donkaye, MCFI

From my Master Instructor Biography:

I was born in Canton, Ohio and was interested in aviation from an early age. After getting my Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering, I went to work for Kaiser Aerospace and Electronics. Most of my colleagues there had their pilot certificates, and in early 1968 I became a private pilot. A year later I got my commercial certificate.

From 1970 until 1992, my time was consumed with the business aspects of life including becoming a real estate broker selling apartment houses, a real estate developer, and a longtime real estate investor. An issue of Flying magazine with a Mooney TLS on the cover drew my attention fully back to flying. I soon earned my instrument rating, and within a month purchased a Mooney TLS. Thereafter, I achieved my instructor and instrument instructor ratings and started teaching full time, specializing in teaching in all models of Mooneys. The ATP certification followed.

For many years I taught both the primary Mooney Pilot Proficiency Course and its corresponding Mountain Flying Course. After one of my students bought a King Air C90, I earned my multiengine and multiengine instructor ratings and began also teaching the multiengine rating.  Shortly thereafter the same student bought a CJ1, and the Citation CE-525S ATP was added to my credentials.

With over 12,250 hours of total GA time, 6,670 hours have been devoted to teaching. I have traveled to Canada, Australia and even North Dakota in the middle of January to assist those interested in learning the art of flying.

Several years ago I upgraded the panel of my airplane to the latest in aviation technology. With the experience gained in the use of all this new technology, I have been able to guide students on both purchases of such technology and on how best to use it to provide for the safest flight possible.