Luis Aaron Mendoza
FAA Commercial ASEL / CFI / CFII • FAA First-Class Medical • US Citizen
Flight Time
Total: 500 (as of Oct 2026)
Certificates & Ratings
- Commercial Pilot – Airplane Single Engine Land, Instrument Airplane
- Flight Instructor – Airplane Single Engine, Instrument Airplane
- FAA First-Class Medical – issued 03/2023
- FCC Restricted Radiotelephone Operator Permit
Experience
US Aviation Academy, New Braunfels, TX | Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) | Dec 2025 – Present
- Provide Part 141 Private Pilot and Instrument Rating instruction in Cessna 172s for U.S. Air Force cadets in an accelerated 8-week program
- Instruct Texas State University aviation students
Southwest Airlines Destination 225°, Denton, TX | Pilot Pathway Cadet | Aug 2023 – Nov 2025
- Completed CFI and CFII training in a Part 141 environment emphasizing safety, CRM, IFR procedures, and cross-country operations
Southwest Airlines, Midland, TX | Ramp Agent | Oct 2021 – Aug 2023
- Coordinated ground operations for a Part 121 airline, ensuring safety compliance and on-time performance
United Ground Express, Odessa/Midland, TX | Ramp Agent | Dec 2019 – Oct 2021
- Performed marshalling, towing, and baggage handling for regional airline operations
Aircraft & Avionics
Cessna 152, Cessna 172, Tecnam; Garmin GNS 430/650, G3X, dual G5, Avidyne IFD, six-pack
Education
- B.S. Aviation Science – Professional Pilot (Minor: Communications), Texas A&M University–Central Texas | In Progress
- A.A.S. Computer & Networking Technology, Odessa College | May 2023
Honors & Affiliations
- Southwest Airlines Destination 225° Selectee (2023)
- AOPA Member