LEARN TO FLY WITH AN EXPERIENCED FLIGHT INSTRUCTOR IN A FLEXIBLE ENVIRONMENT.

Christopher Braun
​Owner, A&P IA, CFII

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Christopher, a pilot and A&P/IA, has been flying for 25 years and, as a Dad, believes that safety is the number #1 priority in every area of the business. He followed his passion and hobby by founding Norcal Flight Center and it's sister company United Magneto. He is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of both. He works on the fleet and outside customer aircraft as the primary mechanic. He has extensive experience with Cessna and Piper aircraft and Continental and Lycoming engines. Prior to entering the aviation industry, he obtained his B.S. in Economics from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from New England Law. After graduating, he worked for the FAA and an aviation law firm, prior to pursuing a career in financial services which ended with selling the firm that he founded. In his free time, he spends time with his family, working on projects, and spending time outdoors.

Eduardo G. Jiron
​Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Eduardo's experience covers more than 40 years.  He has extensive aviation experience, including: flight instruction, commercial flight cargo transportation; military and FAA air traffic & flight service experience. His FAA certificates include: Airline Transport Pilot, Flight Instructor Airplane Multiengine and Single Engine Land, Instrument Airplane, Control Tower Operator & Certified Pilot Weather Briefer. In addition, he also holds a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. He is married with children and is a long time California resident. His hobbies include world traveling, going to air shows, and studying the history of aviation. He is a sport nut as well, with tennis, cycling, skiing, back packing and mountaineering.
Daniel Cervantes
Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, AGI
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Daniel is an accomplished flight instructor with a passion for aviation and a commitment to safety. He obtained a BA in Cinema and Digital Media from the University of California Davis, followed by several years working at a Los Angeles film production company before discovering his love for flying. Currently, he holds a CFI certification and his next goal is obtain CFII and MEI rating, with the ultimate goal of becoming an airline pilot. Apart from his professional pursuits, Daniel is an ardent adventurer who enjoys backpacking, camping, and kayaking. He plans to one day obtain a bush plane to go airplane camping in remote regions and film wildlife.
Johannes Neu
Flight Instructor, CFI
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I discovered my love for aviation as a child making trips to Germany to visit my family. Ever since then the sky has called to me. I made my first discovery flight in 2019 and went to Norcal Flight Center to achieve my private pilot and then to ATP to finish my pilot training. I’m excited to come back to where my aviation journey started to help you achieve your aviation goals. I’m currently enrolled in the AVIATE program with United Airlines and plan to work as a pilot with them in the future. Along with my love for aviation I have a passion for travel and have had the blessing of traveling all over the world. I also work as a paramedic and soccer referee. I enjoy hiking and love soccer.​
Kanishvir Randhawa
Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI
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Kanish began his aviation journey in 2021 at NorCal Flight Center. Then later attended ATP Flight School, earning his CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications. He is currently pursuing a B.S. in Aviation Business Administration with Embry-Riddle and is passionate about aviation management. Ultimately, he aspires to become an airline pilot working with United Airlines. Beyond the cockpit and books, his passions involve enjoying the outdoors, fitness, and traveling.
Robert Short
Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII
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Robert started a career in aviation in 1999 as an F-16 aircraft mechanic in the Air Force.
In 2010, Robert was rated as an Electronic Warfare Officer & Navigator and flew on
board the EC-130H as Mission Commander. In addition, he was the lead Mission
Planner/instructor for the U-2 and finished his military career as a navigator instructor
and chief evaluator for a formal training unit. Robert started his general aviation career
in 2021, earning his Private Pilot’s License in May 2022 and currently holds both a
Certified Flight Instructor and a Certified Flight Instructor Instrument rating. His next goal
is to obtain his Multi-Engine Instructor and Airline Transport Pilot ratings. In addition to
his flying career, he holds two degrees from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, a
BAS in Professional Aviation, and a MAS in Aviation Human Factors. Robert has three
children and loves building furniture and riding his Harley in his off time.​
Ryan Pavey
Flight Instructor, CFI
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Having been around aviation his whole life, Ryan has always loved airplanes and had an interest in aviation. Ryan graduated from the University of California, Irvine with his B.S. in Biological Sciences with a minor in Earth System Sciences. Ryan’s studies in meteorology and other Earth systems rekindled his interests in aviation, and Ryan became even more interested in aviation after trying Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020. In 2021, Ryan decided that he would like to become a pilot and pursue aviation as a career. 
Damon O'Connor
Flight Instructor, CFI
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​Having grown up close to Oshkosh, Damon has been around general aviation his whole life. After obtaining his statistics B.S. from the University of Wisconsin Madison, he decided to pursue his passion for teaching first as a math teacher and now as a flight instructor. He intends to keep expanding his horizons by pursuing CFII, MEI, and eventually ATP. Outside of aviation, his hobbies include skiing, traveling, and hiking.
Stephen Smith
Maintenance Lead, A&P

Being inspired at a young age by his family, Stephen has always had an interest in aviation, spending many hours on flight simulators at home. During high school, he volunteered his time with the local Civil Air Patrol squadron in Placerville, serving as the Aerospace Education Cadet NCO to inspire young aviators in his community. When looking for a career path, he turned to his passion for aviation, pursuing a career as an aircraft mechanic. He currently holds both an Airframe and Powerplant certification from the FAA. ​
Conrad Haeckl
Operations Manager, Private Pilot
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Having been around tail wheel aircraft since a young age, Conrad has always been fascinated by aviation.  His uncle is a recreational bush pilot in Alaska and inspired him to become an aviator himself.  He became a student pilot with us in July of 2024 to pursue his Private Pilot's License and plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor with our school in the future.  Conrad has an Associate's degree for transfer from De Anza College, Cupertino and plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree.  Outside of the cockpit, Conrad enjoys camping, snowboarding, fishing or hiking.
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