Commercial Pilot
Flight Instructor
CFI - CFII - MEI
Based in Tucson, Arizona
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Credentials: Commercial Pilot ASEL & AMEL with Instrument Rating | CFI | CFII | MEI | High Performance & Complex Endorsements | Certified Ground Instructor Advanced & Instrument | High Altitude Chamber Training | FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit | 73 hours of Regional Jet Airline Training in a CRJ-200 FTD | First Class Medical | Restricted ATP Eligible at 1000 hours | Valid U.S. Passport
My Accomplishments
Education
Graduated Summa Cum Laude from the Arizona State University Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Management with a focus on Professional Flight.
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Recipient of the ASU Impact Award and chosen as the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering Polytechnic Outstanding Graduate.
Certifications
Commercial Pilot Certificate Single Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land with Instrument Rating
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Instructor Certifications: Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Instrument Rating (CFII), Multi Engine Instructor (MEI)
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Completed Training through an FAA approved Part 141 Flight Program.
Additional Information
Lead Tutor for the Arizona State University Aviation Program while in program.
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Orientation and Transport Pilot & Assistant Operations Officer for the Arizona Wing Squadron 104 of the Civil Air Patrol with primary missions out of Marana Airport and Davis Monthan Air Force Base.
Helpful Links
Check List
What I Can Offer
Scroll through the following sections to better understand the basic elements and specifics of what areas I am certified in and able to help you achieve.
Ground School
As the Lead Aviation Tutor for the ASU flight program until my program completion, I worked closely with department heads and professors, taught in one-on-one and classroom settings, and helped prepare hundreds of flight students for the successful completion of their written and practical tests at all flight certification levels. I also served as a consultant to help update ASU course curricula to reflect the changes in the industry. I would like to use my experience to help prepare you and guide your success at every stage.
Flight Training
I have had flight training in both Part 61 and Part 141 environments. This proved to be valuable to me as I was able to draw from the positives in both experiences and tailor them to my own teaching style. I have experience with both analog flight instruments (6-pack) and various glass cockpit layouts. I believe an effective flight instructor is not only a skilled pilot, but also a teacher that is able to adapt to the individual learning style of their student. I would like to use this principle to prepare you to successfully complete your oral and practical exams with confidence.
Checkride Prep and Review
When the time comes for on demand demonstration of written knowledge, multi hour oral exams, or practical flight tests, preparation with someone who knows what to expect is crucial. I would like to use my experience to determine what your strengths and weaknesses are and help you find the best strategy for success.
Private Pilot Certifications
The following list contains FAA certifications that I am qualified to conduct training for.
For detailed regulation information from the FAA, please click on the appropriate link.
This is the certificate where most pilots start their aviation journey. It allows you to fly as Pilot In Command (PIC) for personal use and to carry passengers.
To act as PIC in an aircraft with more than one engine you must have a
Multi Engine Class Rating.
To fly on an instrument flight plan, in Class A airspace, or in conditions less than VFR (Visual Flight Rules), a pilot must hold an instrument rating.
Commercial Pilot Certifications
The following list contains FAA certifications that I am qualified to conduct training for.
For detailed regulation information from the FAA, please click on the appropriate link.
To act as PIC in an aircraft operating for compensation or hire, a pilot must hold a Commercial Pilot certificate and 2nd class medical.
To act as PIC in a multi engine aircraft operating for compensation or hire, a pilot must hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with a multi engine class rating.
A commercial pilot cannot fly passengers for compensation or hire distances greater than 50 nautical miles or at night without an instrument rating.
CFI Add-On Ratings
The following list contains FAA Add On's that I am qualified to conduct training for.
For detailed regulation information from the FAA, please click on the appropriate link.
*I cannot provide instruction for initial CFI applicants
To instruct instrument rating applicants, CFII applicants, conduct the instrument portion of COM pilot training, or conduct IPCs, a CFI must have
an instrument rating added to their CFI certificate.
You must take an additional checkride to add additional class qualifications to
your CFI certificate.
Endorsements
The following list contains FAA endorsements that I am qualified to give.
