Jud is a 25-year Air Force veteran with over 2,000 hours in A-7s, A-37s, & F-16s and combat tours in Bosnia, Iraq, and Afghanistan. After retiring from the Air Force, he founded an AFJROTC program in 2006 at Bethel High School in Spanaway. After retiring from teaching he continued to pursue his aviation passions in flight and kit planes. He is currently building an RV-6A, flying a Piper Tomahawk and working part time at Safety In Motion. Since he was young, he wanted to be an astronaut. He attended the Air Force Academy to pursue that dream, and through his experience there, realized that being a fighter pilot was the best thing he could do (after discovering he didn't like 0 G).

Mark has over 3,600 flight hours and holds ratings of single and multi-engine airplane ATP, CFI, CFII, Remote Pilot (sUAS), and Flight Engineer Turbojet. He has flown 21 different aircraft and holds type ratings on the Boeing B-707/720 and the B-727. After graduating in 1982 with an engineering degree from Saint Martin’s College, he entered the Air Force. Upon completion of Pilot Training, he flew the KC-135Q refueling the SR-71 spy planes in the European and Pacific theaters. Later, he flew the KC-135R at Malmstrom AFB, Montana. After active duty, he joined the Washington Air National Guard flying the KC-135E while flying at American Airlines. He then transferred to the 111th ASOC, Camp Murray, becoming Director of Operations and Vice Commander.

My passion for aviation didn’t come until much later in life, but its driving factor started at a very young age. While I didn’t grow up around airplane enthusiasts, former fighter pilots, or aerodynamicists, personal growth and discovery were important components of my upbringing. A desire to learn is perhaps one of the most important skill sets that drives my growth and success as a person, a pilot, and an instructor. Growing up in a small Ohio town, there was little to do but explore the neighborhood. While that small town once seemed large, I quickly realized I had reached its borders and at 17 chose to move to the west coast. Only my 3rd time on a plane, flying into the Pacific Northwest presented a view of the world that took my breath away.

For as long as I can remember, I have been that kid that, no matter what, I would drop everything I was doing to stop and look at an airplane that was flying overhead. I lost sight of that for a while as I grew up, and ended up in the Marine Corps. As I was getting out and needing to look at what to do with my life, I remembered that kid and decided to try my hand at flying. I started out flying helicopters, but when I moved back to Washington, I decided to make the switch to fixed wing. Once I had my intro flight, I instantly knew what I wanted to do, and have been pursuing that dream ever since.

I was born and raised in Philadelphia, PA. After graduating from the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, I served in the US Air Force for over 26 years, specializing in aircraft maintenance management and life-cycle product support. After retiring in 2020, my wife of over 24 years suggested I finish getting the private pilot certificate that I had been tinkering with during my busy time on active duty. Since I’m a great husband, I listened to her, started flying, and earned my private pilot certificate in 2021. The rest, as they say, is history. I believe that many people have the aptitude to be great pilots once they commit to it. My commitment as a flight instructor is to help my clients reach their aviation goals in the safest, and most efficient manner possible. I am grateful for having partnered with Safety in Motion Flight Center, as the company’s values and commitment to clients align perfectly with my values.  I look forward to earning your trust as a flight instructor—let’s fly!

I discovered the world of aviation when I was 21 and fell in love with it immediately on my first flight, and knew I wanted to pursue it as a career from that moment on. I love the sense of freedom when flying and discovering the world from above. I hold my CFI-I and particularly love flying instruments.

I grew up in an aviation family, but my interest began with Boy Scouts. During the annual aviation day, run by Alaska Airlines, we were able to fly a 737 simulator that the pilots used for training and tour other aircraft. We also learned the basics of aviation. After the Boy Scouts, I started volunteering there. I got my private here at Safety in Motion Flight Center to see whether I wanted to make it a career or just a hobby. After completing my private, I knew I wanted to do this for the rest of my life. I decided to dive in 100 percent and get the rest of the licenses. I went to a flight school in Sacramento, CA to get it done. I wanted my first instructor position to be where I got my first license, here at Safety in Motion. My hobbies outside of flying involve tennis, gaming, and traveling.

Ever since I was little, I've been interested in flying. Through experiences while I was in the Boy Scouts and a flight to Hawaii, I knew I wanted to become a pilot. I attended Central Washington University as a student in their aviation program, ultimately working up to become a flight instructor, where I am now helping people reach their aviation dreams.

Growing up, I used to go to the regional airport and watch airplanes take off and land, I knew I wanted to fly but unfortunately couldn't afford it. So, I enlisted in the Navy and worked primarily on Destroyers throughout my 8 years of service. Working on the flight deck, I gained an interest in helicopters and decided to apply to both Navy and Army helicopter programs but was denied due to my “almost perfect vision.” So in 2021, I decided to finally pursue aviation on my own and got my Private Pilot License, and the journey has continued from there. After separating from the Navy in October of 2024 I finished up my CFI certificate and am proud to be working at Safety in Motion Flight Center where I continue to try and better myself as an aviator and as an instructor. I look forward to helping you achieve your aviation goals.