MEEt OUR INSTRUCTORS
Paul Mannion – Chief pilot
CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, DPE
With over 25 years of experience as a flight instructor, Paul Mannion is part owner of Vector Aviation and the school’s Chief Flight Instructor. Paul’s lifelong aviation journey began in 1992, becoming a flight instructor in 1998. Rooted mostly in general aviation and armed with an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certification for single and multi-engine aircraft, Paul’s expertise extends to gliders, helicopters, and seaplanes. A retired firefighter with a finance major from John Carroll University, his passion for aviation is equaled by seeing his students succeed as many have transitioned to military or airline pilot roles. Paul currently owns and flies a Mooney Oviation2.
john, CFI, CFII
I was born and raised in Thompson, Ohio. I am a graduate of Bowling Green State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Aviation. While attending my freshman year, I discovered my passion for flying and aspire to become an airline pilot. During my studies at Bowling Green, I earned my Private, Instrument, Commercial Multi-Engine, and Commercial Single-Engine ratings. I obtained my flight instructor certificate and my instructor instrument airplane rating at Vector Aviation. I thoroughly enjoy teaching the next generation of pilots while furthering my aviation education. When I am not instructing, I enjoy watching movies, attending car races, and playing disc golf.
jim, CFI, CFII
I am from Eastlake, Ohio. My aviation journey started in 2017 as a hobby and has now evolved into a dedicated career path. I’ve earned my Private, Instrument, Multiengine, Commercial, and Flight Instructor ratings through Vector Aviation. As a flight instructor, my goal is to help aviation enthusiasts achieve their dreams while continually enhancing my own skills. Guiding others on their aviation journey brings me joy and helps me grow as a pilot.
cam, CFI
My name is Cameron Mocny, I have lived in the Northeast Ohio region for most of my life and have always had a passion for aviation. This passion has stemmed from my family working in the industry and the Cleveland National Airshow. My eventual goal is to become an airline captain and travel the world. My training as a private pilot started at Vector Aviation during the Summer of 2020. After the summer, I went to college at Bowling Green State University and received my Instrument, Multi-Engine, and Commercial ratings. After college, I obtained my CFI from Vector Aviation and decided to instruct as it brings joy to not only myself but my students as well as they learn how to fly.
ALEX, CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP
Alex began his aviation journey at an early age, starting his training with Vector Aviation while still in high school. His dedication and commitment led him to pursue the majority of his training with us. During his academic pursuit at Bowling Green State University, Alex kept flying with Vector and went on to achieve his Private, Commercial, CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings all through Vector Aviation. His qualifications recently earned him a position with SkyWest Airlines, a prominent regional carrier that operates flights for leading airlines such as United, Delta, American, and Alaskan Airlines. Alex continues to offer his expertise as an instructor during his free time. He finds satisfaction in fostering one-on-one connections with his students and sharing his passion for aviation.
BRYCE, CFI, CFII, MEI
My name is Bryce Kujat. I learned to fly at Kent State University, I have a B.S. in Flight Technology and another in Aerospace Engineering Tech. I have been a professional pilot for 23 years. I currently fly research aircraft for the U.S. Navy throughout North America, some privately owned corporate aircraft in Ohio, and am president of the Cleveland Soaring Society. I have flown throughout the United States, Canada, Alaska, Iceland, the Caribbean, and sub-Saharan Africa. I enjoy the challenge of flying and teaching others to fly as it allows me to solve problems quickly in a dynamic environment. Teaching at Vector gives me the freedom to operate one-on-one with my students, and the ability to customize each lesson to the student’s needs. I instruct in single and multi engine airplanes, as well as gliders.
JOHN GRIFFIN
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS
John’s role with Vector Aviation is primarily administrative and strategic development, and has been since its inception. While primarily involved in the information technology industry, John has been flying since 2007. While he had always had a desire to fly, his spouse was offered a job in North Carolina and John thought it would be easier and more convenient to fly back-and-forth himself – which it absolutely was. John continues to work toward further ratings and is regularly involved in events at our local airports, the Young Eagles program with the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA), and many other groups to promote continued education and safety within the general aviation community. John currently owns and flies a Cirrus SR22.
Zachary, CFI, CFII, MEI
My aviation journey started in 2022 when I obtained my private pilot’s license in the Cleveland area while still in high school. Once completed, I attended an aviation academy in Florida to complete the remainder of my ratings. This included not only my Commercial Rating but also my CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates. Once I was finished with flight school, I returned to my native Northeast Ohio to do flight instructing. I am doing this with the end goal of flying for one of the major airlines. I enjoy sharing my passion for aviation with new pilots while being a flight instructor. As well, I like that every day at work is unique and brings its own challenges.
