Pilot Spotlight: Meet Ben Macdonald

Ben Macdonald’s connection to Performance Flight goes back nearly two decades. In 2007, he brought PF its first Cirrus SR22, beginning a long relationship with the team as an aircraft owner and pilot.

Now, Ben’s aviation journey has come full circle. After years of flying with Performance Flight, he recently became a Certified Flight Instructor and joined the PF team, bringing his experience as both an owner and longtime client into the cockpit with his students.

We asked Ben about his early interest in aviation, his path to aircraft ownership, the process of becoming a CFI, and what it has been like to step into the teaching side of flying.

How did you get into aviation?

I always wanted to fly while growing up. My original dream was to be a helicopter pilot in the British Navy, however they only had very few positions open.

When did you begin training?

I started training in 2000.

What was your journey like to aircraft ownership? Why PF?

I had been a partner in a Cessna 182, and then discovered the Cirrus platform. In 2007 I bought an SR22 (N427SR), and brought it to Performance Flight. It was the first SR22 at PF. The ownership experience has always been organized, and the standard has always been to go above and beyond our needs as owners. Anytime there was a situation a solution was found immediately. I will be a 20 year client in 2027.

How and why did you decide to become a CFI?

In 2017 I purchased N79AH, which is an SR22 that is still in the PF Flight School fleet. I didn’t get to fly all that much, and was mostly doing proficiency flights. In 2025, I was fortunate to transition out of Wall Street. Since I have always loved flying and enjoyed teaching others, I figured, why not become a CFI?

What was the process of becoming a CFI like for you?

Well, the last time I had done a checkride or gotten a license was in 2006, when I got my CPL. As you can imagine, it was daunting at first, especially since it had been 20 years since I got my CPL. Most people begin working toward their CFI certificate immediately after receiving their CPL. I found that I really enjoyed the process, and although most people don’t like doing all the reading, I had lots of fun refreshing myself on everything and furthering my knowledge.

How have your first few months as a CFI been?

It has been really fun to be a longtime client and then transition into the teaching side of things. I have enjoyed working with my students, and being able to fly more frequently. I have especially enjoyed working with clients who are similar to me—longtime pilots who are trying to stay current. We really get to dig into their mission profile and figure out the best plan to stay both current and proficient.

Any cool stories or fun facts?

I was one of the first pilots to take an instrument checkride on the G1000 avionics system.

It’s the perfect time to fly

Whether you’re an aspiring pilot or a seasoned aviator, Performance Flight is here to help you achieve your aviation goals. We offer training and support for every stage of your flight journey. From an initial Experience Flight through PPL, IR, CPL, Cirrus Transition Training, or currency training, we have the team and fleet to support you.