Neil Shepherd has over 30 years of flying experience. He earned his Private Pilot ticket when he was 19 and had always dreamed of becoming a professional pilot. Education and a subsequent career in electronics sidetracked him for awhile, but some 25 years later that dream has become a reality after earning his CFI/CFII and MEI in a 2006.

If he's not teaching, or flying his Extra 300L, he's likely doing his other side job — flying corporate charters in Cessna Citations and Beechcraft King Airs. "I've been passionate about aviation my whole life," Neil says. "I enjoy sharing this passion with other pilots, as well as people who are ready to learn how to fly."

That said, Neil spends a lot of time practicing and competing in local aerobatic contests perfecting his skills to help other pilots become comfortable with unusual attitudes, spins or basic aerobatic flight. "If I'm not teaching, I'm flying."