Team

Howard spent 12 years flying jet charter in Citations, Challengers and finally Gulfstream IVs. He is an engineer by training and a former Merchant Mar...

Howard spent 12 years flying jet charter in Citations, Challengers and finally Gulfstream IVs. He is an engineer by training and a former Merchant Marine Officer. He has been a Flight Instructor for over 30 years. He has flown and instructed in a vast variety of airplanes from J-3 Cubs to large business jets and continues to enjoy it.

Jesse's aviation journey began in New York while working in advertising & consulting, taking flying lessons at White Plains (KHPN). After completing h...

Jesse's aviation journey began in New York while working in advertising & consulting, taking flying lessons at White Plains (KHPN). After completing his Private Pilot License in Cessnas and Instrument Rating in Pipers, he spent years flying friends and family throughout the East Coast. Regular trips to LA for work introduced him to Proteus, where mountain flying courses sparked his interest in moving West. In 2019, he transferred to LA with an ad agency and completed his CFI training at Proteus. Since August 2020, he's been teaching full-time, helping students achieve their Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings.

Max is not just a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI); he is a passionate aviator dedicated to helping you reach new heights in your aviation journey. W...

Max is not just a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI); he is a passionate aviator dedicated to helping you reach new heights in your aviation journey. With nearly a decade of flying experience and thousands of flight hours logged, Max brings a wealth of knowledge and a deep love for aviation to every lesson. Max ensures that you will receive top-notch training, whether you are just starting with flying or aiming to refine your skills. His patient and approachable teaching style creates a supportive learning environment, making complex concepts easier to understand and apply. Beyond his technical skills, Max is known for his ability to instil confidence in his students.

Jin began his aviation journey in 2018 in Oregon. After relocating to Southern California, he joined Proteus in the summer of 2024. He is a certified ...

Jin began his aviation journey in 2018 in Oregon. After relocating to Southern California, he joined Proteus in the summer of 2024. He is a certified CFI, CFII, and MEI with over 1,200 hours of total flight time and more than 700 hours of dual instruction given. Jin is passionate about mentoring students to become competent pilots, with a strong focus on safety, risk management, regulatory compliance, and solid flying skills.

Flying is a great privilege that most people can learn to enjoy; however, it is not reserved only for so-called “genius pilots.” Sho began flying at t...

Flying is a great privilege that most people can learn to enjoy; however, it is not reserved only for so-called “genius pilots.” Sho began flying at the age of 46 and took 150 hours (twice the average) to earn his Private Pilot Certificate. After another 10 years of flying, he became an ATP and piloted a regional jet. He was not a “quick learner” or “natural aviator” and had to work hard to develop his skills, but this experience made him an empathetic and patient CFI who tailors instruction to each student’s needs. Sho looks forward to helping anyone with a strong passion for aviation become a safe and competent pilot

Eashan is a Maryland native who got his start in aviation in Civil Air Patrol at age 16, soloing a plane before he could solo a car. He's lived in LA ...

Eashan is a Maryland native who got his start in aviation in Civil Air Patrol at age 16, soloing a plane before he could solo a car. He's lived in LA since 2016 and earned his flight instructor certificate in late 2022. His favorite aircraft is the Cirrus SR22T. Outside of flying, teaching flying, and thinking about flying, he enjoys skiing, lifting weights, and finding the best coffee wherever he is. He's a single-engine rated commercial pilot, CFI, and CFII.

John is from West Los Angleles and learnt to fly from our very own Santa Monica Airport (SMO) in the late 20th Century. He has flown for freight, airl...

John is from West Los Angleles and learnt to fly from our very own Santa Monica Airport (SMO) in the late 20th Century. He has flown for freight, airlines and corporate carriers and has been a CFI since 1991 with thousands of flight hours. While he loves to dual instruct in aircraft, John expertises in ground school instruction and aircraft maintenance and is one of the most experienced instructors at Proteus. “Airplanes are wonderful but the people in aviation are even better

Chris Irwin grew up in East Tennessee and was around airplanes all during childhood, finally taking lessons at 16. After a hiatus, he earned his priva...

