Pan Am’s Deer Valley Training Center has nearly 100 dedicated professionals who are focused on helping you become a professional pilot for the airline of your choice.
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Jim DeLong is President of Pan Am International Flight Academy, Jim is responsible for managing the facilities, aircraft fleet, maintenance, student services, and business elements of the academy. Jim is a flight instructor who previously managed the Sabena Airline Training Center.
Flight Operations
Travis Trexler is our Chief Flight Instructor and as such leads the students and professional flight instructors. Travis started at Pan Am in 2002 as a zero time student. Since this time he has served as flight instructor, stage check instructor, and manager of our Chinese program..
Each instructor has an average of only three students so that they can dedicate themselves to each student. 
Most instructors underwent their training at Pan Am, and have goals similar to yours! That means they know exactly what it takes to mold you into a professional pilot, and all will make excellent professional contacts as you move on in your career. Marc Hatfield assists Travis Trexler in maintaining a goal-oriented and realistic training curriculum.
All students are on one of three teams. The Career Pilot Program is for students who are training for their FAA Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor Certificates. All of these students are trained to be professional flight instructors at Pan Am, and subsequently, pilots with the airlines. Jorge Navas manages the Career Pilot Program.
Our Chinese Program includes groups of students who are preparing for airline jobs with Chinese airlines. Many of our graduates get the opportunity to instruct in the Chinese Program. This offers our instructors the rewarding opportunity to take students who have never before driven a car and turn them into professional pilots in less than a year. The students are smart, motivated, and pre-selected for their likelihood of success at flying large jets in China. All we have to do is show them the way! Paul Lowe manages all of the Chinese programs.
We also have a special partnership with a Korean university who trains pilots exclusively for Korean Air. Our Korean Program is another place for our instructors to help novice pilots grow into professional commercial pilots. This program is managed by Adam Behling.
Deer Valley Airport is ranked the number one busiest general aviation airport in the U.S.A. With an average of over 150 flight operations, and over 65 aircraft, scheduling and dispatching the Pan Am fleet is a demanding task. Our scheduling and dispatch personal are led by Amanda Watkins.
Ground Operations
The Academic Department is led by Bjarki Arnarson and includes ground school classes, airline preparation, advanced training, career advising, and airline interview preparation. Bjarki has been in the aviation field for many years, as a flight instructor, ground instructor, and pilot for Mesaba Airlines. Ground instructors are frequently available outside of class and are always willing to lend their help as you prepare for your new career. Their objective is to help you learn as much as possible so that you will become a safe and professional pilot.
John Olshock is our Chief Ground Instructor and is responsible for ensuring his staff of dedicated Ground instructors is applying the most innovative teaching techniques designed to assist you in achieving your professional objectives. He also assures each multi-media classroom is fully equipped with up to date and state-of-the-art training materials. John has been involved in aviation for over 20 years in both the Military and Civilian aspect, and he is well versed in what it takes to train you to be a marketable aviation professional.
Student Services
Martha Soule manages our Student Administration Department. She and her staff work behind the scenes to ensure that you will enjoy an efficient administrative experience during your stay. From scheduling your initial orientation to sending your transcripts to the airline that hires you, Martha and her staff are here to make your Pan Am experience seamless and pleasant.
Kathy Longobardo is our Student Counselor. Kathy is responsible to help ensure that every student on the DVT Campus achieves success in completing their respective education and training courses leading to a professional pilot career track. Her background as a skilled business professional experienced in training, management, and customer service is highlighted by previous assignments as Director of Education and Director of Student Services.
You can contact us by e-mail at: career@panamacademy.net