-
Ernie and Charon Sams - Owners
Ernie started flying in La Grande OR while in high school. Went to Rangely CO to get his AMP. Moved to California where he got his instrument rating, commerical rating and met the America West OPS girl. In 2003 we moved to Idaho and got married. Ernie stayed current for awhile with Jetstream and then kids happened. After missing flying for 10 years Ernie went back to Jetstream in 2019. Thanks to Heidi he picked up flying very quickly again only to find out Jetstream might be closing there doors. "Instead of buying a plane for the family what do you think about buying a whole flight school?" And so the new chapter in our lives started May 5th 2020.
-
Joel Kruger - Chief Flight Instructor
jkruger@carmelaviation.com CFI, CFII & MEI As a small child all I wanted to do was fly. I was an Armorer in the Marines from 2012-2018. In 2020 I decided to start following my dream as a pilot and received my Private Pilot License with Jetstream which is now Carmel Aviation. I finished the rest of my ratings at ATP school in Ogden Utah. I moved back to Boise to be close to family and reached out to my previous instructor Heidi to see if they were hiring. I'm so happy to be back flying where is all started.
-
Misty, Kecia and Jo - Front Desk Ladies
Kecia and Misty were previously in the medical field wanting to add flying to their list of adventures. Jo is a stay at home mom looking to learn some new fun stuff. So thankful to have someone with a smile to greet us all when we come in. admin@carmelaviation.com 208-616-2148
-
Craig Rice - Asst Chief Flight Instructor
In some of my earliest memories my brother and I would run outside in the yard and look up at airplanes when we heard them fly over. I was enamored with aviation as a child, I had airplane posters, magazines, and video games. I'm fascinated by the maps, math, science, and engineering of aviation. But when I find myself getting wrapped up in the work of flying I'm humbled by a flight during sunset or over the mountains that presents the sheer beauty of our State and Country. I've served in the Air National Guard for 20 years mostly in aircraft maintenance. My plan is to become a full time civilian over the next few years and transition to flying full time for charter or airline. While I wouldn't limit myself to one specific job...I really like the look of the Q-400. CFI & CFII crice@carmelaviation.com
-
-
Sharki Kontra - Flight Instructor
skontra@carmelaviation.com CFI, CFII, MEI Sharki was told that "girls can't fly," as a teen along with a couple setbacks as an adult which empowered her to take flying lessons in 2011. She earned her private pilot certificate then one rating after another until she became a CFII Certified Flight Instructor. Her ratings include multi-engine land and seaplane, along with endorsements to fly complex, high performance, and tailwheel aircraft. Even though Sharki has landed in many strips in the Idaho backcountry she feels like a novice as Mother Nature changes the terrain year after year. Prior to covid, Sharki flew contract second in command (SIC) in a BeechJet 400A Nextant for a private company and PC-12s for Jackson Jet Center, and now flies part time with the Idaho Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics in their King Air 200 and Kodiak. Sharki volunteers with numerous aviation organizations and STEM programs such as Ace Academy, Art & Science of Flying, Idaho 99s, Wish Granters, Angel Flights West, and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) National Runway Safety Team to create documentation and safety videos to reduce runway incursions. She's an FAASafety Team Representative for the Wings Program and remedial training pilot for the Flight Standards District Office (FSDO) in Boise. Last summer Sharki participated in the Air Race Classic and plans to race again. Persistent at applying for scholarships, she's been awarded a few and recently won the opportunity to attain a Citation type rating at CAE in Dallas. She can assist you in putting an application together, or help you write a resume. In addition to her flying career she is an accountant, cyclist and part-time LYFT driver. Sharki raised her children as a single mom, the most valuable career of all, and hopes to inspire others to achieve their dreams of aviation, help them find interesting ways to accumulate hours, or at least fulfill a bucket list item.
-
Trent Myers - Flight Instructor
tmyers@carmelaviation.com CFI, CFII & MEI I was born in a small cow town called Hilmar CA. Was active duty in the Airforce for 6 years. Started my aviation career in October 2019 and was hired with Carmel Aviation in November of 2021. I like football, disc golf, ping pong and movies when I'm not flying. My aviation goal is to become a DPE and fly part 135 operation.
-
-
-
