Cornerstone Aviation prides itself on creating the best pilots possible. Many of our students were so amazing, that they eventually became part of our team as instructors. They help to continue our legacy and love what they do. Often times they move on to their final goal of working as a professional pilot in the industry for private companies or even the airlines.
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
Check Instructor
Tate VandeMerwe, Check Instructor
“Not following your dreams leaves you dead inside. If you don’t love what you do, it’s not right for you.” – The Script
I get to wake up every day excited because I have the coolest job in the whole world! Flying is about travel, adventure, and connecting the world as one. This is my dream, I get to live it every day, and I get to help other people live their dreams too. Although based in Utah my whole life, I am constantly traveling to meet and discover new places and people. After earning my degree from Utah State University in Entrepreneurship, I joined Cornerstone to receive all my flight training. I have aspirations to join the airlines in flying and management roles. When I am not flying, you will find me biking, skiing, climbing, indoor surfing, and ordering the spicy deluxe from Chick-Fil-A.