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Independence Aviation

Flight Training Cirrus Transition Training Mountain Flying Course Complete Proficiency Approach

Cirrus Transition Training

Mountain Flying Course

Complete Proficiency Approach

Services Pilot Mentoring Pilot Services Aircraft Management Hangar Management Aircraft Charter

Pilot Mentoring

Pilot Services

Aircraft Management

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Masten has been an Instructor since the early 1990s. He brings to the classroom significant turbine and charter experience garnered from his time with one of the leading jet charter operations in the Rocky Mountain region. His teaching skills and in-depth knowledge of all aspects of aviation are widely respected throughout the Centennial Airport community, as well as by the fortunate IA students he mentors. Masten Hamlin Instructor "Someone else said it first, but it's exactly how I feel about flying: To most people, the sky's the limit. To those who love aviation, the sky is home."

Jack has spent so much time in the cockpit in his 40+ year career, that he's actually a little uncomfortable on the ground, except when he's fishing. He has clocked thousands and thousands of hours as a Navy pilot, instructor, and as a Continental Airlines captain for 29 years. We think he's one of the best catches we've ever made – and so do his students! Jack Brennan Instructor "The perfect flight experience would be piloting your airplane to a world-class fly-fishing destination."

My love affair with flying began in 1980 when I got my glider ticket and has never ended. I enjoy flying anything from a glider without an electrical system to a glass-cockpit Cirrus. Something of a nerd, when I am not flying I enjoy my job as a full professor in the Aviation and Aerospace Science Department at Metropolitan State University of Denver. George King Instructor “The truly beautiful thing about the joy of flying is sharing it with others”

Aleks graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in Aeronautical Sciences in 2001, where he instructed in piston singles and twins for seven years. After working for Atlantic Coast Airlines in operations and JetBlue in safety roles, he co-founded Boldmethod with his business partner, Colin Cutler, in 2006. Together, they've developed training systems for aircraft manufacturers and the US military, and operate the largest training focused general aviation digital media network. Aleks Udris Instructor "Aviation may be the world's only real time machine. Not only is it often the fastest way to go, it's nearly always the most fun."

Colin was bitten by the aviation bug at the age of 13 when his parents gifted him a discovery flight in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a Cessna 172. That was the moment he realized he wanted to become a pilot. In the summer of 2011, Colin traveled to Independence Aviation to escape the Arizona heat and start his aviation career. Only four weeks later he passed his check ride and achieved his childhood dream. After several years as an IA customer, Colin is now one of IA’s instructors, and his favorite part about teaching is witnessing his students fleetingly fall in love with aviation from the first flight. Colin is also an accomplished photographer and videographer. Colin Prenger Instructor “I fly because it releases my mind from the tyranny of petty things” – Antoine de Saint-Exupéry

When Ethan isn’t running his strategy consulting firm he loves “paying it forward” and sharing his diverse aviation experience. He has spent the last 20 years growing the aviation community, with activities such as a pond crossing to Europe in a Turbo Commander, serving as the youngest field Representative of EAA’s Young Eagles program in 1992, and advising Barrington Irving, the youngest person to fly solo around the world. He specializes in introducing business leaders to the Cirrus. Ethan Martin Instructor “It is an honor to share my passion for flying and help mentor my students”

Craig is a lifelong aviation educator whose experience includes corporate and turbine aircraft. He is a Gold Seal Instructor, past NAFI Master Instructor and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. He works full time as a Captain for a Fortune 500 company flying domestically and internationally. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Utah Valley University and an MBA from Colorado State University. He is a recognized expert in technologically advanced aircraft and has assisted many pilots in achieving their flying goals and aspirations. Craig Thighe Instructor "My soul is in the sky." – William Shakespeare, 'A Midsummer Night's Dream'

Mike graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in Meteorology. He has been involved in aviation weather since joining Jeppesen in 1983. In addition to being an operational forecaster, a scientific programmer, managing the operational weather office and a product manager, Mike is a self professed weather geek. He has conducted IA's weather seminar series since 2008. He enjoys experiencing weather in the great outdoors of Colorado while cycling, hiking, skiing as well as chasing tornadoes when conditions permit. Mike Cetinich Meteorology "Climatology is what you expect, Weather is what you get."

Taylor's love for flying developed at an early age with his father. Though life took him in a different direction, he completed his first pilot training in 2006. He found a knack for teaching so became an Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor. He enjoys teaching pilots about technology in the cockpit and using simulation. In addition he helps lead some of our special pilot proficiency programs. Taylor Albrecht Ground Instructor "I love the view from up here!"

For most people, Livin’ the dream is just another cliché. For Chuck Gensler, it’s a three-word bio. Chuck is a lifelong aviation educator, which is his dream come true. He spent most of his 25-year career in the U. S. Air Force training youngsters to be the best of the best. Now, in “retirement,” he’s teaching the rest of us to be the best we can be. Never one to rest on his considerable laurels, Chuck was also one of the first Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilots in Colorado, and has earned the FAA's national 2017 Flight Instructor of the Year! Chuck Gensler Chief Flight Instructor Emeritus "As pilots we are always learning. If we stop learning, we should stop flying. Passing on to others the things I've learned is what makes my day."

Bob has been a flight instructor since 1974. He has as great a passion for teaching as he does for flying. With thousands and thousands of hours of flight instruction, he’s an expert in cabin-class piston twins, jets and turboprops. Bob’s Cirrus experience dates back to 2001, and he became the first Cirrus Standardized Instructor in Colorado in 2004. Robert Stedman Owner "The only thing that comes close to matching my love of flying, is teaching and sharing the experience with someone who is as hopelessly addicted to flying as I am."

