DPE, CFI, CFII, MEI, Tailwheel, Aerobatics

I have been flying for many years and started with my private pilot certificate like many of you that will request a check ride. Since that first certificate I have earned many others and now fly as a B777 Captain for United Airlines. While not flying for the airlines, I administer check rides in Madisonville, Texas. I am also the founder of The Lazy 8 Flight School, an exclusive flight school specializing in producing the best aviators possible….and having fun flying! Even though this keeps me extremely busy, I enjoy every minute of it. While I fly in some form almost 7 days a week, I also enjoy spending time with family and friends when I am not in the air. I look forward to meeting you and learning more about your aviation goals!

CFI, CFII, MEI

After a 30 year career at the airlines, Leif now enjoys flying his stearman around. Leif is the Sr. Flight Instructor at the Lazy 8 and oversees the flight training. He specializes in instrument training and preparing individuals for a career as a Commercial Pilot. He conducts the important phase checks on students before they are sent for their Checkrides. When Leif is not flying he enjoys music and hanging out with his family.

CFI, CFII, TW

Gavin is a young, dedicated Certified Flight Instructor, he brings a mix of enthusiasm and professionalism to every lesson. Whether he’s guiding private pilots through their first solo, helping instrument students master flying solely by the gauges, or introducing aviators to the art of tailwheel flying, he’s passionate about helping each student build confidence and precision in the cockpit. With a calm teaching style and a genuine love for aviation, he turns every flight into both a challenge and a celebration of progress.

CFI, CFII, MEI

Evan is a pilot who earned his wings at ATP Flight School, now balancing the sky with life on the ground. He brings the confidence that comes from a few more years in the cockpit, plus a dad’s steady patience and a husband’s reliability. His students love that he mixes real-world flying experience with a calm, supportive teaching style—he’s the kind of instructor who can brief a cross-country flight while also joking about sleepless nights with the baby. In short: a family man who never lost the thrill of taking to the skies.

CFI, TW

Luke graduated from the University of North Dakota with a degree in aviation. He loves nothing more than to be flying airplanes, especially tailwheel. Luke instructs private, commercial, CFI, tailwheel, and aerobatics. Luke also is an expert in unmanned aircraft systems operations and Part 107 commercial remote pilot operations and certification.

CFI, CFII

Liam attended the International ALERT Academy for two years from spring 2021 to spring 2023. During his time there, he received his private pilot certificate, Instrument rating and Commercial Pilot Certificate as well as the High Performance and Complex Endorsements. He also received his NAUI Advanced Open Water SCUBA Diver License, NAPD Special Response Diver License, and NFPA 1670 BASIC High Angle Rescue License, as well as others. Liam now enjoys singing in his free time and weight training/calisthenics.

CFI

Preston is a CFI that has got the kind of enthusiasm for aviation that you can’t teach. When he’s not instructing, you’ll find him cruising the skies in his trusty Cherokee 180, exploring new airports, and savoring the simple joy of flight. Every hour he logs feels like another step toward his dreams, and that little Piper is more than just an airplane—it’s his ticket to freedom, growth, and the endless horizon ahead.

CFI, TW

CFI