Rick Mosteller
President / CEO
Rick Mosteller, founder of Palomar Aviation, started flying at 17, earning his Private Pilot’s License at 19. With a Bachelor’s in Aerospace Engineering, he worked as a Design Engineer at Lockheed Skunk Works and held roles at Sikorsky, Northrup, and other aerospace firms. Mosteller served as an executive at tech companies like Golden Hour and CMstat, bringing over 30 years of expertise in systems design, technical sales, and business development. Passionate about aviation, he is proud to grow Palomar Aviation into a premier flight school, emphasizing safety and standardized instruction as a Platinum Cirrus Training Center (CTC).
Mark Patkunas
Director of Operations
Mark Patkunas, Director of Operations at Palomar Aviation, brings over 40 years of aviation expertise. An Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with a B737 type rating, he currently captains Southwest Airlines’ B737-8MAX, 800, and 700, with over 16,000 flight hours. His career includes roles as a Southwest Pilot Recruitment Team member, F-16 instructor pilot in the US Air Force/Air National Guard, and MD-11 First Officer at World Airways. A Southern Illinois University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management, Mark’s leadership in operations, recruitment, and management drives Palomar Aviation’s commitment to excellence and safety.
Jack McKeon
TCI / CFII
Jack McKeon, a dedicated Training Center Instructor (TCI) at Palomar Aviation, brings expertise as a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) with commercial single and multiengine ratings. Raised in a prominent San Diego aviation family, Jack was inspired by his grandfather, father, uncles, and aunts, all professional pilots. A Chapman University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communication and Media Studies, he combines strong communication skills with a passion for aviation. Jack excels at instructing students in Cirrus aircraft, fostering a safe and engaging learning environment to help aspiring pilots achieve their goals.
Jack Carlson
TCI / CFII
Jack Carlson, a skilled Training Center Instructor (TCI) and Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) at Palomar Aviation, was born and raised in San Diego where his passion for aviation was ignited by his father, a Boeing 747 Captain. A Lake Forest College graduate with a degree in Finance, Jack blends analytical expertise with his love for flying. Specializing in the advanced Cirrus Aircraft, he is dedicated to guiding students toward their Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot Certificate. Jack creates a supportive and dynamic training environment to help aspiring aviators soar and achieve their aviation goals.
Kevin Ward
TCI / CFII
Kevin Ward, a passionate Training Center Instructor (TCI) at Palomar Aviation, holds certifications as a CFI, CFII, and MEI. Born and raised in San Diego, he graduated from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Political Science, where he also competed on the varsity track team. Kevin’s aviation journey began with a transformative Discovery Flight which sparked a lifelong passion in aviation. Specializing in Cirrus Aircraft, he is committed to guiding students toward their pilot certificates, fostering professionalism and competence while sharing the exhilaration of flight in a supportive training environment.
Garrett Willerford
TCI / CFII
Garrett Willerford, a dynamic Training Center Instructor (TCI) at Palomar Aviation, hails from Southern California, where his aviation passion took flight at 18. A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a BS in Aeronautical Sciences, he holds Commercial, Multi-Engine, and CFII ratings. Garrett’s career includes roles at Textron Aviation as a CFII and Winged Vision, providing live aerial NFL game-day coverage. Dedicated to sharing his expertise, he inspires students with his love for aviation, preparing them for a rewarding flying career through engaging instruction in a supportive environment.
Braden Boggs
TCI / CFII
Braden Boggs, a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) and Training Center Instructor (TCI) at Palomar Aviation. A San Diego State University graduate with a Bachelor’s in Communication, Braden’s lifelong passion for aviation began with his first word: “Airplane!” As the founder of his high school’s Aviation Club, he showcases exceptional judgment and aeronautical decision-making (ADM) skills. Enthusiastic about sharing his love for flying, Braden inspires students at Palomar Aviation, fostering a dynamic and supportive learning environment to help them excel in their aviation journey.
