AFA Flight Instructors

Hannah Simpson
Lead CFI / CFII
hannahsimpson122@gmail.com

Hannah  is a graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program. 

Hannah Simpson is AFA’s Lead CFI. As a graduate from Purdue, she brings a fresh outlook to the academy’s training. She looks to be a catalyst in the valley for women looking to join aviation. Her hobbies include skiing, baking, and traveling. Hannah is thrilled to be here in Aspen and can’t wait to start flying with you.

Dylan Pike
AFA Alumni CFI/CFII

First Officer SkyWest Airlines

Dylan.pike13@gmail.com

Dylan is a graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program. 

Dylan and is excited to bring his hardworking attitude and vast aviation knowledge to the lovely state of Colorado. Dylan received his private certificate at the age of 18 while operating out of the DC area and looks forward to bringing his experience with tricky airspace and ATC communications to all of his prospective students. Besides his passion for aviation, Dylan also enjoys ice hockey, trap and skeet, and spending time with loved ones and friends.

Thomas All
AFA Alumni CFI/CFII

Thomas is a graduate of Purdue University's Professional Flight Program.

Thomas is from Great Plains of Kansas and worked for AFA in the Rocky Mountains of Colorado for over a year.  He moved back to Chicago where he continues to work as a CFI.

Luke van Reijendam
AFA Alumni CFI/CFII
lvanreijendam@gmail.com



Luke is a graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program.
He is excited to brought his experience love of flying to Aspen. Growing up in Boston, Luke found his interest in aviation from flying across the Atlantic every summer to see his grandparents. Luke's time with AFA was short but he departed with a new set of tools in his bag when it comes to mountain flying!

Nolan Walters
AFA Alumni CFI
First Officer Frontier Airlines
nolan.walters.ny@gmail.com

Nolan is a graduate from Purdue University’s Professional Flight program.

Nolan was always eager to share his passion for flight with aspiring Aspen aviators. He finds inspiration from his Grandfather, a recreational pilot himself, and aims to help others realize their flying goals.

AFA is happy to announce Nolan has been selected by Frontier Airlines and will be starting his training in September 2023! 

Nicolas Kass

AFA Alumni CFI

First Officer SkyWest Airlines
Nicolas.kass1125@gmail.com

Nicolas (or Nick) is a graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight program.

He brought a fresh outlook on aviation and extensive knowledge to the Rocky Mountains during his time at the Aspen Flight Academy.

AFA was so very pleased to see Nick move along to his next job in his career field at SkyWest Airlines.

We all hope to see Nick back in Aspen soon as a SkyWest FO on the CRJ.  

Shahyon Niese

AFA Alumni CFI

First Officer Atlas Air
Shahyon10@gmail.com

 

Shahyon is a graduate of Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program.

Shahyon brought  his knowledge and experience of a world class flight school to the Roaring Fork Valley. Shahyon started flying when he was 18 and quickly became a CFII at the age of 20. Coming from a family with no ties to aviation, he found his passion for flying by coincidence from a neighbor who was an airline pilot and now hopes to create that same spark for young pilots and motivate them into careers in aviation.

AFA was delighted when we were informed of Shahyon's next step in his career path as an Atlas Air First Officer.  Thanks for all your efforts at AFA!

Michael Kim

CFI
Micharlkim@gmail.com

Michael obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Flight, and his Master’s in Aviation and Aerospace Management, both from Purdue University.
Michael’s journey into aviation began at his father’s restaurant at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia. Mesmerized by the many planes taking off and landing, he knew he wanted to become a pilot.
Michael came to the United States to learn as much as he could from a world-renowned university. Grateful for the many memories and invaluable experiences he gained in the United States, he decided to stay and contribute back to the aviation community. He now brings his knowledge and skills to the valley.

Michael looks forward to the day he can fly into Ngurah Rai Airport, not as a passenger, but as a pilot, bringing his journey to a full circle.