Ole’ Timers…..
On June 12, 2022, three (3) previous BPFS Flight Instructors and now Line Pilots for Skywest Airlines, managed to be in the same place at the same time and took this magnificent photo of the “BPFS BoyZ” in their EMB-175.
From left to right, Captain Vincent Perry and First Officer’s Robbie Phillips and Micah Sanchez
Note: As of October, 2023, Vincent has gone on to fly for Hawaiian Airlines and Micah is now flying at Southwest Airlines. Where are you Robbie?
Meet our current Flight Instructors
BLAKE MILLER, CHIEF INSTRUCTOR PILOT. CFI, CFII
Age: 32
Where I’m from: Niu Valley, Oahu
Why I got into aviation: Where I’m from: Niu Valley, O’ahu
Why I got into aviation: When I was a kid, planes were often a topic of conversation in my family seeing that both my parents worked in aviation as mechanical engineers with my dad having received his private pilot certificate as well. So when I was in high school, I had an interest in becoming a pilot but didn’t pursue it at the time. While in college, various opportunities arose that led me in the direction of the field of education, and the idea of flying drifted away. After college, I taught middle and high school for seven years. Then at the age of 29, looking for a change of pace, I thought back to my desire to fly and decided to begin my flight training. Now as a flight instructor, I feel privileged to be able to both teach and fly.
Kamalu Lewis-Soares: CFI
Age: 30
Where I’m from: Kaneohe, Hawaii
Why I got into Aviation: My ancestors were native Polynesian navigators who sailed to the Hawaiian Islands on a double-hulled canoe called Hokule’a. On this vessel they hauled passengers and cargo using their extensive knowledge and traditional skills to navigate across the world’s largest ocean and traveling island to island. Times have changed, vessels are now flown and uses modern and advanced technology to navigate the skies. However, the tradition and the task of interisland traveling remains very important and vital. Born and raised in Hawaii, I wanted to uphold these traditions and continue my heritage as a 21st century voyager/navigator.
Abigail Dang: CFI, CFII, MEI
Age: 20
Where I’m from: Honolulu, Hawaii
Why I got into Aviation: Even though no one in my family is a pilot, aviation has always held a special place in my heart. I finally started training when I turned fifteen, every day since then has been a new challenge and adventure! My favorite part about flying is experiencing and sharing the beauty of Hawai’i with others.
I am grateful to have gained generous scholarships to help fund my training and priceless professional support from AOPA, the 99s, the Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, AAUW Honolulu, as well as, work-study opportunities at Pacific Air Charters, Goldwings Supply Services, EastWest Avionics, and Crew Dog Electronics.
My primary purpose in becoming a pilot is to serve, lead, and inspire others. In aviation, whether through transporting passengers safely between destinations, instructing and training safe and proficient pilots, or mentoring and supporting student pilots in my aviation community, I aim to encourage, guide, and inspire the next generation of pilots as a flight instructor, proficient and well-rounded general aviation pilot, and leader in my community.
Blake “Bulle” Baclig: CFI, CFII
Age: 23
Where I’m From: Mountain View, Hawaii
Why I got into Aviation: Aloha nui. Growing up I was fortunate to have had many travel opportunities which made me fall in love with the idea of navigating through the sky to various locations no matter how far. Although my passion for travel stayed fresh in my mind, fast forward to high school, I had no clue what I wanted to do. My desire to travel to see and experience new places eventually led me to my first job as a ramp agent with Hawaiian Airlines. Time spent on the tarmac further filled my desire to pursue a career in aviation. My interest then led me to an introductory flight with a local flight school in Arizona which fortunately led me here to Barbers Point Flight School. I’m humbled each and every day to be here at home in Hawai’i doing what I Love. It’s almost surreal when I reflect back to where I was just a few years ago i’m excited for the many adventures ahead.ʻAʻohe puʻu kiʻekiʻe ke hoʻāʻo e piʻi. There is no hill too high to climb if you try.
Kama Eldredge: CFI, CFII
Age: 26
Where I’m from: Ewa Beach, HI
Why I got into Aviation: I did a physics project my junior year of high school on aerodynamics and fell in love with the idea of becoming a pilot. Every decision I made, in regards to my future, from that point on was made with becoming a pilot in mind. I am excited to do this every day and can’t wait to do it for the rest of my life!
Julie McKenzie: CFI
Age:
Where I’m from:
Why I got into aviation: I was in nursing school when I realized that I wanted a career that would allow me to travel the world and be in an airplane as much as possible. Soon after that I was starting flight school and I immediately fell in love with the feeling of being in the sky. I received my Bachelors degree in Aviation Management from the Florida Institute of Technology and I was able to gain so much knowledge about the aviation industry as a whole. I love being able to teach new aspiring pilots who share the same passion I have for flying. No matter how experienced you become in aviation, there is always more to learn and that is one of my favorite aspects of flying. Being able to instruct in Hawai’i has been my goal since I started flying and being out here goes to show that there are so many opportunities in aviation and that you just have to follow your dreams!
Galen Craddock: CFI
Age:35
Where I’m From: Denver, Colorado
Why I got into Aviation:When I was young, I dreamed of building rockets and flying planes. I grew up in the mountains of Colorado and as I grew older, I had many interests. Flying seemed far off as a realistic occupation for me at the time. However, 5 years ago I became a flight attendant and was immersed in the aviation culture. It was then I realized how attainable my child hood dream was. I began my training during Covid and now here I am, instructing in Hawaii. Throughout my training I have flown around much of the United States and I can say it is hard to beat the beauty of flying in Hawaii. I’m lucky to call this my office. It’s never too late to chase your dreams and change your life.
Angelo Khan: CFI
Age: 24
Where I’m from: Honolulu, Hawaii
Why I got into Aviation: Every time I got on a commercial flight as a young kid I would be like a kid in a candy store, asking hundreds of questions trying to understand how a piece of metal could fly and I was amazed at the power of it. Shortly after I took a flight in a glider with a family friend, and that’s when I knew I wanted to be a pilot. At age seventeen I joined the Marine Corps and was assigned to our local reserve unit here in Kaneohe. Back home, I started to hit the books and train hard. I then earned my certificates and ratings at HNL. I wanted to share my love for flying with others and I decided that becoming a flight instructor was the way to do that. It’s never a bad day in the sky.
Kaile Balthazar-Chang: CFI
Age: 23
Where I’m From: Kaimuki, Hawaii
Why I got into Aviation: I was introduced to aviation while attending college in Salt Lake City, Utah. After making a few friends who were in the Aviation Program, I quickly became aware of the opportunities that this industry could provide, plus a few perks that came along with being a pilot like traveling the world! By being a full time student athlete and flight training, time management and discipline were two important qualities to uphold in my books. After receiving my B.S. in Aviation Management and Minor in Flight Operations in 2021, I knew Aviation was the career path for me.
The joy of having an office in the sky is such a blessing and being able to share my experiences, with not only other women in aviation, but with the people of Hawai’i is a dream come true! I’m excited to share my love of aviation with any future aviators and encourage anyone who is on the fence about flying, to just do it!
“The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams” – Elenor Roosevelt.