I began flying at age 14, 26 years ago, in ultralights.  While these vehicles were a lot of fun, regulations didn't treat them as "real" aircraft so logging flight time was impossible.  Since I wanted to be a professional pilot, I would have to move on to general aviation, and begin logging my experience.  A year later I was flying a Cessna 150, and a year after that on my 16th birthday I flew solo for the first time.  There was no going back now.  I knew this would be my life's calling.  Throughout high school I earned my instrument rating, commercial license, and at age 19, became a flight instructor.  I moved to Florida and started working as a freelance flight instructor, training my first students in the fall of 1999.

I already knew how much I loved flying, but I was surprised at how much I loved teaching.  Soloing my first student was every bit as unforgettable as my own first solo flight.  Anytime one of my students soloed, conquered a fear, mastered a maneuver, obtained a license, or became an instructor like me, I felt immensely proud.

After six years of instructing full time I moved on to other segments of aviation, though I never stopped teaching altogether.  I flew turboprops on charters to the Bahamas, became a commercial seaplane pilot, became a commercial glider pilot, flew corporate aircraft including jets, and for over ten years flew helicopters and fixed wing aircraft for law enforcement, aerial fire fighting, search and rescue, and public health missions.  I've logged over 11,000 hours, 5,000 of which have been spent teaching others to fly.

Throughout all of it, I always wanted the chance to return to teaching.  After all the various jobs and over 80 different types of aircraft flown, I felt it was time to begin molding aviators again.  It was time to return to my roots.  This is what I'm all about...this is what Hansen Aviation is all about.  It is my pledge to you, that you will receive an education in aviation that you will not be able to find anywhere else.  While you will receive the same license that you can get at any flight school, your journey to receiving that license will be worlds apart.  It doesn't matter if your goal is to become a private pilot, or airline transport pilot, as my student you will receive top notch customized training for your aspirations.

Aviation has been the joy of my life.  I feel blessed to have had all the experiences I've had, and fortunate to be able to share them with those who may benefit from the lessons I've learned.  I hope that you'll give me the chance to help you find whatever adventures you seek in the exciting world of aviation.

Mark Hansen

Chief Flight Instructor