I started Ursa Flight Services to offer something I wish I had more of early in my aviation journey: personal, honest instruction grounded in real-world experience.

As a Washington native born and raised in the Puget Sound area, my roots in aviation began right here, not in a polished classroom, but in a hangar, under the wing of a Cessna 150M I once owned. That aircraft came with more than its share of maintenance challenges, but working hands-on with A&P mechanics taught me invaluable lessons about systems, safety, and what it means to take care of an airplane. Those lessons stuck with me, and they continue to shape how I fly and how I teach.

After selling the 150, I committed to full-time flight training at ATP Flight School in Texas, where I earned my CFI, CFII, MEI, and commercial multi-engine certificates through an accelerated, airline-style training program. It wasn’t a straight line, and it wasn’t always easy. One of the most important things I’ve learned is how much we can get in our way — and how powerful it is to push through, stay accountable, and trust the process.

Before ATP, I studied Aeronautical Science at Green River College, where I built the academic foundation that supports my instruction today — everything from flight planning and weather systems to FAA regulations and airline operations. That education gave me a deeper understanding of the "why" behind every maneuver and decision in the cockpit, and it's something I pass on to every student I work with.

With over 300 hours of flight time in aircraft ranging from the Cessna 150 and 172 to the Piper Seminole, my flying has taken me across mountain ranges and through complex cross-country operations. I bring that same range and realism into each lesson, combining practical, scenario-based instruction with a focus on safety, confidence, and independence.

Whether you're looking to begin your private pilot training, relocate your aircraft, or sharpen your skills, I offer services tailored to your goals — without the rigidity of large training programs. I’m here to meet you where you are, help you get where you’re going, and encourage you to bring your full self to the journey.

Let’s get in the air — and out of your own way.