Structured Mentorship.
Our instructors bring experience from military, airline, and professional aviation environments into a training setting that is structured but supportive. They are responsible for safety, standards, and student development—and they take that responsibility seriously.
Students can expect clear expectations, consistent feedback, and mentorship that challenges them to grow. We believe the best learning happens in an environment where preparation is expected, questions are welcomed, and progress is built step by step through demonstrated proficiency and sound judgment.
Interested in Learning More?
The Navy Wings of Gold
The Wings of Gold are the coveted prize of every aspiring Naval Aviator and Naval Flight Officer. Since 1917, they have stood as a definitive symbol of excellence in military aviation.
For the newly winged, they represent the triumph of late nights studying, countless hours chair flying, and more than a few moments of “helmet fire” in the cockpit. They mark the day discipline met opportunity — and proved worthy.
For the seasoned, they carry a different weight. They represent long months away from home, bonds forged in ready rooms and cockpits, and the quiet relief of returning safely to those who waited. They bear the soaring highs of fraternity and the sobering lows of loss.
These Wings are not ornamental. They are earned — through tenacity, sacrifice, and responsibility.
And for those of us who have worn them, they remain a constant reminder of something deeper. Of the sky’s steady pull. Of the call that first drew us upward.
A quiet voice that still whispers:
Come fly one more time.
