Meet The Team

Hi, I’m Abel Magana, Owner and General Manager of Aurora Flight Training. I’m a licensed pilot and lifelong aviation enthusiast, and I started this school with one clear mission: to make flight training more modern, adventurous, and accessible.

My background is in engineering, real estate, and business management, but flying has always been my passion. I know firsthand the challenges of earning your license and the life-changing rewards that come with it. That’s why I’ve built Aurora Flight Training to be more than just a flight school—it’s a community where students gain the skills, confidence, and mindset to explore life beyond the pattern.

When you train with us, my goal is simple: to help you become not only a safe and capable pilot, but also someone who finds freedom, purpose, and adventure in the skies.

I’m Aliki, I partner on our business strategy, marketing, social engagement, and brand development — making sure our school runs smoothly and continues to grow. My background is in aerospace engineering and executive program management, where I led large-scale projects, streamlined operations, and built high-performing teams. Those years in aerospace taught me how to balance technical precision with strategic leadership, and I bring that same focus to creating a flight school where both our staff and students can thrive.

​

At Aurora Flight Training, I focus on marketing and branding efforts, connecting with aspiring pilots and building a strong community around aviation education.

​

Outside of Aurora, I’m an author, singer-songwriter, and muralist. For me, aviation isn’t just about flying — it’s about living fully, exploring new horizons, and inspiring others to do the same.

I'm a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFI-I), Assistant Chief Instructor, and a Commercial Pilot rated in both ASEL and AMEL, with a BE300 type rating, which I obtained at CAE in 2024.

 

My aviation journey began with a discovery flight at Troutdale Airport in 2014, and I officially started my Private Pilot License (PPL) training in 2016 in Sacramento, CA. I completed the remainder of my professional pilot training at Aurora Flight Training.

 

As an instructor, I prioritize creating a fun and safe learning environment. I believe in giving students hands-on experience from day one, helping them truly understand what it means to fly.

 

I especially enjoy working with students on the full journey—from zero experience to professional pilot.

 

When I'm not instructing, I fly privately as a commercial pilot, and I enjoy spending time with my family and friends outside the cockpit.

I am Sunghu Simon Yoo, Flight instructor with CFI and CFII.

​

I completed my flight training at Hillsboro Aero Academy. I came to the United States from Korea to pursue my long-term dream of becoming a pilot.

​

It is challenging to learn any new skill in the beginning, and flying is not an exception. My job is to be next to my students, to provide them with a well-organized road map and to help them comprehend the new knowledge well. Helping students approach the field of aviation comfortably and while having fun.

​

When a student passes a checkride, and shows their appreciation to me, that gives me a big feeling of achievement. It is so exciting to see when a student gets an insight and applies their new knowledge to flying.

​

It doesn't matter to me how fast of progress a student can make. I enjoy working with students who can enjoy flying with me with an enthusiastic attitude and study hard at their own pace.

​

Recently my wife and I have a new hobby, camping. We like to go hiking and camping around Oregon when I am not flying!

My name is Jacob Schwinning, and I’m a Certified Flight Instructor here at Aurora Flight Training.

I completed all of my flight training right here at this school, and I’m proud to now be part of the same team that helped shape my aviation journey. After taking my first discovery flight at Aurora, I was immediately hooked. I knew from that moment that aviation was what I wanted to pursue as a career.

What drew me to instructing was the incredible community at this airport. The people here, both instructors and students, made a lasting impression on me, and I knew I wanted to be part of helping others take their first steps into aviation.

I especially enjoy working with brand new students, those with little or no experience, and guiding them through the process of becoming a pilot. Watching their skills and confidence grow is one of the most rewarding parts of my job.

When I’m not flying, you’ll usually find me spending time with my wife, Zoe, and our son, Truett. We love being outdoors, going to the beach, and whenever I get the chance, I like to sneak in a round of golf.

Hi my name is Ian Forsyth, a certified flight instructor with a CFII rating and multi commercial pilot’s license. I began my flight training here at Aurora Flight Training in October of 2020. Initially I planned on just gaining my private pilots license to fly recreationally, but it didn’t take long for me to realize that aviation is where I wanted to be full time. After attaining my PPL, I decided to quit my job and take on flight school full time, which turned out to be one of the best decisions I ever made. Aurora Flight training got me through the rest of my training and a year later I turned from student to instructor.

 

I believe that as a student pilot, you should leave every lesson feeling as if you have accomplished something. Flight training is not easy, and you’ll have days where you feel major progression, and days where you feel like you have no idea what you’re doing. My goal is to help you find that progression even in the days where you feel like everything went wrong. Every student is different as well, learning how to fly is not a one size fits all and my job is to produce the best training that suits you specifically.

 

As a flight instructor I look forward to teaching students who are motivated, communicative and able to take constructive criticism. Whether you want to be a hobby flyer or you want to go all the way to the airlines, being motivated to meet that goal is going to be a key factor no matter what. Whether you are picking up what I’m saying or you have no idea where I’m going with something, I want you to tell me! And whether you had an amazing flight or a bad day, I am going to be honest with you so we can push forward and get you to your ultimate goal.

Also… if you are a Beaver, Mariners, Blazers, Timbers, or Colts fan.. we’ll get along just fine. (I know the colts is kind of a wild card there but blame my dad for that one)

Hi, my name is William "Connor" De Risio. I'm a Certified Flight Instructor with an CFII rating. I did my training at ATP flight school in Hillsboro, but I found my initial love for flying when I did a discovery flight with Aurora Flight Training in 2021.

 

I'm a big believer of the idea that Aviation should be safe, efficient, and fun, in that order. So I try to instill that mentality into all my students to make sure that once they go off on their own, they can be safe, competent pilots and continue to learn about all aviation has to offer.

 

I love aviation because there's nothing that can compare to it. The feeling of lifting off the ground and the sights that you get to see never get old, no matter how many times you do it. I enjoy flying with everyone, but my favorite students are those who simply have a passion for aviation whether that leads to a career or a hobby for them.

 

When I'm not flying, I'm usually going on hikes, camping, or playing games with friends.

I’m a CFI, CFII, MEI. My avaition journey started early being born into a flying family.

 

I’ve been blessed to fly and train in multiple regions of Oregon. From the Oregon coast, high deserts, to the Oregon valley, finishing my instructor ratings at Aurora.

 

As an instructor, my expectations are to create a safe, professional environment that cultivates a fun learning process. Helping to prepare students for the inevitable bumps of aviation. Watching and assisting students in overcoming obstacles on their aviation journey is the most rewarding part of being a flight instructor.

 

Outside of aviation, my time is spent with family and friends. Typically outdoors or lying on a gym floor contemplating life decisions.

I have always had a passion for aviation and space, but didn’t know how to get started in it. My wife’s friend is a helicopter pilot, and he directed me to do a discovery flight and help him along the way towards becoming a pilot.

​

I did most of my training at Aurora Flight Training, and I have my CFI and soon to be a CFII.

​

Nobody ever started off perfect, and messing up is all part of the process. Every flight gives you a chance to learn something, even if that means getting it wrong a few times.

​

Getting to help people pursue the love of aviation that I have is the most rewarding feeling.

​

Outside of flying, I enjoy video games, reading, and watching movies.