Meet The Instructors
Bruce Rutter – KIMT
Bruce Rutter, an independent flight instructor at IMT, will determine the best training and aircraft pilot licensing program for you based on your goals. With more than 4,000 flight hours in 33 different aircraft, Bruce can teach you everything you need to know to safely get up in the air.
Email: kfdpiper@yahoo.com
Heidi Stoeppler – KIMT
Email: 714west@gmail.com
Irene Esquivel – KSAW
Hi everyone! I earned my Private Pilot Certificate in Marquette before heading to Los Angeles to complete the remainder of my flight training at ATP Flight School. Today, I hold Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) certificates in both Single-Engine and Multi-Engine Airplanes. As a full-time flight instructor, I enjoy helping pilots build confidence, improve their skills, and achieve their aviation goals while promoting a strong culture of safety and continuous learning.
When I’m not instructing, I also work as a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines, which allows me to experience aviation from both the flight deck and inside the cabin. In my free time, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, traveling, and spectating a good motocross race. I love sharing my passion for aviation and helping others make the most of their flying journey.
Email: cfi.irene906@gmail.com
Alex Meredith – KSAW
Alex began his aviation journey in October 2023 and fell in love with the challenge flying presented as well as the mile-high perspective it offered. He loves early morning solo flights over the shores of Lake Superior and taking trips with his family to Green Bay or Mackinac Island. He is thrilled to help give others the same opportunities!
CSEL/CFI/AGI
Email: alex@freshcoastflight.com
John Plaxco- KSAW
My name is John Plaxco and my home airport is Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport (KSAW). When I graduated high school I decided I wanted to try to make a career out of aviation, so I began my private pilot license training during the summer of 2023. Once I obtained
my PPL, I moved downstate to Traverse City where I trained for my instrument rating along with my commercial pilot license.
Thinking about what my next moves would be, I decided to make a big jump down to the Florida Keys to do my certified flight instructor training during the winter of 2026. Once done with this, I felt as though coming back to where it all began to be an instructor would be a very
surreal experience, so that’s what I did!
Now, I am a full time instructor at KSAW and have loved being back flying in the UP. I enjoy helping others who are from the same area as me to realize that a career in aviation is possible and it can all start right at your local airport!
Email: john@freshcoastflight.com
Abby Schierholz – KSAW
Abby Schierholz is a CFII located at KSAW. She has been an instructor for over 2 years and taught more than 20 people how to fly. Flight instruction and mentorship is a passion of hers and she loves to help others succeed, especially young women who desire a future in flying. She learned to fly at KSAW and has continued her journey to a career in aviation all over the Midwest and parts of Colorado.
Aside from part time instruction, Abby is a First Officer on the Phenom 300 for NetJets. When not instructing or flying at work, she is more than happy to be in a tailwheel or flying floats.
Outside of flying Abby is an avid skier, mountain biker, and adventure/outdoor enthusiast. She lives out of her truck and loves to explore. But, nothing will ever beat exploring the UP by plane!
Email: freshcoastflight@gmail.com
Joseph Masini – KCMX
Email: jemasini@gmail.com
