John MacDonald
FAA Gold Seal CFI, CFII, AIGI

John is a Primary and Instrument instructor with several years experience. He is semi-retired from instructing, with over 5000 hours in the seat next to students, but he will come out and help motivated indivduals. He was trained in Sanford Florida at Delta Connection Academy. John started instructing in the Northwest for a Japanese Airline training school and Oregon State University’s flight club. For the last decade or so, he has instructed in Utah at South Valley Regional airport.
John has received the highest designation given to a CFI by the FAA. He is a Gold Seal flight instructor. This designation is given to instructors with a “very high first time student pass rate” on practical tests. That is a lot of hours with such an incredibly high pass rate.

More importantly, he enjoys showing students how to precisely control an aircraft. This is done by understanding what makes an aircraft fly. Some of these concepts are counterintuitive or counter-instinctive but making classroom aerodynamics real to you in the cockpit, will allow you to master flying. John's experience and pass rate qualifies him to instruct first time or initial CFI applicants. In addition to training CFIs he also enjoys teaching his check-ride prep classes, which are the foundation of his high student pass rate. His advice to those looking for an instructor, "make sure that you interview and fly with several potential instructors until you find someone that fits your style. Remember, you will be spending a fair amount of time and money with this person and flying needs to stay fun and enjoyable." John lives in Herriman Utah with his family.