Certified Flight & Ground Instructors

Chief Instructor
Hiro Miura, Chief Instructor
My name is Hiro Muira and I am the Chief Instructor. I am originally from Shizuoka Japan but I have been in the United States since 1999. I attended Dixie State University and then graduated from UVU in Aviation Science. Besides flying, I love my son, Yuki. I also love to cook and play golf. Traveling is my other favorite hobby. I have been to every continent except Africa and one day I hope to travel to the International Space Station.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, High Performance, Complex, High Altitude

Director Of Flight Training SLC
Scott Olsen, Director Of Flight Training SLC
My name is Scott Olsen and I am the Salt Lake City Director of Flight Education for Cornerstone. I began my training with Salt Lake Community College in 2004. I completed my commercial at Cornerstone Aviation. I transferred to Westminster College to earn a bachelors degree. I began instructing with Westminster and ended up falling in love with flight instructing. In 2012, I turned down the airlines to flight instruct full time for my career. I was the Chief Instructor with Westminster for 5 years until the program closure in 2021. I have experience as a Beech 99 Captain for Alpine Air. I love to watch my students learn and excel and see their aviation dreams through to wherever that takes them. I love back country flying and spending time with my family. I’m excited to be a part of the Cornerstone team.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, High Performance, Tail Wheel

Asst. Chief for Compliance
David Leahy, Assistant Chief of Compliance
My name is David Leahy. I have been with CSA since 2012 and grew into the role of an Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. Before CSA, I flew bank checks via Part 135, a Twin Otter dropping sky divers via Part 91, a MU300 for a Real Estate Company in Myrtle Beach, SC Part 91, then for a Part 135 company flying a CE 560XL. Wanting to be at home with my new family, I now serve CSA as an Admin and as a Compliance Officer with the FAA. I enjoy biking, boating, being outdoors and working with VBA and Matlab.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Check Instructor
Bill Barber, CSA Instructor
I am from Chipita Park, CO, and currently live in Layton, UT. I have over 20 years of experience involving the USAF, T-37, F-4, F-16. IP. I also have 20 years of airline experience with EMB-120, B-727, 737, 747, 757, 767, A-319, 320. PI, Check Airman. I love golfing, hiking, camping, scouting and travel. When asked what I like best about instructing, my proud response is “Continuing to contribute, and helping students conquer their greatest challenge.”
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, MEII, ATP

Check Instructor

Instructor
Sofia Buldrini, Instructor
My name is Sofia and I started flight instructing in October of 2023. I grew up in Spain and lived in Argentina for several years, but my aviation journey actually started in Vero Beach, Florida, where I did most of my training. In 2022 I moved to Utah, settled here and became an Instructor, and I haven’t looked back since! Flight instructing at Cornerstone has been a very rewarding experience and I love passing along the knowledge to students and watch them have lightbulb moments. On my free time I like to cook meals from back home, plane spotting from my rooftop, watch movies, go to music shows and explore Salt Lake and its surroundings.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII

Instructor
Jesse Champagne, Instructor
I have held a passion for aircraft, aviation, and flying my entire life. I served in the Air Force for a fast four years where I learned maintenance and ground handling skills on the B-52H. After separating with an FAA airframe and powerplant certification, I came upon Cornerstone Aviation. Since 2020, I have learned deeper maintenance knowledge in general aviation. While working here as a mechanic I pursued my dreams of becoming a pilot. Nearly 4 years later, with a Flight Instructor Certificate, I am fulfilling that dream teaching and motivating students. I truly love my career and my job and can’t wait to do more!
Qualifications: CFI, ME

Instructor
Chris Colon, Instructor
My name is Chris and I began my aviation career in February of 2021. I’m from Dallas, TX and have loved Salt Lake City from the day I first moved here in October of 2023. I love helping my students realize their own dreams in aviation in the same way my instructors did when I was a student! When I’m not flight instructing, I enjoy running, trail running, hiking, backpacking, mountaineering, indoor rock climbing across my new home state!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII

