Michelle Ruggeiro

Flight Instructor

Michelle grew up in Grass Valley and loves everything outdoors-related. She is the first pilot in her family and became interested in aviation as a teenager by watching CAL Fire’s aircraft depart from Nevada County airport. After taking some time off after college, Michelle finally took a discovery flight in a helicopter! She was hooked on this career choice and eventually took another discovery flight in a Cessna and decided to switch to fixed-wing aircraft for training. Two years later, in the summer of 2020, she earned her CFI license. She desires to complete a higher degree in Atmospheric Science in the near future. Michelle loves introducing people of all ages to a lifelong passion for flying. Michelle aspires to fly for CAL Fire, NOAA, USFS, and an airline or corporate job. Some of her other passions are music, art, and cooking.