Real-world aviation experience. Personal flight instruction. A commitment to helping every student become a confident, capable pilot.
The name Stoof Aviation carries a bit of naval history.
"Stoof" was the affectionate Navy nickname for the Grumman S-2 Tracker — a carrier-based anti-submarine aircraft that hunted subs from the decks of aircraft carriers for decades.
When our founder once owned an S-2 Tracker, the name stuck, and it became the namesake for the flight school that followed.
Our owner and CFII brings one of the most diverse flying backgrounds in the business to every lesson.
A dual-rated CFII in both airplanes and helicopters since 2008, they've spent the last 15 years as a contract flight instructor for the U.S. Army, training helicopter students.
Beyond instruction, their logbook includes work as a maintenance test pilot on the TH-67, medevac missions in the AS-350, power line patrol in the OH-6 and Bell 206, frost patrol in the Alouette III, and long-line work in the S-34.
They're also a certified A&P mechanic — and currently restoring a vintage Beechcraft B-18.
That breadth of real-world experience, from military training to utility and specialty flying, means students at Stoof Aviation learn from an owner and instructor who has genuinely done it all — not just taught it.
Stoof Aviation operates a fleet of single-engine aircraft and offers instruction for students at every level — from first solo through instrument and commercial training.
Our small-school size means more personal attention, flexible scheduling, and an instructor who's invested in your progress.
Years of contract flight instruction supporting U.S. Army helicopter training.
Dual-rated CFII experience providing a broad perspective across both fixed-wing and rotorcraft aviation.
Experience including medevac, power-line patrol, frost patrol, long-line operations, and specialty flying.
Practical aircraft knowledge backed by maintenance test flying experience.
Certified aircraft maintenance experience provides an understanding of aircraft far beyond the cockpit.
A small-school environment focused on personal attention, flexible scheduling, and student progress.
Fly with a school that isn't after your money — it's after your success and your future.