Michael B. Ray

One of four full-time instructors on a structured, ACS-based program built around daily checkride prep. Part of a team, following a shared syllabus, inside an established training operation. Taught systems knowledge, instrument procedures, and risk management within a standardized curriculum, adjusting pace for each student without straying from the syllabus. Ran scheduling, endorsements, and training records through Chronos, keeping files audit-ready and every student current on TSA requirements. Flagged aircraft discrepancies early and coordinate with the rest of the instructor team on preventive maintenance to keep the fleet dispatch-ready.

Built a private Part 61 practice from scratch — recruiting, scheduling, and training VFR and IFR students myself, with no school syllabus or support staff behind me. Created custom lesson plans for every student, shaping pace and teaching style around how each one learned rather than a fixed curriculum. Pushed pre- and post-flight briefings that dug into the reasoning behind each decision, not just the maneuver itself, so students built judgment they could trust solo. Owned every logbook entry and endorsement personally. No chief instructor checking behind me, so the standard had to be mine.

Selected as 1 of 70 students to complete an accelerated program at one of the nation's most respected flight schools in under 9 months. Built multi-engine and single-engine proficiency, with a focus on precision maneuvers, navigation, and overall airmanship. Studied aerodynamics, aircraft systems, weather analysis, flight planning, and emergency procedures in depth. Applied Crew Resource Management principles under high workload, sharpening communication, leadership, and composure under pressure.