Certified Flight Instructors

Leadership

Ben Fouts - Designated Examiner

Ben Fouts

President / Designated Examiner

Ben has been a CFI since 1998 and company owner of MLH since 2000. Ben flew for Era Aviation in the Gulf of Mexico from 2001 to 2003, and also worked as a Check Airman for Paradise Helicopters in Kona from 2003-2008. Currently, Ben works full time at Mauna Loa Helicopters.
A smiling man leans across the cowling of an airplane and looks directly at the camera

Justin Wait

Assistant Chief Pilot

Justin, a San Diego native, turned his lifelong dream of flying into reality when he started his aviation journey at Montgomery Field (KMYF) in 2020. Training amidst the demanding and busy atmosphere of SoCal TRACON, he developed a passion for IFR flying and dove into the intricacies of the National Airspace System.

With a background as an emergency medical technician, educator, and IT analyst, Justin's diverse skills enhance his role as an aviation professional. His enduring fascination with aviation has guided him to fulfill his dream of making flying a profession, motivating him to assist others in realizing their aviation aspirations.

Outside of aviation, Justin finds fulfillment in baseball, motorsports, playing guitar, cooking, and engaging in artistic pursuits such as drawing and painting. His commitment to aviation is seamlessly woven into his dedication to helping others achieve their flying dreams.

A man in dark sunglasses leans against the cowling of an airplane

Logan Nagel

Assistant Chief Pilot

Logan took his first intro flight at a young age and ever since then, he knew he wanted to become a pilot. He started taking flying lessons when he was still in high school and got his private pilot's license after he graduated and continued with his training since. Now that he works at Mauna Loa, he is excited to share the joys of aviation with others and to help students reach their goals as well. Besides flying, Logan enjoys riding dirt bikes, target practicing, and sometimes, just simply taking it easy.

Flight Instructors

A man stands next to a parked twin-engine airplane

Galen Craddock

Flight Instructor

Galen is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFII) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) who turned his lifelong dream of becoming an airline pilot into reality during the pandemic while working as a flight attendant. Growing up in Colorado, he began his flight training in the mountains before completing it in the busy skies of Southern California. After living in Hawaii and profoundly appreciating the islands, he wanted to return as an instructor to enjoy the islands from the skies. When he's not in the cockpit, Galen is often found surfing the waves or exploring the ocean's depths and exploring.
A man smiles and gives the shaka sign while leaning against an airplane

Kyle Hawkins

Flight Instructor

Born and raised in the Islands, growing up I have always loved flying and seeing the world from a Birds Eye view. Feeling the wheels leave the ground on an airplane is the most surreal experience. The thing I love most about aviation is that 1 mile of road will take you 1 mile, and 1 mile of runway will take you anywhere! The thing I love about flying in Hawaii is that it offers such a remarkable/unique experience offered nowhere else!
A smiling woman stands in front of a parked airplane

Kira Hayamoto

Flight Instructor

Born and raised on Oahu, Kira gives credit to her parents for introducing her to aviation. Growing up and watching fighter jets at airshows only piqued her interest. When her father brought her to an exhibit in Washington, it was only then that she decided to pursue becoming a pilot. She is happy to be doing what she loves as well as introducing the world of aviation to the new students here at Mauna Loa. Regarding her future plans, she looks forward to any pilot job out there which keeps her in the sky.
A smiling person in sunglasses stands in front of a parked airplane

Edward Omine

Flight Instructor

Born and raised on Maui, Edward has a passion for aviation inspired by his father, who was in the Air Force. Edward earned his BA in aviation and a minor in aviation management from Central Washington University. When he is not flying, he enjoys running, hiking, and gaming. His long-term goal is to provide students with a fun and safe learning experience.

Want to Become a Flight Instructor?

Mauna Loa Aero is looking for highly motivated flight instructors. If you want to teach students to fly at a premier flight school, go to our careers page to learn more!