Hello, I am Stilen Adams. I am a flight instructor from Colorado with about 9 months experience instructing. I work at a Part 141 school called Colorado Northwestern Community College which has a solid name in the aviation sphere. I completed my training last year and was hired upon completion of my CFI certificate. I enjoy instructing and I’ve enjoyed my work at CNCC. Unfortunately the living situation here in Rangely just hasn’t worked out. I am seeking a new opportunity to continue my work instructing. When I first jumped into aviation I was looking to be an airline pilot but since then life has changed and I am now looking for more opportunity for independence and exploration. I have over 600 hours of mountain flying experience and 300 hours of dual given. I make it a goal to take all of my commercial students to Salt Lake International airport during their commercial training, so I am familiar with the operations in the Bravo airspace. Challenging weather conditions including windshear and crosswinds are a part of my day to day experience as an instructor and I am aware of the dangers of both and how to teach future pilots how to handle those risks. My instruction style is to always ask questions and to force students to think independently. I am constantly reviewing emergency procedures and learning from the mistakes of others.

Education

Colorado Northwestern Community College
A.A.S August 14, 2023 - July 30, 2025 Initial flight training and CFI certificate earned at CNCC. After training CNCC hired me on as an instructor

Work Experience

Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
Colorado Northwestern Community College August 18, 2025 - Present At CNCC I have taught all levels of students from Private to instrument and commercial, mainly under part 141. I have about 300 hours of dual given and throughout my career here I have taught close to twenty students. I have 9 full time students right now with one check ride sign off with a date of 5/26. My knowledge test pass rate is 100%. I also taught a private pilot 141 ground course this past semester with a 100% pass rate.

Highlights

Mountain Flying instruction
May 22, 2026 Over the course of my flight training I was taught to fly almost exclusively in the mountains. Those without experience operating from airports at elevations above 5000 ft in the summer probably don't understand why that is a big deal, but it is. From the start of my training and continuing to today teaching my own students I have had to teach every single go or no go decision with respect. Complacency kills in the mountains and the challenges of flying and teaching from the heart of the Rocky Mountains can't be understood without experiencing it. I know this has made me a much more competent pilot than training anywhere else and it has taught me the importance of respecting the weather and how to pass on that respect through teaching.

Aircraft Experience

C-172
  • Time in Type: 600 hrs
  • Last Training: May 22, 2026