About Us/Our Team

 

About Us/Our Team

 

About Scanlon Aviation

Scanlon Aviation was founded in 2006 by Patrick Scanlon, who turned a lifelong passion for aviation into a professional flight training and maintenance organization. The company is recognized as a Platinum Cirrus Training Center, reflecting its commitment to safety, training excellence, and high standards of instruction.

Patrick began flight instructing at Gnoss Field in 2002 after a successful career in construction operations management. In 2005, he trained at the Cirrus factory in Duluth, Minnesota and became a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), later earning Platinum CSIP status. Today, he leads Scanlon Aviation as a CSIP instructor specializing in Cirrus aircraft training.

In addition to its training program, Scanlon Aviation operates a strong maintenance facility and is an Authorized Cirrus Service Center, providing factory-standard maintenance and support for Cirrus aircraft.

Based at Marin County Airport (Gnoss Field KDVO), Scanlon Aviation offers a Cirrus-focused environment combining advanced aircraft, expert instruction, and trusted maintenance.

Patrick Scanlon - Platinum CSIP

Patrick has been flying since 1983 taking lessons while working as a construction project engineer.  In 2001 with the encouragement of his wife (some would say she insisted), He pursued his lifelong desire to be a professional pilot.  

While flight instructing at the Marin County Airport he worked with the Oakland FSDO and obtained an Air Carrier Certificate and began air charter services in 2007 using a new Cirrus SR22.  Later that year a new Cirrus SR20 was added, and Scanlon Aviation was soon designated a Cirrus Training Center.  

He loves flight instruction especially when he spends time training the trainers.  He takes tremendous pride in his whole team of instructors as well as the fine team that makes up the Scanlon Aviation Cirrus Service Center that keep not only the Scanlon fleet of Cirrus airplanes in peak shape, but for owners of Cirrus airplanes from around the entire San Francisco Bay area.

Patrick Scanlon - Platinum CSIP

Patrick has been flying since 1983 taking lessons while working as a construction project engineer.  In 2001 with the encouragement of his wife (some would say she insisted), He pursued his lifelong desire to be a professional pilot.  

While flight instructing at the Marin County Airport he worked with the Oakland FSDO and obtained an Air Carrier Certificate and began air charter services in 2007 using a new Cirrus SR22.  Later that year a new Cirrus SR20 was added, and Scanlon Aviation was soon designated a Cirrus Training Center.  

He loves flight instruction especially when he spends time training the trainers.  He takes tremendous pride in his whole team of instructors as well as the fine team that makes up the Scanlon Aviation Cirrus Service Center that keep not only the Scanlon fleet of Cirrus airplanes in peak shape, but for owners of Cirrus airplanes from around the entire San Francisco Bay area.

Scanlon Aviation was founded in 2006 by Patrick Scanlon, who turned a lifelong passion for aviation into a professional flight training and maintenance organization. The company is recognized as a Platinum Cirrus Training Center, reflecting its commitment to safety, training excellence, and high standards of instruction.

Patrick began flight instructing at Gnoss Field in 2002 after a successful career in construction operations management. In 2005, he trained at the Cirrus factory in Duluth, Minnesota and became a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), later earning Platinum CSIP status. Today, he leads Scanlon Aviation as a CSIP instructor specializing in Cirrus aircraft training.

In addition to its training program, Scanlon Aviation operates a strong maintenance facility and is an Authorized Cirrus Service Center, providing factory-standard maintenance and support for Cirrus aircraft.

Based at Marin County Airport (Gnoss Field KDVO), Scanlon Aviation offers a Cirrus-focused environment combining advanced aircraft, expert instruction, and trusted maintenance.

Our Team

Robert Tarleton-Flight Instructor

Robert holds an ATP Certificate with single, multi and three jet type ratings, including the Cirrus Vision Jet – the most fun anyone can have in flight!  He is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) who has been a Flight Instructor since 1996 and flying since 1984.  (Now you know his generation.)  He has enjoyed a variety of pilot jobs but keeps coming back to teaching because he loves it—and because he likes sleeping in his own bed at night. He discovered the Cirrus Life in 2012 and has never looked back.  Robert enjoys the usual trifecta of pilot pursuits—planes, motorcycles, and scuba diving; (he’s currently riding a BMW K1600B and just got back from a trip to Albuquerque on it).  

