Ruth Z Phillips West - Certified Flight Instructor - Epic Flight Academy

Overview

3

years of professional experience

1

Certification

Work History

Certified Flight Instructor

Epic Flight Academy

New Smyrna Beach, FL

11.2022 - Current

• Applied human factors principles, including workload management and situational awareness, to design and implement student-centered flight training programs, and FAA Checkride endorsements.

• Evaluated and optimized standard operating procedures (SOPs) for flight instruction, emphasizing human-centered design to reduce errors, manage pilot workload, and enhance operational safety in single- and multi-engine aircraft.

• Analyzed aviation safety data and human performance trends during training sessions to identify patterns, recommend mitigations, and improve resilience in high-stress scenarios, aligning with FARs and best practices in aviation human factors.

• Collaborated with students, FAA representatives, and academy staff to integrate human systems integration (HSI) concepts into training, fostering decision-making, risk management, and performance-oriented outcomes.

• Conducted flight training evaluations focusing on aviation human performance optimization, procedural standardization, and operational awareness, adapting to dynamic environments to ensure compliance and safety.

• Managed multiple priorities in a fast-paced instructional setting, demonstrating strong organizational skills and the ability to respond proactively to emerging human factors issues.

Adapted instruction for individual differences, abilities, and interests, emphasizing situational awareness, workload management, and procedural standardization in single-engine aircraft.

Education

Master of Science - Human Factors in Aeronautics

Florida Institute of Technology

Melbourne, FL

05-2024

Bachelor of Science - Aeronautics

Liberty University

Lynchburg, VA

12.2021

Skills

Aviation Instruction: Ground and Flight Training, Curriculum Delivery, Student-Centered Learning, Biblical Worldview Integration
Data Analysis: Safety Trends, Risk Management, Performance Evaluation
Human Factors Analysis: Aviation Human Factors, Human Performance Optimization, Workload Management, HSI Principle
Regulatory Knowledge: FARs, Aviation Safety Standards, Procedural Standardization

Technical Tools: Microsoft Office Suite (Teams, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, Excel), Flight Simulation Software
Data Analysis: Safety Data Trends, Risk Management, Mitigation Recommendations
Soft Skills: Verbal/Written Communication, Collaboration with Stakeholders (Pilots, Regulators), Adaptability in Dynamic Environments, Decision-Making
Other: Airmanship, Situational Awareness, Flight Training Evaluation, Performance-Oriented Instruction

Objective

Conscientious aviation educator with a Master’s in Human Factors in Aeronautics and over 3 years of experience as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instrument Instructor (CFII). Proven expertise in delivering student-centered flight and ground instruction, integrating human factors principles, aviation safety, and regulatory compliance into curricula. Committed to Liberty University’s mission of Training Champions for Christ by fostering spiritual formation within a biblically informed Christian worldview. Skilled in aviation learning environments, including learning management systems like Canvas, to engage students, and promote active learning. Eager to contribute as an Online Adjunct in the School of Aeronautics, teaching across programs while emphasizing aeronautics from a biblical perspective.

FAA Certified Licenses

Certified Flight Instrument Instructor Single-Engine Land (04/2025)
Certified Flight Instructor, Single-Engine Land (10/2022)
Commercial Pilot License, Single-Engine Land (03/2018)
Commercial Pilot License, Multi-Engine Land (12/2016)

Certification

Flight Time

Total Flight Time: 1200+ hours
Total PIC Time: 1100+ hours
Total Flight Instruction Time: 1000+ hours
Multi-Engine Time: 29 hours

Award

Honors Award - 2024

Outstanding Student of the Year, School of Aeronautics Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida.

Honors Award - 2024

Cum Laude

Florida Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Florida

Honors Award - 2021

Summa Cum Laude

Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia

Timeline