Assistant Chief Pilot

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Bob “launched” in 1941 and was raised in Rainier, Oregon, just north of Portland along the Columbia River. Bob served for 21 years as a Naval Aviator, retiring in 1985. He earned his bachelors degree in political science before going into military service, and then following his stint serving our country he flew the line for 15 years as a 737 pilot for America West Airlines. Bob also worked for seven years as a corporate pilot. He is currently a primary flight instructor (CFI), instrument instructor (CFI-I) and multi-engine instructor (MEI), school bus driver, and air taxi pilot. Look for Bob flying his personal airplane, the “Bob-sled,” to Cascade from his base on Whidbey Island!

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Brien started flying in 1963 when airplane rentals cost a little cheaper than $6 an hour for an Aeronca Champ and $1 an hour for an instructor. Brien became a certificated flight instructor in 1973 and has offered flight instruction at Navy flying clubs in Oxnard, California; NAS Alameda; NAS Whidbey; and at NAF Willow Grove. Brien holds a commercial pilot license for single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea, helicopter, glider, and hot air balloon aircraft. Additionally, he is an instrument-rated flight instructor, an A&P mechanic with IA (Inspection Authority), and holds an FCC general radio phone operator’s permit.

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Lou was born in Washington, D.C. and lived in Silver Spring, Maryland, for most of his life. At a young age he became involved with the family construction business, eventually becoming a journeyman carpenter and building furniture. This led him to Alaska, where he learned to fly in the Fairbanks area. After earning his wings up north Lou returned to the D.C. metro area where he pursued a career in home construction and land acquisition with his family business before eventually becoming a home inspector. Lou sold his business in 2019 and relocated to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to his family. Along the way he earned his instrument, commercial, multi-engine, flight instructor, multi-engine instructor, airline transport pilot, seaplane, and glider licenses and ratings. Outside of flying Lou’s interests include Boy Scouts, flying for a charitable aviation network, hiking the Appalachian Trail, and canoeing in northern Minnesota and southern Ontario.

CFI, CFI-I

Although born in Ellensburg, Nathaniel spent most of his early life in Iowa where he received his first logbook entry, a discovery flight at the age of 12. From that point on he was hooked, and knew aviation would play a role in his life. In addition to flying, Nathaniel is also a passionate musician and teacher, which has led to performance and teaching engagements in the Philadelphia and New York area as well as a stint with a cruise ship band in Australia. Nathaniel is happy to be living back in the Pacific Northwest, and really enjoys all the beautiful landscapes. His next aviation goal is earning his seaplane rating. When not flying, you can find Nathaniel practicing cello, going for a hike, or playing video games with friends.

Chief Pilot

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

David is an experienced instructor helping other instructors and pilots with understanding advanced aviation concepts, skill development and Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM). He is a member of NAFI, AOPA, ABS, and EAA. He has been immersed in general aviation activities since the 1990s.

CFI

Libby was born and raised in Stanwood, Washington. An aviation summer camp in Arlington following high school sparked her love for flying. That next fall, she started her training at Big Bend Community College in Moses Lake. There, she earned her private, instrument, commercial, and CFI licenses. Now she has returned to Western Washington and is excited to explore the beautiful PNW skies with her students. When she’s not flying, Libby enjoys white water rafting, mountain climbing, and snowboarding.

CFI

Chris is originally from New England and moved to Washington in January 2023. He has been flying since 2008 and has been a flight instructor since 2013. Chris has been teaching for 10 years and thoroughly enjoys it! Currently, he works as an EMS air ambulance pilot and teaches in his time off. Chris recently stated, “Cascade has been a lovely place to instruct. I enjoy working with a great team of instructors and staff. I look forward to meeting/flying with you in the near future! Thanks for choosing Cascade!!!”

CFI, CFI-I

Emma was raised in a small town in Colorado. She traveled the world with her family, and knew she wanted to do something that allowed her to explore further. She enrolled in a ground school class at age 16 and experienced flying in the mountains. After that, she was hooked and sought out an aviation-related school. She graduated Montana State University with a degree in Aviation. Emma found her way to Cascade Aviation and now resides in Bellingham where she loves to read, hike, and hang out with friends.

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

Daniel was born and raised in Chehalis, WA. At 16 he had an introductory flight and from then on he was determined to get his private pilot license. In June 2022 Dan managed to get his PPL and caught the “bug.” The next year he signed on to get all of his fixed wing ratings on up to CFI. Having done that, he’s back in the beautiful PNW and looks forward to flying with you! In his spare time Dan enjoys painting and video games.

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

My love for aviation began at a young age when I would sit on the roof of my childhood home and watch airplanes fly overhead. As I watched those planes, I dreamed of becoming a pilot and hoped that one day I would be up there flying, too. However, growing up in Korea, pursuing a career in aviation seemed impossible. So, I went to college, studied ultrasound, and worked for a hospital. I had a great time doing so but there was always something missing in the back of my mind. After doing some intensive thinking, I remembered my dream, and I decided to go to flight school and never looked back. As I progressed through my licenses and ratings, my passion for flying only grew stronger. I love everything about flying and the countless opportunities it offers for learning and personal growth. I believe it's now my turn to share that feeling with others and spread the love of flying.

CFI, CFI-I

Lukas was born and raised in Bellingham, WA. He was always interested in airplanes and flying, so much so that the flight was often one of his favorite parts of vacation. All throughout high school, Lukas considered a career in aviation and after taking a discovery flight in 2019, decided to make it a reality. Lukas attended Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, where he obtained all of his ratings, including CFI and CFI-I. He graduated from Purdue in May of 2024 with bachelor’s degrees in professional flight technology and economics. Lukas is excited to be back home in Washington and to help other aviators pursue their passion and goals. Lukas is a huge fan of the Seattle Mariners and enjoys playing golf in his spare time.

CFI, CFI-I

Rose grew up in Skagit County before moving to Bellingham and attending Western Washington University. After college, she worked for several years in a non-profit before she decided she wanted to go back to school for a different career path. While she’d always loved planes, she’d never known any pilots or considered it as a career. However, after several discovery flights, she was hooked and began researching local schools. She got her private pilot license at the Bellingham airport and then attended ATP Flight School to complete the rest of her certificates and ratings. She moved back to Skagit and has been excited to join the Cascade team and start instructing. In her free time, Rose enjoys reading and spending time outdoors hiking and backpacking.