At Race City Flight Operations, we have full and part time flight instructors, highly experienced and well versed in the regulations and safety needed to ensure there is no question your training will be unparalleled in quality and satisfaction. Our instructors work as a team, so you may have one instructor for a portion of your flying and may finish with another instructor, or you may get to fly with another instructor for just a few flights at various “stage” checks.

JESSICA SLATTERY, Flight Instructor (CFI/I)
Born and raised in the Lake Norman area, I have always enjoyed teaching. From competitive swim coaching, to tutoring in high school and later at Guilford Technical Community College, I am excited to be teaching something I am truly passionate about: aviation! I aspire to fly for an airline one day. However, I am loving the process of helping others discover aviation and their own capabilities within themselves. I strive to help students achieve their aviation goals through effective and enjoyable teaching.
ARON NELMS, Flight Instructor (CFI)
As far back as I can remember, I’ve been fascinated by aviation. I went through the traditional channels of primary and formal education which led me into the import/export business and eventually in to operations and marketing for tech companies in Silicon Valley. During this time I found myself loving the discipline, creativity, and reward of instruction and development. There was still something missing, however… AVIATION! I so desired to pursue a career that I have passion for and aviation is just that. So, after almost two decades, I made the move to achieve that dream full-time. I’m so very happy I did. I am living proof that whether you wish to make aviation your career or have an amazingly rewarding hobby, it’s never too late. Come fly with us.
BILL HATFIELD, Flight Instructor (CFI/I/MEI, A&P)
KIM CAVENAUGH, Flight Instructor (CFI/I)
WAYNE COOK, Flight Instructor (CFI/I/MEI)
I started in aviation as a USAF Rescue helicopter pilot. After 13 years, I transferred to the United States Army National Guard and retired 15 years later as a Master Aviator. While in the USAF, I became a helicopter test pilot and continued in the National Guard. After retirement, I added fixed wing certifications. My goal is to impart my experience for those wanting to either make a career or just learn to fly for fun, SAFELY. Come join our team at Race City Flight Operations.
KEVIN REID, Flight Instructor (CFI/I/MEI)
What started as a dream to travel the world quickly developed into a passion for aviation for me. After graduating college with a degree in Public Relations, I quickly realized I wasn’t suited for a life behind a desk. Desiring a non-traditional career where I could do something I truly enjoyed day-in and day-out, I began my pilot training through an intensive fast track program in January of 2019. I have aimed to fly nearly every day since. I’m ultimately seeking a career as an airline pilot, but I love sharing my passion for the skies with students as a flight instructor. I’m thankful every day to look outside the cockpit of an aircraft and call the sky my office. As an instructor, I aim to help others do the same as I train them for private, instrument, and commercial ratings in single or multi engine aircraft.