With a student-teacher ratio of 12:1, your professors will know you. They’re invested in helping you succeed. As you work towards your career goals, you will find your professors become more—they become your mentors who can help you along your journey, and ones you can still get advice from years after graduation.
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Aviation Program
Email: lubutler@puc.edu
FAA Ratings:
- Commercial Pilot
- Certified Flight Instructor, CFI
Luke Butler, B.S.
Faculty Since 2021
Flight Instructor
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.
Degrees
B.S. Aviation, Pacific Union College
2019
Office: PUC Flight Center
FAA Ratings:
- Commercial Pilot Certificate
- Certified Flight Instructor (CFI)
- Certified Flight Instructor Instrument( CFII)
- Aviation Mechanic, Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)
Merilyn Chaffee, M.A.
Faculty Since 2023
Chief Flight Instructor
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.
Degrees
Masters of Arts, Education, Pacific Union College
1999
Bachelor's of Technology, Aviation Flight and Maintenance, Andrews University
1997
Daniel Navarro,
Faculty Since 2024
Flight Instructor
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.
Email: gsnavarro@puc.edu
FAA Ratings:
- Certified Flight Instructor, CFI
- Certified Flight Instrument Instructor, CFII
- Multi Engine Instructor, MEI
Gabriel Navarro, B.S.
Faculty Since 2013
Flight Instructor
Degrees
B.S. Aviation, Pacific Union College
2012
B.S. Nursing, Pacific Union College
2020
FAA Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot: MEL
- Commercial Pilot: SEL
- Gold Seal Flight Instructor: CFI/CFII
- Advanced Ground Instructor
- Type Ratings: CL-65, G-100, IA-1125, CE-525
- 2024 AOPA Distinguished Flight Instructor
Anthony Sharobeem,
Faculty Since 2024
Flight Instructor
Anthony Sharobeem has been inspired by aviation for as long as he remembers. Anthony learned how to fly at the Nut Tree Airport in early 2015 where he earned his pilot certificates and ratings, later acquiring his Flight Instructor Certificate in 2018 and has been actively teaching since. Over the years, Anthony served as an airline pilot, charter pilot, and worked other jobs flying complex, high-performance turbine powered aircraft. As of January 2024, Anthony has been awarded a Distinguished Flight Instructor Award by AOPA (Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association). Anthony grew up in Dubai, later moved to the United States in 2015 and began his flying career. In addition to speaking English, he also speaks Arabic and French. Anthony enjoys mountain biking, swimming, and driving around exploring new scenic places. He also enjoys flying with friends for fun in his free time. He taught many individuals who went on to fly for the airlines, air force, or are now flight instructors teaching at different flight schools.
Office: PUC Flight Center
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
Nathan Tasker, M.A. - Director
Faculty Since 2001
Aviation Administrator
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.