Premier's Flight Instructors

Michael Berlin
Chief Pilot, Commercial Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, SUAS

Mike@PremierFlightCT.com

Mike is our Chief Pilot/Flight Instructor. He started flying in 1978 eventually earning his Private, Instrument, Commercial, Single and Multi-engine pilot certificates and ratings. He became an instructor in 1995 and an FAA Safety Counselor in 1997. In 1999 Mike was awarded the FAA’s coveted "Gold Seal Instructor" status. Shortly after, he earned the first of his 5 National Association of Flight Instructors "Master CFI" designations and became a “Master CFI Emeritus” in 2009.

In 2006 Mike was selected as the FAA Windsor Locks District and Eastern Region’s "CFI of the Year". In 2025, he was selected as an AOPA “Distinguished CFI”. With thousands of "Instructor" hours logged, he has also served as a Check Pilot/Instructor for the Civil Air Patrol and has been an aircraft owner.

Mike holds a Master of Science in Education degree from Eastern Connecticut State University where he was also employed as an Engineer for the Information Technology Services Department until his retirement. He has published several articles for AOPA Flight Training and NAFI Mentor Magazines. His General Aviation/Ham Radio website can be found at Mike's Website.

John Lampson
Commercial Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, ASES, ATP

John@PremierFlightCT.com

In 1994, well into the pursuit of a career as a guitar player/songwriter John discovered another passion on par with music, aviation! He earned his commercial, multiengine, and instrument certificates and ratings, in addition to advanced ground instructor rating and flight instructor certificate. John is also rated in single engine sea planes!

John earned flight experience working as a jump pilot for Connecticut Parachutists and Boston-Providence Skydiving, and he flew aerial photography missions throughout the northeast. In 2001 John was recognized by the FAA as a “Gold Seal” Flight Instructor.

John established himself as a factory-authorized instructor and demo-pilot for Flight Design USA during the emergence of light sport aircraft and the sport pilot certificate. He continues to fly for the leader in the LSA industry.

John has accumulated more than 9,000 flight hours, nearly 8,000 logged as a flight instructor. At Premier Flight Center, he has found a place to share his passion for flight, while he continues to perform with the rock cover-band, LA's Backstage Pass.

Dan Berk
Commerical Pilot, CFI, ME

Dan@PremierFlightCT.com

From a young age, Dan had always enjoyed playing flight simulator on his father's computer (also a pilot), waking up early on the weekend just to load up whatever version of flight simulator was out at the time.

Since receiving his license, Dan had flown a variety of piston aircraft; from most single engine Piper models, Cessna 172 & 182, Cirrus SR20 & SR22, and multiengine Beechcraft Baron & Duchess. He holds his CFI certificate and a Commercial Multi Engine Land currently, working on continuing and getting additional ratings and certificates.

Dan enjoys not only teaching but flying all over the Northeast. His most memorable flight was doing the commercial long cross country. It consisted of landings in 5 states from Connecticut to Ohio.

He contributes his love of aviation and his success to a few people, his father who holds his PPL, his father and mother-in-law who made it all possible and his wife and mother that have supported him along the way.

In his spare, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and 2 Miniature Schnauzers. Some of their favorite activities include hanging out on their deck while hosting friends and firing up the pizza oven or smoker, visiting the various fairs during fair season and traveling anywhere that is warm and has a beach. Our favorite destinations include Cancun, Aruba, Punta Cana, and Riviera Maya.

Jacob Singer
Commerical Pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI

Jacob@PremierFlightCT.com

Jacob comes all the way from St. Thomas in the US Virgin Islands. He took his first flight at the age of 12 years old in 2016, and has been in love with flying ever since. He soloed at the age of 16, and obtained his private pilot certificate at the age of 17.

He went on to continue his flight training stateside, completing the rest of his certificates throughout 2023 at 18 years old. He's since settled down in Hartford to be close to family and friends while continuing to work his dream job and share his passion with others.

While not flying, Jacob is an amateur photographer and loves to take photos of the beautiful landscapes of the Caribbean with his father, or recently the stunning New England scenery. Jacob also has an extensive aviation photography portfolio.

Rawad Al-hawari
Commerical Pilot, CFI

Rawad@PremierFlightCT.com

My name is Rawad Alhawari, and I am an aviation professional with a deep-rooted passion for flight. Originally from Connecticut, my aviation journey began in 2017 with the Civil Air Patrol, where I quickly developed a profound love for aviation, inspired in part by flying with my mother overseas.

Watching aircraft take to the skies sparked a fascination that has only grown stronger over the years. My commitment to excellence in aviation is reflected in the progress I’ve made throughout my career, earning my Instrument rating in 2022, Commercial Pilot Certificate in 2023, and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certification in 2024. These accomplishments underscore my dedication to continuous learning and development, both as a pilot and as an instructor.

Aviation has been a part of my life from a very young age. I was captivated by air safety and aviation technology at just eight years old when I began watching Air Crash Investigations. By age 10, I was already fully immersed in flight simulators, constantly refining my skills and expanding my knowledge. This early exposure instilled in me a lifelong passion for flying — a passion that drives me to stay connected to aviation both in the air and on the simulator. As a Certified Flight Instructor, I aim to instill the same sense of passion and dedication in my students.

Beyond teaching the technical aspects of flying, my goal is to emphasize the core values of aviation: safety, professionalism, and discipline. I strive to not only prepare students for their flight tests but also to cultivate a mindset of excellence and responsibility, empowering them to become not only skilled pilots but also confident and safety-conscious aviators

Adrian Uzar
Commerical Pilot, CFI

Adrian@PremierFlightCT.com

Bio Coming Soon

Matt Maculoso
Commerical Pilot, CFI, ME, CFII

Matt@PremierFlightCT.com

Matt became interested in aviation from a young age. He began flying when he was 14 and soloed 6 months after he got his driver's license. He was a cadet in the Civil Air Pateol and one of only two in his squadron of 50 who took flight lessons. Matt was the only teenager in the entire state of Connecticut qualified to operate a flight line for the Civil Air Patrol.

He enjoys teaching his students to fly and experiencing the thrill of flight. He has been a flight instructor since 2019. He focuses on safety and fun! Matt is also a History and Social Studies teacher who has authored Pull Your Head Out Of Your Assumptions - What Teachers Know About Teaching and published the artcile What Is The Core Essence Of Teaching for Manhanttanville University's alumni magazine.

In his spare time he enjoys traveling, cooking and the outdoors.