With decades of combined experience from across the United States, our team delivers the highest quality flight training and pilot instruction available. Whether you’re pursuing your private pilot license, advancing through flight lessons, or working toward commercial pilot training, our instructors provide expert guidance every step of the way.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ATP
Dan Chouiniere is a retired public school music teacher who has also been doing flight instruction since 2003. Following retirement from school teaching, he worked for three years in Charter and Corporate aviation before returning to flight instruction. He holds an ATP rating and both CFII and MEI ratings with 3200 hours. He is certified in the King Air 250, 200 and C90 and has a BeechJet 400 type rating.
Instructor Ratings: Chief CFI
Pilot Ratings: AMEL
1990 graduate of Daniel Webster College, Nashua, NH with a BS in Aviation Management/Flight Operations. Became a CFI in 1991 and was instrumental in the development of the college flight and ATC programs. Has been teaching 25 years as a Professor of Aviation at SUNY Schenectady.
Instructor Ratings: Master CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
Retired executive in healthcare information technology, obtained CFI in 2021 and have since accumulated over 2,200 hours of instruction time. Obtained my PPL in 1999, CPL in 2001, and have since flown over 8,000 hours, visiting 350 airports across 45 states. First owned a Cessna 172, then upgraded to a Mooney.
I now oversee a team of CFIs at Five Star Flight Academy and volunteer at a STEM camp at our local Empire State Aeroscience Museum for aspiring pilots aged 12-17.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
Attended SCCC in 2021 and have done most of my training in the same Piper PA-28s I now instruct in. Since I was 10 I’ve been fascinated by the idea of flying in the stratosphere at over 500MPH. I spent much of my early-mid teen years at the airport just to watch the airplanes takeoff, and was lucky enough to take my first intro flight at the age of 12.
As a student I worked as an airport lineman with several corporate jets. I obtained my private certificate in 2022, and my commercial and instructor certificates in early 2024. Later that year I obtained my tailwheel endorsement in a 1946 Luscombe. Since I started flying, I have flown to over 60 airports across 13 states between Alabama and Maine. This experience was built between lessons, instructing, a few personal flights, and ferrying light tailwheel airplanes.
Today I mostly instruct private students here at SCC, and have experience instructing in PA-28s, Cessna 150/152/172s, and the Luscombe 8.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
I began my aviation journey while attending high school and continued my education at SCCC starting in 2021. I completed nearly all of my flight training with Five Star Flight, where I earned all of my pilot ratings and became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in August 2025.
I thoroughly enjoy working with students at every stage of their training and take pride in helping them build confidence, develop their skills, and achieve their aviation goals. I look forward to supporting each student on their path to success in aviation.
Instructor Ratings: CFII
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
I began my flight training in 2024 shortly after enlisting in the military. In 2025, I joined the ADK Flying Club, where I completed my remaining ratings, became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in April 2026, and earned my Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating in May 2026.
In addition to instructing, I serve in the Air National Guard, performing avionics maintenance on C-130 aircraft at Schenectady Airport. Outside of aviation instruction, I volunteer with Pilots N Paws, helping transport rescue dogs and puppies from shelters to rescue organizations and adoptive families across the United States.
Currently, I am instructing and building flight hours as I work toward a future career with the airlines.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
I began my flight training with SUNY Schenectady County Community College (SCCC) and Five Star Flight in the fall of 2023 and have since earned all of my ratings through their programs. I also earned my Associate Degree in Aviation Science from SCCC and am currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management at Utah Valley University.
I am instructing with Five Star Flight while building flight hours and enjoy helping students achieve their aviation goals. Outside of training flights, I enjoy flying missions for the Pilots N Paws organization and taking cross-country trips with friends. These experiences allow me to continue developing my skills while sharing my passion for aviation with others.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
Attended SCCC and began flight training in the fall of 2021. I graduated SCCC in 2024 and obtained my Certified Flight Instructor Certificate with Five Star Flight Academy. Now I am currently instructing for Five Star and time building.
Instructor Ratings: CFI
Pilot Ratings: ASEL
2021 graduate of Farmingdale State College for a Bachelor’s of Science. I pursued my aviation training through Schenectady County Community College Aviation Science program and Five Star Flight academy from student pilot to Certified Flight Instructor. Currently a CFI for Five Star and adjunct instructor teaching the private and commercial level ground school courses for the Aviation Science SCCC program.
Civil Air Patrol Billy Mitchell Award recipient. Soloed at age 16 at Lakehurst Naval Air Station. Graduated Purdue University in 1989.
Owner/Operator of Five Star Flight celebrating our 20th year!
