Meet The Team

Professional Flight Training for Aircraft Owner Pilots

As an aircraft owner, you want a different experience than what a flight school can provide. That’s what Texas Top Aviation specializes in. With more than a decade of working with aircraft owners under our belt, we know that you aren’t a student; you are a client. We strive to give our clients excellent, professional flight instruction. We want your training experience to be highly educational, but fun too. You should step out of the airplane with a smile on your face. You may be tired, but we want you to be happy with your flight training experience!

Hank Gibson — Owner, PMOPA Platinum MSIP Instructor, TBM Instructor, Cirrus Vision Jet Instructor, Columbia Instructor, Sales Agent

Hank Gibson received his bachelor’s degree in Professional Flight from LeTourneau University. After graduating, Hank went on to work as a flight instructor at Anson Air in Sugar Land, TX. Later, he went back to LeTourneau University to give students the same excellent instruction he received as a student there.

After a year and a half of instructing at LeTourneau, Hank joined High Performance Aviation, where he became a CFAI+ (Cessna Factory Piston Engine Instructor). During his time at High Performance Aviation, he logged 900 hours instructing in a variety of technically advanced aircraft, specializing in Columbia aircraft.

In 2014, Hank started Texas Top Aviation in New Braunfels, TX, with the goal of providing expert, personalized, owner-pilot instruction.

Hank also completed the American Bonanza Society (ABS) Instructor course in 2014, certifying him to instruct in Beechcraft aircraft. After gaining knowledge of the Piper PA46 piston-engine aircraft line (Malibu, Mirage, and Matrix), Hank began giving insurance-approved initial and recurrent training to PA46 owners in 2017. In 2019, Hank received his initial training in the Piper Meridian and is now insurance-approved to offer initial and recurrent training in the Meridian, JetProp, M500, and M600.

Now, with almost 9,000 hours of flight experience, Hank is qualified to fly and instruct most single-engine aircraft.

Hank has been designated a Master CFI, served on the FAASTeam, and is currently a member of the Malibu & M-Class Owners and Pilots Association Safety Committee.

Hank continues his personal passion for learning all he can about aviation. In 2017, he received his initial training in a Cessna 425 Conquest I. In 2018, he received his Commercial Single-Engine Seaplane rating, and, in 2019, he was named an MMOPA Master Aviator. In 2021, he completed TBM initial training and now instructs in the TBM line of aircraft.

In October 2024, Hank was designated a PMOPA Platinum MSIP (M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot)—the highest instructor rating awarded by the Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association, reserved for the most experienced and standardized instructors serving the Piper M-Class fleet (Malibu, Mirage, Matrix, M350, Meridian, M500, M600, and M700). In November 2025, Hank earned his type rating in the Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50) and now provides initial and recurrent training to Vision Jet owners as well.

Hank’s professionalism, love of teaching, and personalized approach have made him the go-to instructor for owner-pilots all over Texas and the United States. His attention to detail and extensive knowledge of airplanes and the industry have earned him a great reputation as a consultant for the purchasing of personal airplanes.

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Jason Simmons — Director of Training, PMOPA MSIP (M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot), TBMOPA TAAP Instructor

Jason began flying at age 15 out of Chesapeake Municipal Airport, launching what would become a lifelong commitment to aviation. It runs deep in his family: his grandfather founded an A&P school in Connecticut, his father served as a Naval aviator before flying the 727 for FedEx, one uncle operated a maintenance shop specializing in warbirds, and another built a career with Pratt & Whitney supporting aircraft engine sales.

As Texas Top Aviation’s Director of Training, Jason oversees instructor standardization, curriculum, and training quality across the company’s aircraft programs, helping ensure every client receives consistent, safety-focused instruction. He is also a PMOPA MSIP (M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot), certified by the Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association to deliver standardized, scenario-based instruction to M-Class owner-operators.

He earned his CFII in 2001 in Georgetown, Texas, at Pilot’s Choice Aviation, where he later worked full time as a flight instructor from 2001 to 2003. During that period he built a strong foundation in structured, safety-focused instruction and IFR proficiency. He also developed a 25-year career in data analytics and business strategy with Dell and Dun & Bradstreet, bringing a disciplined, systems-oriented approach to flight operations and training.

