Our Instructors

Gage Warner

Hey there! My name is Gage Warner, a CFI, CFII, and MEI.

I am a First generation aviator whose interest in flying was sparked by a combined love of travel, learning, and it happened the first time I had seen a GA plane up close in February of 2022, sitting on a frozen lake on a trip to Alaska.

I learned to fly right here in the Sacramento Valley, at the Sac Exec airport, completing my 7 certs & ratings in 11 months. I then moved to Texas for a year and a half, instructing at a large part 141 school.

I love sharing aviation and all it entails with others, in hopes of helping realize their dreams!

I am available for:

• Discovery flights

• Private, Instrument, and Commercial training.

• CFI training

• Currency and proficiency flights

• Answering or finding answers to questions related to flying!

Alex Aguilar

Hello!

My name is Alex, and I’m honored to share a bit of my aviation journey with this community.

I served nearly six years on active duty as an Air Force Captain. During the second half of my career, I was a Weapon Systems Officer (WSO), flying the T-6 Texan II, where I learned discipline, situational awareness, and how to perform under pressure—skills that continue to shape the way I fly and instruct today.

I began my flight training in 2020 and earned my Private Pilot License in Oklahoma after a discovery flight in Enid. After joining Flying Panthers, everything accelerated. Through Panthers, I earned my Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot certificate, and CFI (Certified Flight Instructor)—and I’m currently working toward my CFII.

Flying Panthers is more than a flight club—it’s a culture of honest, people-first leadership that genuinely wants its members to succeed. Because of that environment, I was able to transition from military service into civilian aviation and continue chasing the next level.

Today, I’m a CFI, Commercial Pilot, and Instrument Rated aviator with AGI and IGI certifications, and I’m passionate about helping others start—or continue—their own journey.

Available for:

• Discovery Flights
• Private Pilot Flight Training
• Commercial Pilot Flight Training
• Flight Reviews
• High Performance Endorsement

Ground instruction available (in person or online) for:

• Private
• Instrument
• Commercial
• Multi-engine

Wherever you are in your aviation path, keep going. Progress compounds.

Proud to be a Panther.”

— Alex

Olivia Ferraro

Hello! I’m Olivia Ferraro, a CFI, CFII, MEI.

I am the first pilot in my family and discovered my passion for aviation just a few years ago. I completed ATP flight school in Greenwood, Indiana and just recently moved back home to beautiful California.

Along my journey to becoming an airline pilot, I’d love to become an aerobatic, seaplane, and tailwheel pilot. I enjoy going to air shows and dream to be in one someday. I am always looking to learn and share my love for aviation with others, helping build the courage to soar the skies!

Available for:

• Discovery Flights

• Private, Instrument, & Commercial

• Multi-Engine

• Flight Reviews & IPC

• Safety Pilot

• Building Confidence!

Vinh Truong

Hello everyone! My name is Vinh Truong. While brainstorming ideas for my senior project, the thought of earning my private pilot certificate came to mind, and that’s how my journey in aviation began.

Along the way, I’ve had the privilege of meeting many experienced aviators who have supported and guided me.

Now, I’m excited to pass that knowledge and support on to help you achieve your own goals!

Available For:

• Discovery Flights

• Private Pilot Training

• Instrument Flight Training

• Commercial Flight Training

• Biannual Flight Reviews

Ray Porter

Howdy! I'm Ray Porter and I have loved aviation since I was a kid. I took a handful of lessons in high school but stopped when I went off to college. I eventually came back to aviation as an Aircraft Dispatcher and eventually attended flight school in Mesa, Arizona and became a CFI/CFII. Now I am in Sacramento sharing my passion for aviation with you!

Available for:

• Discovery Flights

• Private, Instrument, Commercial Training

• Currency Flights

• Biannual Flight Reviews / Instrument Proficiency Checks

Tyler Benassi

Hello! My name is Tyler Benassi, born and raised in Sacramento, California.

