Aviation

Luke Butler is a native of Angwin. He has a deep connection to the town by attending PUC Elementary, PUC Prep., and graduating from PUC with a B.S. in Aviation. Inspired by his love for aviation, Luke chose to stay with PUC after completing his degree in 2019. With a focus on safety and mentorship, he guides aspiring pilots toward achieving their goals with care and expertise. He has been with PUC since 2021 and has FAA accomplishments, commercial pilot privileges (MEL, SEL, and SES), and is an SEL flight instructor.

Education

• 2019, B.S. Aviation, Pacific Union College

FAA Ratings

• Commercial Pilot
• Certified Flight Instructor, CFI

Merilyn Chaffee received a bachelor's of technology, aviation flight and maintenance from Andrews University in 1997 and a master's degree from Pacific Union College in 1999. She has been the vice president of operations at Dream Flights since 2015, and a real estate broker since 2010. Her FAA ratings include commercial pilot, instrument flight instructor, and airframe and powerplant mechanic. She has been a flight instructor for many years in places such as PUC Flight Center, MI Air in Redlands, CA, and Kaiser Air in Santa Rosa, CA. Merilyn has also taught classes to students in sixth grade up to the collegiate level in subjects such as music, education, and aviation. Flying has always been a big part of her life, and she is excited to share her love of aviation with PUC students and be a part of a program that trains Christ-centered pilots for lives of service. Merilyn is married to Garrison Chaffee, PUC Youth and Associate Pastor and they have 3 teenagers.

Education

• 1997, Bachelor's of Technology, Aviation Flight and Maintenance, Andrews University
• 1999, Masters of Arts, Education, Pacific Union College

FAA Ratings

• Commercial Pilot Certificate
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
• Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)
• Aviation Mechanic, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)

David Hernandez Rodriguez originally hails from Tijuana, Mexico, and knew from a very young age that he wanted to become a pilot. After attending San Diego Academy, David chose to further his education and is currently studying at Pacific Union College, where he completed flight training. Driven by his love for flying, David gained extensive flight experience navigating the diverse and complex airspaces of both Northern and Southern California. Stepping into the role of flight instructor in April 2026, David is deeply committed to mentorship. He desires to train future aviators to an exceptionally high standard, sharing his expertise and passion for aviation with the PUC community.

FAA Ratings

• Commercial Pilot
• Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)

Andrew Hosford is a passionate missionary-pilot who spent several years serving in the Philippines, combining faith and aviation to reach people in remote regions with the gospel. He often found himself as a literal lifeline for the sick and injured, providing emergency transportation where aviation was the last hope. After significant challenges and the loss of his girlfriend in a helicopter incident, Andrew has transitioned stateside and is now instructing at Pacific Union College. He continues to inspire young people to dedicate their talents to God’s work. Through his various roles, he challenges students to live boldly and serve selflessly wherever God calls. Andrew’s greatest joy is seeing others catch the same fire for mission that changed his life.

FAA Ratings

• ASEL
• CPL
• CFI
• CFII

Daniel Navarro is a flight instructor who teaches 1-on-1 flight and ground lessons and program course lectures. He first worked at PUC as a flight instructor in 2016 and 2017, then came back in December 2023.
Before working at PUC, Daniel was an Air Ambulance pilot in Juneau, Alaska. Since becoming a pilot in 2013, he gained experience as a seaplane charter pilot and flight instructor in south-central Alaska, a banner pilot in Maryland, an amphibious aircraft instructor in Vacaville, and an airline pilot based in New York City, Chicago, and Salt Lake City.
Daniel grew up in Los Angeles and now resides in Angwin. He enjoys playing guitar, hiking the PUC forests, skiing, snowboarding, biking, and cooking.

FAA Ratings

• ATP
• CFI
• E170, E190, and LR45
• Seaplane Rated
• Tailwheel

Education

• 2020, B.S. Nursing, Pacific Union College
• 2012, B.S. Aviation, Pacific Union College

FAA Ratings

• Certified Flight Instructor, CFI
• Certified Flight Instrument Instructor, CFII
• Multi Engine Instructor, MEI

Nathan grew up in the South Pacific Islands, surrounded by missionary aviation and World War II history. He began flight training in New Zealand as a missionary kid and completed his training at Andrews University, Michigan. He paid for his flight training by working as an aircraft mechanic for United Express.
PUC invited Nathan to lead the aviation program from June 2001 to June 2006. He and his wife Janel stepped forward from PUC to open up an internship pathway for PUC students, which was not successful due to the civil war. He flew an Air ambulance for 12 years based in Australia, including nearly 10 years at the iconic Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, before returning to the USA as an airline pilot and new-hire simulator instructor for the Airbus 320 series.
Nathan is very blessed by his awesome wife Janel, incredible son, Stephen, and talented daughter, Hannah, who loves Jesus Christ with all their hearts.

Education

• Thesis Title: “Ezekiel’s credibility: A seedbed dilemma?”, 2020 (not completed)
• PhD. Philosophy- Ancient Skepticism, Avondale University, 2016
• M.A. Christian Apologetics, Biola University, 2000
• B.Tech Aviation Flight and Maintenance, Andrews University

FAA Ratings

• Airline Transport Pilot -MEL
• Commercial Pilot Privileges -SEL, Glider
• Flight Instructor: SEL/MEL, Instrument Rating
• Ground Instructor: Advanced/Instrument
• Mechanic: Airframe and Powerplant
• Type Ratings: Westwind IA-Jet 1124, Airbus 320 Series