Chris Batcheller CFI, CFII, MEI
chris@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 716
|
Chris is a 1200 hour pilot with over half that time as a professional instructor. Chris is a Certified Flight Instructor, Instrument Rating Instructor and a Multi-Engine Instructor. "Passing on my passion for aviation is something that I love to do. My teaching style is challenging, but fun."
Chris has worked for several years as an aircraft engineer, and he holds a Batchelor's Degree in Aircraft Engineering from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. Chris has worked for Aurora Flight Sciences in Manassas, VA as an Engineering Test Director and also for Cessna Aircraft in Wichita, KS as a Propulsion Engineer. In addition, Chris has also worked with NASA as a research pilot.
Prior to earning his engineering degree, Chris worked as a FAA Certified Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic. Later he earned his mechanics Inspectors Authorization (IA), the highest certification that the FAA awards to aircraft mechanics.
He also is an accomplished Photographer and Aviation Journalist. Chris's work has been published in several aviation magazines and he also writes for http://www.aero-news.net as a special reporter for the Oshkosh Air show. Some of his posts can also be found on www.threesixleft.com
While continuing his engineering career, Chris has continued to instruct. If you're looking for an exceptional instructor with a broad aviation background, make sure you ask for Chris!
|
David Cusimano CFI, CFII, MEI
david@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 707
|
David earned his Private license over ten years ago right here in New Orleans. While working as an Aerospace Engineer for Lockheed Martin on the Joint Strike Fighter F-35 Aerodynamics team, he continued his flight lessons and earned his Instrument Rating in Arlington, TX and his Commercial, CFI, and CFII in Grand Prairie, TX. After deciding that he would rather fly the planes than make them, he left the engineering world and completed all of his Multi-engine Ratings in Fort Lauderdale, FL. David also earned the FAA's highest pilot certificate, the Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), in one of our DA42's. He brings both flying knowledge and the firm understanding of aerodynamics, which is essential for instructing advanced students, to the team. He is easily able to convey his skills to both beginning and advanced students alike. David holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Louisiana State University and a M.A. in Economics from The University of Texas at Arlington and an MBA in Finance and International Business from Tulane University. David is also an economics and entrepreneurship instructor for Delgado Community College. David's primary role today is an advisor for Gulf Coast Aviation.
|
Bradford Fournier CFI
bradford@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 713
|
The consummate teacher, Mr. Fournier enjoys equally the art of flying and the art of teaching. His teaching interests are bifocal, teaching aviation as a certified flight instructor here at the region's premier place for flight instruction, and also teaching piano and music composition at Loyola University's Preparatory Music Department. He describes his teaching style as holistic rather than localized, helping the student to acquire the skills, knowledge, and mindset to successfully and confidently complete each flight in its proper context. Mr. Fournier notes that "just as in learning to land a poor downwind leg can influence a poor approach, it is not enough to simply add up safely taxing, departure, en- route, and arrival to make a safe flight. We must anticipate our actions, the variables, and understand how each piece of the flight environment contributes to the whole". Mr. Fournier is quick to note that aviation is not just for the aspiring commercial pilot. Aviation can help anyone to become a more well-rounded, confidant person. Skills such as problem solving, decision making, analysis, and safety awareness can benefit everyone!
In addition to his work at Gulf Coast Aviation and at Loyola Unviersity, Mr. Fournier is an active composer, having written both large and small works for piano and chamber ensemble. These works have been performed both locally and nationally to much acclaim. He also is interested in and studies mathematics, philosophy, theology -in particular monastic studies-, and enjoys reading.
|
Joelle Gargas CFI CFII
joelle@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 713
|
Born and raised in New Jersey, Joelle started flying when she was just 16 years old. She earned he private certificate at a small flight school in New Jersey. After high school, she attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, FL. There she earned her instrument, commercial, multi-commercial, CFI and CFI. In May 2010, Joelle graduated college majoring in Aeronautical Science and minoring in Homeland Security. After college, she settled down in New Orleans. Joelle has a passion for flying and loves teaching. She also enjoys football, scuba diving and traveling in her free time.
|
Steve Knapper, Chief Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI
steve@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 709
|
|
Jeff Salles CFI, CFII, MEI
jeff@neworleansairplanes.com, ext 711
|
Born and raised in New Orleans, Jeff has always had a passion for flying. From a young age, Jeff had aspirations of being in the military like his family members and pursue a career as a fighter pilot. He later joined the Civil Air Patrol at the age of 12 where he had his first flight. After being a part of CAP for almost 7 years, Jeff decided to work on his Private Pilot License right here at Lakefront Airport. Hurricane Katrina moved him to Pensacola, Fla a few years later. He Finished his Private Pilot License, Multi-Engine Rating and Instrument ratings in Pensacola before relocating to Jacksonville, Fl. There he completed his time building process in a Piper Seminole flying to a wide range of locations ranging from Trenton, NJ to Roswell, NM. After completing his Commercial multi-engine and single engine licenses, he worked on his CFI, CFII and MEI ratings. After finishing his training Jeff moved back to New Orleans, where he began building his time as a flight instructor and a charter pilot. He is an expert in the Cessna course curriculum and has been in involved in writing much of the curriculum for Gulf Coast Aviation..
|
|
