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Flying Panthers
Flight School & Flying Club

Our Instructors

Recommended instructor rates (payable directly to your instructor): $35/hr primary, $40/hr advanced

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

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

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

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

• Commercial Flight Training

• Biannual Flight Reviews

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

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