Patrick Campbell
TCI / CFII
Patrick is a Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument (CFII) and Training Center Instructor (TCI) who began flying in 2018. He completed his flight training in the US Navy and holds a Commercial Certificate. Born and raised in Carlsbad and a graduate of UC Santa Barbara, Patrick is deeply passionate about teaching and mentoring. He focuses on developing confident, safety-minded pilots with strong aeronautical decision-making skills while making every lesson engaging, rewarding, and enjoyable. He also enjoys surfing, gardening, and spending time in nature.
Melissa Lanning
TCI / CFII
Melissa Lanning, a dedicated Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII) at Palomar Aviation, has many hours of flight experience and a passion for aviation. A United Aviate Academy graduate with Commercial Single-Engine, Multi-Engine, and CFII ratings, she excels in fostering safety and professionalism. And with a background as a United Airlines Flight Attendant and U.S. Army National Guard service, Melissa combines leadership and instructional expertise to teaching. Melissa also has a Bachelor’s in Human Sciences from Texas Tech University. And her hands-on experience with Cirrus Aircraft and commitment to student success make her an asset to Palomar’s training program.
Devin Mick
TCI / CFII
Devin Mick, an accomplished Boeing 777 international pilot for United Airlines, brings a deep passion for aviation to Palomar Aviation as a Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII). With prior experience at SkyWest Airlines and 135 operators, he has a robust background in both commercial and instructional aviation. Holding a Bachelor’s in Aviation and another degree in Business Administration, Devin blends expertise with enthusiasm. Beyond flying, he enjoys surfing, mountain biking, rock climbing, and skydiving. Committed to mentorship, Devin inspires and engages students, fostering growth in the general aviation community through dynamic instruction, mentorship, and support.
Mark Nicholson
TCI / CFII
Mark Nicholson, a seasoned Certified Flight Instructor at Palomar Aviation, ignites a passion for flying while honing essential aviator skills. With a Pilot License earned in 1983 and nearly 3,000 hours in general aviation, he brings extensive experience and guidance to the instructor team. A member of the National Association of Flight Instructors, Mark emphasizes Aviation Decision Making (ADM) focused on safe operations and standardization. Beyond aviation, he is a respected Management professor at San Diego State University. As a command pilot for the Civil Air Patrol, Mark leads Search and Rescue missions in San Diego, blending expertise and dedication to inspire and train the next generation of pilots.
Eyal Eshel
TCI / CFII
Eyal Eshel, a distinguished Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEII) at Palomar Aviation, brings a wealth of experience from his service as an Israeli Air Force Helicopter Pilot, flying the Bell 212 and other aircraft. With over 3,500 flight hours, including extensive time in the Cirrus SR22, he holds Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine ratings. Known for his patience and creativity, Eyal tailors his teaching approach to each student’s unique learning style, ensuring effective and personalized instruction. His dedication to mentoring aspiring pilots fosters confidence and skill in a supportive training environment.
Teresa Mosteller
Director of Administration
Teresa Mosteller is a key team member at Palomar Aviation. She is dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service and creating memorable experiences for our clients. With extensive experience managing the VIP Department, Concierge, and Valet services at the prestigious La Costa Resort and Spa in San Diego, Teresa brings a refined concierge approach to aviation. Her commitment to excellence fosters a welcoming culture at Palomar Aviation, ensuring customer satisfaction and embodying The Cirrus Life. Teresa’s passion for personalized service elevates every interaction, making her an invaluable asset to the team and the clients she serves.
John Hunt
Office Administrator
John Hunt is a dynamic contributor to Palomar Aviation’s operational excellence, bringing a strategic and analytical approach to aviation management. With a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and a minor in Information Systems from the University of Utah, coupled with his pursuit of a Master’s of Business Administration at the University of San Diego, John combines financial acumen with a global perspective honed during his study abroad in Italy and Spain. His academic excellence reflects his commitment to precision and innovation. At Palomar Aviation, John leverages his skills to help streamline operations and enhance client experiences. His forward-thinking mindset makes him an essential asset to the team and our clients at Palomar Aviation.
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