Ryan Smith | Flight Supervisor & Instructor

Certificates & Ratings Held:  CFI, CFII

Aircraft Specialization:

Instructor Bio

Growing up outside of Boston, my love for aviation started at a young age. I still remember the thrill of sitting on my grandfather’s lap (longtime private pilot), playing ‘Microsoft Flight Simulator 98’. As much as a little kid could, I tried to learn everything about flying from his coaching. From there I was hooked. My eyes were always upward at the sound of propeller or jet, and dreams of sitting in the cockpit continued to build.

After studying business at Miami University (Ohio), with a semester abroad in London, I held several sales, category and e-commerce roles in the consumer package goods industry. Those career moves led me to the Seattle area, where I was finally ready to make that move into the cockpit as a private pilot.

My instrument rating & commercial certificate quickly followed. A lifelong interest in teaching/coaching set up being a CFI as a natural next step. Now, I’m excited to help students pursue similar interests and achieve whatever aviation goals they’ve set for themselves. 

When I’m not flying, I love time outdoors and traveling around some of my favorite destinations: PNW, Montana, New England, or someplace new!