Brandon J. Ray
President, High Performance Aviation, LLC
Education
As a graduate of LeTourneau University (Longview, Texas), Brandon Ray holds a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science, with a minor in Business Administration. He is a Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, and AGI, as well as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic. Brandon is certified as an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) with a CE525S Single-Pilot Type Rating.
LeTourneau University, Flight Instructor (Longview, Texas)
Following graduation, Brandon served as a flight instructor for LeTourneau University teaching in both traditional and Technically Advanced Aircraft. Students were trained for Private, Instrument, Multi, Commercial, and Flight Instructor Ratings, as well as Tailwheel and Complex endorsements. His experience at LeTourneau included aircraft such as the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Beechcraft Duchess (BE76), Citabria (7GCAA/7ECA), Piper Lance (PA32R-300), and Diamond Twin Stars (DA42). While at LeTourneau, Brandon was selected to help implement the new FITS training course for LeTourneau’s Part 141 program. FITS, which stands for FAA Industry Training Standards, is the FAA’s new approach to flight training focusing on scenario-based training in a real-world environment.
Cessna Aircraft Company, Instructor Pilot (Independence, Kansas)
After instructing at LeTourneau, Brandon served as a Factory Instructor Pilot for Cessna Aircraft Company in Independence, Kansas. When a customer purchases a new Cessna aircraft, they are given a factory approved transition course to help familiarize them with the Garmin G1000 and the operation of their aircraft. Brandon’s role as a Factory Instructor Pilot was to train customers through both ground and flight instruction. At the Independence, Kansas factory, Brandon trained pilots on the Cessna 172 Skyhawk, Cessna 182 Skylane, and Cessna 206 Stationair, while teaching basic and advanced operation of the Garmin G1000.
Cessna Aircraft Company, Instructor Pilot (Bend, Oregon)
During the time after Cessna purchased Columbia Aircraft in Bend, Oregon, Brandon was given the opportunity to transfer to the Bend facility to instruct customers in the Cessna 350 “Corvalis” and Cessna 400 “Corvalis TT” (formerly Columbia 350 and 400). This provided the opportunity to train and travel with customers throughout the country on their new high-performance composite aircraft.
High Performance Aviation, LLC, President (Houston, Texas)
With the experience gained while working for the world’s largest general aviation manufacturer, Brandon set out to provide the same level of exceptional customer service and high-quality training experience to owners of glass cockpit aircraft. In early 2009, High Performance Aviation was founded, providing customized training for aircraft owners. Based centrally, in Houston, Texas, training is available locally or at your location of choice.
In 2009, Brandon was also actively involved with the local authorized Cessna dealer as a new aircraft Sales Representative and Demo Pilot for East Texas and Louisiana, traveling throughout the territory to increase awareness of the G1000 and the benefits of new modern aircraft. This included consulting with individuals and business owners to help them find the aircraft that best meets their needs.
Credentials & Activities
Brandon is authorized to give transition training to meet the requirements of most insurance companies and manufacturers. Cirrus recognizes Brandon as a “CSIP” (Cirrus Standardized Instructor), qualified in both the Avidyne system as well as the Garmin Perspective avionics suite and approved to give training in the SR20, SR22, and Turbo aircraft. Cessna recognizes Brandon as a CFAI+ (Cessna FITS Accepted Instructor), qualified to teach in the 172, 182, T182, 206, T206, 350, and 400.
As a professional pilot and flight instructor, Brandon focuses on a variety of continuing education activities throughout the year. Brandon is a 2-time Master Flight Instructor and SAFE member. He has participated in the Cirrus Pilot Proficiency Program (CPPP) and has served as an instructor for the Cessna Advanced Aircraft Club Recurrent Training (CAART) program. Since 2008, Brandon has actively trained pilots in the WINGS Pilot Proficiency Program and has served as an FAA Safety Team Representative.
In 2009, Brandon was a guest speaker on the topic of Technically Advanced Aircraft for the Houston area FAA Safety Team in Sugarland, and the Greater Houston Association of Flight Instructors at West Houston Airport. His most recent accomplishment was the Multi-Engine Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) Certificate and PIC Type Rating in the Cessna Citation CE-525 (CJ1). This type rating covers the Cessna Citation CJ, CJ1, CJ1+, CJ2, CJ2+, CJ3, and the new CJ4.
“It is rewarding to fly with pilots to help them increase their skills, safety, and comfort level in their own aircraft. Our clients value real-world advice and practical tips to help them fly better and safer. The training is focused on reaching their goals for proficiency… not just minimum standards.”