Flight Instructors

 

Olivier Beraut –  Gold Seal CFI, CFII  

Aircraft experience: C150, 152, 172, 172RG, 182, 210.  Piper Warrior, Archer,  Cherokee 6, and more, Mooney M20, Columbia 400, Tobago TB10, Cirrus.

Olivier started flying over 30 years ago after driving by an airfield in Nashua, New Hampshire with a “flying lessons” banner.  Olivier has flown friends and family for pleasure in the US, France, and Mexico.  He enjoys the freedom of leaving and arriving anytime he wants, and the control and responsibility of being Pilot in command.  Olivier began instructing full-time as he wrapped up working as an executive for various tech companies where he mentored, trained, and coached dozens of colleagues.  Olivier teaches flying because he enjoys the people he meets, and finds it very satisfying  to share in their experience as they progress and grow as pilots. 

 

Zoë Freilich – ASEL, ASES, CFI, CFII

Aircraft experience: C150, 152, 172, 182, 210. PA28 180, Cherokee 6. Extra 300. DA40

Zoe dreamt of flying since she was in elementary school. She has since completed her private, instrument, and commercial license through UFS and her CFI. Flying out of Watsonville has been the most amazing experience. She wants to share her love and passion for flying by helping others reach their aviation goals. In her free time she enjoys drawing, swimming, hiking, and traveling.

 

Daniel Moeller – CFI, MEL

Aircraft Experience: Cessna 172 (various), Seminole PA-44

Daniel join our flight crew in April 2024 after finishing with ATP. His passion and positivity is really encouraging for his student pilots learning. He also likes to surf, go camping and hang out with his family. 

 

 

 

Jonathan Kuch – CFI, CFII, CMEL
 
Aircraft Experience: C150, C152, C172, C182,  Socata Tobago TB10, Mooney M20, Piper PA24, Beechcraft Bonanza.
 
Jonathan has had the aviation bug since he was a little kid growing up in Germany. When he moved to California, he finally got the opportunity to become a pilot himself, and since then, he has been sharing his passion for flying with others and helping future pilots fulfill their own aviation dreams. Jonathan completed his training at UFS and teaches out of the Watsonville airport. “Where else can you see the Sierras, the Golden Gate Bridge and the Pacific Ocean all in one day?” When he is not flying, Jonathan enjoys running, surfing and skiing. 
 
 
 
Colby Meyer – CFI, CMEL
 

Aircraft experience: C150, 152, 172,  175, 180, 182, 210, Mooney M20J, PA23, PA140, G58, A36

Growing up next to the Watsonville airport flying has always been a dream of Colby’s. His dream finally became a reality when he started flying with UFS in 2020 after returning from working as a kayak guide and surf instructor on Maui.  Colby has worked in the front office and maintenance hanger since shortly after beginning his training and has obtained his private, instrument, commercial and instructors license all through UFS.  His hobbies include surfing, mountain biking and trail running. He enjoys flying out of Watsonville because if he can’t be in the ocean he loves to at least have a view of it.

 

Claudia Maciel – CFI

Aircraft experience:  

Claudia has been an ongoing CFI here for multiple years. She has plenty for rating to list here. More insight to come.