Instructor Bios
Capt. Robert Oehl • Shelly Phillips
Letter of Introduction from Capt. Robert Oehl:
I started flying 43 years ago. My background began with light general aviation aircraft and progressed through military experiences in the U. S. Air Force. I attained the rating of Boeing 727-200 Captain with Eastern Airlines. For the past 25 years I have lived in this area running the Express Air flight school, which I founded, at the Keystone Heights Airport.
Some noteworthy accomplishments along the way to the top of my profession are as follows. I have flown eight models of heavy Douglass DC-8 jet airliners in Africa, the Middle East, South Pacific and Indian Oceans, Australia, Polar routes and in to Russia when the other “not so friendly” were in control. I also did flight test and ferry work on Boeing 727-100/200 and 737-100/200 and DC-8 jet airliners. I was formerly on contract as chief test pilot to Skytruck Aircraft for their prototype design predator-1 airplane, a new design of “Bush” aircraft.
I have flown as an air search and rescue pilot, a bush pilot, corporate pilot and experimental test pilot. As a pilot, I have worked for the States of Oregon and California Forestry services, Bureau of Land Management, Department of the Interior and the Red Cross. I served as a pilot for several Sheriffs offices and ran the air ambulance “Life Flight” program as the fixed wing Chief Pilot for Shands Hospital. I started my own charter airline and I am the founder of the successful Civil Air Patrol “youth soaring project” also based at Keystone Heights Airport. I assisted in the development of airports and fly in communities, and am a licensed realtor.
For six years I was in charge of a college aeronautics course at the prestigious Gavilan College and hold a California State teacher’s credential for Aeronautics and Aerodynamics. For ten years, Santa Fe Community College has employed me to teach their aviation ground school course in Gainesville, FL. I was appointed by the FAA as the North Florida Aviation Safety Counselor and frequently speak in safety seminars. Twin Commander Aircraft Corporation has recognized my professional experience by asking me to be a keynote speaker at their 1996, 1997 and 1998 international conventions. I have been a member of the Experimental Aircraft Association since the early 1970’s (#101340). I am a flight advisor and instructor for primary, tail wheel, land, single and multi engine seaplanes and high performance aircraft. I am working with Aviation Mentors, Inc. to help new jet pilots gain experience in the high altitude flight environment. I own two Cessna 150 airplanes and have owned several other airplanes including a Schweizer 2-22E Glider. My company owns or leases five aircraft. I currently fly a WW-II North American B-25 Mitchell bomber on national tour with the Collings Foundation. I am co-founder and Executive Director of the Wings of Dreams warbird restoration center and aviation museum.
I have more than 22,200 hours of flight time in over 200 models of airplanes, gliders, seaplanes, helicopters and jets so whatever your goal is in aviation, I can help you achieve your dream!
-Capt. Robert Oehl
Capt. Bob Oehl, owner of Express Air is proud to introduce his new airplane flight instructor Shelley Phillips! Shelley has 27 years experience as a pilot.
Shelley grew up in Hollywood, Florida. As a child, she loved to go flying with her father in light general aviation aircraft.
Shelley attended two years of college at Georgia, College in Milledgeville, Georgia and graduated from the University of Colorado in 1979. Shelley began flying in 1981 and earned her private pilot certificate in 1983. In 1989, Shelley and her husband Mike moved to Melrose and opened the Melrose Barber Shop. She received a Masters Degree in Education from the University of Florida in 1994 and taught public school for 5 years in Keystone Heights, Fl. For the past 8 years, she has worked for Gainesville Regional Utilities in Gainesville, Florida. In August 2006, she earned her instrument rating followed by a commercial rating in December 2007. On July 28, 2008, she became a certified flight instructor and is instructing part time for Bob Oehl of Express Air at Keystone Airpark. Call to schedule a flight with Shelley this weekend! 352-219-2285.