Lanier Flight Center Staff
The staff of Lanier Flight Center represents over 100 years of experience in flight instruction and professional flying. As an Atlanta Flight School, we are a dedicated team of aviation professionals who understand how privileged we are to be able to experience the freedom and joy of general aviation. We are committed to providing excellent service and training to a high standard.
We welcome you to contact us any time. Please feel free to call or email with questions or just to get to know us a little better. We are looking forward to working with you in training for a new certificate or rating, currency or just having fun in an airplane.
Troy Wheeler – President
email: troy.wheeler@lanierflightcenter.com
Troy Wheeler is the President of Lanier Flight Center and Lanier Flight Express. Troy has been in aviation since 1982 when he started flying at Peachtree Dekalb Airport in Atlanta Georgia. Troy’s flight training was with Epps Flight School under his mentors Steve Shaner and Clint Rodgers.
Kenny Wheeler – Vice President
email: kenny.wheeler@lanierflightcenter.com
Kenny Wheeler is owner of Wheeler Services, Inc. in Alpharetta Georgia. Wheeler Services has over 20 years in business as a construction and landscape company. Kenny Wheeler has his Private License and is currently working on his Instrument Rating.
Phil Shockey – Vice President
email: phil.shockey@lanierflightcenter.com
Phil Shockey join LFC in 2003 and recieved his private pilot rating, since that time Phil has been involved in many aspects of Lanier Flight Centers customer service, supplier relations, our flight school business activities and manages our Lanier Fuel Express Shell branded self serve 100 LL.
Lanier Flight Center Flight Instructors
Derek Metro – Chief Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII, A & P
email: derek.metro@lanierflightcenter.com
Derek went on to get his Private Pilot at 18 and later a B.S degree in Aviation Maintenance Management from San Jose State University. He has been instructing since 1993 including 10 years as a full-time flight instructor in the San Francisco Bay area. Over 90% of his students pass the checkride on the first try.
Bill Shuford – Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII, MEI
email: bill.shuford@lanierflightcenter.com
Bill Shuford is a FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, Ground Instructor, FAASTeam Member. At Lanier Flight Center, Bill is a Lanier Flight Center flight instructor and joined the LFC Team in 2005 and has logged almost 4000 flight hours of which 75% were as an Flight Instructor.
Chuck Padgett – Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII, MEI
email: chuck.padgett@lanierflightcenter.com
Chuck also has his commercial, multi-engine and instruments ratings. Chuck now holds both a CFI Certificate and an Instrument Instruction Certificate for instruction in both single engine and multi-engine land airplanes. Whether you are interested in starting a career, flying for business or just some plain old fun, call Chuck today!
Matthew Perrer – Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII, MEI, & LFC Charter Pilot
email: matthew.perrer@lanierflightcenter.com
Matthew Perrer completed his commercial and initial CFI training at Lanier Flight Center and has been on the staff since 2005. Matthew is a CFI, CFII, and MEI and is also our charter pilot. Matthew loves introducing new pilots to the world of aviation as well as helping experienced pilots obtain advanced ratings and certificates.
Bob Williams – Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII
email: bob.williams@lanierflightcenter.com
Bob earned CFI and CFII at Lanier Flight center (first CFI and CFII produced at LFC) and is currently enjoying a very busy schedule teaching full time with us. He is quickly building a reputation as the commercial pilot candidate expert because of the high concentration of new commercial students who train with him.
Biff Willingham – Flight Instructor – CFI, CFII, MEI
email: biff.willingham@lanierflightcenter.com
Biff Willingham completed his instrument training in Toccoa with Tom and moved to The Flight School of Gwinnett at Gwinnett County Airport for the remainder of his ratings. After finishing his CFI and MEI, Biff instructed at The Flight School for almostr 2 years. He also has an add-on helicopter rating.
David Gazda – Flight Instructor - CFI
email: david.gazda@lanierflightcenter.com
David Gazda is originally from Jacksonville, ILL. David’s eyes were opened to the love of aviation as a Civil Air Patrol member. In early 2009, he accomplished his Professional Certified Flight Instructor rating. He is currently working on obtaining advanced Instructor ratings as well.
Kelly Chandler – Flight Instructor – CFI
email: kelly.chandler@lanierflightcenter.com
Since 2005 Kelly has been a member of the LFC Flying Club and has accomplished his Private, Instrument and Commercial ratings under CFI Bill Shuford. Kelly has also recently achieved his CFI with instructor Derek Metro here at LFC. Kelly is LFC’s most recent instructor addition. Way to go Kelly!
John Stauter – Flight Instructor – CFII
email: john_767@mindspring.com
John’s aviation career began in 1971 at Auburn University where he received his private pilot certificate through the Navy ROTC program. He then earned his wings as a Naval Aviator flying P-3C’s. He later joined Delta Air Lines and flew as Captain on the B-727, B-737, B-757, B-767, DC-9 and MD-88 and has logged over 17,500 hours.
David Wardlaw – Flight Instructor – CFI
email: dewardlaw1@gmail.com
David “Dave” Wardlaw was an Army helicopter pilot, flying Hueys and Blackhawks, from 1982-1995. He started fixed-wing flying and training in 2004 at Lanier Flight Center earning his private, instrument and single and multi-engine commercial ratings. He became a certified flight instructor (CFI) in 2008 and worked in Florida as a flight instructor until returning to the Gainesville area in September 2009.
