Instructor Cadre
Our greatest asset. The Mach 5 team includes passionate career instructors, retired fighter pilots, designated examiners, airline captains, FAA professionals, and more! Each brings their unique strengths to make you a well-rounded “big picture” aviator!
Dennis Pearson
Owner
Gold Seal, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, TW, Aerobatic
Dennis is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor and retired F-15C fighter pilot. Read more…
Chester Gault
Chief Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
Chester has been a flight instructor for 40+ years, and is a United States Air Force veteran and B-787 airline pilot. Read more…
Andrew Moon
Chief Flight Instructor
Gold Seal, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
Andrew is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor, corporate jet pilot, and part-time law enforcement pilot. Read more…
Tony Pollizzi
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
Tony is a United States Air Force Academy graduate and pilot with over 5,000 military flight hours and deployments worldwide. Read more…
Jeff Ebey
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, TW
Jeff’s flying career spans 40 years. He’s worked for airlines, the FAA, and at a university. Read more…
Larry Uzelac
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, TW
Larry has been a flight instructor since 1995 and is an experienced tailwheel and glider pilot. Read more…
Gary Jestice
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
Gary has over 18,000 flight hours. Along the way, he’s been a Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, Designated Pilot Examiner, and more! Read more…
John Kleunker
Flight Instructor
Gold Seal, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, TW, Aerobatic
John is a corporate pilot, tailwheel, and aerobatic instructor, and was awarded “National Top Pilot” in 2001. Read more…
Ryan Juba
Flight Instructor
CFI
Ryan is a CalFire firefighter, EMT, and completed his instructor training right here at Mach 5! Read more…
Simon Berman
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII
Born and raised in Israel, Simon moved to the United States and with a dream of traveling … Read more…
Brian Nipper
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII
Brian has loved flying since he was a kid and started his training after high school. Read more…
Jake Heppner
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI
Jake is a Minnesota native and hopeless Vikings fan. His sense of humor makes every lesson enjoyable! Read more…
Michelle Ruggeiro
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII
Michelle grew up in Grass Valley and loves everything outdoors-related. She is the first pilot in her family Read more…
Charlie Mellor
Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII, MEI
For most people, Flying is a dream. Charlie is no different – he’s always known he wanted to be a pilot. His dad… Read more…
Join the crew!
We’re often looking for great instructors. If you’re interested, send a resume to office@mach5aviation.com!