Meet Our Instructors

Pat Brown

Pat is an AOPA Foundation Scholarship Mentor. He was bitten by the flying bug early and began taking lessons at age 16, earning his Private Pilot certificate shortly after his 17th birthday. Today, 12000 hours later, he is a Designated Pilot Examiner and Gold Seal Flight Instructor for gliders, single and multi-engine aircraft, and seaplane, giving close to 6000 hours of instruction. Pat is the co-developer of AOPA's Rusty Pilots and Back to Your Roots. He travels regularly, speaking to pilot groups on aviation safety-related topics, and has conducted Flight Instructor Refresher Clinics nationwide.

Brian Schiff

Brian Schiff is a seasoned captain for a major US airline with a deep-seated passion for general aviation. Over his career, he has accumulated an impressive 20,000 hours of flight time across a wide range of aircraft and has flown 98 different types. As an esteemed member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), Brian's expertise and experience have earned him the distinction of being an active 38-year Gold Seal flight instructor and FAA Safety Team Representative. He possesses multiple flight instructor ratings and an exceptional ability to simplify complex procedures and concepts while maintaining a contagious enthusiasm for aviation and teaching.

Furthermore, Brian has been an FAA-designated examiner, allowing him to conduct examinations of pilots. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and his Master of Science in Aviation Safety from the University of Central Missouri. Brian is a highly respected figure in the aviation community and is sought after for his engaging and informative seminars on aviation safety and techniques. He is passionate about educating students and professional pilots and is committed to upholding the highest standards of aviation instruction and promoting aviation safety.

Steve Bateman

Steve is the owner of Chocks Away Aviation, LLC, based at Prineville Airport (S39) in Oregon, where he provides professional flight and ground instruction. As an active FAASTeam Lead Safety Representative with the Portland FSDO, he regularly presents AOPA Rusty Pilots and Air Safety Institute seminars and webinars. In addition, he serves as Vice President of the Oregon Pilots Association and is an engaged member of EAA Chapter 617 in Prineville.

Previously, Steve was the Director of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Flying Clubs Initiative. Before joining AOPA, he had a distinguished career in high-tech product development.

Steve holds pilot and instructor certificates in both the United States and Canada and is also a certificated Light Sport Repairman. He earned his Ph.D. in Electronic Engineering from Loughborough University in England.

He and his wife, Louise, reside in Redmond, Oregon.