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Welcome to
NW Wings
Founded by pilot, instructor, and aviation entrepreneur Elad Segal, NW Wings Aviation was created to deliver high-quality flight training and aviation services with a personal touch.
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After years of experience in the aviation industry, Elad saw the need for a company that puts pilots first — offering hands-on instruction, real-world mentorship, and professional aviation support. Today, NW Wings Aviation serves both aspiring pilots and licensed aviators with a full range of training programs and aviation solutions.
Flight Training
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NW Wings Aviation offers Private, Instrument, and Commercial flight training with Certified Flight Instructors who bring real-world aviation experience into every lesson. Students benefit from flexible scheduling, web-based ground school, access to our premium fleet of Cessna and Diamond aircraft, and our unique Flight Mentorship Program. We also offer aviation camps and youth programs to inspire future pilots.
Aviation Services
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In addition to flight training, we provide professional aviation services including aircraft rental, sightseeing flights over the Pacific Northwest, ferry flight services nationwide, and aerial work such as photo missions and survey flights. We also offer on-demand Pilot in Command (PIC) and Second in Command (SIC) services, as well as aircraft management and consulting for private owners and operators.
Get to know our team.
Elad Segal
Founder, CEO & Chief Flight Instructor
Elad Segal is the founder and chief flight instructor of NW Wings Aviation, a full-service flight school and aviation company based at Hillsboro Airport, Oregon. With a B.A. in aviation and years of professional flying across piston aircraft, turboprops, and jets, he combines extensive classroom and cockpit teaching experience with a passion for developing the next generation of safe, skilled, and enthusiastic pilots.
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Through NW Wings Aviation, Elad and his team offer flight training, aircraft management, pilot services, ferry flights, and air tours. Built on a foundation of safety, professionalism, and innovation, the company is committed to keeping pace with rapid changes in cockpit technology while serving both aspiring pilots and aircraft owners with personalized support.
Etti Segal
Youth Program Manager
Etti brings passion, energy, and dedication to her role as Youth Program Manager. With a strong background in education and youth engagement, she creates meaningful, hands-on experiences that inspire confidence, leadership, and a sense of community.
Her approachable nature and creative mindset make her a favorite among students and parents alike. At the heart of her work is a belief that every young person has the potential to soar—and she’s here to help them do just that.
Jaxson Long
Lead Youth Instructor
Jaxson’s passion for aviation began at a young age when his father introduced him to flying. Growing up, he developed a strong interest in aircraft, engineering, and military aviation. After participating in a Pilot for a Day experience, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in aviation. As a three-sport athlete and honor roll student in high school, Jaxson developed strong leadership, teamwork, and discipline while earning his Private Pilot Certificate.
Jaxson is currently a student at Baylor University, where he participates in the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFROTC) while pursuing his dream of becoming a military pilot.As a Youth Aviation Camp Instructor at NW Wings Aviation, Jaxson enjoys sharing his passion for flying, introducing young students to aviation, and inspiring the next generation of pilots. He believes that with hard work, dedication, and the right opportunities, anything is possible.
Ava Lorenz
Lead Youth Instructor
Ava Lorenz is a third-year Aeronautical Science student at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida. She is an instrument-rated commercial pilot currently pursuing her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate.
Ava began her aviation journey with NW Wings Aviation, where she earned her Private Pilot Certificate in 2024. Since then, she has remained an active member of the NW Wings team, serving as a Youth Aviation Camp Instructor.
With a strong passion for aviation and a dedication to inspiring young minds, Ava enjoys sharing her knowledge and experiences while introducing the next generation of pilots to the exciting world of aviation.Brandon Baunach
Marketing Associate
Brandon holds bachelor's degrees in Marketing and Business Management and brings a strong blend of creative and strategic expertise to our school's marketing efforts.
He is also a CFI and is able to bring his passion for aviation into our marketing efforts.
Tracy White
Flight Instructor / Mentor Pilot
Tracy brings over 25 years of aviation experience to NW Wings. He began his career as a Naval Flight Officer in the P-3C Orion, leading aircrews in maritime patrol and reconnaissance missions.
After leaving active duty, Tracy continued serving with the Navy Reserves, and worked as a full-time flight instructor. Since then, he has flown small jets and turboprops in regional, charter, and military contract operations. Tracy served as the Chief Pilot for a corporate flight department, before moving into his current role, flying the A-320 for a major airline.
Tracy joined NW Wings to enjoy all the fun things that aren’t unique to General Aviation, and to share his passion with the next generation of aviators.Nathan Greenberg
Flight Instructor / Mentor Pilot
Nathan brings his experience as an active captain at an airline to offer a unique perspective in the cockpit.
He is dedicated to flight instruction and the progress of students as they pursue their dream to fly.
Austin Kirkegaard
Flight Instructor
Austin has been obsessed with planes and aviation since he was a little kid. He had his first flight lesson when he was 11 years old, and decided to chase his dream of being a pilot.
After getting his Pilot’s License he attended Liberty University to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation while he earned his other certificates/ratings. Austin loves sharing his passion for aviation with other people, and that’s exactly what he gets to do now.
Austin Core
Flight Instructor
Austin’s passion for aviation began at a young age, inspired by his father, who owned a small airplane and worked for a major airline in Australia. After working as an emergency room nurse, Austin moved to the United States in 2021 and pursued his dream of becoming a pilot.
While working as a travel nurse, he earned his pilot certificates and ratings before becoming a contract ferry pilot, delivering aircraft across the country and gaining valuable cross-country experience.
Now a CFI/CFII, Austin enjoys sharing his passion for aviation and helping students develop the skills and confidence to become successful pilots.Ryan Brosig
Flight Instructor
Ryan has been surrounded by aviation since he was little, with both his Dad and Grandpa being pilots. His love for aviation became a reality when he took his first discovery flight at 17, and quickly obtained his pilots license at 18. Ryan took a break from aviation to obtain his bachelor's degree, but quickly found there was nothing else in life he wanted to pursue besides flying.
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Ryan was born and raised here in Portland, and has experience instructing in the area and learning everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer. Ryan brings professionalism and fun to every flight he teaches.