Meet The Instructors

Colton Harmon

CFI, CFII, Chief Flight Instructor

Colton started and completed his training with Blue Ridge Aviation. He completed all of his ratings within 14 months before joining our team as a CFI. Prior to his flight training he was a medic for 6 years with the 116th infantry, Virginia National Guard. In addition to flying, he enjoys skiing and golfing.

Kendyll Curry

CFI, CFII
Kendyll grew up in Nassau Bahamas. A passion for flying was created at the age of four while watching planes come in and out of the islands . He started flight training at Averett University, where he graduated with a Bachelors in Aeronautics: Flight Operations and Aviation Business, and obtained all of his flight ratings. In his spare time he loves listening to music and traveling. He fell in love teaching new and experienced pilots, and has been enjoying his flight journey to the airlines.

Melissa Boan

CFI, CFII, Gold Seal, Chief Flight Instructor

Melissa grew up in Virginia and has also lived in Germany and California. After being a stay at home mom for 7 years she decided to make her dream of flight a reality.

It took her 16 months to go from Private, Instrument, Commercial, and then CFI at Blue Ridge Aviation.

She’s excited to be part of the school where she learned and is ready to share her love of flying with new and seasoned pilots. When not flying, she enjoys spending time with the two best kids in the world.

Vincent Coverdell

CFI, CFII
Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, Vincent's deep-rooted passion for aviation sprouted in his early years. Currently a senior, he is diligently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Technology through the University of Alaska's online program. Vincent's aviation journey took off in the vast Alaskan skies when he earned his private pilot license. Since then, he has expanded his horizons by attaining his instrument, commercial, and CFI certifications at Blue Ridge Aviation. Alongside his love for flying, Vincent finds solace and excitement in engaging in outdoor activities, including skiing and snowmachining.

Zack Reese

CFI, CFII
Zack is from Harrisonburg, VA and started his flight training in 2016. After returning to his passion in 2022, he earned all his ratings in just shy of 2 years at Blue Ridge Aviation. When he is not flying, he enjoys competing in disc golf tournaments and attending sporting events.

Tanner Runion

CFI, CFII
After taking his first ever flight in an Aeronca Champion over Ocean City, Maryland in 2013, Tanner finally decided to pursue his passion of flying in 2021 with Blue Ridge Aviation and has been here ever since.
He loves helping aspiring pilots achieve their goals and dreams. Outside of his passion for aviation, Tanner finds enjoyment in cars, exploring national parks, snowboarding, and photography.

Sonet Gandhi

CFI

Sonet did his entire flight training at Blue Ridge Aviation (Private, Instrument, Commercial and CFI).

He received his Bachelors at Bridgewater College in Business Administration and played for their Men's Tennis team (4 Years)

Sonet loves traveling and trying new foods and enjoys playing tennis during summer and snowboarding during the winter.

Ethan Barnhart

CFI, CFII
Ethan grew up locally in Grottoes, Virginia. His love for flying started as a child when he took an international trip, he knew from then that he wanted to be a pilot. Ethan started his flight training at Averett University, where he graduated with two degrees; A Bachelors in Aeronautics: Flight Operations, and a Bachelors in Aeronautics: Aviation Business. He obtained his flight ratings up to Commercial Multi-Engine Airplane at Averett University, and did his CFI & CFII at Blue Ridge Aviation. Ethan also played college football for two years at Averett University so he is a big football fan. Outside of flying, Ethan loves to travel, hike, kayak, and golf.