Instructor

Ruth Ann has a deep passion for aviation learning, operational safety, and mentoring the next generation of pilots, whether that generation is 70 or 14.

She holds Ground Instructor (Advanced), Flight Instructor (Glider), Commercial Pilot (including Airplane Single Engine), and Aircraft Dispatcher certificates, bringing both instructional and operational experience to every flight.

In addition to the Minden Soaring Club, she is an active member of Civil Air Patrol, Women’s Soaring Pilots Association, the Soaring Society of America, and a host of other local and national organizations. She is a strong advocate for mentorship and access to aviation for all.

Ruth Ann is dedicated to supporting pilots of all levels and is recognized for her limitless enthusiasm for all things flying.

Elizabeth learned to fly in 2002.  She is single-engine-rated and has a CFIG.  She has given over 300 hours of flight instruction.

Ivan received a scholarship from Minden Soaring and has been instructing for the past 5 years.  He works closely with our junior members.  He graduated from Berkeley and is working on his PhD in Physics at UNR.

Chief Flight Instructor – Tim has twenty years of experience as an instructor.  He actively instructs in airplanes and is an A&P.  He is a joint world record holder for the highest altitude ever in a sailplane as part of the Perlan project.  Tim also fills in as a towpilot.  He owns an ASW-27 sailplane for when he can get up and fly by himself.  He particularly enjoys aerobatic and cross-country instruction.

Audrey is a winner of the Minden Soaring Club scholarship and is excited to give back to the club.

President of MSC and Chief Safety Officer – Jim is the reigning National Open Class Champion.  He has represented the US twice at the World Championship.  He has been a flight instructor for more than 20 years, and he teaches in motorgliders as well as sailplanes.  Jim also fills in as a towpilot when needed.