Additional Event Information & Acknowledgement of Industry Sponsor(s):
MIKE “Cuckoo” KLOCH 2026 National Certificated Flight Instructor of the Year
Based in Bend, Oregon, Mike “Cuckoo” Kloch is a veteran aviator with over 8,300 hours across 76 aircraft types, from the F/A-18 Hornet to the Carbon Cub. A former Marine Corps pilot and combat veteran of Iraq and Afghanistan, Mike now focuses on his true mission: making general aviation safer.
As CEO and Chief Instructor of Specialized Aero Works (SAW), he is a premier provider of Part 141-approved Upset Prevention and Recovery Training (UPRT). His dedication to safety earned him the 2026 Portland FSDO CFI of the Year award. A three-time Master CFI-Aerobatic, Mike serves as Vice-President of the UPRT Network and on the Master Instructors, LLC board.
Beyond instruction, Mike is a contract test pilot for innovators like Epic Aircraft and Stratos Aircraft. Whether speaking at AirVenture, co-hosting the Aviation Rant Podcast, or testing experimental jets, Mike remains a "forever student" dedicated to elevating the standards of the skies.
ROGER WHITTIER 2026 National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year
Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Roger Whittier is a highly respected AP/IA mechanic and instrument-rated private pilot. As the owner of a local maintenance shop, Roger specializes in owner-assisted annual inspections, a unique hands-on approach that draws pilots nationwide seeking a deeper technical understanding of their aircraft.
Roger’s aviation journey began at his father’s dinner table, where stories of Air Force flight sparked a lifelong passion. After building a successful career, he earned his pilot’s license in the 1980s, later adding mechanic and IA certifications to address the industry’s need for skilled maintenance. He even built his own experimental aircraft and remains the original owner of an early-production Cirrus SR22.
A dedicated leader, Roger served ten years on the board of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA), including a term as President. He founded the College of Advanced Technology, where, as Dean, he developed dozens of courses and championed the "Owner in Command" philosophy. His efforts in member training contributed to measurable safety improvements across the fleet.
Recognized twice as Mechanic of the Year and recipient of COPA’s Lifetime Achievement Award, Roger is a premier subject matter expert. His philosophy is simple: by getting "under the hood," pilots gain the knowledge necessary to fly safer. Through his mentorship, writing, and instruction, Roger continues to multiply safety across the aviation community, one informed pilot at a time.
MIKE JESCH 2026 National FAASTeam Representative of the Year
Based in Long Beach, CA, Mike Jesch is a veteran Boeing 787 Dreamliner Captain for American Airlines and a dedicated General Aviation advocate. Inspired by his father’s work on the Apollo program, Mike earned his Private Pilot certificate in high school and has since logged over 40 years as a professional pilot.
A passionate educator, Mike serves as a Lead FAASTeam Representative and WINGSPro, having completed over 60 WINGS phases. He is a master CFI specializing in Cessna 182 and Mooney transitions, IFR procedures, and multi-engine training. Beyond the cockpit, Mike holds leadership roles as Vice President of the Fullerton Airport Pilot Assn and Chair of the Southern California Airspace Users Working Group, where he collaborates with stakeholders to enhance regional safety.
From volunteering with Angel Flight and EAA Young Eagles to presenting national webinars on Garmin and ForeFlight, Mike’s career is defined by mentorship and a tireless commitment to pilot proficiency.
PAUL NEW Host GAALive! 2026 and Past Awardee
Paul began working on airplanes as a child, helping his dad with hobby airplane restoration projects. By 17, he earned a private pilot certificate and multi-engine ratings, later adding IFR.
Paul earned a degree in Applied Science/Avionics Technology from Southern Illinois University followed by managing avionics departments for a commuter airline and an FBO before relocating to Jackson, TN. In 1989, he purchased Tennessee Aircraft Services (TAS) from his parents, transitioning to structural repairs and routine maintenance. TAS is a Cirrus and Textron authorized service center.
Paul holds an FAA A&P Certificate with Inspection Authorization and was named the 2007 National Aviation Maintenance Technician of the Year. He writes for the Cirrus Owners & Pilots Association magazine and presents ownership classes at their CPPP events. Paul is a technical representative and ground instructor for the Cessna Pilots Association and wrote a monthly column for the CPA magazine for over 15 years.
