Mooney Safety Instructors

Improving aviation safety for Mooney pilots

The Mooney Safety Foundation’s Board of Directors is comprised of a diverse group of Mooney pilots – all of which share a deep commitment and passion for Mooney aircraft and aviation safety. These Mooney safety instructors, and other regional instructors who meet our stringent criteria, typically conduct the Pilot Proficiency Programs.

Additionally, while our primary mission is to provide instruction through the Pilot Proficiency Programs, we can also connect you with Mooney instructors to satisfy insurance requirements. So, if you’re buying your first Mooney, contact the Mooney Safety Foundation who will match you with an instructor based upon your geography and requirements OR visit The Mooney Flyer website for a list of Mooney CFIs across the country.

Our Team

Parvez Dara

ATP, MCFI SEL/MEL with an advanced ground Instructor rating – Parvez is a medical oncologist, was named the Eastern Region CFI of the year in 2007. Parvez conducts medical safety programs for the FAA’s Wings Programs and is a FAASTeam Rep for the Philadelphia FSDO. He is a former Senior Aviation Medical Examiner in the State of NJ. Parvez has owned a Mooney M20J and a M20M (Bravo) and currently owns a Bonanza A36.

State: NJ

Territory: Mid-Atlantic states

Rob McGuire

CFII, CFI, CFI-G, MEI, AGI, IGI, ATP, Commercial SES, A&P, IAOwner – InterTrek Technologies, LLCSeattle Avionics Software – East Coast SalesWWUH 91.3FM – Radio AnnouncerAero Advocates – Aviation Consultant.

Home State: FL

Territory: Southeast states

Bud Johnson

CFII – Bud is the president of a strategic marketing consulting organization and was formerly a Director of a regional flight school in Connecticut. Bud specializes in teaching in the M20K and has logged more than 1,500 hours in that aircraft.

Home State: CT
Territory: Northeast states

Jerry Johnson

CFII SEL/MEL – Jerry retired from IBM and Lockheed-Martin where he held positions in industrial education and management. His last assignment was in Air Traffic Mgmt in the FAA’s Fort Worth Air Traffic Control Center. Jerry has experience as an AOPA instructor and in all Mooney models from M10, M18 , M20A thru TN, and M20U and M20V. Jerry is a FAASTeam Rep for the Ft. Worth FSDO. He owns a Mooney M20C, M20J, and an Aeronca 7AC. He has been an instructor for over 25 years with over 13,000 hours and over 5000 hours in Mooneys. While Jerry is also rated in gliders, he is current in Citation Jets and flies for various corporations in the Fort Worth area.

Home State: TX
Territory: Southwest states

Paul Kortopates

Paul Kortopates is a Master Instructor CFI/CFII specializing in Mooneys and Bonanzas. He has extensive experience instructing in Mooney models C through TN, U & V. He has worked as an Acclaim instructor for Mooney International in China and has been a MAPA PPP Instructor since 2008.

Paul has Mooney flying experience throughout the continental U.S., as well as Alaska, Canada, the Bahamas, Cuba, Mexico and Central America. Now retired as chief engineer at a large DOD contractor, he’s a passionate aviation educator. He serves as the CFI for his local IMC Club chapter, the president of the San Diego Aviation Safety Counselors, and Lead FAASTeam representative. He is an Aviation Instructor at San Diego Miramar Community College. Paul also works as an A&P/IA with SavvyAviation, acting as their resident expert on Mooneys and turbo charging systems. Paul is married to another pilot and lives in Southern California.

Home State: NJ

Territory: Mid-Atlantic states

Brian Morgan

CFII SEL/MEL – Brian is a Master Army Aviator and Airline Transport Pilot with over 15,000 hours in airplanes and helicopters, including 5,000+ hours of dual given. He holds type ratings in the C-510S, DHC-4, and SD3, with Commercial and Flight Instructor certificates in AMEL, ASEL, and Instrument. Brian’s aviation background includes roles as a UH-1 helicopter mechanic and crew chief, Army maintenance and instructor pilot, and production test pilot for Cessna.

He holds a Master’s Degree in Aviation Safety and is a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College. Brian is a FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, owner of Flying in the Safety Zone (an FAA-accepted training provider for Technically Advanced Aircraft), and has over 30 years of experience in both military and civilian aviation. He is a member of AOPA, NAFI, Cessna Pilots Association, and Quiet Birdmen.