Over the past five years, Jason has transitioned into advanced aircraft instruction, specializing in technically sophisticated platforms including the Piper M-Series and the TBM line. In July 2023, he moved into full-time corporate aviation with NetJets, flying the Cessna Citation Latitude.

With over 4,800 total flight hours—including 1,200 hours in turboprops, 900 hours in turbojets, and more than 2,000 hours of dual instruction given—Jason brings depth of experience across piston, high-performance single-engine turboprop, and jet aircraft. He was recently selected as a TBMOPA TAAP instructor, reflecting his commitment to safety, technical proficiency, and scenario-based training tailored to owner-operators.

When he’s not in a turbine cockpit, Jason owns and flies a 1947 Luscombe 8E, keeping his stick-and-rudder skills sharp and staying connected to the pure fundamentals of flying.

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John Eshbaugh-Epic Aircraft EFTI, TBM Instructor,
Meridian Instructor, CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot) Columbia Instructor

John grew up in Northern New Jersey under Newark’s airspace and developed a passion for aviation at age 12, inspired after his first flight in a Cessna 150 at with his father.

Influenced heavily by his first flight instructor and some great PPL flight instruction in the late 80s, he began a successful 37-year career journey running several national training companies, teaching and designing a vast array of leadership skills, technical certifications, and building large scale training programs.

After a long break from flying, came back to aviation in 2019, and earned his IFR Rating, Commercial Certificate, CFI, and CFII while continuing to work full time.

Today, John has built a new career as a Professional Pilot, flying and teaching as an Epic Factory Trained Instructor (EFTI), a TBM Mentor, a Cirrus CSIP, and working as a flight instructor with the Texas Top Team.

He provides advanced flight instruction and mentorship for new owners and pilots operating the Epic E1000 AX and GX, TBM 700/850/900 series, and Piper Meridian M500/M600 turboprop aircraft. John also enjoys teaching in the Cirrus SR series, and Columbia piston-powered aircraft.

In the cockpit, John draws on his extensive teaching experience by emphasizing sound aeronautical decision-making, avionics and systems mastery, building real-world operational experience and using scenario-based training. All of this with a strong teaching philosophy based on FUN, safety, proficiency, and confidence in flying.

John lives in Kyle, Texas with his wife Debbie. When he is not in the air flying, he enjoys vinyl record collecting and the world of high-fidelity audio. He also enjoys keeping up with the latest trends in aviation and modern technology.

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Ron Blevins — Piper PA46 Instructor

Ron Blevins is an educator at heart. He holds a doctorate in piano performance, along with multiple minors, and teaching has always been his passion. With a father who was an aircraft owner, flying was in Ron’s blood from an early age. He has been instructing for more than 25 years and has given over 3,000 hours of dual instruction.

Ron is a mountain specialist who has flown into nearly every airport in the Rockies. Much of that expertise grew out of his work as a glider instructor—he is a Stemme-trained glider pilot with self-launch endorsements in that motorglider. Ron has been privileged to work with Texas Top Aviation since 2024.

As a corporate pilot operating PA-46 aircraft, Ron has extensive experience in that airframe and is a PA46 Master Aviator. He also brings deep instructional experience across nearly all makes of Cessna, Piper, Mooney, and Beechcraft aircraft.

When he isn’t flying, Ron is a home builder in the Abilene, Texas, area. He and his wife, Cindy, run a nonprofit ministry called Course For Life, focused on youth discipleship curriculum and Christian leadership development for teenagers. His students always get to hear one memorable story: Ron once experienced a genuine engine failure at 20,000 feet in a PA46-310P Malibu that required a real-life power-off landing. He considers it a high honor and privilege to be a career flight instructor.

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Pedro Vargas-Lebron — CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot)

Pedro’s love of flying started as a kid living on an Air Force base. This passion grew as he got older and started flying the summer between his junior and senior years in high school, then grew even more when he enlisted in the Arizona Army National Guard as an AH-64 Helicopter Avionics & Electrical Repairer. Shortly after enlisting, he applied for the Army National Guard Warrant Officer Program to learn to fly the UH-60 Blackhawk.

After graduating in 2007, Pedro spent the next year supporting the US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on the United States border during Operation Jump Start, flying UH-60 Blackhawks. In 2008, Pedro was accepted to attend the Army’s fixed-wing multi-engine course, where he became an Army King Air 200 (C-12) pilot. A month after graduating, he was deployed to Iraq for six months in support of Joint Special Operations Command, flying intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance missions.