He’s also the proud pet owner of Loki, the big white fluffy airport dog. 

Jay Jacobs-Flight Instructor

Jay has been flying since 2005, when he earned his initial pilot certificate. Over the years he’s flown all around the United States—with family, for business, and as a volunteer for Angel Flight West—logging extensive time in both the Cirrus SR20 and SR22.

He loves introducing people to aviation. Becoming a CFI is a dream he’s had for many years, and he’s grateful to have reached a stage of family and career where he can finally pursue it.

He teaches part time at Scanlon. Outside of aviation, he advises family-owned businesses—mostly in food and agriculture—on strategy, leadership development, and governance. Jay and his wife live in Mill Valley. They have two grown sons in their 20’s and as recent empty-nesters, focus much of their time trying to keep up with- and spoil their big rambunctious dog, Clifford.

Tim Greer – Flight Instructor

Tim joined Scanlon Aviation in 2019 with a commercial ticket and a CFI with an instrument add on. He currently teaches in our Cirrus aircraft, is a self- described “avid aviation enthusiast” and has logged over 1500 hours since learning to fly in 2009.

He co-owns and flies a 2003 Vans RV6-A that is based in Petaluma. He retired recently after a 30+ year career developing and delivering technology solutions within the health care field.

Tim’s the kind of guy who’s handy to have along with you in case something breaks or goes wrong since he has a “love of all things mechanical” having done a little bit of everything; carpenter, electrician, gardener and automotive technician.

Like many pilots he likes to go fast! In addition to tinkering with aircraft and aircraft avionics, he has restored antique motorcycles, has built and raced go-carts and motorcycles, and restored several old houses.

Mandy Boyd – Flight Instructor

Growing up in Iowa an aviation family, flying has always been a part of Mandy’s life. Inspired by her father, a pilot himself, she developed a lifelong passion for aviation that she now enjoys sharing with others as a flight instructor.

A Cirrus-trained pilot, she has extensive experience including mountain flying in the Tahoe region and charter operations with AirSF. She is also an Angel Flight pilot, a member of The Ninety-Nines (the international organization of women pilots), and actively supports the next generation of aviators through the Young Eagles program.

As the mother of three children, she brings patience, encouragement, and an engaging teaching style to every lesson, creating a fun, supportive environment where students can build confidence and enjoy learning to fly. When she’s not instructing, she’s often flying her family on new adventures or introducing students to the freedom of aviation. Outside the cockpit, she’s an accomplished ultra runner and Ironwoman who brings the same discipline, enthusiasm, and love of adventure to everything she does.

Rick Beach – Safety Advisor and Sim guru

Rick has a global reputation for aviation safety focused on the fleet of Cirrus aircraft. He brings safety insights to Scanlon Aviation in support of flight operations, simulator training, and pilot instruction.

Rick has over 3800 hours flying his SR22 across the USA and into Canada and the Bahamas, enjoying the Cirrus Life experience for 25 years. His interest in aviation safety began when pilots in early Cirrus fatal accidents did not utilize the Cirrus Airframe Parachute System (CAPS). Why not? That led to an effort in COPA (Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association) to document Cirrus accident history and promote training interventions that enhanced safe flying. He helped found the COPA Safety and Education Foundation and ran the COPA Pilot Proficiency Program for several years. He has participated in NTSB investigations exploring the role of human factors and operational issues. His influence on Cirrus Approach training materials and curriculum is recognized for the improvement in fewer fatal accidents and more survivors from CAPS deployments. COPA recognized Rick’s safety efforts with their inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award in 2022.

Rick serves as a Commissioner on the Marin County Airport Land Use Commission and as Treasurer of the Gnoss Field Community Association. He lives in Novato and jokes that he is close enough to walk to work!

Contact Us

Scanlon Aviation
451 Airport Road
Novato, CA 94945

Located at Marin County Airport
Gnoss Field (KDVO)
» Pilot information

Phone: 415-897-9787

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Monday through Friday

Scanlon Aviation maintenance hanger