Meet the Team

ABOUT US

Final Approach Aviation is a premier flight school in Austin, Texas, specializing in high-quality flight training for aspiring pilots. Our team of experienced instructors is passionate about aviation and dedicated to providing safe, thorough, and enjoyable training. Whether you're looking for a discovery flight or working toward certification, we offer personalized instruction to help you reach your goals. At Final Approach Aviation, we make learning to fly an exciting and rewarding experience.

Founder/Chieft Flight Instructor (CFI)

Cole Turner

Cole is the owner and founder of Final Approach Aviation, bringing years of experience in flight training and corporate aviation. Before founding Final Approach Aviation, Cole logged over 2,000 hours as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and gained extensive experience flying jets in corporate aviation. With a background as a Special Operations paramedic in Austin, he's built this company with a strong focus on safety and precision–delivering an elite flight training experience.

Chief Flight Instructor (CFI)

Chris Mueller

Chris Mueller earned a degree in Construction Management Engineering from the University of Cincinnati before realizing his true calling in aviation. After training in both Cleveland and Dallas under Part 61 and Part 141 programs, he became a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and has been helping students achieve their aviation goals ever since. Chris brings patience, attention to detail, and a strong technical understanding to every lesson, ensuring students gain both the knowledge and confidence they need to succeed.

Flight Instructor

Valentina Rivera-Guzman

Born and raised in Colombia, Valentina began her aviation journey after moving to Miami, Florida, where she completed her initial flight training. She went on to serve in the U.S. Navy as an aircraft power plant mechanic, working on F/A-18 Super Hornets aboard the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. Following her active-duty service, Valentina transitioned to civilian life in Austin, Texas, where she now shares her passion for aviation as a flight instructor. Valentina is known for her calm, focused teaching style and her ability to adapt lessons to meet each student’s individual needs.

Flight Instructor

CJ Morrison

CJ Morrison has called central Texas home his entire life, and aviation has been his dream. After more than a decade of founding and running a successful commercial and residential utilities company, he finally decided it was time to pursue aviation. He completed his primary flight training and went on to earn his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate right here at Final Approach Aviation. As a father of three, CJ knows a thing or two about patience and meeting people where they are. He builds his lessons around the individual while keeping training engaging and focused on one outcome: getting you where you want to go.

Flight Instructor

Walter Lee

Walter grew up in Northwest Arkansas with his eyes glued to the sky. Before he ever sat in a cockpit, he spent four years as an electrician working across residential, commercial, and industrial jobs. But aviation kept calling, and eventually he answered. He packed up his family and moved across the country to Phoenix, Arizona, to attend flight school full-time. After earning his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate, Walter and his growing family planted roots in Austin to start a new chapter. Walter brings that same hands-on, no-shortcuts mentality from his electrical days into every flight lesson. He's here to send you off with real skills, good habits, and the kind of mindset that keeps you safe long after you've left the training seat.

MEET THE FLEET

Cessna 172N Skyhawk - N737VE

Based out of Austin Executive Airport

N737VE is a Cessna 172N Skyhawk, a trusted aircraft that plays a vital role in our flight training programs. This single-engine plane is equipped with a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, delivering reliable performance for both training and leisure flights. With a spacious four-seat configuration, N737VE offers comfort for students and instructors alike. Its straightforward handling and dependable design make it an ideal choice for pilots at all skill levels. Whether you're embarking on your first solo flight or engaging in cross-country training, N737VE ensures a safe and enjoyable experience.

Based out of Austin Executive Airport

Cessna 172N Skyhawk - N738TQ

N738TQ is a Cessna 172N Skyhawk and the sister ship to N737VE, sharing the same year of manufacture and dependable design heritage! Powered by a Lycoming O-360-A4M engine, she delivers the same trusted performance pilots have come to rely on, with the added benefits of advanced avionics and enhanced comfort features.

Fully IFR certified and equipped with a Garmin 430 GPS/NAV/COM, N738TQ is ready for serious instrument training, cross-country navigation, and all-weather operations. An integrated autopilot system offers added convenience and reduced workload for both training and long-distance flights. Unique among many 172s, N738TQ also features air conditioning—ensuring cool comfort for pilots and passengers even on the hottest days!

Cessna 172SP Skyhawk - N712NV

N712NV represents the next generation of training excellence at Final Approach Aviation. As one of our newest Cessna 172S Skyhawks, this aircraft combines the legendary safety and handling of the Skyhawk platform with the advanced situational awareness of Garmin’s industry-leading G1000 integrated flight deck.

N712NV provides a truly modern cockpit experience—ideal for instrument students, commercial candidates, and pilots preparing for glass-cockpit transition training.

Coming Soon - Cirrus SR20 G7+

The Cirrus SR20 G7+ is built for the way people learn to fly today. Its Garmin touchscreen glass flight deck, Safe Return™ Emergency Autoland and refined, air-conditioned cabin bring advanced capability and comfort to every lesson. Grow into advanced ratings without ever switching cockpits.

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