Located in Central Nebraska KHSI KGRI KEAR And More
“How precious is your steadfast love, O God! The children of mankind take refuge in the shadow of your wings.”
-Psalm 36:7
Flying in the shadow
Shadow Wings Aviation
Guided by values. Defined by skill.
Flight Instruction
I offer personalized flight training specializing in tailwheel, backcountry, and antique aircraft. From primary and instrument students to tailwheel endorsements, Flight Reviews, and IPCs, my instruction focuses on real-world skills, precision flying, and building confident, capable aviators.
Mission
To operate as a professional pilot enterprise, providing expert aviation solutions with integrity and a depth of real-world expertise in every flight
The Owner
I specialize in advanced tailwheel and
antique aircraft instruction, classic
aircraft evaluation and acquisition
support, and nationwide ferry and
relocation flights.
Our Methods
We are guided by our values which is God, professionalism, ethics, safety and fun! We believe these values supersede the average aviation company and its what separates us.
Our Success
Choose Shadow Wings Aviation for our
extensive real-world experience,
values-driven approach, and deep
expertise in tailwheel and antique
aircraft. We deliver the professionalism
and skill your aircraft deserves.
What should I expect from Shadow Wings Aviation?
Shadow Wings Aviation is a professional pilot enterprise offering comprehensive flight training from primary through Commercial/Instrument certificates, grounded in integrity and deep real-world IFR and VFR experience. The instructor provides specialized instruction in challenging aircraft types, including antique, tailwheel, and biplane models to master the most demanding flying environments. The mission also extends to the classic aircraft community by offering expert acquisition support and reliable nationwide ferry and relocation services delivered with operational excellence.
Why are you more expensive than others?
Shadow Wings Aviation is competitively priced among professional aviation veterans, differentiating itself from high-volume flight schools that typically employ instructors with minimal experience (sometimes as low as 250-300 hours). The owner/operator possesses well over 3,500 hours of professional flight time, ensuring every client receives instruction, ferry services, or acquisition support backed by substantial, real-world proficiency. This extensive cross-country and IFR experience delivers unparalleled operational knowledge, whether you are mastering antique aircraft, seeking full Commercial/Instrument training, or requiring safe, specialized nationwide aircraft relocation.
Can I use my own plane?
Absolutely. Shadow Wings Aviation strongly encourages and specializes in training clients in their own aircraft.
This approach is highly beneficial for several reasons:
- Relevance: Training in the aircraft you plan to fly post-certificate promotes better proficiency, confidence, and comfort with your specific operating procedures.
- Cost-Effectiveness: It is often more economical for clients to own and utilize their aircraft for training.
- Owner Support: If you are seeking to purchase, our Acquisition Support service can guide you to a reliable, reasonably priced aircraft that you can fly and build experience in. The goal is to share the joy of aircraft ownership, not to profit at your expense by forcing you into an expensive rental fleet.
Where are you located?
Shadow Wings Aviation is based in Cairo, Nebraska, utilizing established relationships with several local airfields, including KEAR, KGRI, KHSI, and 0F4, to serve clients across a wide area of Central Nebraska. However, our services are not geographically limited: flight instruction is conducted at the client’s home base or preferred local airport, and our Acquisition Support and Ferry/Relocation services are provided nationwide.
Do you have a plane to use?
Acquiring a dedicated training aircraft is a top priority for Shadow Wings Aviation; however, the instruction model currently prefers the use of your own aircraft, as this provides the most relevant and cost-effective training. If you do not yet own an airplane, the instructor is closely connected to several local facilities, including those at KHSI and KGRI, where suitable training aircraft (such as an Aeronca Champ for tailwheel work) are available for separate rental. Shadow Wings Aviation will assist you in locating and coordinating the use of the appropriate airplane for your training goals.
What is your policy regarding aircraft insurance and liability?
Shadow Wings Aviation maintains the necessary Commercial General Liability and non-owned aircraft insurance to cover all authorized ferry flights and standard flight instruction. For clients training in their own aircraft, the client is responsible for maintaining their own comprehensive insurance policy. We encourage all owners to check their policy, as most include a simple provision for required initial training or checkout by a qualified instructor when transitioning to a new aircraft type. All specific insurance requirements, responsibilities, and liability details are clearly set forth in the Ferry and Service Agreement executed prior to the start of service.
