Our Team

Moe Tarakji and Sam Tarakji prepare to take the Pitt's Bi-Plane out for an aerobatic flight.

History of The Flight Academy

Turning Dreams Into Reality

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.
 
Pitts Bi-Plane flown by Chief Instructor Moe Tarakji buzzes through the hills outside of Los Angeles.
Chief Instructor Moe Tarakji goes inverted in the Pitts Bi-Plane over the California landscape
The Flight Academy's Bi-Plane coming in fast at Van Nuys Airport.

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.

The Flight Academy Staff

Meet OUR TEAM

Moe Tarakji

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.

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Sam Tarakji

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

Nirvan Raymond

Meet Nirvan

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

Zaven Pehlevanian

Meet Zeyad

Zaven’s journey in aviation began at the age of 18 when he started out as an airplane mechanic. Driven by a passion for learning and exploring new challenges, he later pursued a law degree and launched his own successful law firm. Yet the call of aviation remained strong, and in 2023, Zaven decided to return to his first love by earning his Private Pilot License. As if flying wasn’t enough, Zaven also missed turning wrenches and keeping aircraft in top shape. When the opportunity arose, he stepped back into the maintenance world—this time as Lead Maintenance for our flight academy, taking over after Sam moved on to an airline pilot career. Zaven’s story is a testament to following your passions and never limiting yourself to just one path. We’re thrilled to have his skill, determination, and incredible spirit back in our hangars—and we know he’ll inspire countless others to chase their dreams both in and out of the cockpit.

Zeyad Elalem

Zeyad Elalem

Meet Zeyad

Zeyad has dedicated his entire aviation career to helping aspiring pilots make their dreams come true. With a clear vision for shaping the future of aviation, he’s committed to guiding students from their very first flight lesson all the way to the cockpit of a professional aircraft. His passion for teaching, coupled with his unwavering belief in each student’s potential, has seen countless graduates soar into successful aviation careers. Whether he’s coaching someone through takeoff for the first time or providing mentorship on complex maneuvers, Zeyad’s motivation is fueled by watching his students grow into confident, skilled pilots. His energy, dedication, and unwavering support create an atmosphere of excellence and encouragement—one that consistently turns dreamers into some of the best pilots in the industry.

Nathan Wiseman

Nathan Wiseman

Meet Nate

Nate’s aviation story began with a simple dream—earning his Private Pilot License. Once he took that first step, he immersed himself fully in the world of flight, transforming his passion into a dynamic career. As an aircraft salesman, Nate helps aspiring pilots and enthusiasts find their perfect match in the skies. But his dedication doesn’t stop there—he’s also a flight instructor at our academy, guiding the next generation of aviators with patience, expertise, and a contagious enthusiasm for all things aviation. Nate’s journey exemplifies how following one’s passion can open doors to limitless possibilities. Whether he’s helping a client purchase an aircraft or mentoring a new student, Nate’s commitment to inspiring others to reach new heights remains unwavering. We’re proud to have him on our team—and we know his story will motivate everyone who crosses his path to keep reaching for the sky.