Instructor
Justin Conk, Instructor
Hi I’m Justin! I grew up in Yorba Linda, California and started flying my senior year of high school. After graduating from the Marriott School of Business at BYU I discovered Cornerstone and have been studying/working here since! When not flying, I enjoy snowboarding, playing the saxophone, and spending time with my wife.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Check Instructor
Joe Feichko, Check Instructor
My name is Joe Feichko, and I am a Check Instructor at CornerStone Aviation. I am also currently a First Officer on the MD-11 at FedEx Express. I was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then moved to Salt Lake City in 2011 to start my flying career at Westminster College. In 2014, I was offered a position as a Flight Instructor for Westminster College. I have been instructing ever since! In 2016, I started out my airline career with SkyWest Airlines and eventually found myself in their training department as a Simulator Instructor/Check Airman. I’ve also had the pleasure of instructing in the back country and spin training over the years. I have a passion for instructing, and I am happy to be here! In my free time, you can probably bet I’m hiding somewhere in the mountains!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, AGI, Tailwheel

Instructor
Rainer FullerMoore, Instructor
Hello! My name is Rainer FullerMoore. I started flying in high school and am working towards a career in aviation. I attended Southern Illinois University where I did most of my training. After instructing in the Midwest for about a year I decided to move to SLC to fly in the mountains! Outside of flying I love to hike, do anything outdoors, play sports, cook, and go thrift shopping!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, Complex Endorsement, ME

Check Instructor
Parker Hale, Instructor
My name is Parker Hale and I love flying almost as much as I love my wife! After graduating high school, I trained for and obtained my private pilot’s license. After a two year break from flying, I attended Cornerstone to complete the rest of my training. When I’m not flying, I enjoy snowboarding, wakeboarding, golfing, playing basketball or slow pitch softball, and spending time with my wife, dog, friends, and family. I look forward to being a part of the team at Cornerstone and sharing my love of flying with my students!
Qualifications: CFI, ME

Instructor
Hayden Howard
My name is Hayden Howard and I’ve been with Cornerstone Aviation since 2020.Before pursuing aviation, I was enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. Through growing up in Utah and my service abroad, I developed an appreciation for the outdoors. When I’m not flying, I’m often exploring new heights climbing and hiking.
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Carter Johnson, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Atticus Jones, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII

Assistant Chief
Nushean Lowder, Check Instructor
Nushean started flying in high school and has maintained her passion for aviation ever since. She has worked as a Flight Instructor, Chief Flight Instructor, Part 135 single pilot night freight Captain, and First Officer at Atlantic Coast Airlines on the Dornier 328Jet. She has over 2,000 hours of dual instruction given. She loves rock climbing and traveling with her family. Nushean’s family includes a supportive husband, two spectacular children, and four life-affirming and patience-testing dogs.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Instructor
Annie Mader, Instructor
Hey I’m Annie Mader! I am from Newport Beach, CA and moved to Utah in 2018 to study Aviation Flight Operations at Westminster College. I finished CFI at Cornerstone in May of 2024 and excited to share my passion for aviation and encourage my students in every way I can! When I am not flying you can find me running and skiing at Alta 🙂
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Andy Michaelson, Instructor
My name is Andy and I have wanted to be a pilot since I was 8 years old! I began my flight training at 17 years old through Westminster College. Fast forward a few years through an LDS mission and a global pandemic, here I am instructing at Cornerstone having a blast! I am super passionate about aviation and love sharing it with anyone and everyone! In my free time, I mostly spend time with my family and friends, shoot guns, and love to travel.
Qualifications: CFI