I have had the desire to be a pilot ever since I did a discovery flight many years ago. I started here at Flying Panthers in 2018. I’ve been with Flying Panthers ever since. I have earned my private pilot, instrument, commercial, and now CFI rating. I love sharing the knowledge of aviation to anyone that will listen. I know first hand how daunting this can seem. I’m here to guide you through this process hoping we can share our passions for aviation.

Available for:

Discovery Flights

Private Pilot Training

Commercial Training

Biannual flight review

Phillip Antonyuk

Hi there! My name is Phillip, and I’m from Columbus, Ohio.

I started my aviation journey when I was 15, beginning with a Discovery flight, and I have been hooked on being a pilot. I continued my flight training to obtain my ratings and become a CFI. Flying has allowed me to view the world through a whole new lens, and I hope to share that passion with the new pilots.

Available For:

• Private Pilot Training

• Commercial Flight Training

• Discovery Flights

• Biannual Flight Review

Lucas Dias

Hello! My name is Lucas, and I am a Sacramento-based CFII, MEI.

For as long as I can remember, I have had an admiration for all things aviation. Now, not only am I proud that I get to fly airplanes almost everyday, but I also get to pass along the joy of flying to my students. Whether it’s your first solo, first time breaking through the clouds, or finally hitting your mark on a power-off 180, the joys of flying are endless and I’d love to help you experience them for yourself!

Feel free to reach out to discuss your aviation goals and how we can get you there. Blue skies ahead!

Available For:

• Discovery Flights

• Private Pilot Training

• Instrument Flight Training

• Commercial Flight Training

• ASEL & AMEL Instruction

• Complex Endorsements

• Flight Reviews

• Instrument Proficiency Checks

Joshua Patzer

Hi, I’m Joshua Patzer.

The first time I saw the jets at the California Capital Airshow inspired me to become a pilot. I joined Civil Air Patrol and soloed in one of their airplanes and then did the majority of my flight training at the University of North Dakota. I have been instructing students ever since.

Available for:

-Private, Commercial, or Instrument flight instruction

-Flight Reviews

-Discovery Flights

Chris Klevesahl

Former FAA Control Tower / Radar Approach Control Air Traffic Controller. I’ve moved over to the cockpit side of flying to share my experiences and knowledge in aviation.

Ratings Held:

• Commercial
• Instrument
• Multi engine
• CFI

Available for:

• Discover Flights
• Pre-Solo
• Private
• Commercial
• Instrument

Phil Cypret

Phil Cypret. FPFS’s Chief Flight Instructor - CFII, MEI, Seaplane, Rotorwing, A&P. Ground School Instructor Private and Instrument. Over 5,000 hours single-engine.

Available for:

• Private Pilot Training
• Instrument Flight Training
• Commercial Flight Training
• Biannual Flight Review
• Discovery Flights

Tom Jones

I’ve been fascinated with all things aerospace since an early age. I’m a retired navy pilot and lead the Aerospace Museum as my main job. I’m happy to share many years of flying knowledge and help you toward your flying goals.

CFII, MEII, CFII-Helicopter, Comm ASEL, ATP MEL, ATP Helicopter, Multiple type ratings. Over 4,300 hours – multiple aircraft categories.

Available for:

• Instrument Flight Training
• AMEL / MEII
• Helicopter Flight Training
• Flight Reviews
• Discovery Flights

Kelly Ryan

Hi, I’m Kelly Ryan. I’ve worked in aviation for over 10 years, and for the past two years, I’ve been a certified flight instructor here in the sunny Sacramento Valley.

I’ve volunteered with organizations like LIFT and the Ninety-Nines, and I’m deeply committed to supporting future pilots on their journey. My goal is to help students achieve their aviation dreams while maintaining a strong focus on safety and high-quality training.

Whether you’re working toward a new rating, regaining proficiency, or in need of a flight review, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

Available for:

-Private, Commercial, or Instrument flight instruction

-Ground instruction

-Flight Reviews

-Currency and Member check outs