South Valley Regional Airport · Salt Lake City, UT

Learn to fly over the Salt Lake Valley.

One-on-one flight instruction from a CFI who still remembers exactly what it's like to be new to this. Come see what flying is really like, no experience required.

PA-28-181Piper Archer
CFI · CFIIInstrument Rated
KSVRHome Airport
About

Hi, I'm Alex.

Becoming a pilot is one of the most rewarding things I've ever done! I know firsthand that getting started can feel overwhelming.

Alex Headshot

My goal as a flight instructor is to make the process easier, more enjoyable, and less intimidating. Whether you're taking your very first flight lesson, working toward your Private Pilot Certificate, or building toward your next rating, I'm here to help you become a confident and knowledgeable pilot.

My Aviation Journey

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management from Utah Valley University, graduating with Summa Cum Laude. Then, after earning my Private Pilot Certificate, I took a year-long break to travel the world, visiting a total of 19 countries!


After coming back to Utah I then worked on my Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificate and eventually became a Certified Flight Instructor.


I've experienced the excitement, challenges, setbacks, and victories that come with learning to fly. I know what it's like to sit in the student's seat, prepare for a checkride, struggle with a concept that just doesn't seem to click, and finally have everything come together.

“Now, I get to help other people experience that same journey and make it fun!”


Why I Teach

I became a CFI because I genuinely enjoy helping people learn.


Flying involves a lot of information, and it's easy for students to feel like they're expected to understand everything immediately. I don't believe that's how learning to fly should work.


If you don't understand something, I’ll find another way to explain it. If a maneuver isn't clicking, I'll break it down. If you're nervous, I'll take the time to build your confidence.


My goal isn't simply to teach you how to operate an airplane or get you through a checkride. I want you to understand why you're doing what you're doing. That means developing strong fundamentals, good decision-making skills, sound aeronautical judgment, and the confidence to make safe decisions as a pilot.

Outside the Cockpit

When I'm not flying, you'll usually find me looking for my next adventure. I enjoy traveling, hiking, skiing, swimming, camping, and traveling to new places.

Credentials

Certifications & ratings

FAA·COM
Commercial Pilot Certificate
Airplane Single-Engine Land · Multi-Engine Land in progress
ASEL / AMEL
FAA·IFR
Instrument Rating
Airplane
Current
FAA·CFI
Certificated Flight Instructor
Airplane Single-Engine Land · Instrument
ASEL / CFII
FAA·IGI
Instrument Ground Instructor
Ground-based instrument instruction
Current
FAA·MED
First Class Medical Certificate
FAA-issued
Current
B.S.
Aviation Management
Utah Valley University, Summa Cum Laude
2021
Your First Flight

What to expect on your demo flight

No experience needed, just show up. Here's exactly how the day will go, start to finish.

01

Arrival & a quick chat

Meet me at South Valley Regional Airport. We'll talk through your goals, answer any questions, and get you comfortable before we ever walk to the plane.

02

Preflight briefing

We'll cover the aircraft's controls, instruments, and the flight plan for the day, so nothing in the cockpit feels unfamiliar.

03

Preflight inspection

We walk the aircraft together. You'll learn what we're checking and why, this is real training from the first minute.

04

Takeoff

We depart South Valley and climb out over the valley. I'll handle the radios and traffic pattern while you get oriented.

05

You're at the controls

Straight-and-level flight, gentle turns, maybe a climb or descent, you actually fly the airplane, with me right there the whole time.

06

Return & debrief

We head back, land, and talk through what you felt and learned, plus what your next steps could look like if you want to keep going.

Questions

Frequently asked questions

It's a short introductory flight where you sit at the controls of the aircraft with me right beside you. It's the easiest way to find out what flight training is actually like before committing to it.
None at all. Most people who book a demo flight have never touched the controls of an airplane before. That's exactly who it's for.
Plan for about an hour and a half at the airport in total, that includes the briefing and preflight inspection, one hour in the air, and a short debrief afterward.
Not for a demo flight. If you decide to continue toward a Private Pilot Certificate, you'll eventually need at least a third class medical, which we can talk through together when you're ready.
Comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes are all you need. Sunglasses help on bright days.
Totally normal, and more common than you'd think. We fly at your pace, if you want a calmer, more gradual flight, we'll do exactly that. You're never pushed further than you're ready for.
Send a message through the contact form below with a few good dates and times, and I'll follow up with current pricing and availability.
It depends on how often you fly, but most students training consistently finish in a few months. We'll build a training plan around your schedule and goals after your demo flight.
Get In Touch

Ready to go flying?

Send a few details below and I'll follow up to find a time that works. First flight, next rating, or just have questions? I'd love to hear from you!

AirportSouth Valley Regional (KSVR), South Jordan, UT
AircraftPiper Archer (PA-28-181)