The Sky Doesn't Intimidate Us.
It Calls Us.
Neal “Ping” Hinson brings an exceptional depth of military and civilian aviation experience to the cockpit, combining high-performance military flying, advanced instruction, leadership, and professional aviation.
During his military aviation career, Neal served as a Functional Check and Test Pilot, Four-Ship Flight Lead, and Mission Commander, operating in environments where precision, sound decision-making, and disciplined execution were essential.
A significant part of Neal’s career was dedicated to developing and evaluating other aviators. He served as a U-2 Instructor Pilot, Evaluator Pilot, and Interview Pilot, helping select, train, and evaluate pilots for one of the most specialized and demanding aircraft programs in aviation. He also served as a T-38 Instructor and Evaluator Pilot, providing advanced instruction and evaluating pilots in high-performance jet operations.
Neal’s experience extends extensively into civilian aviation. He holds CFI, CFII, and MEI instructor certificates, along with Airline Transport Pilot certificates for both Single-Engine Land and Multi-Engine Land aircraft.
His aircraft qualifications include type ratings in the Beechjet 400 (BE-400), Boeing 757/767, and Cirrus Vision Jet (SF50), giving him experience ranging from general aviation and advanced flight instruction to military high-performance aircraft and transport-category jets.
Today, Neal brings that extraordinary range of experience to Altivol Aviation Group, where his focus goes far beyond simply teaching someone how to pass a checkride. His approach emphasizes professionalism, precision, aeronautical decision-making, aircraft mastery, and the mindset required to become a safe, confident, and highly capable aviator.
From primary flight training to advanced aircraft and professional aviation, Neal offers students something difficult to replicate: the opportunity to learn from an aviator who has spent a career not only flying at an exceptionally high level, but training and evaluating other pilots to do the same.
Neal (Ping) Hinson -Owner
Millie Hinson - CFI/CFII
I grew up around aviation and started flying with my dad at 14. He was an Air Force pilot and later became an airline pilot. He taught me to fly, and eventually we turned our shared passion for aviation into Altivol Aviation Group. I’m now a CFI/CFII and love helping others achieve their aviation goals.
Aviation has always been a huge part of my life and something I’ve shared with my dad. I love teaching because I get to watch students grow into safe, confident pilots and accomplish goals they once thought were out of reach. Teaching also constantly pushes me to become a better pilot and instructor.
Collin Davis - CFI
Lexi Kochevar - CFI /CFII/MEI
Hi all! Welcome to Altivol aviation. My name is Lexi. I’ve been instructing for two years now, getting close to my hour minimum.
Pursuing aviation with zero aviation background in my family was the best decision I’ve made thus far in my life. I wasn’t sure how to get to where I was going but I knew where I was headed. Along the way I had some amazing mentors show me the ropes, guiding my steps along the way.
The opportunities I’ve been presented with along with the people this community has connected me to have been irreplaceable. I really had no rhyme or reason to start my flight training other than an intrinsic passion for flight from a young age. I heard my first jet engine, saw my first cockpit and knew what I needed to do.
Flight training is HARD. Be ready to fail, succeed, sacrifice, and try again. You’re striving for something that .011% of the worlds’ population succeeds at, and it is so so worth it.
Myself and my fellow flight instructors are here to see you accomplish your goals and provide instruction necessary to be safe pilots. At Altivol we fly TAA (technically advanced aircraft) lightsport planes equipped with autopilot. Maintenance is done in house making it efficient and timely. Looking forward to training new faces around the airport!