Meet Our Instructors

Gary Gandy

Involved in General Aviation most of his life, Gary has been a flight instructor for over 30 years and served as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner. His depth of knowledge and sense of humor are a great resource for students and the whole team. He also writes fiction novels on World War One aviation.

Dr. Christian Bruccoleri

Born and raised in Italy, Christian came to Texas as fast as he could! After a doctorate in Aerospace Engineering from Texas A&M, he explored the practical side of aviation and went all the way to CFI, CFI-I, and AGI. He does engineering research for NASA, the U.S. Air Force, and private industry.

Stephan Harrison

Stephan began flying in 2019 after a career in project management, became a CFI in early 2022, and added his Multi-Engine Instructor rating later that year. He loves teaching landings and guiding students through the learning process. Off duty: walks with his wife and their chihuahua, and restoring old cars.

Aaron Connor

Aaron started flight training with his father in the early 1990s and returned to it while serving as a Captain with the Houston Fire Department. After earning his Commercial, he retired from HFD in 2023 and completed his CFI and CFII. He recently added multi-engine and is working toward MEI.

Brandon Bullard

Brandon moved to College Station to attend Texas A&M and fell in love with flying while completing his degree. He began training at BVFS in 2024, earning his Private, Instrument, and Commercial here. Off the flight line he enjoys traveling, golf, sports, and time with family and friends.

Grace Gillespie

Grace’s interest in aviation began at Texas A&M, where she earned her bachelor’s degree in 2024. After graduation she began flying full time and now shares aviation with others as an instructor. Outside of flying, Grace rides and shows horses — occasionally hanging upside down on them.

Brittany Holly

Brittany graduated in 2021 with a degree in Aviation Management, then pursued flying full time. She trained mostly in Colorado and brings experience with curriculum from numerous flight schools. Outside of flying she enjoys skiing and hiking 14ers with her family and her dog.

Tori Scholl

Tori earned all of her certificates and ratings at American Flyers in Addison, TX, and instructed under the Dallas Bravo before moving to College Station. She is attending Texas A&M Central Texas for Aviation Science. She loves to travel, backpack, and cook.

Westin Unger

Westin completed his private, instrument, and commercial training right here at BVFS. He is pursuing a bachelor’s in Economics and working toward his goal of becoming an airline pilot. When he’s not flying, Westin enjoys football, investing, and time with friends and family.

Alec Luikens

After a bachelor’s degree in Biology, Alec began flight training in Addison, TX, where he earned all of his ratings and certificates. When he isn’t flying instruments, Alec enjoys playing one: a ukulele.

Mike Pontiff

A retired USAF pilot with over 4,000 hours in the T-6A, KC-135R, and C-130J, Mike now flies the 737 as a First Officer for United Airlines out of Houston Intercontinental — living proof of where this career path leads. His goal is to become an FAA DPE and offer evaluations at BVFS.

Austen Christensen

Austen completed all of his flight training at BVFS and now helps students train in the same program. He is finishing his Aviation Science degree at Texas A&M–Central Texas and loves seeing students grow and succeed. Outdoors: hiking, fishing, and traveling.

Samuel Dvorak

Samuel is a Commercial Pilot with the privileges to instruct visual and instrument students in both single- and multi-engine aircraft. With a background in aircraft maintenance and experience working on both piston aircraft and Embraer 145 jets, he brings a perspective to flight training that goes beyond the cockpit.

For Samuel, being a good pilot means understanding more than just how to manipulate the controls. He believes pilots should understand their aircraft, know what is happening behind the panel, and be able to make sound decisions when things don’t go exactly as planned. His experience as a mechanic allows him to bring that knowledge into every lesson, helping students become more confident, capable, and well-rounded pilots.

Baylee Jankowski

Baylee Jankowski is a Certified Flight Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor, and Instrument Ground Instructor. She is an instrument-rated commercial pilot with single-engine and multi-engine ratings, as well as a Part 107-certified drone pilot. Baylee earned a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Communications and Journalism from Texas A&M University and a Master of Science in Agricultural and Extension Education and Evaluation from Louisiana State University. During her college years, she competed in collegiate rodeo and proudly served as Miss Rodeo Louisiana. When she is not flying, you can find Baylee exercising, riding, and spending time with family and friends.