Instructors

Hello!  My name is Matthew and my childhood dream was to be a military pilot and around my senior year of high school I decided to join the Army just not as a pilot.  In 2023 I decided to get out of the military and pursue my aviation career.  After earning all of my ratings I joined the team here at Race City and can’t wait to meet you all and help you achieve your aviation goals!!

Hey, I’m Jinhang! When I was a kid I watched a tv show called “Triumph in the skies” from there I knew this is the life style I wanted when I grew up. The beginning of my Aviation career started when pandemic hit during senior year of high school. All school lessons shifted to online instruction, so during that year I started flight training to obtain my private pilot certification at race city flight operations . After the initial pilot training I attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University to obtain a bachelor degree in aeronautical science with minor in airline operations and meteorology. During this time I also obtained IR,CSEL,CMEL,ADX,CFI licenses, after graduation I continue my CFII license training at Race City Flight operations. Now I’m an instructor at Race City Flight operations, I’m looking forward to sharing experiences and journey to new generations of pilot as we fly in the skies!

Hey! My name is Trent.  I grew up on Lake Norman and went to LKN High School.  I took a Discovery Flight here at Race City Flight Operations and found what I wanted to do!  I started flight training after I went to school in Pennsylvania to start my aviation adventure.  Looking forward to sharing the skies with you!

Hi! My name is Chloe. My career in aviation began in 2018 when I left my job in the marketing industry to become a flight attendant. When the pandemic hit in 2020, I took a voluntary leave to prevent company furloughs and decided to pursue my private pilot’s license. In 2023, my husband and I moved from Pittsburgh down to the Charlotte area where I completed my instrument through MEI ratings (Pittsburgh is a great city, but it is not the best flying weather for General Aviation).  Throughout my five years as a flight attendant, I absolutely loved the airline industry and the quality of life it offered. My main goal is to get back to the airlines with a new front-seat view. I’m excited to make it to my goal through flight instruction and can’t wait to fly with you!

Hey, I’m John! I grew up around here and spent my summers out on Lake Norman, now I get to fly over it.

I graduated from NC State in 2019 and worked for a little while to take a break from school before going back to get my Master’s to pursue a career in teaching. When the pandemic hit and all schools went virtual I decided to take a step back and reevaluate. I tried my hand in healthcare but ultimately decided it may not be the best fit for me. In 2022 I went on a Discovery Flight and was immediately hooked, I was “bit by the bug”. I’ve since change my career to aviation and haven’t looked back once. It’s such privilege to now get to teach people about the joys of the skies that I fell in love with. 

Hey, I’m Nick! As a kid, I had always been fascinated by the magic of airplanes. I spent many summer days on the water watching the USAF A-10 Warthogs and infamous B-2 Spirit Bombers soar high above the Lake of the Ozarks in Missouri. Although aviation intrigued me, I never considered becoming a pilot. Instead, I attended the University of South Florida where I studied biology and was heavily involved with emergency medical services. However, after the pandemic hit in 2020, I decided to switch things up and pursue my true passion: flying. My aviation career began in Concord, NC, where I earned my certificates and ratings up to CFI, CFII, and MEI. I have thoroughly enjoyed every mile of my journey through the skies, and I am eager to share this experience with others. Can’t wait to see you up there!

Hey, my name is Nathan! I’ve been wanting to be a pilot since I was a kid. I was introduced to flying at a young age when my Grandma's brother took me up a few times in his plane. I enjoyed every second of it! I finally started pursuing my passion in 2020. I got my private license in 2022, through Race City, and then went on to ATP to get my CFI/I/MEI in 2023. I am looking forward to introducing people to flying. There is no better feeling than getting to fly a plane in my opinion. I am excited to get to work with the school that started it all for me and share my passion with others!

Hey, I’m Elliott! I’ve always had a passion for aviation since I was a young child. My 5th birthday was spent watching planes take off from KMIA, however I never considered it for a career. After spending 13 years working in motorsports from the grass roots level, to most recently at the Cup level at Team Penske, I decided it was time to attempt a second career. Aviation has been nothing but rewarding since I made that choice. If your dream is to fly, come allow us to help you reach your goals. No one ever regrets becoming a pilot. See you soon!

Hey! I’m Andrew! Flying has run in my family for four generations now. My great grandfather bought a J-3 Cub in 1951, and that’s what I first learned how to fly in. However, I am the first in my family to pursue a career in flying. I decided I wanted to be a pilot about halfway through high school, when I realized that there is no better job option out there than to be up in the skies everyday. I earned my private pilot’s license in 2019. Then, I attended Kent State University where I completed my instrument training. After switching to an Aviation Management major, I finished my flight training at Race City, earning my commercial license and Certified Flight Instructor. Now, I get to teach other people how to pursue the same passion I have! Can’t wait to see you out here!