Meet the Team
EZ IFR was founded in 2021 by a team of pilots with a passion for helping others learn to fly. Our collective mission is to provide unparalleled guidance and support throughout your journey.
Meet Our Instructors
Sam Herald , Managing Director – ATP, CFI, CFII
Sam is the founder and co-owner of EZ IFR. Entering the aviation community from his love of airplanes and traveling, Sam attended flight school in Florida before pursuing a career with the airlines. Sam gained his experience across the country flying “anything with wings and an engine.” He has trained over 100 students, most of which were accelerated instrument students. He carries a 99% pass rate. Sam now flies the A320 with a large US carrier but remains involved in managing EZ IFR.
Aaron Smith – Operations Coordinator
Jay Massey – Business Administrator
Christopher Mathieu – Chief Pilot Instructor
Braxton Bowser – Instructor, Fleet Manager
Patrick Dugan – Assistant Chief Pilot
Spencer Owens – Flight Instructor
Frequently asked questions
What is the cost of each course?
The cost of each course varies depending on length and whether or not you are renting an aircraft with it. Each individual course fee is listed under in the “courses” page. Housing, food, transportation, DPE cost and any additional expense is not included.
What materials are provided?
Each course includes items such as a study guide, FAA ACS standards and reading material. If you are enrolled in our accelerated IFR program, you will be provided with Foggles, ACS, Oral Exam Guide, and a pilot workshops manual. We expect every student to review these prior to arrival.
How long does the course take?
Length varies for each course. Refer to the courses page for more information regarding length. Each course is scheduled for the allocated days of training with an additional day at the end for the check ride.
What is the schedule each day?
Each day is scheduled to start at 9am and finish around 6pm. This can be altered with confirmation from your instructor. You can work together for a schedule that works best for you. Typically your day is 2 lessons with a ground and lunch break built in between.
What happens in the event of an unsuccessful check ride?
While we never anticipate an unfavorable outcome, it happens. Depending on which course you are enrolled in. We will provide you with additional training free of charge to help prepare you for the next attempt
Do you have in-house DPE’s?
Our examiners are not in house; however they work very closely with us. We provide enough notice so they are flexible in the event there is a schedule change.
What housing is available to students attending EZ IFR?
We have special rates worked out with local hotels and housing partners. Below are links to to these options.
Rental House
Paul Ferrell – 3187921893
What needs to be completed prior to arriving?
Each course requires different pre-requisites prior to arriving. For more information on these refer to the specific course or reach out for more information.
What happens if training is delayed due to weather or other reasons?
While we do our very best to complete the training in the allotted time, on very rare occasions training is delayed due to situations beyond our control. In these instances, we will do our very best to complete the training as quickly as possible.
What is your pass rate?
Our owner and creator is an airline pilot who has built a career from helping other pilots be proficient but not waste time. We have had countless people complete our program with over a 95% success rate.