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
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
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
Instructor
Norman Benitez, Instructor
“My favorite animal is puppies, I like serving the lord, hiking, playing volleyball…” -nacho Libre”
Instructor
Jacee Bruin, Instructor
Jacee is a CFI who earned his licenses with Cornerstone Aviation in Ogden, Utah. He was born and raised in West Jordan, Utah. Jacee now lives in Riverdale with his wife and three kids. Jacee has been a member of the 419th Fighter Wing at Hill AFB for 18 years and holds the rank of Master Sergent. He was a Crew Chief on F-16’s and F-35’s. He has always had a passion for aviation and is planning on flying for Skywest and eventually Delta Airlines.
Qualifications: CFI
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.
Instructor
Austin Buttenob, CSRD/Instructor
My name is Austin Buttenob. I’m a Utah native but have had short stints around the US. I began my training with Cornerstone Aviation while in highschool in 2015, and have been flying here primarily ever since. I’ve loved flying at Cornerstone Aviation as a student and now as an instructor. I really enjoy teaching and sharing aviation as both a career and hobby, discussing the finer points of the industry with great friends and colleagues, and meeting new students. When I’m not flying, I’m usually managing or helping my videography business, hunting and fishing outdoors, or working on computers.
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!
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!
Check Instructor
Brandon Cronin, CSRD/Instructor
My name is Brandon Cronin. I grew up in Winter Park Colorado and have been living in Utah since 2010. I was a professional freestyle mogul skier for 13 years and travelled all over the US and Canada to compete. I retired from competitive skiing in 2015 and then finished my bachelors in Economics at the University of Utah. I have been flying with Cornerstone Aviation since 2018 and got my CFI in October 2020. I still ski for fun in the winter and mountain bike, slack line, frisbee golf, and camp in the summer.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII
Check Instructor
Reagan Hackett, Check Instructor
Reagan has been a flight instructor at CSA since March 2023. Reagan is from Salt Lake City and is a graduate from the University of Utah. He completed all of his flight training at Cornerstone. Outside of flying, you can find Reagan on the golf course, exploring new cities and cheering on the Utes, Jazz and Packers!
Reagan’s favorite part about being an instructor is seeing students live up to their potential and being rewarded for their hard work and dedication to their craft.
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!
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.
Instructor
Atticus Jones, Instructor
Instructor
Nushean Lowder, 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.
Check Instructor
Damion Ly, Check Instructor
My name is Damion Ly and I have been a flight instructor with Cornerstone Aviation since April of 2022. My aviation journey actually started out with Cornerstone when I got my private pilot’s license while in high school. Then after graduating high school in 2020, I attended UVU and did the majority of my flight training there. As of August of 2022, I’ve graduated from UVU with a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Science with an emphasis in Professional Pilot. I really do enjoy instructing and sharing my passion with others. The best part is watching my students succeed and achieve their goals! When not flying, I enjoy snowboarding, hiking, or just hanging out with my friends.
Qualifications: CFI
Instructor
Trip Marshall, Instructor
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My name is Trip Marshall and I have been associated with Cornerstone aviation since 2003. My love of aviation has spanned my entire life, as I grew up living on an airport in North Carolina where my father ran an FBO and Crop Dusting Business. From 2003 to 2009 I was a flight instructor here at CSA, and was then moved to Chief Flight Instructor for Private Students. In 2011 I was hired by SkyWest Airlines, where I spent a few years flying the EMB-120 Brasilia, as well as the CRJ 200/700/900. Currently I am teaching 7th grade, but flight-instruct in the summer full time. When not flying I spend time with my wife and two kids, hiking and backpacking, or doing anything we can outdoors.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII, MEI, Type Rated, High Performance, Tailwheel, 141 Check Instructor
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.
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.
Instructor
Cam Nickel, 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
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.
Instructor
Katrina Panasuk, Instructor
Hi, my name is Kat! I am from Santa Cruz, California, but moved to Utah to attend Westminster College. I graduated in 2021 with a degree in Aviation Business Administration. I finished my Commercial, CFI, and CFII at Cornerstone Aviation. When I am not flying I am fishing, mountain biking, skiing, surfing, and rock climbing! I am excited to share my passion with other students and provide quality instruction while also enjoying the beautiful views.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII
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
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.
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
Check Instructor
Claire Spragins, Check Instructor
Hi I’m Claire! I was born and raised in Seattle, WA but moved to Utah to attend Westminster College. I graduated in 2018 with a B.S. in Aviation Flight Operations and a minor in French. When not in the air, you can find me in the mountains, either on a pair of skis or trail running. I love instructing! Getting to share a passion of mine with others is one of the most rewarding things in my life. My end goal is a Major Airline, but I try to keep an open mind with any opportunities that come up.
Qualifications: CFI, CFII
Check Instructor
Nyssa Stokes, Check Instructor
Hi I’m Nyssa! I’m from San Diego, CA and moved to Salt Lake City 10 years ago to attend the University of Utah. I started training with Cornerstone in 2019, and was hired as an instructor here early 2022. My favorite thing about flying in Salt Lake is buzzing around our beautiful Wasatch mountains. Outside of aviation I enjoy skiing, mountain biking, and hiking.
Qualifications: CFI
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!
Instructor
Landon Trusty, Instructor
Check Instructor
Tate VandeMerwe, Check Instructor
Qualifications: CFI
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
Kelson Westervelt, Instructor