After returning from Iraq, Pedro and his family moved to Texas after he accepted a job as a UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter pilot with the Texas Army National Guard. Shortly after, Pedro attended the Army helicopter Instructor Pilot course as well as the Army’s Instrument Examiner Course. This started his love for flight instruction, in which he has over 1,500 hours instructing.

With multiple deployments over a 10-year period with a Blackhawk MEDEVAC unit, Pedro moved back to flying the King Air again with the Army. In 2019, Pedro graduated the Army’s Multi-Engine Instructor Pilot’s course and currently serves with the Texas Army National Guard as a King Air 200 instructor, while achieving the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 4. With over 4,600 hours of flight time between helicopters and airplanes, as well as 18 years in military service, Pedro’s vast experience provides a unique perspective when instructing.

Pedro’s professionalism, flight experience, and 15-plus years of training military aviators have made him a sought-after instructor in Texas. Pedro is a MEI/CFII/CFI-A/H, as well as a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP).

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Mark Herbert — JetProp Instructor & Sales Agent

Mark Herbert has been immersed in aviation his entire life. Some of his earliest memories are of sitting on a small suitcase in the right seat next to his dad, flying in a Piper Seneca or one of several Bonanzas. With his father being a pilot, aviation quickly became a shared passion. Today, they still fly together every chance they get in their Piper JetPROP.

Mark began working on his Private Pilot Certificate while in college but didn’t complete it at the time. After earning a degree in Real Estate Finance from the University of Texas at San Antonio, he spent over a decade in the real estate finance industry. Eventually, his passion for aviation resurfaced with full force. He earned his Private Pilot License in 2021 and hasn’t looked back since.

Driven by a love for flying and helping others, Mark quickly advanced through his ratings and made aviation his full-time career. He is now a professional pilot with over 1,500 total flight hours, including nearly 400 hours of dual instruction given. He flies a Citation Sovereign professionally and maintains regular flight time in a Piper JetPROP, in which he is a certified instructor with over 400 hours in type.

In addition to flying, Mark has a strong background in sales and has joined the Texas Top Aviation team to assist with both flight training and aircraft acquisition and sales. A volunteer pilot and passionate instructor, he finds great joy in sharing aviation with others.

When he’s not in the air or working with clients, Mark enjoys spending time with his family, exploring the outdoors, cooking, and reading.

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Stephanie Mertz — Cirrus Instructor

Stephanie graduated from LeTourneau University with a degree in Aeronautical Science and her commercial single- and multi-engine ratings. She started off her career in Ontario, CA, flying a Pilatus PC-12 for charter and medical trips, where she gained valuable experience flying all over the States and Mexico. In 2013, she moved back to East Texas with her husband, where she was a contract pilot flying a variety of Citations and a Falcon 10.

A few years later, she became involved in her local Ninety-Nines chapter and joined their mentorship program. After earning her CFI, CFII, and MEI, she returned to her alma mater to teach new pilots. In 2018, she and her husband moved to Austin, and she began teaching for Texas Top Aviation. When she isn’t teaching Cirrus pilots, she has three kids that keep her from getting bored.

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Casey McKee — BPPP Bonanza Instructor & Cirrus Instructor

Casey McKee had never dreamed of being a flight instructor, let alone a pilot. In fact, she was somewhat fearful of flight, particularly small airplanes. She grew up riding horses and competing in rodeo events. She graduated from Texas Tech University in 1994, then taught in the public school system for eight years. She retired as a teacher when she began working part time for her husband’s construction company as a bookkeeper and staying home with her two children.

In 2017, Casey was given the unexpected opportunity to take flying lessons. She was hooked almost immediately and has never looked back. Soon after receiving her private pilot’s certificate, she went on to pursue her instrument rating and commercial pilot’s certificate, followed by her CFI and CFII.

Although it came to her relatively late, Casey is thrilled to have found her niche with flight instruction and with Texas Top Aviation. She has a heart for teaching and is always working to learn more and to help other pilots achieve their goals. Casey owns and flies her own Bonanza F33A. She also instructs in the Cirrus SR22 and SR22T, as well as the Cessna 172 and 182.

