Our Heritage
Every flight school has a history. Here is ours.
Generation 1: The Desert West Era
David Shapiro ran Desert West Aviation for 17 years alongside John, our resident 25,000-hour ATP guru. Brian joined the fray as an instructor in 2021.
In 2023, David decided to retire, passing the torch with a ringing endorsement:
"Brian, you're really good at this. You do it. I've had enough."
(Translation: This is way too stressful. Good luck, kid.)
(Translation: This is way too stressful. Good luck, kid.)
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Generation 2: The Rebirth (2023)
Fueled by aviation passion and a healthy dose of naive optimism, Bermuda Dunes Flight Training is officially born. Co-founded by the trio of Brian, Jenni Martin, and John.
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Generation 2.5: The Great Exodus (6 Months Later)
Running a flight school is exactly as stressful as David warned. Six months in, the trio becomes a solo act.
"David was right. You've got this, Brian."
— Jenni & John
— Jenni & John
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Generation 3: The Lone Survivor
Brian is left holding the yoke. He continues to run the school to this day, turning the chaos into one of the most refreshing, no-BS flight training environments in the desert.
The 2026 Team
