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Meet The Instructors

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Colton Harmon

CFI, CFII

Colton is our Chief Flight Instructor and started 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. 

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Jake Shifflett

CFI, CFII, MEI

As a very young child Jake was always intrigued by the magic of flight. At the age of 10 years old he went to a fly-in at the Winchester Regional Airport and took his first plane ride. That flight helped him realize he wanted to become a pilot. Jake started his flight training at 15 years old, soloed at 16 and earned his private pilot's license at 18 years old. At 30 years old he continued his flight training with Blue Ridge Aviation, and within 16 months earned his instrument rating, commercial pilot's license, and flight instructor certificate. He served 9 years in the VA Air National Guard and also served as a police officer for 5 years. He love teaching new pilots and watching them succeed and claims that being a flight instructor is very rewarding.

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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. 
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Melissa Boan

 CFI, CFII, Gold Seal

Melissa grew up in Stuarts Draft, VA, 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.
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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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