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Our Flight Instructors

Elijah Burgess, ATP-rated Flight Instructor and Embraer 145 Captain at Aviator.NYC

Elijah Burgess

(ATP, CFII)

  • FAA Instructor Rating: Airplane Multi/Single Engine, Instrument, Commercial Airplane.
  • Instructor Specialty: High Performance, High Altitude, Turbine, Simulators, Technically Advanced Aircraft, Fear of Flying.
  • FAA Airman Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot, Typed: ERJ-170/190

Elijah Burgess is an FAA Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor and the founder of EBFlight.com. He holds a B.S. in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and currently flies the ERJ-170/190 as a First Officer for Republic Airways. Elijah's background includes developing training programs, managing a team of instructors, and operating a flight school under Part 61. Known for his structured approach and mentorship, Elijah has taught at Embry-Riddle as a Ground Instructor and specializes in helping students master complex concepts efficiently.

Julian Alarcon, ATP-rated Flight Instructor and Boeing 777 First Officer at Aviator.NYC

Julian Alarcon

(ATP, CFII, MEI)

  • FAA Instructor Rating: Airplane Multi/Single Engine, Instrument Airplane, FAA Gold Seal Instructor.
  • Instructor Specialty: Complex, High Performance, High Altitude, Turbine, Simulators, Technically Advanced Aircraft, Fear of Flying.
  • FAA Airman Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot, Typed: LR-JET, DHC-8, and EMB-145, Airbus 320, Cessna 525S, Boeing 777.

Founder of Aviator.NYC, Julian is an FAA Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor with over 1,000 hours of instructional time. He has flown everything from gliders to charter jets to wide body airliners and earned all his instructor ratings while serving on active duty. Julian holds a Master of Degree in Project Management from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and is currently a First Officer for a major U.S. airline. He's also a long-time FAASTeam Representative, passionate about elevating flight training through real-world experience and simulator-based instruction.

Charles Steward, ATP-rated Flight Instructor and DHC-8 Captain at Aviator.NYC

Charles Canavan

(ATP, CFII)

  • FAA Instructor Rating: Airplane Multi/Single Engine, Instrument, Commercial Airplane.
  • Instructor Specialty: High Performance, High Altitude, Turbine, Simulators, Technically Advanced Aircraft, Fear of Flying.
  • FAA Airman Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot, Typed: CL65 and B737

Charles is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor and current Boeing 737 pilot for a major U.S. airline. He brings a broad range of experience as a charter pilot, airline Captain and First Officer, and aviation educator. Outside the flight deck, Charles is the Founder and President of Four-Legged Fliers, a non-profit that coordinates air and ground transport for rescued animals across the country.

Peter Yoder, ATP-rated Flight Instructor and Cessna Citation Captain at Aviator.NYC

Peter Lynde

(ATP, CFII, MEI)

  • FAA Instructor Rating: Airplane Multi/Single Engine, Instrument, Commercial Airplane.
  • Instructor Specialty: Tailwheel Complex, High Performance, High Altitude, Turbine, Simulators, Technically Advanced Aircraft, Fear of Flying.
  • FAA Airman Ratings: Airline Transport Pilot, Typed: DHC-8, EMB-145, and B737

Peter has been with Aviator.NYC since day one and is a familiar face in many of our YouTube videos. A former instructor at CP Aviation, he taught primary, commercial, and instrument students, with a focus on advanced flight techniques. He is now a Captain for a major U.S. airline.

Why Train with Airline Pilots?

Understand what pilots know. Control replaces fear.


20,000+
Combined Flight Hours
8
Aircraft Type Ratings
7
ATP Certificates

What They Bring

Calm, Professional Demeanor

Patient instructors who understand anxiety

Technical Knowledge

Explain what sounds, sensations, and procedures really mean

Real-World Context

Share what actually happens in airline operations

Controlled Environment

Simulator training with no actual risk or pressure

What You Get

Understanding Replaces Anxiety

Learn why turbulence, sounds, and procedures are normal

Hands-On Control

Experience what pilots do and how aircraft respond

Professional Reassurance

Airline pilots explain safety systems and protocols

Safe, Gradual Exposure

Build confidence at your own pace, no pressure

Meet the Founder — Julian Alarcon

Julian Alarcon demonstrating simulator training

Watch: Julian's path to airline flying and why he built Aviator.NYC.

Who's at the Helm

I'm Julian Alarcon—founder of Aviator.NYC and a Boeing 777 airline pilot. My path started in high school, carried through Navy service, and today I fly long-haul worldwide.

The lesson? Flying looks smooth only because training is rigorous. That's why we built Aviator.NYC: to give hobby and career pilots access to real airline discipline in the simulator. Our instructors—active airline pilots, not part-timers—teach you the same workflows we rely on in real jets, so practice turns into lasting confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Our Instructors

Certifications Explained

Training Programs

Pricing & Costs