Our Team of Instructors
Brad Chartrand, CFII
Clear2Aviate founder, owner, instructor
'I have been providing professional flight training from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor since 2008. My passion for teaching began in 1995 when I started teaching in emergency medical services as a primary instructor for Basic Emergency Medical Technicians, Medical First Responder programs, CPR, Advanced Cardiac Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. My love for aviation began in 2000, when I took my first flight at the Greenville Airport. I earned an associate degree in Professional Pilot Technology from Baker College in 2008, and in 2010 achieved my FAA Gold Seal instructor certificate. I became an active member of the Federal Aviation Administration safety team in Michigan in 2020. At Clear2Aviate, our top priority is safety during training, and making sure each customer enjoys their experience to the fullest while learning in some of mid-Michigan's best maintained and highest quality avionics systems. As an instructor who loves to teach, I specialize in initial private pilot, 10-day instrument ratings, Complex, advanced avionics training, Commercial pilot and Certified Flight Instructor ratings.'
Chase Nobis, CFI
'I am a dedicated aviation enthusiast whose passion for flying has been ingrained since childhood. It started when I served in the Civil Air Patrol in high school, where I learned valuable lessons in search and rescue operations, and the paramount importance of safety in aviation. Although I initially paused my aspirations for flying to pursue college, my love for aviation never waned.
In 2016, I reignited my passion for flying and embarked on a journey to obtain various certifications, including Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor. Through my experiences, I discovered a new calling: teaching. I found immense joy in sharing the exhilarating experience of flight with others and became deeply involved in volunteer work for organizations like Young Eagles, where I expose children ages 8-17 to the marvels of aviation, aiming to ignite a spark of interest in the next generation of pilots.
Currently, I thrive as a flight instructor at Clear2Aviate, where I play a pivotal role in transforming individuals with no prior aviation experience into highly skilled and safe private and commercial pilots. I understand that becoming a pilot is challenging, but I approach it with patience, unwavering dedication and a unique ability to motivate students. With my expertise and passion for teaching, I am committed to shaping the future of aviation, one student at a time.
Mitchell Hopkins, CFI
'I started my aviation career at Western Michigan University College of Aviation and moved back home to further my career as a Flight Instructor. I'm very passionate about aviation, and will answer any questions you have. Most days you can find me at the airport with students, either in the air, on the simulator or assisting with ground school studies. If I’m not there, you can find me hanging out with my family and friends or in the woods hunting and fishing. I'm excited to hear from you and help start your aviation journey.'
Tanner Bowen, CFI
‘My love for aviation started in 2020 when I went on my discovery flight. After that flight I knew this was what I wanted to do. In January of 2022 I went to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City for their aviation program where I earned my Private Pilot Cert, Instrument Rating, Commercial Land and Sea, and CFI. After earning my CFI, I decided to move back home to Ionia and am currently instructing at Clear2Aviate. I can’t wait to help future students find their passion for aviation as I did! Blue skies and tailwinds!’