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 2020, 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.

AJ Campisi:
Coming Soon!

Greg Oates:
Coming soon!

Alex Sze:
Born and raised in Los Angeles. He has always dreamt of flying since he was a kid but did not have the opportunity to do so until later on in his life.
Alex’s aviation career started when he began flying RC airplanes with an elderly neighbor. This led to researching flight schools and ultimately beginning flight training which led to him earning his CFI and CFII certificates.
Alex earned a Master’s Degree in Public Administration from California State University Los Angeles after returning from his combat deployment while in the United States Marine Corps.
Alex volunteers some of his time with Pilots N Paws and Angel Flight West. He is eager to help guide learners to become the best they can be in aviation, and in life.

Michelle Yu:
I have always had passion for being a pilot. I decided to become a pilot after my first discovery flight back in 2015. While at the same time, I obtained two associate degrees in Commercial Pilot and Aviation Science from Mt. San Antonio College, and I obtained a bachelor degree in Aviation Business Administration from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.

Preston Fischler:
Preston is an LA original! Growing up in Culver City, Preston would spend his time watching the planes land at the Santa Monica Airport and the seed was planted. After 6 years in the Air Force Preston pursued his dream of becoming a Pilot. When Preston isn’t flying he is working on a degree in Anthropology or riding his motorcycle through the canyons around LA.

Daniel Kass:
Coming soon!

Derek Iudica:
Born and raised in Los Angeles I’ve had a fascination with aviation from a very young age. Taking every opportunity to surround myself with the field, from participating in youth programs to working line service while earning my certificates; it is my goal to share this experience.

Natalie Mitchell:
Coming soon!

Richard Cassel:
Richard Cassel has wanted to fly as far back as he can remember. With over 1000 hours instructing he truly enjoys teaching others how to master the skies. Richard says that while good pilots are always learning, good instructors are always learning from their students. He believes that the confidence to make safe, smart aeronautical decisions is the best asset instructors can give their students.