David St. George learned to fly at Flanders Valley Airport in 1970. Proving everyone is trainable, he eventually became an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor for airplanes (single and multi, instrument, and glider). He also serves Rochester FSDO as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner and gives tests at any level from sport pilot to ATP and CFI. David frequently functions as East Hill Flying Club's 141 Chief Instructor and manager. David holds multi and single engine ATP pilot certificates, with pilot ratings for glider and seaplane. He recently earned his fifth renewal as a NAFI Master Instructor. David owns an Aeronca Champ so he can build hours for that airline job.
We have many other highly-qualified instructors assisting Dave with the flight training duties at the East Hill Flying Club. With the training records maintained by the instructors and communication among the instructors, students are encouraged to utilize any of the available instructors to meet their schedule, without fear of wasting valuable time. Variety in viewpoint combined with a structured syllabus produces a stronger, independent pilot rather than a "clone!"
Dave Bliek is a long time resident of Western New York. He is a graduate of Clarkson University and the University of Rochester with degrees in Physics and Optics, respectively. He spent most of his life in the Rochester, New York area, and now resides on the West side of Seneca Lake. Dave retired, after 30 years of service, from Xerox Corp. in 1998, where he had been a product development manager. After retirement he completed his commercial and instructor training. He is a CFII, and has significant experience teaching VFR, IFR, Private and Commercial at Penn Yan Flying Club, where he is a long term member. Dave is currently teaching day VFR in the Cessnas, Tuesday through Thursday.
Jim Doane is a life-long resident of the Finger Lakes region, and after a decade in the Architecture field he has decided to pursue his passion of flying on a full time basis. (He heard there was mucho money and glory to be had in instructing – shhh – don’t tell him!). Jim started flying in 1978 and holds CFI, CFII and MEI ratings. For the last few years he has held the position of Chief Tow Pilot and Summer Operations Manager for Harris Hill Soaring (flying Super Cubs and Pawnees) and Staff Pilot for the Wings of Eagles Museum in Elmira NY (flying rides in vintage War Birds such as the Boeing Stearman, Fairchild PT-19 and the North American SNJ). Jim is teaching in the Citabria and Day VFR in the Cessnas as well.
Robert Henrich earned his pilot certificates in Del Rio Texas in the 1970s. We would need an entire web page to capture all his experience and do it justice. Bob flew for the DEA in NYC and Chicago and later out of Panama City, involving maritime patrol and jungle reconnaissance missions in South America and the Carribean. Later flying for the U.S. Marshals Service, Bob flew high profile prisoners in a Queen Air and an MU-2K. Bob went to work for the FAA holding many positions including Southern Region Safety Program Manager and acting Chief Pilot for all FAA Flight Programs. Bob holds "all the Boy Scout Badges" including ATP in single, multi and helicopters as well as all the CFI ratings. He is currently still Director of Operations for AMG but has found time to get involved teaching instrument flying here at East Hill. Welcome aboard Robert!
Eric Hummel is a native of Muncie, Indiana. He became a Private Pilot in 1986 at Andrews Air Force Base near Washington, D.C., while serving in the United States Army Band. Eric is a graduate of the University of Iowa, and has been a public school music teacher for 17 years. He holds Single- and Multi-Engine ratings, and since 2001 has completed Commercial, Instrument, and CFI training at EHFC. During the week Eric spends his time hanging around at Lansing High School, where he is locally recognized as the evil "Band Director." He is currently instructing VFR on weekends and holidays in the Cessnas and the Mooney.
Rick Prado, comes to us from Southern California, where he learned to fly at the fabled Van Nuys airport. Having received his advanced ratings through the University of North Dakota at Williams Air Force Base in Arizona, Rick went on to a brief career as a flight instructor to the “stars” in Santa Monica, California. Rick moved on to instructing Naval Aviators in the T-34 while a member of the Point Mugu Naval Weapons Center Flying Club. In his professional life, Rick is transitioning from his career(s) in media, marketing and manufacturing management, and is actively searching for the “perfect” aviation job. In the meantime, he is eager to offer his services as a CFI. Rick is teaching day VFR in Cessnas.
Mike Thomas: After earning his Private Pilot Certificate and instrument rating, Mike joined the club to pursue his commercial, CFI: Airplane and Instrument certificates. He shares his experience and wit with students on a part-time basis. Mike teaches in the VFR and IFR courses, day and night (all weather) and is Mooney qualified. Mike also recently checked-out in the Citabria. Mike is a local painting contractor and monster bicycle racer in his spare time.
The instructors are available for lessons and Discovery Flights throughout the week.
The EHFC is a busy school and always seeking qualified instructors. If you are a CFI and interested in teaching full or part time, this might be for you. An ideal candidate would have a Part 141 background, teaching experience in Cessnas, and a CFII. However, we'll consider the candidate's particular experience. If you'd like to apply, contact our Chief Instructor, David St. George, at the flying club at (607) 257-1313, or via e-mail at: .