Our Team
Our Story
In the vast expanse of the world, there existed a small but tenacious dream that refused to be silenced. It belonged to two brave souls who dared to challenge the limitations imposed upon them by circumstance and geography. This is the awe-inspiring tale of two brothers, Sam and Moe, who embarked on an extraordinary journey from the confined borders of Lebanon to the vast possibilities that awaited them in the United States.
Born into a world where dreams seemed elusive and their potential confined, Sam and Moe faced constant reminders that success was an impossible feat. Their homeland, a third-world country nestled between Israel, Syria, and the majestic Mediterranean, offered them limited horizons to explore and dreams to chase. However, destiny had a different plan in store for them.
The sudden loss of their beloved father in 2011 became the catalyst that propelled Sam and Moe toward a life of boundless opportunities. Driven by a shared passion for flight and aviation, they made a courageous decision to leave behind the familiar shores of Lebanon and set sail towards the United States, where dreams had the power to become reality.
Their arrival in this new land was not greeted with open arms and encouragement. Instead, they encountered a chorus of doubters and naysayers, voices filled with skepticism and negativity. Yet, amidst the clamor of disbelief, the brothers remained resolute, their hearts aflame with determination.
Undeterred by the odds stacked against them, they persevered. With unwavering dedication, they continued to pursue their love for flight and aviation, knowing that their dreams were not bound by the limitations others imposed upon them. Each day, they toiled tirelessly, honing their skills and expanding their knowledge.
Time pressed on, and almost a decade later, a magnificent transformation had taken place. Sam and Moe, now owners of one of Southern California’s most esteemed flight schools, had defied all expectations. Their journey from being young immigrants to the leaders of a thriving aviation community was nothing short of awe-inspiring.
Today, their flight school stands tall, boasting an impressive fleet of seven airplanes. They have become master craftsmen, skilled in the art of rebuilding aircraft engines and restoring antique airplanes to their former glory. Their unwavering commitment to excellence has earned them the trust of numerous pilots, as they diligently maintain and care for dozens of airplanes at the renowned Van Nuys Airport.
Their story is not merely one of triumph over adversity; it is a testament to the power of dreams and the indomitable spirit of two brothers who refused to be shackled by limitations. Sam and Moe serve as beacons of hope and inspiration, showing the world that with perseverance, passion, and an unwavering belief in oneself, the human spirit can soar to unimaginable heights.
Their journey, once fraught with doubts and hardships, has transformed into an awe-inspiring tale of resilience, courage, and triumph. Sam and Moe remind us all that within each of us lies the power to defy the odds and make our dreams take flight, no matter where we come from or what challenges we face.
Our team members
Moe Tarakji
Founder & Chief Flight Instructor
From a young age, I’ve been an avgeek at heart, fascinated by the wonders of flight. Whether I’m guiding a student through their first takeoff or pushing the limits in aerobatic maneuvers in our Pitts Special, the thrill of being in the air never ceases to amaze me. The sky is my true home, and I feel most alive when I’m soaring above the clouds. Beyond teaching, I’m an avid scuba dive master, base jumper, skydiver, paraglider pilot, and speedflyer. These adrenaline-fueled activities provide me with a unique perspective and enhance my understanding of flight dynamics. They also fuel my desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. At my flight school, located in the vibrant Van Nuys Airport, I aim to create an environment where aspiring aviators can flourish. I believe in fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, where kindness, love, and enthusiasm abound. Through my teachings, I not only impart technical skills but also instill confidence and ignite the spark of ambition in my students. Perfection is a guiding principle for me, especially when it comes to the meticulous maintenance of our aircraft. I hold myself to the highest standards because safety and excellence go hand in hand. Whether it’s aerobatics or regular flight training, you can trust that our equipment is always in optimal condition. I invite you to join me on this exhilarating journey through the skies. Together, we can unlock your potential, overcome challenges, and make your aviation dreams take flight. Let’s embark on an extraordinary adventure and discover the boundless horizons awaiting us among the clouds.
Sam Tarakji
Co-Founder & Lead Mechanic
Sam is the true definition of an aviation all-rounder—and one of our proud co-founders. Along with holding a Master’s in Finance, he’s also an airplane mechanic, a certified flight instructor, and an airline pilot for SkyWest, where he flies the Embraer 175 across the country. When he’s not in the cockpit or guiding aspiring pilots, you’ll find Sam restoring antique airplanes to ensure these classics continue to grace the skies. His passion, expertise, and tireless dedication make him an invaluable part of our team—and an inspiration to everyone who dreams of taking flight.
Nirvan Raymond
CFI Assistant Chief Instructor
Meet Nirvan, one of our most inspiring success stories! He began his aviation journey with us just two years ago, and at 19, he’s already earned his Flight Instructor License—now guiding the next generation of pilots here at our academy. Nirvan’s passion, dedication, and warm spirit have truly made him part of our family, and we couldn’t be prouder of his journey from student to instructor. We can’t wait to see how he continues to soar!
Zaven Pehlevanian
A & P Director of Maintenance
Laurien Decibel
CFII
Moe Tarakji
Founder & Chief Flight Instructor
From a young age, I’ve been an avgeek at heart, fascinated by the wonders of flight. Whether I’m guiding a student through their first takeoff or pushing the limits in aerobatic maneuvers in our Pitts Special, the thrill of being in the air never ceases to amaze me. The sky is my true home, and I feel most alive when I’m soaring above the clouds. Beyond teaching, I’m an avid scuba dive master, base jumper, skydiver, paraglider pilot, and speedflyer. These adrenaline-fueled activities provide me with a unique perspective and enhance my understanding of flight dynamics. They also fuel my desire to inspire others to pursue their dreams fearlessly. At my flight school, located in the vibrant Van Nuys Airport, I aim to create an environment where aspiring aviators can flourish. I believe in fostering a positive and supportive atmosphere, where kindness, love, and enthusiasm abound. Through my teachings, I not only impart technical skills but also instill confidence and ignite the spark of ambition in my students. Perfection is a guiding principle for me, especially when it comes to the meticulous maintenance of our aircraft. I hold myself to the highest standards because safety and excellence go hand in hand. Whether it’s aerobatics or regular flight training, you can trust that our equipment is always in optimal condition. I invite you to join me on this exhilarating journey through the skies. Together, we can unlock your potential, overcome challenges, and make your aviation dreams take flight. Let’s embark on an extraordinary adventure and discover the boundless horizons awaiting us among the clouds.
Sam Tarakji
Co-Founder & Lead Mechanic
Nirvan Raymond
CFI Assistant Chief Instructor
Zaven Pehlevanian
A & P Director of Maintenance
Zeyad Elalem
CFI
Nathan Wiseman
CFI