At FlyNEXA, we are delighted to introduce you to our great flight instructors, each of whom brings a unique blend of skill, experience, and aviation passion to our flight school.
Greetings, I’m Richard, and I’m thrilled to be part of the incredible transformation happening in aviation today. Having spent 25 years immersed in Silicon Valley’s tech scene, where I honed my entrepreneurial skills during the internet revolution, I now see a similar wave of innovation in aviation. From electric-powered aircraft to the integration of wholesale GPS, drones, AI, and the burgeoning space industry, aviation serves as the linchpin and foundation for our growing aspirations. Although I’m relatively new to aviation, my background in innovation fuels my excitement to pave the way for others to join this transformative journey.
My aviation journey took off with my first discovery flight on March 31, 2021, and from that moment on, I was hooked. Jumping in with both feet (and wings), I knew early on that I wanted to teach, viewing it as a way to enhance my own learning through the experiences of those I introduce to aviation. After living in San Francisco for nearly 24 years, I made the move to Arizona in early 2021, seeking a change of scenery and more sunny days. Aviation had always intrigued me, thanks to my uncle, an active GA pilot. That first flight in a 172 solidified my commitment to this new adventure. Progressing through ratings, I keenly observed the vibrant dynamics of the aviation market, leading me to connect with Mike Kortas and contribute to the launch of flyNEXA and our sister company, jetNEXA.
Though I embarked on this journey not long ago, the unique opportunities in aviation today have prompted me to seize the chance to venture into a second or third (or arguably fourth) career. The entrepreneur in me couldn’t resist the allure of exploring uncharted territories within this dynamic industry.
Beyond the skyward view, it’s the feeling of being untethered from the ground that captivates me. With only about 800,000 registered pilots in the USA, being part of the 0.2% of the population able to fly is simply irresistible.
While I’ve experienced many proud moments in my personal journey, my greatest satisfaction comes from passing on enthusiasm to others through teaching. Witnessing each student put it all together and execute a graceful landing brings the biggest smile to my face—so far, that’s been the pinnacle of my aviation highs!
Hello, I’m David Day, a flight instructor based in Mesa with a diverse flying background that spans from paramotors to large twins across the nation. My fascination with aviation goes back to my early years, as I vividly recall watching airplanes at airshows and yearning to experience flight from the pilot’s perspective.
The spark for flying ignited when I participated in the Young Eagles Program at the age of ten in northern California. That transformative moment involved taking the controls of a 1966 red and white 4-seater plane for a quick lap in the pattern.
My journey into aviation continued with flight lessons at a small airport near Napa Valley, and I furthered my training on the East Coast and in Arizona. One of the most significant milestones in my aviation career has been achieving my dream of becoming a flight instructor. Guiding others through the wonders of flight is not just a job, but a passion that I wholeheartedly embrace.
A particularly proud moment for me as a flight instructor was helping my dad attain his pilot’s license. Witnessing him earn this achievement and then being able to fly together, with him as the pilot, to Sedona for dinner stands out as a cherished memory. It exemplifies the profound joy and fulfillment that aviation brings, creating lasting experiences that extend beyond the cockpit.