Jason began flying at age 14 by cleaning out another pilot's hangar on Saturday mornings, then flying with him in the afternoons in Mesa, AZ. He went on to Arizona State University and earned all of his certificates and ratings. He has flown corporate (in a C320) and for three different airlines, and he has flown as an Instructor since 1995. He is currently an Airbus A320 crew member for a major airline in addition to instructing for IA. Jason's love for instructing is not limited to aviation, as he is also a firearms instructor. Jason Carroll Instructor "There is no chance, no fate, no destiny that can circumvent, or hinder, or control a firm resolve of a determined soul." Ella Wheeler Wilcox

Bob’s first flight experience occurred at 10 years of age when riding in a DC-3 in Eastern Colorado. Since then he has always been amazed at the miracle of flight. With decades and thousands of hours of flying experience, Bob is ATP rated in fixed-wing and rotary aircraft. His background includes military, charter, corporate, air ambulance and flight instruction as well as sales. He retired from the Wyoming Army National Guard in 2005 as a CWO4 and Master Aviator. Bob is also a NAAA certified appraiser helping clients value their aircraft. He enjoys sharing his love of aviation with IA clients. Bob Shank Instructor “The airplane is a wonderful piece of machinery that teaches two lessons at once. It teaches the student a primary lesson and it teaches the instructor an advanced lesson.” – C. Lindbergh

Bud’s broad aviation career includes the USAF where he took the Fighter Weapons Instructor Course (AKA: Top Gun), 31 yrs in the Air National Guard flying F-16’s, 28 yrs with Delta Airlines where he was a Captain, G.M. of Flight Operations, Chief Pilot, and then Director of Flight Safety. He was inducted into the South Dakota Aviation Hall of Fame, is on the Board of Trustees for the National Aviation Hall of Fame in Dayton, OH, and currently flies one of a handful of B-17’s still in operation when he’s not teaching people how to fly a Cirrus! Bud Sittig Instructor "I feel the need" ...... "The need for speed!"

I was bitten by the flying bug flying with my dad in 1967. There is just something special about being overhead looking down on this wonderful creation. I pursued general aviation flying thru college, then the USAF as a fighter pilot in Vietnam and Germany. In the early 1980's I worked as a flight instructor in California and also as a bush pilot/A&P mechanic in southern Africa. In 1985 my dream of flying for the airlines was realized at American Airlines. After thousands of hours of heavy jet time I retired back to the fabulous job of lighting the fire in others here at Independence Aviation. Craig Nutting Instructor "Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;. . . Put out my hand, and touched the face of God." - John Gillespie Magee, Jr.

Hannah had never been in a small aircraft until her first flight training lesson at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where she studied Aeronautical Science, but she knew even before she began that she would love flying! She earned all of her certificates and ratings at ERAU Prescott and had been flight instructing there prior to joining IA. She has also participated in the Women's Air Race Classic! When she's not flying she loves spending any time outdoors hiking, rock climbing, and camping! Hannah Burright "alis volat propriis" (Latin for "she flies with her own wings")

Kevin is one of our career-change educators. He started flying in 1988 and in 2001 began teaching. When he is not working at his full-time job for a large aviation company he brings his joy of teaching and flying to the IA team. Kevin comes with a bonus: He can also help you fly radio control models which is his other aviation passion! Kevin Shepard Instructor "Some people have to go to work. I get to go fly."

Graduating from Embry Riddle in 2006, Ken currently stands as a three-time Master Flight Instructor, was awarded the 2013 Flight Instructor of the Year for the State of Arizona by the FAA, and was acting Head Coach for the University's National Champion Flight Team before joining IA. His passion for teaching stems from his strong desire to build relationships with folks who are excited to learn the art of flight. His heart extends first to his family where he loves the time spent with his wife and three young children. He also plays bass guitar regularly for Red Rocks Church. Ken Fukayama Instructor "Dedication to Excellence. Every Time. All the Time."

Rhett has earned many of his ratings under the watchful eye of IA's leader, Bob Stedman, before leaving Denver for new adventures. When we learned he was returning to Colorado, we did everything we could to persuade him to join us and take the pledge to do things "the IA way." Fortunately, he accepted our offer – and while he was getting used to our way, he taught us a few tricks of his own. We are very pleased to have Rhett's years and breadth of experience available to us and to IA clients. Rhett Kamm Chief Flight Instructor , General Manager "There is an art to flying. The knack lies in learning how to throw yourself at the ground and miss." – "The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy"

Since his first ride on a commercial jet, Aaron always knew he wanted to fly. He attended the University of North Dakota where he received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Aeronautics. He currently works as a mechanic on the F-16 Fighting Falcon at Buckley Air Force Base and is a full time airline pilot based at Denver Int'l Airport. Aaron loves to fly and is very passionate about sharing his love for aviation with others. Aaron Gunter Instructor “If you are going to win any battle, you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do.”

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The IMC Club at IA is one of the most popular pilot proficiency programs sponsored by IA. Aligned with the Experimental Aviation Association (EAA), our club is part of the national organization with a mission of enhancing instrument pilot proficiency through... Read more →

IA hosts a variety of aviation safety seminars designed to help pilots gain and retain proficiency. Of particular note is our series of weather seminars that are presented by Michael Cetinich, meteorologist at Jeppesen. We affectionately refer to him as... Read more →

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