Journeys Aviation™ Flight Instructors

Alan Fernandez

Alan is Chief Instructor at Journeys Aviation™ and is responsible for insuring our high quality of training. Originally from Southern California, Alan Fernandez has been flying since age 15.  After receiving his pilot’s license in 2000, Alan attended and graduated from Flight Safety Academy in Vero Beach, Florida.  Alan holds a CFI, CFII MEI, and a CE-500 type rating.  He specializes in primary, instrument, and multi-engine training.

Alan was awarded Journeys Aviation™ 2003 Flight Instructor of the Year Award”.

Chris Graf

As a native of our beautiful state of Colorado, Chris rejoins us after completing his aeronautical training at the University of North Dakota.  As proven by his double major in Commercial Aviation and Flight Education, Chris thrives on safely instructing future and fellow pilots toward their aviation goals.  As a CFI, CFII, and MEI, you will find a wealth of knowledge to tap into as you begin your training here at Journeys Aviation™.

Cell:  (303) 437-1993

Office:  (303) 466-8566

Joseph Guardiola

Joseph began flying in 2000 in his home state of Michigan where he trained through his CFII.  Joe relocated to Colorado in the fall of 2005.  When he's not flight instructing he spends his time rock climbing, hiking, and otherwise enjoying the Rockies.

Cell:  (313) 737-7445

Office:  (303) 466-8566

John Emery

Hailing from Southern Michigan, John relocated to Colorado in 1994 and began flying in 1998 at Jeffco Airport where he earned his pilot certificate and subsequent ratings. With a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering and master's in business administration, John brings additional perspective to the Journeys family.  He and his wife, Laura, reside in Westminster.

John was awarded Journeys Aviation™ 2005 "Flight Instructor of the Year Award"

Cell:  (303) 912-9425

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Michael Giesbrecht

Having graduated from Metropolitan State College of Denver with a bachelor’s degree in aviation, Michael is passionate about flying.  Being raised in Colorado and Alaska has given him the opportunity to experience the outdoors and the excitement it offers.  In addition to soaring the skies, Michael enjoys traveling, playing his violin and experiencing the best of what life has to offer.

Whether your goal is to become a professional pilot or to pursue flying purely for enjoyment, Mr. Giesbrecht is dedicated to passing along the highest level of pilot proficiency and excitement to those who train with him.

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Nissim Levy

Nissim has been active in aviation since 1970, servicing the aviation community since 1972, and a Flight Instructor since 1989. Among other things, Nissim is into Fine Art Traditional Photography since a very young age and a classical music lover almost all his life.

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Home: 9303) 282-8986

Email: nssmlevy@yahoo.com

Tracey Spence

Mr. Spence is an FAA Gold Seal Instructor with over 14 years of flying experience. He is currently specializing in primary flight and ground instruction for obtaining private, commercial, and flight instructor certification as well as aircraft check-out training for transitioning into complex aircraft and modern Technologically Advanced Aircraft. As a career flight instructor, Tracey is committed to providing insightful and effective training beginning with the first flight lesson through completion of each student's flying goals.

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Cell:  (720) 252-6645

Chris Murtaugh

Chris Murtaugh is a career flight instructor and has enjoyed serving the aviation community for 15 years. Mr. Murtaugh gives instruction covering all types of training including the Private, Commercial, and ATP Certificates, Instrument and Multi-Engine Ratings as well as Mountain flying.

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

J.C. Fulbeck

Growing up in California, J.C. started flying in high school and was a casual flyer while attended college at The University of Colorado in Boulder. Mr .Fulbeck graduated in 2002 with a degree in Astronomy. Since then, he has increased his focus on flying, working in aviation in Atlanta, Georgia, across California, and finally instructing in his hometown of San Luis Obispo, California for nine months. In 2006, J.C. joined Journeys Aviation™ . His non-flying hobbies include golfing, snowboarding, hiking, camping, guitar, music, and road trips.

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Wayne B. Daniels

Wayne joined Journeys Aviation™ in April 2006 with total flight time of over 5,000 hours.  Wayne was a former flight instructor and Assistant Chief Flight Instructor with Air West Flying Club from 1988 to 2006.  He also is fully qualified for mountain flight training.

Other aviation achievements include:

Flight instructor and member of Rainbow Aviation at Jeffco 1979-1982

Member of the Beechcraft Aero Club at Jeffco 1979-1982

Served in Marine Air Control Squadron 23 at Buckley ANG 1960-1976

Served as a squadron pilot VMF-215 at Buckley ANG and Olathe KS. 1960-1976 flying the Douglas F6A Skyray

Active duty with Marine fighter squadron VMF-312 1956-1958 flying the North American FJ-2 and FJ-3M Fury

Fighter training in 1956 flying Grumman Panther and Cougar, Lockheed T-33, and the North American T-28

Received his Naval Aviator Wings in 1956

Primary naval flight training 1955-1956 in North American SNJ-5

Learned to fly at Middlebury College Flying Club in 1952-1955

Office Number: (303) 466-8566

Reuben Bakker

Reuben has had a lifelong passion for aviation.  It began at the age of 9 when he built small scale gliders and hot air balloons, and was cemented when he flew for the first time at the age of 18.  Reuben was born and raised in Sydney, Australia, and has also lived in America and Europe.  Reuben loves to excel, he has won Australian best in state awards while earning his degree in Construction at the T.A.F.E. College of New South Wales, and has many trophies for ski racing and car restorations.  This drive for excellence carries over to aviation, and pushes him to continually work to become a better pilot and instructor.  Reuben is a diligent instructor and works hard to pass his accumulated knowledge and experience on to help others achieve their desired result.  

When he’s not up there having fun in the sky, he’s probably out getting wet!  He is a barefoot water-skier and dive master who is certified for ice diving.  He enjoys land-based activities such as ski-racing, restoring cars, and riding motorcycles.

Mobile: 970.406.0603

Office: 303.466.8566

Jared Apfel

Jared has been navigating the Rocky Mountain Airways since 2001.  With a degree from Metropolitan State College of Denver in Aviation Technology, Jared stresses safety and professionalism.  As a CFI, AGI Jared can assist you in earning your private pilots license, commercial license, or Mountain Checkout.

Office: 303.466.8566

Lauren Clark

Lauren started flying in 2001 at Central College in McPherson, KS.  She graduated in 2005 with a B.S. in Liberal Studies and a concentration in aviation.  She returned to her home state of Colorado where she earned her CFI and has joined with Journeys Aviation in 2007.

Office: 303.466.8566

David Heeren

I have enjoyed flying out of the Metro Denver airports for 9 yrs. I grew up in Littleton, CO. and still currently live there. I am CFI,CFII, MEI, Tail Wheel, SES. I completed most of my flight training here in Colorado. I have trained primary students to advanced pilots, and flight instructors. I do BFR’s and IPC’s.

When I am not flying I enjoy watching the Simpsons and traveling the world. I love  tropical places and 20 years from now that is where you will find me, just taking life easy on a beach.

Office: 303.466.8566