Chris Irwin grew up in East Tennessee and was around airplanes all during childhood, finally taking lessons at 16. After a hiatus, he earned his private certificate in his 20s and became a CFI in 2001. He has taught flying in WI, CO, and after moving to CA in 2008, he flew in the Bay Area for many years before landing in LA. He has been on staff in the aviation department at Glendale Community College for a decade, and also works occasionally as an actor and musician. He is thrilled to be flying at SMO, and very happy be a new member of the Proteus family. He is equally at home working with veteran pilots and those who are brand new to aviation.

Beverly brings a wealth of aviation experience to Proteus, having worked as a flight attendant for SkyWest Airlines. When she's not managing flight op...

Beverly brings a wealth of aviation experience to Proteus, having worked as a flight attendant for SkyWest Airlines. When she's not managing flight operations, you can find her at her bike shop in Santa Monica, where she shares her passion for cycling with the local community. Beverly is also a devoted bunny parent who loves spending time with her furry companions at home.

Named after his great-grandpa, a Naval Aviator of the Dauntless during WWII, Jack “O Lantern” Abrams has a true passion for aviation. Jack has been vi...

Named after his great-grandpa, a Naval Aviator of the Dauntless during WWII, Jack “O Lantern” Abrams has a true passion for aviation. Jack has been visiting the Santa Monica Airport since he was 3 months old, and has seen it grow to the biggest little airport it is now. Jack is in the Civil Air Patrol as an Airman and teaches aviation safety to SMFD. Jack started taking flying lessons at age 12, and started flying at Proteus at 14 years of age with Howard Israel. Jack is also a professional knife thrower, travelling all around the country to perform at knife throwing shows/competitions. Jack is a master of all, so feel free to ask him for an airport tour the next time you visit Proteus!

Kush is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is working on his private p...

Kush is a student at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he is pursuing a degree in Aerospace Engineering. He is working on his private pilot license.

Akshansh is an avid photographer, a master scuba diver, and a senior pursuing Aerospace Engineering at UCLA. He is currently working on obtaining his ...

Akshansh is an avid photographer, a master scuba diver, and a senior pursuing Aerospace Engineering at UCLA. He is currently working on obtaining his Advanced Ground Instructor Certificate at Proteus and, as an intern, is directly involved with technical documentation, maintenance scheduling, and daily operations.

Joe is a student at Lynn University studying Aviation Management. He has had a passion for aviation his entire life and is currently working toward ea...

Joe is a student at Lynn University studying Aviation Management. He has had a passion for aviation his entire life and is currently working toward earning his Private Pilot License. In his free time, he is an avid aviation photographer. You can check out his work on instagram at @the_la_spotter

As a dedicated aviation enthusiast and private pilot, Soltan is currently training with Proteus Air Services, working toward his IFR rating and eventu...

As a dedicated aviation enthusiast and private pilot, Soltan is currently training with Proteus Air Services, working toward his IFR rating and eventual Commercial Pilot License. With over 150 logged flight hours primarily in Piper Cherokee aircraft, he is passionate about mastering precision flying and building a strong foundation for both recreational and professional aviation. His long-term goals include integrating aviation into his entrepreneurial pursuits, using advanced flight capabilities to support business operations, travel, and future development projects. He is committed to continuous learning and excited to grow as part of the Proteus community.

Samantha is a high school student with a deep passion for aviation. She loves being around pilots and trainees, soaking up their knowledge and experie...

Samantha is a high school student with a deep passion for aviation. She loves being around pilots and trainees, soaking up their knowledge and experience. At Proteus, she handles front desk operations and manages our social media presence, bringing her youthful energy and enthusiasm to everything she does. Her dedication to aviation and natural ability to connect with people make her an invaluable part of our team.