Check Instructor
Samari Nelson, Instructor
Hi, my name is Samari! I grew up in St. George, Utah, and moved to SLC for college in 2018. I graduated from Westminster college with a Bachelors in Aviation Management in 2021. I started my flight training at Westminster, then got through CFI at Cornerstone. I started flight training at CSA in August of 2023 and have loved it so far! When I’m not flight instructing I love traveling, going to the gym, swimming, being outdoors, and trying to find the best donut shop in SLC.
Qualifications: CFI

Check Instructor
Cam Nickel, Check Instructor
Aloha! My name is Cam Nickel and I started my flight journey in 2013 when I moved to Utah from Hawaii to begin my flight training with Cornerstone Aviation. I took a brief hiatus in 2015 but came back to complete my flight training with Cornerstone in 2016. During this time I have been a river guide for 13 years, 8 years in Canyon Lands and 5 years in the Grand Canyon. I was hired as a CFI with Cornerstone in early 2022 and love sharing my passion for flying with the next generation of aviators. My ultimate goal is to go to the airlines, but in the meantime I’m just enjoying my time flying in this beautiful state and instructing the most amazing students!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Martin O'Loughlin, President & COO
Martin O’Loughlin was born in Boston, and spent most of his youth in the suburbs of Washington, D.C. He graduated from George Washington University with a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and was later commissioned as an Officer in the United States Navy. He became an FA-18 pilot, Topgun graduate, and flew dozens of other military aircraft continuously for 20 years. Martin was the most junior pilot ever to win the Michael Hoff Attack Aviator of the Year Memorial Award. As a USAF F-16 exchange pilot, he was his squadron’s and wing’s overall Top Gun multiple times. Later, the FA-18 squadron he commanded earned distinction in combat, and was the first Hornet squadron ever to win every competitive award in the same year for personnel retention, operational efficiency, aircraft maintenance excellence, ordnance handling expertise, and safety.
In his distinguished career, Martin was awarded the Air Force Airman’s Medal for Heroism, several Meritorious Service Medals, numerous Air Medals and Aerial Achievement Medals, and many combat, deployment, and personal awards. His career milestones include over 5,000 flight hours, 100 combat missions, and 800 carrier landings.
Martin left active duty to become the CEO of a multi-location FBO involved in the full spectrum of aviation activities – fuel sales; aircraft sales, maintenance, and rental; flight instruction; firefighting; and charter, operating more than 75 aircraft. He has had similar leadership roles with other FBO chains, aerospace companies, FAA-certified repair stations, and flight operations throughout North America and the Caribbean. Martin has founded or co-founded twelve companies, been a hands-on leader for several others as a C-Level executive, and served on university business school and charter high school Boards of Directors.
As an active pilot with over 7,000 flight hours in 100 models of aircraft, Martin has vast experience in aircraft modification, flight test, and certification. However, his greatest enjoyment comes from working with the flight instructors and aircraft technicians who are making the next generation of pilots. His recreational passions include flying, skiing, cycling, golf, and hiking in the mountains with his Golden Retrievers.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, Complex, High Performance, Tail Wheel, High Altitude, Spin Training

Check Instructor
JP Phillips, Check Instructor
My name is Jp Phillips and I joined Cornerstone as an instructor in June of 2022. I grew up here in Salt Lake City and began my flight training in 2017 as a senior in high school through Westminster’s early start program. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science in August of 2021. When not flying I enjoy playing basketball, volleyball, Pickleball, hiking, paddle boarding, and golfing.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, High Performance, ATP

Check Instructor
Alani Powell, Instructor
Hi! My name is Alani Powell, I am originally from Lake Tahoe but moved to Utah in 2021 to attend the University of Utah. I started flying when I was 13 in gliders and flying powered when I was 16 with CAP. Fast forward to now, I am now a CFII with Cornerstone, and I am so happy to be able to share my love of flying with others! When I am not flying, I love to mountain bike, ski, rock climb, and overall spend time outdoors.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Check Instructor
Fiona Silcox, Check Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, Dispatcher Certification

