Brian Heid | Commercial Pilot (CFI/CFII/MEI)

Experienced Pilot
Navigating the Skies with Skill and Precision

CSEL & CMEL Pilot • CFI • IFR/VFR Specialist • Safety Management Expert • 12 Years Leadership • 650+ flight hours

Flight Instruction & Safety Leadership

As a Certified Flight Instructor at Dobbs Flight Service, I provide structured primary and advanced flight instruction for Private, Commercial, and Instrument students in accordance with FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS).

My role emphasizes aeronautical decision-making (ADM), risk mitigation, and strong foundational skills. I conduct detailed pre- and post-flight briefings, manage student progress, and deliver ground instruction in aerodynamics, weather theory, federal aviation regulations, and navigation systems.

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About Me

Hey, I’m Brian — a Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot with 650+ flight hours and a strong focus on safety, precision, and disciplined flight training. I specialize in primary and advanced instruction, IFR flight operations, and building confident, well-prepared pilots.

I provide comprehensive instruction for Private, Commercial, and Instrument students, including complex IFR flight planning, precision approaches, and aeronautical decision-making. My teaching approach emphasizes risk management, regulatory compliance, and real-world operational readiness.

Before aviation, I spent years leading teams and managing high-pressure operations, which shaped my calm, structured instructional style. Whether it’s preparing a student for a first solo, refining instrument skills, or reinforcing sound judgment in challenging conditions, my goal is to deliver safe, consistent, and effective training.

Skills & Qualifications

Here’s what I bring to the cockpit — disciplined flight operations, safety-focused instruction, and strong operational leadership.

Flight Operations

CSEL / CMEL
IFR / VFR
Complex Aircraft
Single- & Multi-Engine Operations

Instruction & Training

Private, Commercial & Instrument Instruction
Ground School Delivery
Student Endorsements & Checkride Prep
FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS)

Systems & Avionics

ForeFlight
Garmin Avionics
Glass & Analog Cockpits
IFR Flight Planning Systems

Safety & Leadership

Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM)
Risk Mitigation & FRATs
CRM / SRM
Team Leadership & Training Oversight

How I Train & Fly

1. Define the Mission & Assess Risk

Every flight begins with a clear objective. I evaluate weather, aircraft performance, airspace, and pilot readiness, applying Aeronautical Decision Making (ADM), FRATs, and go/no-go principles before committing to a flight.

2. Plan With Precision

I conduct thorough VFR and IFR flight planning using ForeFlight and approved weather products, including performance calculations, weight and balance, NOTAM review, alternates, and contingency planning.

3. Execute to Standards

In the air, I fly and teach to FAA Airman Certification Standards (ACS), emphasizing checklist discipline, stable approaches, clear communication, and effective workload management in both normal and abnormal scenarios.

4. Make Sound Decisions in Real Time

I continuously reassess conditions in flight, applying ADM, CRM, and SRM principles to manage risk, adapt to changing environments, and make timely, conservative decisions when conditions degrade.

5. Debrief & Improve

Every flight concludes with a structured debrief. I review performance, reinforce strengths, identify areas for improvement, and capture lessons learned to promote continuous improvement and operational consistency.

What People Say

Feedback from students, colleagues, and supervisors:

“Brian is a calm, methodical instructor who puts safety first without ever making training feel overwhelming. His pre- and post-flight briefings are thorough, and he consistently reinforces sound decision-making. I felt fully prepared and confident going into my checkride.”

— Instrument Student

“Brian brings strong command presence and professionalism to every flight. He communicates clearly, manages risk effectively, and sets high standards for himself and his students. He’s the kind of instructor you trust in busy airspace and challenging conditions.”

— Senior Flight Instructor