About Wings Over L.A.

Jess Fernandez:
I have had a life-long passion for aviation. As a child, I remember my dad taking me to the airport to watch planes take off and land and I was fascinated by them. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to turn my love for aviation into a career.
I have been involved in aviation at Van Nuys, Burbank and Whiteman airports for the past 30 years and currently hold a multiengine Airline Transport Pilot certificate with approximately 7,000 hrs. of flight time and continue to fly commercially. During all these years, I have established many contacts within the aviation industry that have helped pave the way for our commercial students to get jobs after obtaining their certificates and logging their required hours.
As background, I began managing and leasing back airplanes to flight schools at Van Nuys in 2007. In 2018, I decided it was time to start my own flight school and formed Wings Over L.A. Aviation, LLC which I actively run with a group of highly qualified instructors.
Our goal at Wings Over L.A. is to provide a range of clean, well maintained airplanes, top professional instructors and comfortable facilities at very competitive rates in a friendly environment. We are the only flight school at Van Nuys that can take a student from private pilot to multi-engine commercial and ATP.
I hope you come visit us and give us a chance to show you around.

Marden Marduk:
I am a gold seal flight instructor and graduate from UCSB. With almost a decade of teaching experience, I’ve mastered cultivating a safe and fun learning environment that is tailored to the individual student. I prioritize safety, and I am deeply invested in seeing my students succeed and achieve their goals in aviation.

Greg Oates:
My love of aviation started when I was very young. I began learning to fly at the age of 15. I have been teaching at Van Nuys Airport now for over 40 years. I have over 8000 hours of flight time in many different types of aircraft, with about 4000 hours of instruction given. I hold a CFI, CFI-I, MEI and an ATP rating. I hold a type rating in the Citation 525, and have had part 135 experience. I also have several thousand hours in the King Air 350, 200 and F90 in Part 91 operations. I enjoy flight instructing and find it very satisfying. As a flight instructor, my goal is to prepare my students for success at whatever level they hope to achieve from beginners to advanced pilot ratings.

Richard Cassel:
Richard Cassel is passionate about instructing, in the air and on the ground. He is licensed to instruct instrument, single and multiengine airplanes along with instrument ground instructor. He is the primary simulator instructor at Wings Over LA. Richard says that every student brings a unique set of challenges, no two people learn the same and the process never stops. “Good pilots are always learning, good instructors are always learning from their students."

Daniel Kass:
Pilot with 15 years experience. CFII, MEI, FFI Carded formation Pilot, Extensive Tailwheel experience. Currently flying Citation 525S Series as a medivac Captain. Flew EMB145 for JSX. I Fly a 1940 Cub for fun. Specializes in multi engine transition training.

Andrew Krimmel:
Andrew Krimmel is a certified CFI-I/MEI. Whether instructing in the cockpit or leading ground lessons, he emphasizes risk management, aeronautical decision-making, and thorough pre/post flight planning. He takes pride in tailoring lessons to each pilot’s experience level and learning style, helping them build confidence, proficiency, and strong airmanship in accordance with FAA Part 61 and 91 standards. Andrew's background as an athlete, mentor, and various service oriented roles have shaped his approach to teaching. His focus remains one of discipline, adaptability, and clear communication. Andrew ensures every student receives the guidance they need to operate safely and make sound judgments in the cockpit. Andrew continues to remain involved throughout the broader aviation communities. In the past, he's volunteered for Above and Beyond USA, he's an active member of the FAASTeam WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program as well as a member and ally of the National Gay Pilots Association. For Andrew, aviation is more than just flying - it’s about mentorship, community, and fostering the next generation of safe, confident pilots.

Vincent Huichan:
I’m a flight instructor who prioritizes safety, clear communication, and building confident pilots. I’m passionate about the adventure of aviation and committed to learning and teaching something new every day.

Andrew Pomerantz:
Andrew Pomerantz is an airline transport pilot, flight instructor, aircraft dispatcher, and aviation attorney based in Lawndale, California. With over 1,600 flight hours, he holds an ATP (AMEL) with Boeing 737 and Cessna Citation 525 type ratings, plus commercial privileges for single-engine land/sea, glider, and instrument operations. He also maintains numerous FAA instructor ratings, a Remote Pilot certificate, an Aircraft Dispatcher certificate, a First Class Medical, and an FCC Radio Operator Permit. Pomerantz serves as General Counsel and flight/ground instructor for Wings Over LA and North Coast Air, and is the founding managing partner of Hoffman and Pomerantz, LLP, where he practices civil litigation with an emphasis on aviation law. His previous experience includes roles as an airborne traffic pilot, ground instructor, and line service technician/CFI. He holds a J.D. from Southwestern Law School, an M.A. in Commercial Aviation, a B.A. from UCLA, and an A.S. in Aeronautical Science. His interests include swimming, triathlon, music, travel, and culinary exploration.

Carlos Izquierdo:
Carlos Izquierdo is a Certified Flight Instructor with a passion for helping people discover the joy of flying. Growing up as a native Spanish speaker and later moving to the U.S., Carlos developed a lifelong love for learning, communication, and connecting with people from all backgrounds.
Before going into aviation, he explored a variety of interests—from philosophy to engineering—which in addition to a people-first attitude, helps him find common ground with students from all walks of life. Carlos is dedicated to creating a comfortable and relaxed learning environment where students feel supported through every step of the way as they earn their wings in the California sunshine.

Erica Rivera:
I recently relocated to Los Angeles from Dallas, Texas (go Cowboys!) and am actively building my career in aviation. I hold an Associate of Applied Science in Professional Pilot and am continuing toward a bachelor’s degree, expected to start in Spring 2026. I bring a strong foundation in flight training, with experience as a student in both Part 141 and Part 61 operations. Since November 2025, I have been serving as a receptionist at Wings Over LA, where I support daily flight school operations while applying my hands-on aviation knowledge to assist students and staff. My background also includes work with flight museums, aviation events, and administrative roles, providing me with a well-rounded understanding of both operational and customer-facing aspects of the aviation industry. I am passionate about safety, training excellence, and supporting the next generation of pilots. Outside of aviation, I enjoy discovering new food spots, exploring Los Angeles, catching movies, and spending time with my cat, Kiwi.