John Collins, Manager, Aviation Safety Programs

John Collins is the Chief Flight instructor for the Flight Instructor Refresher Courses (both in-person and online) and is responsible for the in-person seminar program.

John began working at AOPA in July 1998 in the Pilot Information Center as a Research Assistant. Prior to joining the Air Safety Institute, he was the Manager of Airport Policy for AOPA. He holds Commercial Pilot and CFI certificates. In his 20 years of aviation experience, he has flight instructed, flown Search & Rescue missions and charter flights, and worked as a line service specialist. He has logged over 2,100 hours of flight time and more than 1,300 hours of dual instruction given.

John has a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management and Flight Operations from the University of Dubuque. He is a US Army veteran and served as a tank platoon leader in Desert Storm and as a supply company executive officer in Somalia during Operation Restore Hope. In his "spare time," John volunteers as a Scoutmaster and enjoys hammock camping, backpacking, and hiking. He is married, has two teenage children, and resides with his family in wild, wonderful West Virginia.