Flight Instructors
Deanna McAlister
Background:
Deanna is the Chief Flight Instructor and a founding member of Spartan Wings, Inc. She started flying at age 15 and soloed 6 days after her 16th birthday. She flew freight commercially in MU-2s, BE-8Ts and Learjets, and even worked as a powerplant mechanic, mainly on Learjet CJ610 engines. Deanna came back to her passion for instructing in 1999, and subsequently founded Zircon Aviation Services, LLC in 2001. She received her training above her private certificate at Lansing Community College. She is also a member of EAA Chapter 55 at KTEW, and owns a 1971 Cessna 150M Commuter II.
FAA Certificates/Ratings:
- Commercial Single Engine Land (SEL), Single Engine Sea (SES) and Multiengine Land (MEL)
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII), and Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI)
- Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic
Hourly Rate: $45/Hobbs-hour
Contact: 517-851-7047 or email at zirconmoon@hotmail.com
Brian J. Katko
Background:
Brian began his flying career here at the Mason airport in 1989. After completing his private and instrument ratings Brian went on to graduate from Lansing Community College’s aviation program. His previous aviation experience includes, owning and operating an FBO and flight school, corporate and charter captain in various turboprops and jets, and Chief Pilot for an on-demand air charter company.
Brian has continuously maintained proficiency as a flight instructor on a part time basis since completing his flight instructor ratings at Lansing Community College. In addition to helping Spartan Wings members maintain currency and some to get their private pilot licenses he also has experience providing flight instruction to pilots pursing instrument, commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor ratings, and has experience preparing pilots for FAA required flight checks in turboprops and jets. He currently serves as a crew member on a family owned Learjet 60 and is also employed part time at Lansing Community College where he provides instruction to students seeking multi-engine instrument commercial privileges.
Brian has continuously maintained proficiency as a flight instructor on a part time basis since completing his flight instructor ratings at Lansing Community College. In addition to helping Spartan Wings members maintain currency and some to get their private pilot licenses he also has experience providing flight instruction to pilots pursing instrument, commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor ratings, and has experience preparing pilots for FAA required flight checks in turboprops and jets. He currently serves as a crew member on a family owned Learjet 60 and is also employed part time at Lansing Community College where he provides instruction to students seeking multi-engine instrument commercial privileges.
FAA Certificates/Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot (ATP)
- Commercial SEL and SES
- CFI, CFII, AGI, and Multiengine Instructor (MEI)
- Type Ratings: BeechJet 400A, LearJet 60 and Citation Sovereign
Hourly Rate: $45/Hobbes-hour Contact: 517-290-3188