Instructors

Meet Mike Lopez, the visionary founder and owner of Sky Pirate Aviation—a name synonymous with passion, expertise, and innovation in the aviation industry. A self-proclaimed aviation geek at heart, Mike has dedicated years to mastering the art of flight instruction.

From eager beginners to seasoned professionals, his extensive experience spans across all levels of pilot training. With a relentless commitment to safety and a deep-seated love for aviation, Mike Lopez continues to inspire and shape the next generation of pilots at Sky Pirate Aviation.

Kevin, an aviation enthusiast whose passion for flight has been woven into the fabric of his life since childhood. With wings firmly strapped on in high school, Kevin took to the skies, eventually earning his stripes as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) in 2005. A proud alumnus of Purdue (Go Boilers!), he charted his course as an airline pilot, spending 3 and a half years as a First Officer at American Eagle Airlines, gracefully navigating the ATR-72 turboprop and the EMB-145 regional jet. In 2011, Kevin seized the opportunity to transition to the world of air traffic control (ATC), bringing a wealth of airborne experience to the control tower.

A dedicated member of NAFI (National Association of Flight Instructors) and SAFE (Society of Aviation Educators), Kevin’s commitment to aviation education is as unwavering as his love for the skies. Over the course of his flying escapades, he has accumulated more than 3,000 flight hours, generously sharing his expertise through over 400 hours of instruction. Calling Knoxville home for over a decade, Kevin is not only a seasoned pilot but also a devoted father of two boys.

Emily has been flying since 2022, following a career change that led her to discover a true passion for aviation. She finds immense joy in teaching others how to fly and considers it one of the most rewarding experiences of her life. Whether you’re interested in a single flight or want to begin flight training, Emily is eager to help in any way she can.

Nick has been flying since 2014. Starting his aviation career in Dubuque, Iowa where he attended the University of Dubuque double majoring in Aviation Flight, and Business Administration. Nick has always had a passion for flying from a young age, when he started out building and flying remote-controlled planes to learn more about how they flew.

After college he joined the United States Marine Corps as a pilot, where he got to fly the T-6 Texan Turbo Prop. After initial training he was selected to fly the C-130J Hercules and went on to multi engine training in the T-44 (King Air 250), and then onto the C-130J. He has a growing experience and knowledge in different aircraft from the C-172, and Piper Arrow in college, his military experience, and the Diamond DA-40 for CFI Training.

He is excited to join Sky Pirate Aviation and share his knowledge and experience with future Aviators! Whether you just want to earn your Private License or become a professional pilot, he is ready to teach and get you where you want to go!

Justin Cox is a passionate flight instructor with CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications. After switching careers later in life, he found his true passion in aviation and aims to become a professional pilot.

He enjoys teaching with a slow, methodical approach, introducing new concepts at a pace that builds confidence and understanding. With a deep interest in aerodynamics and the science of flight, Justin ensures his students not only learn to fly but also appreciate the mechanics behind it.

Having both a love for aviation and teaching, Justin is excited to help students achieve their goals.