Team

Matt started flying in 2005 and has been a flight instructor since 2010. He graduated in 2009 from Indiana State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Professional Aviation Flight Technology.

Matt is a CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot), qualified in both Perspective and Avidyne avionics, with more than 1000 hours of instruction given in Cirrus Aircraft . He also has experience as a corporate pilot flying throughout North America, Mexico, and the Caribbean in several different aircraft including the Citation CJ3, Pilatus PC-12, and Piaggio P180 Avantii. Matt enjoys passing the knowledge and experience that he has gained on to his students and seeing them succeed.

Tiffany Moniz – CFI, CFII, TCI

Tiffany is from Marble Falls, Texas. She found her love for aviation after 12 years in retail management. She spent 6 years in Aero-Space Engineering for GE Aviation building and overseeing production control of composite fan blades. She’s the first in her family to take on the aviation journey. Tiffany enjoys spending her free time going on road trips, traveling, hiking, swimming, kayaking, going to Buc-ee’s and of course flying airplanes!

Christian Cutbirth – CFI

Christian is from Houston, Texas and is the first pilot in his family. He found his passion for flying shortly after high school when he did his first discovery flight and realized the office views are much sweeter at altitude. Christian has now been flying for five years and instructing for over two years. His favorite part about instructing is seeing his student’s confidence grow, as they build their skills and knowledge in becoming safe pilots. In Christian’s free time he enjoys golf, soccer, hiking and spending time with family.

Zeth McCloud – CFI, CFII

Zeth was born and raised in a small town in Central Illinois, where he always dreamed of becoming a pilot. He joined the United States Navy and served 4 years as an Avionics Technician where being in aviation, his passion and drive to become a pilot grew. After the military, he earned his Associate of Science in Aviation from Parkland College Institute of Aviation. He enjoys teaching and sharing his aviation journey with his students, as well as finds enjoyment in helping his students achieve their aviation milestones and goals. When he’s not flying he enjoys hanging out with friends, road trips, and being outdoors.

Jayde McComas – CFI, CFII

Jayde has spent his entire life looking to the sky. He has been flying for more than ten years for the love of aviation and recently made the choice to pursue flying as a career. As a CFI, CFII, and MEI Jayde is excited to share his love of airplanes with the next generation of pilots, helping them become safe, competent aviators who are ready to explore the world from above. Prior to becoming a flight instructor Jayde served six years in the US Navy as a Machinists Mate – Nuclear. When not working he can be found outdoors, traveling the country, or grilling fresh game meat.

Dorian Merriewether – CFI, CFII

As a young child Dorian always had a fascination with the sky above. Growing up in Detroit he would watch commercial airliners fly above his grandparents’ home always dreaming of being the pilot behind the yoke. Upon moving to Texas, Dorian received his bachelor of science in Geography at the University of North Texas and worked in logistics before deciding to switch careers and pursue his dreams of becoming a commercial Aviator. Since completing his flight training Dorian has discovered a passion for sharing his knowledge and love for flying with those who aspire to pursue their dreams of becoming aviators. In Dorian’s free time, he enjoys watching Sci-fi movies, paddle boarding, competitive shooting, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Roy Arias – CFI, CFII

Born in Caracas, Venezuela, to Air Force parents, Roy spent his childhood traversing the globe-from the vibrant streets of Trinidad and Tobago to the bustling energy of Macau. As a third-generation pilot, aviation is in his blood, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather. Before pursuing his true calling in the sky, Roy worked in a variety of fields, from overseeing restaurant operations to managing hotels. Now settled in Austin, Texas, he channels his boundless curiosity and love for teaching into helping students excel as pilots, igniting that same flame of curiosity within them while adapting his teaching style to cater to their individual needs, effortlessly connecting with a diverse range of learners as a bilingual instructor. His favorite part of flying is breaking through an overcast cloud layer to witness a breathtaking sunrise on the other side. Outside the cockpit, Roy enjoys capturing life’s moments through photography. An explorer at heart, he also loves sailing, cooking, and discovering hidden gems in new places-always in pursuit of novel experiences and connections.

Abby Rodriguez  – CFI,  CFII

Abby is from Austin, Texas and has been flying since 2022. After graduating from Texas Tech University, she moved to Arizona to pursue flight training. Once Abby completed her commercial pilots license, she moved to Alaska to gain seaplane and mountain flying experience, then returned home to Texas where she got her flight instructor certificates. In her free time, Abby enjoys being outdoors, reading, and spending time with her friends and family (and their animals)!

Abbey Zaunbrecher – CFI, CFII

Abbey began her aviation journey in 2021, when she began flying as a flight attendant after earning her degree in Public Relations from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. It was there she fell in love with aviation. After she taking a discovery flight in 2022, she made the decision to move to San Marcos, TX, where she earned all of her certificates. Abbey loves sharing her passion for flying with her students. When not in the air, she spends her time at the gym, thrift shopping, watching reality tv, reading, or being outdoors surrounded by nature.

Ben Fern – CFI, CFII

Ben, a native of Austin, Texas, discovered his passion for aviation at an early age through discovery flights in gliders. This led him to pursue his dream at Purdue University where he completed comprehensive flight training while earning dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Professional Flight Technology and Aviation Management. Following graduation, he returned to his hometown of Austin where he obtained his Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) certification at Genesis. With his technical mindset and enthusiasm for flying, Ben is dedicated to helping each student succeed in their aviation journey. When not in the cockpit, he enjoys golfing, photography, and building computers.