Instructor
Steve Sodja, Instructor
I’m Steve Sodja, and I love to fly! In 2004, I became a private pilot, flying out of the Rocky Mountain Regional Airport near Denver, Colorado. Since then, I’ve become instrument certified through SLCC flying Cornerstone aircraft and got my Commercial and CFI at Westminster College finishing in 2019. I’ve been a student or renter at Cornerstone since 2010 and am now excited to be a CFI here! I love to pass along my passion for aviation and see the sense of accomplishment a student has after reaching their goal.
My education includes a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the U of U. I’ve had a career in the aerospace industry developing new spacecraft and launch vehicles. I enjoy trail running, flying, camping, car projects and hanging out with family. I have a saying that, “life is always better above 10,000 feet whether trail running, hiking or flying a plane!”
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Check Instructor
Allie Swartz, Instructor
Hi I’m Allie! After growing up in California, I left the state to attend University of Oregon. I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in Human Physiology & Minor in Chemistry, but realized thereafter that my true passion was being in the air & traveling to see new places. I completed my private & instrument ratings in Oregon, & moved to SLC in 2023 to complete my commercial & CFI at Cornerstone Aviation. When not flying, you can usually catch me in the mountains either on the slopes, backpacking, hiking or trail running!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Instructor
Landon Trusty, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII

Instructor
Logan Tschinkel, Instructor
My name is Logan Tschinkel and I am from Telluride, Colorado. I attended Westminster College where I graduated with a B.S. in Aviation Flight operations. I completed my CFI with Cornerstone Aviation and knew right away this is where I belong. When I am not flying, I am skiing, rock climbing, and hiking! I am very excited to share my passion for aviation with my students while providing quality instruction.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Check Instructor
Tate VandeMerwe, Check Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance

Instructor
Charlie Vogel, Instructor
My name is Charlie Vogel. I was raised on a small lake in southern Wisconsin. In 2012, I graduated high school and migrated to Park City, Utah to ski. I worked as a mountain ops and ski instructor at Deer Valley Ski Resort. My goal was to become a helicopter pilot and aerial photographer. So I started flying fixed-wing airplanes and tapped into my love of flight. Loving to teach, I worked towards my flight instructor certificate and started instructing college students to help them earn their wings.
In 2018, I accrued 1000 hours of flight time and accepted a First Officer position flying an Embraer E-175 airliner for American Eagle. When I’m not flying in the sky, I love flying on the water. You can find me on windy days at a local lake kiteboarding or sailing.
I truly love sharing my passion for flight with aspiring pilots — whether students want to land on grass strips in Idaho’s backcountry or become a professional airline pilot. I look forward to helping you pursue your aviation goals.
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Guy Walther, Instructor
My name is Guy Walther. I grew up in Colorado and went to Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and got a B.S degree in Aeronautical Science. I then followed the typical civilian path of flight instructing followed by flying for Ameriflight and then on to Horizon Airlines flying the Metroliner. I was then hired by Delta Airlines where I enjoyed a thirty year career flying a wide variety of airplanes including the 727, 737, 757, 767, Md88/90, and A319/320/321. I’ve had a great career and enjoy passing on some of the knowledge I’ve gained over the years to the next generation of future airline pilots! In my free time I enjoy biking, hiking, skiing, ski instructing, and camping.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Check Instructor
Alex Weber, Check Instructor
Alex embarked on his flying journey in 2020 with Cornerstone Aviation and officially took to the skies as an instructor in 2022. Flying has been an adventure filled with learning and exploration. With a passion for general aviation, Alex dreams of owning a backcountry airplane one day to embark on camping escapades across the Mountain West. When he’s not teaching others to soar, you might find him dreaming up his next aerial adventure!
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance, and Complex

Instructor
Kelson Westervelt, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI

Instructor
Tommy Whitford, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, High Performance, Complex, Dispatcher Certification

Instructor
Chelsea Widhalm, Instructor
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, Complex

Instructor