Meet Our Member Instructors
Sharon de Oliveira
Sharon de Oliveira is Gillespie Flight Center’s Base Manager, in charge of day-to-day operations of the school.
She holds CFI and AGI Certificates and is passionate about teaching. She currently offers private and commercial instruction and flight reviews. Your success is her success and she will be a dedicated resource to ensure you achieve your goals.
Sharon also offers networking and scholarship guidance and can help you minimize the high cost of aviation, whether flying is your hobby or career goal, Give her a call and figure out your training path together!.. and have fun doing it!
Aviv Zmirly
Aviv Zmirly is a CFI-I who grew up around the aviation community. When not instructing you'll probably see him flying his Red Pacer around San Diego or in the desert. With the belief that you never stop learning. Aviv is excited to share his experience with all levels of pilots, from taking a pilot-to-be on a Discovery Flight, to enhancing your skills with an Instrument Rating, and even IPC or Flight Review refreshers.
Come expand your horizons with Aviv, whether it's to build your stick & rudder skills, or learn new avionics and hop in the soup.
Tiara Dienes
Tiara Dienes is a CFI-I and MEI whose love for aviation spans from complex multi-engine airplanes to unpowered gliders. Drawing on her background as a Navy veteran and space systems operator, Tiara brings a unique, well-rounded perspective to the right seat.
Tiara specializes in building solid stick and rudder skills while breaking down complex aircraft systems and concepts. Whether your goal is to fly for fun, build a foundation for a professional career, or brush up on skills, she will bring her passion for flight and aerospace to share.
Sophie Barnett
Sophie Barnett is a CFI who grew up in Laguna Beach, California. Her dad is an airplane captain for United Airlines, so she has been surrounded by aviation her entire life. She attended Lynn University in Boca Raton, Florida and earned a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management. Sophie has been actively instructing since January 2026, and is also a copilot for a PC-12 based out of John Wayne when she is not instructing. Sophie is currently offering private and commercial instruction, as well as flight reviews.
Dillon Reiser
Dillon Reiser is a second career CFI-I who pivoted away from his career in data analytics while living and training in Denver, CO. This being his second career he’s understands the obstacles and offers the flexibility needed if you’re wanting to change your office view!
He is excited to share his passion of all things aviation and help you meet your aviation goals whether learning to fly recreationally or navigating a career change! Dillon specializes in instrument flying, is dedicated to help you become to a well rounded and safe pilot!