For detailed regulation information from the FAA, please click on the appropriate link.
Every pilot needs a flight review every two years to maintain currency. This consists of a minimum of one hour of ground instruction and one hour of flight instruction.
If you do not regain instrument currency within your 6 month grace period, you will need an instrument proficiency check.
In order to fly an aircraft with more than 200 horse power, you will need a high performance endorsement.
You will need this endorsement to act as PIC in an aircraft with retractable flaps, retractable landing gear, and a constant speed/controllable pitch propeller.
About Me
I am a first generation pilot who developed a love for aviation. Originally from the Chicago area, I eventually moved to Arizona and had a dream to conquer the vast blue skies of the western landscape that I saw every morning.
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I learned early on that only about 20% of aspiring pilots ever complete even their first certification. The percentages get smaller with each additional certification. This percentage is vastly smaller for women with less than 10% of the total pilot population in the U.S. being female.
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Despite the odds, my goal was to become a commercial pilot. I started my flight training during my senior year of high school and was eventually offered scholarships from both Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and the Arizona State University Professional Flight Program. I chose to attend the ASU Aviation Program in the Ira A. Fulton School of Engineering and earned my Private Pilot License before starting. While earning my degree, I completed my commercial flight training and went on to pursue three flight instructor certificates before I graduated. After graduation I went on to complete the Certified Ground Instructor certifications for both Advanced & Instrument.
My ultimate goal is to become a pilot in the airline industry. I work to prove myself at each milestone and find ways to overcome the many challenges we all face on the path to becoming a pilot at any level. I am also working to inspire young aviators as a Captain in the Civil Air Patrol serving as a Cadet Orientation Pilot and Assistant Operations Officer in the Arizona wing.
While I work to fully attain my goals, I am passionate about using what I have learned so far to help others successfully reach for the sky.
Radio Calls
"I can think of no person more worthy of a Flight Instructor position than Ms. Lisak. I am a 40+ year retiree of the US Navy & Marine Corps retired at the rank of Captain (06). I know excellence and professionalism when I see it. There is no finer flight instructor candidate."
Ken McKinley, CAPT, US Navy (Ret), Lt Col & Director of Operations CAP Squadron 104
"In addition to being Shea's professor at ASU, I am currently an Aviation Safety Inspector with the FAA. I believe my interactions with Shea; both as an instructor and industry peer give me a unique perspective of her character. Ms. Lisak has a positive attitude and a genuine interest in aviation which I believe are key elements for success in this crazy industry."
Captain Ed Faith, Associate Professor ASU, FAA Aviation Safety Inspector
"Shea's journey as a pilot is marked by remarkable milestones that underscore her technical proficiency and unwavering commitment to safety and professionalism. Her ability to maintain composure under pressure and meticulous attention to detail have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers and instructors."
Douglas McKay, Former Marine Pilot and 787 Captain for Pan Am World Airways
"What impressed me most was Shea's professionalism and genuine enthusiasm for helping others learn...Her thoughtful leadership directly advanced Civil Air Patrol's mission of aerospace education...She has positively influenced the next generation of aviators."
2nd Lt Lisa Ceballos, Deputy Commander of Cadets, Sky Harbor Composite Squadron 301 Civil Air Patrol
"Shea's involvement in the Aviation Program makes her a wonderful mentor and role model to our students. She is a remarkable young woman. I feel extremely confident that she will succeed in her professional career and will represent Arizona State University well."
Marc O'Brien, Gold Seal CFI & Aviation Program Chair ASU
"She demonstrated a remarkable level of maturity, professionalism, and knowledge that set her apart from her peers and colleagues...Shea's character can be easily seen in her work...Her willingness to volunteer her time and skills outside the work environment to those in need reflects not only her deep sense of compassion but also her kindness and dedication."
Benjamin Kidsom, First Officer, Part 121 Air Carrier
Contact Me
Aviate. Navigate. Communicate.
Feel free to reach out to me for any inquiries.
You can do this...I can help!
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Time to Fly
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return."
Leonardo da Vinci