Instructor Bios

Kim was introduced to flying at the age of 16, it has been his passion ever since. He worked at Irvine Company until he retired in 2017. He is always looking forward to a break in his daily corporate pace with flight instructing at Pinnacle. He is currently working full time at Pinnacle as a Chief Pilot Instructor.

Carlos comes from New York, but has called Carlsbad home since 1989.  He started flying in 1978 planning only to get his Private Pilot’s License, but quickly realized his intense love for flying wouldn’t let him stop there.  Learning to fly just a few miles from New York City, he  learned about congested & controlled airspace as well as changing weather conditions.  Carlos currently works part time as an Electrical Engineer at Northrop Grumman on the F-35 recently made Flight Instruction his full time career sharing his love for flying . Carlos earned his CFI and CFII right here at Pinnacle.He is currently working on his MEI.  
He is checked out in a Cessna 152, 172R/S/G1000, 182 and Mooney

Mahi grew up in an aviation family, his father is an airline pilot, and from the time he remembers he wanted to be a pilot. He started flying in Carlsbad and acquired his pilot’s licenses here at Pinnacle Aviation Academy. He has his bachelor’s in Aviation Administration from Los Angeles to obtain more information about aviation and airline operations. Mahi is willing to share his passion with others who love flying. He is checked out in Cessna 152 and172R/S/G1000.

Drew grew up in Carlsbad, CA and has always had a passion for aviation. After earning his private pilot’s certificate at Pinnacle Aviation Academy in high school, he went on to earn a degree in Aviation Management and Flight from Southern Illinois University. Aside from flying, Drew enjoys hiking around San Diego, going to the beach, and listening to live music. Drew is excited to be back at Pinnacle to get to teach those with a love of aviation.He is checked out in a Cessna 152 and 172R/S/G1000.

Andres is a California Native who has been calling San Diego home for several years. Andres started flying in 2015 completing his flight training in San Diego. Safety being his number one priority he is familiar in conducting flight training safely in San Diego’s busy and complex airspace. Andres is passionate aviation and also enjoys the outdoors, motorcycling and music.

Luke grew up in San Diego and has been in love with aviation since a young age. He began his flight training at 19 and has been flying in the San Diego area for 4 years. When Luke is not flying he enjoys Surfing, Snowboarding golfing and riding his motorcycle. He is available for Private, Instrument, Commercial and Multi engine instruction. Luke also provides Aircraft checkouts and Flight Reviews. He is currently checked out in our C172R/SP, C172 G1000,C182T G1000 and Seminole

CJ was born in Japan and lived all around the Pacific due to being in a military family. He eventually joined the Navy himself and now considers San Diego home for more than 13 years, even after leaving the service in 2012. He picked a career change in 2016 and completed all of his flight training at Montgomery Airport in San Diego. He believes the complex SoCal airspace is a great sharpening tool for pilots and that a good pilot is always learning. CJ enjoys anything beach related such as surfing, beach volleyball, and epic sunsets.

An Iowa native who loves to travel, Vince joined the Navy right out of high school in 1983. While seeing the world he earning his Private Pilot’s license in 1987. For over 30 years the Navy and his family kept him busy, but he maintained his desire to become a professional pilot. Retiring in 2014 he attended San Diego Christian College completing a Bachelors degree in Aviation Sciences, earning his Commercial, Instrument, Multi Engine and his CFI ratings. Vince looks forward to sharing your flight experiences with you! He is checked out in a Cessna 172R/S/SP.

Stephen grew up in San Marcos, Ca and has received all of his pilot’s licenses at Pinnacle Aviation Academy. He earned his bachelors in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University while also interning for United Airlines in their flight operation department. Outside flying, Stephen loves Motorsports, snowboarding and going to the beach. He is excited to teach future pilots and also offer guidance into the airline pilot career.

Anna began a career in aviation and developed a love for flying/traveling as a Flight Attendant for Virgin Atlantic Airways.  Originally from the New Forest in Hampshire, England, she found San Diego the perfect place to complete all her flight training and holds a CFI/II/MEI license.  After a break from instructing to have a family she comes to Pinnacle Aviation Academy part time and is available for Private, Instrument and Commercial training. Outside of working and family commitments she is a keen marathon runner and still loves to travel whenever the opportunity arises.

Jack Brannock has always loved flying, he started out building remote control planes at a young age and always wanted to be a pilot. After high school he jumped right into training at Pinnacle earning his private, instrument, commercial and multi-engine. He earned his tail-wheel endorsement and now tows gliders at Lake Elsinore on his off days. Jack aims to fly seaplanes in the south pacific or bush planes in Alaska. Jack will continue teaching for years to come and enjoys showing everyone the fun in flying.

Mark Nicholson specializes in teaching a love for flying as well as skills and decision making. Mark first earned his Private Pilot certificate in 1983 and now has over 700 hours in general aviation aicraft. He serves as a pilot and Aerospace Education officer for his Civil Air Patrol squadron. He is a member of the National Association of Flight Instructors. Most recently he has earned his tail wheel endorsement and was introduced to the exciting world of aerobatics. Still remaining on his list of aviation goals is a glider rating, multi-engine and CFI-I, but the most important goal is to instill the love of flying in others. Good instructors never stop learning!!  He is  checked out in our C152, C172R/S/G1000,182 and Mooney.