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Zac Armstrong — PMOPA Platinum MSIP & TBM Instructor

Zac Armstrong is a tactical law enforcement veteran of more than 20 years, with specialties in breaching and all facets of tactical operations. He has received training and operated on the federal, state, and local levels with agencies like the US Department of Justice in all facets of law enforcement.

Aviation has always been his passion, and over the past 20 years he has concurrently developed a successful aviation brokerage company and started a Part 135 air charter company from scratch (including overwater Class II navigation certifications) that grew to operating more than 13 turbine aircraft. He has been a Chief Pilot and a check airman in multiple airframes, has specialized in turbine and turbojet transition training with multiple type ratings held, and has enjoyed exercising his CFI/II/MEI in passing the torch to the next generation of aviators.

In October 2024, Zac was designated a PMOPA Platinum MSIP (M-Class Standardized Instructor Pilot), the Piper M-Class Owners & Pilots Association’s highest instructor rating, recognizing his depth of experience and standardized, safety-focused approach to training owner-pilots throughout the Piper M-Class line.

In what little spare time he has, he can be found working on his family’s 120-year-old farm with his wife and three boys, along with being a mission pilot for the Commemorative Air Force.

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Mauricio Urquiola — CSIP (Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot)

Mauricio Urquiola is an accomplished aviation professional and engineering leader based in Austin, Texas, with a unique career spanning both military aviation and the technology sector. A former U.S. Air Force pilot, Mauricio began his aviation journey through the Specialized Undergraduate Pilot Training (SUPT) program at Laughlin Air Force Base, where he developed a strong foundation in flight operations, discipline, and safety.

After his military service, Mauricio transitioned into the technology industry, where he built a successful career and rose to a senior engineering management role. During this time, he earned a Master of Science in Engineering Management from The University of Texas at Austin, further strengthening his leadership, analytical, and organizational capabilities.

Driven by a passion for aviation, Mauricio returned to professional flying, combining his operational expertise with his leadership experience from the tech sector. He currently serves as a Chief Flight Instructor at AeroPro Flight Academy and as a contract pilot at AeroPro Services. In these roles, he is known for his safety-first mindset, instructional excellence, and ability to mentor pilots at all stages of their training.

Mauricio holds FAA Commercial Pilot and Certified Flight Instructor certifications, including instrument ratings, and is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP). He has accumulated over 2,400 flight hours, with extensive CFI experience across a variety of aircraft, including Cirrus SR-series platforms.

In addition to his professional work, Mauricio is an active volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol, where he serves as a Mission Pilot, Check Pilot, and Flight Instructor, contributing to community service and pilot development initiatives.

Across both aviation and engineering leadership, Mauricio brings a rare combination of technical expertise, operational discipline, adaptability, and a commitment to safety and excellence.

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“The most important aspect of the service [Hank] provides is good communication. [Hank] did an excellent job of constantly communicating with me. Even when there was no real news to share, [he’d] still call periodically just to let me know what [he was] doing to gain exposure and who [he] had talked to along the way. I can’t tell you how much [his] good communication meant to me. That is the key element of good customer service, and [he] really [is] a great communicator.” Randy VanStory, Lancair Super ES Sale, New Braunfels, TX

“I met Hank early 2015 on a recommendation from an ex-Cirrus factory pilot. I was a highly corroded, rusty pilot looking for transition training to an SR20. Hank is a very good and patient teacher who adapted to my style of learning. Fast forward, Hank is now my instrument instructor. His company, Texas Top Aviation LLC, works around my schedule and constantly adjusts to my learning stages and needs. Last, Hank and his associates are just plain fun to be around!” Stephen Pargeter, Cirrus SR20 Transition & Instrument Training, San Antonio, TX

“Hank was recommended to me by a student of his to help me buy an airplane. I had recently received my private pilot license and was planning not only to purchase my own aircraft but also to move into instrument training using my own plane. I can say without any reservation that the entire process of researching, deciding, shopping, negotiating, and buying the plane was an enjoyable experience thanks to Hank. He is very skilled and has incredible experience and knowledge regarding many airplanes. He knows the industry and the marketplace. I have a lot of personal experience in buying and selling cars, boats, motorcycles, and real estate, but I can say without question that I would not have been able to navigate the aircraft purchase process on my own.” Kevin Browne, Diamond DA40 Acquisition, San Antonio, TX

