Ben Shreve

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Ever since Ben saw the Blue Angles flying over his home in Colorado when he was five, he knew he had to be a pilot. Since that day Ben has logged more than 3000 hrs and has flown a plethora of different aircraft unfortunately it does not include any F-18s. He has flown in states from Washington to Florida and everything in-between as well as completing most of his primary training at Prairie Bible College in Alberta Canada. Ben's flight experience as well as experience as an Airframe Powerplant Mechanic have helped him learn the inner workings of the national airspace system and the inner workings of the airplane. He organizes the LA airspace trip each year to impart his knowledge of the intimidating LA airspace and give people the confidence to do what they never thought they could. Ben loves to share his passion with anyone willing to experience a little adventure.
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Joe Samano

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII, MEI

Joe knew he wanted to fly when he took his first small plane ride with his uncle. Joe started his flight training when he was 17, got his commercial rating in 2007 and his CFI ratings in 2009. He currently works as a supervisor at Oakland Airport in charge of aircraft refuelers but would love to spend more time flying with students.

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Kent Boettcher

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII

Kent started flying in 2001 and has been a Certified Flight Instructor since 2006. When Kent isn't flying, he's a Real Estate Broker and Developer. He loves being a flight instructor on evenings and weekends, teaching students in the beautiful, complex San Francisco Bay Area airspace. Kent is available for instruction in Light Sport Aircraft (LSA) for the light sport pilot's certifcate and regularly instructs in aircraft manufactured by Cessna, Piper, Cirrus, Mooney and Bonanza. He's also available for advanced ground instruction. He holds a bachelors degree from San Jose State.


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Kevin Hanrahan

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII

Kevin is a computer software professional by day, and a flight instructor on evenings and weekends. He holds a single-engine commercial certificate as well as Flight Instructor Single Engine and Flight Instructor Instrument ratings. He has over 600 hours logged, over 250 as flight instructor, and has trained as a Search and Rescue pilot with the Civil Air Patrol.

"I fly for many reasons: personal challenge, relaxation, business travel, and sometimes to explore places I would never otherwise see. My goal is to give my students the skills and confidence they need so that they can fully appreciate and enjoy the range of opportunities available to a private pilot."

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Maria D'Amato

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII, MEI

Maria earned her Private Pilot License in June 1998 while attending the University of Washington where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree.

Flying out of Boeing Field introduced her to varying weather conditions and complex airspace. This was great preparation for her training in San Francisco, Dallas and Los Angeles areas. She has also trained in the high deserts of Arizona and mountain area of Lake Tahoe.

Maria holds both a single and multi-engine commercial cetificate; in addition to her CFI and CFII licenses.

"My goal is to create a proficient and confident pilot from my students." "I enjoy working through the simplicity of our Light Sport airplane to our more complex Cirrus and its modern cockpit."

Available to help with:
BFR Review
IFR proficiency check
Advance ground instruction (written and practical test prep)

Maria loves flying and shares her passion with others. She has been with Sterling since Oct 2007 and is proud to be on the team.
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Brad Whitcomb

Ratings Held: CFI, CFII, MEI

Brad got his Private Pilot License in 1969 while he was an ROTC Cadet for the US Air Force. While in the Air Force Brad flew many different aircraft ranging from a Cessna 182 to a B-52 bomber. With over 4,000 hours logged in the cockpit of an aircraft, Brad is a highly experienced pilot.

One of his most recent flying experiences was flying a Beechcraft Bonanza (Be-35) from Europe. The flight went from Reyjkavik, Iceland to Goosebay, Canada, an 11 hour 45 minute flight!

The next thing Brad wants to do is to take his family on an Island hopping trip to all of the Hawaiian islands!

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