Meet the Team
Volare was built with intention. Not to be the biggest flight school—but to be the one people trust. Our team is made up of instructors and aviation professionals who believe flight training should be personal, consistent, and held to a higher standard. Experience matters, but so does how that experience is passed on.
Every person here plays a role in creating an environment where students feel supported, challenged, and confident in their progress. We communicate clearly, train with purpose, and take the responsibility of teaching pilots seriously. From your first conversation to your final checkride, you’ll work with people who respect your goals, your time, and the craft of flying.
If you’re looking for a place where training feels focused, professional, and genuinely invested in your success—this is it.
The team behind Volare Aviation
Karl Knipp
FounderVolare Aviation was founded by Karl Knipp with a clear vision: to build a flight school rooted in discipline, consistency, and respect for the craft of flying. Karl brings a balance of big-picture thinking and hands-on operational experience, shaping a training environment where standards matter and safety is never compromised.
Before entering aviation, Karl spent years as a critical care flight paramedic working in the Part 135 environment. In that role, he witnessed firsthand the complexity and risk inherent in professional aviation and learned how critical pilot skill, judgment, and training are—not only for patient outcomes, but for crew safety and the families who depend on them.
Those experiences became the foundation for Karl’s path into aviation. What began as respect for the profession grew into a deep passion for flying, safety, and training done the right way. Volare Aviation was built from that perspective, with the goal of developing pilots who are not only technically proficient, but disciplined, thoughtful, and prepared for real-world flying.
This journey is only the beginning. Volare Aviation exists to set a higher standard in flight training—and to build something lasting for the pilots who train here and the aviation community it serves.
CFI, CFIIMiguel Muniz
Miguel brings experience from both large national flight schools and local training operations, giving him a clear, well-rounded perspective on what truly works in flight training. He understands the questions and concerns students have when starting out and helps cut through the noise with clear guidance and realistic expectations.
Focused, approachable, and results-driven, Miguel plays an important role in helping students understand their options and choose the right path forward. He values honest communication and strong relationships, making sure every student feels informed, supported, and confident as they begin or continue their training journey.
CFI, CFIIBrandon LaForge
Brandon LaForge is a CFI/CFII with over 900 hours of instructional experience, teaching students at every stage—from those pursuing aviation as a career to pilots flying purely for the love of it. His instruction is rooted in safety, strong fundamentals, and understanding the why behind each decision, helping students develop confidence, good judgment, and sound aeronautical decision-making.
Brandon is known for being approachable, easy to talk to, and genuinely invested in his students’ success. He creates a positive, supportive learning environment where questions are encouraged and progress is intentional. Outside of flying, he enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching soccer (a devoted Manchester United fan), and unwinding with video games—bringing a relatable, down-to-earth energy to every lesson.