Club CFIs

If you are a member looking to book with a Club CFI please review the email list below or just email [email protected] to reach the CFI group.

8 Ball Flying Club — Certified Flight Instructors

Reach out directly to schedule. Availability and rates are set by each instructor and may change.

Instructor Status Availability Checked Out In Ratings Rates Training Offered Bio Updated
Claudio Losacco[email protected]
818-266-5509		 Chief My flight schedule is variable so it's difficult for me to publish a standing availability. Best way is to reach out via text to schedule a flight. Generally available Friday, Saturday and Sunday. C172, C182, DA40, PA32 CFIIATP Basic: $75Advanced: $100 CheckoutsBFRCommercialCFI

I've been a CFII since 1998. Affiliated with Eight Ball for over 15 years.

 8-Dec-25
Phillip C. Hill[email protected]
310-351-5342		 Chief Available M–F most hours with pre-arrangement. Flight reviews, IPC, Wings Program, targeted safety & proficiency support. AATD sim available. Instrument, Commercial, CFI, & CFI/II programs available. C172, C182, PA32 CFII Basic: $75Advanced: $75 CheckoutsBFRInstrumentCommercialCFI

When not flying, I work in a Board capacity providing oversight to hospitals in Northridge, Los Angeles, Glendale, and Long Beach. Holds advanced degrees in Engineering and Business.

 8-Dec-25
Thomas Deason[email protected]
323-898-5604		 Club Text me. Availability varies between morning, afternoon and evening. Flexible with prior arrangement. I'm calm when teaching and believe in teaching safe habits when flying. C172, C182, DA40, PA32 CFIIATP Basic: $90Advanced: $90 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI

Began flying at 18. Undergraduate degree in Aviation from LeTourneau University where I earned my pilot and A&P certifications. Currently active CFII, 135 commuter pilot, and A&P mechanic.

 2-Dec-25
Robert Illian[email protected]
818-720-0539		 Club Available any day except Friday. Available for checkout, flight reviews, IPC, private all the way to CFII training. C172, C182 CFII Basic: $50Advanced: $50 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI

Robert graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in AZ, earning his bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Science in 2003, and became a flight instructor. CFII/AGI with a Gold Seal.

 8-Dec-25
RusLan Biryukov[email protected]
323-445-6558		 Club Varies, please email or text me. C172, C182 CFII Basic: $70Advanced: $70 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI

I immigrated from Russia in 2002 and graduated from USC in 2007. It gives me a great deal of satisfaction helping my students improve their skills and enjoy the art of flying.

 8-Dec-25
Ryan Smith[email protected]
310-508-0849		 Club Flexible scheduling. Please text or email. C172, C182, DA40, PA32 None Basic: $60Advanced: $60 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryCommercial

I'm a SoCal native who started flying in 2019 and joined 8 Ball in 2020. When I'm not in the sky, I design, manufacture, and sell lighting equipment — but let's be real, I'd rather be flying.

 8-Dec-25
Marc Jay[email protected]
310-866-8290		 Club Varies, please email or text me. C172, C182, DA40 CFII Basic: $70Advanced: $70 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI TBD 7/10/26
Alex Sharaf[email protected]
626-536-1562		 Club Sunday to Friday with prior arrangement. C172, C182, DA40 CFII Basic: $50Advanced: $50 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI

As a previous 8 Ball board member, the importance of caring for our planes is something I hold dear. I am an active flight instructor (CFI/CFII/MEI) with an FAA Gold Seal and NAFI Master CFI accreditation.

 10-Dec-25
Michael Freed[email protected]
818-800-1771		 Club Monday to Thursday any time. Friday morning and afternoon. Saturday and Sunday mornings. C182, DA40 CFII Basic: $50Advanced: $50 CheckoutsBFRPrimaryInstrumentCommercialCFI

I'm mostly retired after careers in environmental engineering and professional music. I have always taught, and became a CFI some years ago to apply that love to aviation. I also enjoy teaching sailing in my sailing club.

 10-Jul-26