About Stan Shimkus

Stan took his first solo flight at just 16 years old in a Super Cub off a grass strip in western Pennsylvania—and he hasn’t looked back since. That early passion for flying grew into a lifelong career spanning everything from backcountry tailwheel flying to aerobatic flying to international airline operations.

In his early years, Stan built time towing banners and flying Part 135 charter flights across the Bahamas and Caribbean. He also earned his Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification along with Inspection Authorization (IA), allowing him to work on—and deeply understand—the aircraft he flies.

With over 30 years of experience as a CFII (Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument), Stan specializes in tailwheel aircraft and hands-on flight instruction. His love for teaching carried over into the airline industry, where he spent 28 years as a Flight Crew Training Instructor with USAirways and American Airlines.

Stan has taught and evaluated pilots on both the Boeing and Airbus lines of transport category aircraft, combining real-world airline experience with a strong foundation in general aviation.

Whether he’s mentoring a student in a taildragger or training professional pilots in the simulator, Stan brings skill, depth, and passion to every part of aviation.