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Where Are They Now
Tailwinds Academy has taught and employed some of our country’s finest pilots. All the way from first-day students to commercial airline pilots, here are just a few of our Tailwinds Academy alumni.
Evan Bookbinder | Republic Airways First Officer
Evan is currently a first officer with Republic Airways, flying the Embraer 170-175 aircraft. A Purdue University graduate with a B.S. in Aviation Technology and Professional Flight, Evan also holds Commercial Pilot certificates in Airplane Single-Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land; is instrument rated; and is certified as an Advanced Ground Instructor, Certified Flight Instructor, and Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument.
Evan is a passionate instructor committed to mentorship and lifelong learning and has trained in both Part 61 and Part 141 environments. He brings extensive experience flying and instructing in VFR, IFR, and IMC conditions. He has provided more than 280 hours of flight instruction at Purdue University and as an independent CFI throughout the Midwest.
I loved my time at Tailwinds. The culture stands out among flight schools - many are driven by fiscal deadlines and timetables - Tailwinds is driven by the learning process.
Teaching at Tailwinds allowed me the opportunity to work with dedicated and driven individuals who love aviation like I do. That made coming to work every day a joy.
Evan Bookbinder
Republic Airways First Officer
Lauren Koehl | American Airlines Pilot
Lauren Kohl is a full-time airline pilot with American Airlines. She earned her private pilot certificate in Florida and completed the remainder of her flight training in Dallas. After growing up in the Chicago area and playing collegiate soccer, Lauren knew she wanted a career that combined travel, challenge, and purpose. Inspired by her family’s connection to aviation, Lauren began her aviation career as a flight attendant in 2018 before pursuing her lifelong goal of becoming a pilot. She also serves as a part-time Certified Flight Instructor with Tailwinds Flight Education in Philadelphia, where she helps aspiring pilots build skills, manage risk, strengthen their aviation knowledge, and develop a safety-first mindset. Now based on the East Coast, Lauren enjoys exploring new places, traveling, spending time with her cat, playing soccer, and being active outdoors whenever the weather allows.
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Lauren Koehl
American Airlines Pilot
Max Weiss | Current Title
Maxwell Weiss is a Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument and commercial multi-engine pilot with more than 1,500 flight hours. Max spent years as a flight instructor at Tailwinds Academy of Aviation, where he provided individualized training for student and certificated pilots, emphasized sound airmanship, safety, regulatory compliance, and the confidence to succeed in the cockpit. A U.S. Marine Corps veteran and volunteer firefighter, Maxwell brings a strong foundation in leadership, discipline, technical operations, and service to his work. He also supports the Wissahickon Fire Company through its executive committee, recruitment and retention initiatives, and community outreach. His commitment to mentorship extends to helping Philadelphia high school students access aviation education and pursue meaningful career pathways in the industry.
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Max Weiss
Current Title
Jigar Patel | Frontier Airlines First Officer
Jigar Patel is a First Officer with Frontier Airlines and an FAA Airline Transport Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. His passion for aviation began at age five, when he first dreamed of becoming a pilot—a goal he has pursued ever since.
A graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Jigar holds a Bachelor of Science in Air Traffic Management with a minor in Air Transportation and Logistics. His air traffic control background brings a broader operational perspective to his aviation career and flight instruction experience. Before joining Frontier Airlines, he worked as a charter pilot with flyADVANCED Aviation Group and spent more than three years instructing at Tailwinds Academy.
Working at Tailwinds was an incredible experience and the perfect place to begin my career as a professional pilot. From day one, I was welcomed into a fun, friendly, and supportive environment where everyone genuinely cared about aviation and helping students succeed. One of the things I appreciated most was the trust and independence I was given as an instructor. I never felt like I was doing a job, which allowed me to develop my own teaching style while still having a great team around me whenever I needed support. The relaxed atmosphere, great people, and strong focus on quality flight training made Tailwinds a truly special place to work. I’m extremely grateful for the experience and for everything the school taught me, both as an instructor and as a pilot.
Jigar Patel
Frontier Airlines First Officer
Jacob Timko | Certified Flight Instructor
Jacob Timko is a Certified Flight Instructor dedicated to helping aspiring pilots develop the knowledge, confidence, and practical skills needed to achieve their aviation goals. He provides flight instruction at the Infinity Flight Group in New Jersey, working with a diverse range of training aircraft, including classic Cessna 172 and 150 models as well as modern Pipistrel Alpha Trainers. In addition to aviation, Jacob is a welding instructor at Bucks County Technical High School and brings hands-on experience in welding, fabrication, quality control, and industrial equipment assembly to his teaching approach. His technical background, attention to detail, and commitment to effective instruction help students build strong foundations—whether in the workshop or the cockpit.
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Jacob Timko
Flight Instructor at Infinity Flight Group