William “Hank” Gibson
Pilot/Flight Instructor, High Performance Aviation, LLC
Education
Hank started his college career at Indiana State University in Terre Haute, Indiana, enrolling in their professional pilot course his freshman year. He did all his private training at ISU, receiving his certificate in 2006. Deciding it wasn’t for him, he transferred to LeTourneau University in Longview, Texas. Hank finished his flight training and his degree there, graduating in 2009. Hank received his CFI, CFII, and MEI all from LeTourneau in addition to his instrument rating, tailwheel endorsement, and commercial pilot certificate. Hank is also a Gold Seal flight instructor.
Anson Aviation, LLC, Flight Instructor (Sugar Land, Texas)
Hank began his instructing career with Anson Aviation, a part 61 and part 141 flight school at the Sugar Land Regional Airport (KSGR). While there, Hank received his high performance endorsement. He was able to instruct in a wide variety of airplanes and interact with many different students during his time at Anson. Hank instructed in Cessna 172 N models, R models, S models, and a G1000 SP model. He also instructed in a Piper Arrow, a Cessna 182, a Citabria Explorer, and a Piper Seminole. Hank gained valuable experience operating in and around a Class B environment in the Houston area.
LeTourneau University, Flight Instructor (Longview, TX)
After instructing at Anson, Hank went back to his alma mater to instruct for LeTourneau University’s part 141 professional pilot program. Hank had the privilege of being able to instruct in a highly structured, very professional environment. While at LeTourneau, he acquired the brunt of his G1000 experience as LeTourneau flies almost all G1000 aircraft. He was able to instruct in the Cessna 172 R model, the Diamond DA-42 Twin Star (with the Lycoming engines), a Citabria Aurora, and a Citabria Adventure.
High Performance Aviation, LLC, Pilot/Flight Instructor (Houston, Texas)
Hank began working part time for HPA while still at LeTourneau, writing weekly articles for FlyHPA.com. Now, as a full time employee, he continues to write those articles while performing a myriad of other duties for the company. Hank acts as an instructor for aircraft owners to better assist them in learning their airplanes better. In addition, he is studying and learning more about many different airplanes himself. Hank considers life itself as a learning experience, as he looks for new knowledge in many different areas.
Credentials & Activities
As stated above, Hank is a Gold Seal flight instructor and has his complex, tailwheel, and high performance endorsements. He works as a course developer for HPA as well as an article writer and instructor. He is currently working toward the Master CFI certification.