“I engaged Hank for my PA-46 transition training. I was coming from a Bonanza and had very limited experience with Pipers. Hank made the transition very enjoyable. His knowledge, training approach, and overall demeanor is fantastic. I would highly recommend Hank for those looking for any type of advanced training.” John Ordway, Piper PA46-310P Initial Training, Philadelphia, PA

“Hank was recommended to me for Cirrus transition training by the Cirrus fleet manager at Lift Aviation. As a private pilot who had recently completed instrument training in a six-pack 172, Hank also had the job of transitioning my skills and workflows to the advanced avionics and powerful engine of the SR22T G5. He is a very structured, methodical instructor who communicates very well. I always knew what to expect and what to prepare for. His instruction is clear and focused, and both the pre-flight and post-flight briefings ensure progress and understanding. On top of that, he is a friendly and easy-going pilot who makes the process comfortable and enjoyable!” Krista Miller, Cirrus SR22T G5 Initial Training, Austin, TX

“My son and I recently had the joy and pleasure to engage the professional services of Hank Gibson to educate, train, and impart specifics relative to our recent purchase of a 2011 PA46. We connected immediately with Hank, as he genuinely cares about you, your safety, proficiency, and even your family—it wasn’t all business. His mutual desire to provide a well-structured, understandable, user-friendly experience tailored to our backgrounds, flight experience, and learning style made this experience enjoyable. Stepping into glass with the G1000, I anticipated a challenge for this old steam-gauge Bonanza pilot. However, Hank provided excellent ground and flight instruction that allowed us both to grasp the curriculum, POH, technology, and rigorous flight training segments. He was kind in his correction of bad habits and encouraging when competencies were met. I look forward to many more hours of learning, growing, sharing life, and our passion of flying. We would recommend Hank to anyone for their transition training, continuation of their IFR professional development, or safe flight operations. Onward and upward!” Rick Edwards, Piper PA46-350P Initial Training, Horseshoe Bay, TX

“Hank Gibson of Texas Top Aviation was recommended to me for initial training by the previous owner of the Piper Malibu Mirage that I recently purchased. Hank was approved with my insurance carrier and was easy to work with. Hank’s knowledge of the PA-46 is incredible, and his teaching method is precise and friendly. In just four days, Hank was able to get me flying my new plane with confidence and with the training I needed to step up into pressurized flight. I would highly recommend Hank for initial training and will continue to use him for my annual recurrent training.” LSS, Piper PA46-350P Initial Training, San Antonio, TX

“Hank [was] professional, thorough, prepared, and well versed in all airframe, engine, and avionics systems and operations….[He] integrated all of [the systems and operations] into piloting and maintaining the aircraft. I was impressed and grateful because achieving competency and excellence are essential to safety….[These] are clearly [his] objectives. I’ve flown with many instructors, and [Hank] is the top tier.” Kent Chambers, Columbia 400 Initial Training, Austin, TX

“I have done at least twenty PA46 recurrent training sessions over the years and am familiar with what we PA46 pilots must do to remain current and safe. This year I did my recurrent training with Hank Gibson, whom I can recommend highly. Hank has a complete syllabus and a good training plan. We refreshed many normal and emergency scenarios, including some in actual instrument weather, turbulence, and rain. It was work, but also a lot of fun, and definitely worth it.” G1000 Piper Meridian Owner, Piper Meridian Recurrent Training

“I recently had the chance to work with Hank Gibson and his company, Texas Top Aviation, when I sold my aircraft. Right from our first chat, Hank showed genuine professionalism. Selling a plane can be complicated and time consuming, but Hank made everything easy and straightforward. He took care of all the research and kept me in the loop every step of the way.
What really made Hank stand out was how he handled absolutely every part of the sale—from inspections and paperwork to negotiations—so I didn’t have to worry about a thing. In fact, I was able to sell my plane without ever needing to be there in person. Hank made sure the plane was clean and ready to go, the logbooks were in order, and he even learned to fly the plane to handle test flights, take the plane to marketing events, and relocate it for the seller’s inspection.
Thanks to Hank’s diligent efforts, the sale was completed efficiently and at a price that met my expectations. I am extremely satisfied with the outcome and would not hesitate to work with him again. I wholeheartedly recommend Texas Top Aviation (Hank Gibson) to anyone seeking a trustworthy and capable aviation sales group.” Chris D., Tecnam Sale, Austin, TX