Bergstrom Aircraft

JP Soldo

Why are you a CFI?

Flight instruction is my second job but has always been my first love.

I am fortunate to have a great full-time job that provides financial support. Having started flight lessons in Canada when I was 16 and then instructing since age 20, I have been able to experience the full realm of general aviation in two countries and have great experiences to offer.

The privileges available to general aviation pilots are amazing…..the only thing better is being able to share these experiences through teaching. 

Biography

When growing up in Ontario, Canada I began flight lessons because I was fascinated by everything related to aircraft. Following completion of my private pilot license I continued training with a night rating (required in Canada and I believe strongly in this requirement), commercial license, and multi-engine ratings. The ambition for this training was to improve my pilot skills.

However, while finishing my B.Sc. in Chemical Physics I learned that I have a good teaching ability so I pursed my flight instructor rating. It was great to learn this in Canada where flight training is highly structured.

During completion of my M.Sc. in Physics I began searching for a career and considered aviation but I felt that I needed the challenge of something that didn’t come naturally to me.

Subsequently, I entered medical school but that unfortunately took time away from my ability to fly until nearing the end of my residency when I converted my Canadian licenses to FAA equivalents and starting flight instructing while in the Detroit area. I was fortunate to instruct on Cirrus SR22s and gained great experiences with long distance cross country flights.

Now I work at Kadlec Medical Center but live in Tennessee and travel here in a Cirrus or my 1976 C177RG “Ruby”. My girlfriend Kiki, who’s a ground instructor, also flies with me and my dog Sydney and both have become a hit at Bergstrom’s.

Another exciting development will be building my first experimental aircraft, a Lancair Evolution, which will start in February 2009 with the assistance of Zero Gravity Builders at PSC airport.

Outside of aviation I have many other interests but I’ll save those to share in person.

Ground School Recommendation

When I began flight training in Canada ground school training was mandatory. There is a very large amount of material to learn at any level of training for a license or rating so if ground school is available I think this is a very helpful resource.

How long have you been instructing at Bergstrom?

November 2009 was when I began part-time instruction at Bergstrom but as you can see above, I have been instructing for a long time at four other locations in North America.

Ratings

I have a commercial pilot license with instrument, CFII, multi-engine, high performance, and complex aircraft ratings or endorsements.

In addition, I have a Canadian commercial pilot license with similar ratings and a night endorsement.

Availability

My availability varies greatly.

Please feel free to call me at (586) 489-5809 (cell) or email me at jp.soldo@mac.com to discuss options.