Learn About Dependable Aviation

Often described as having his feet in the water and head in the clouds, Jonathan brings several years of flight experience and over eight years of professional training and customer care experience to Dependable Aviation. An Auburn University graduate and former and current PADI Scuba instructor and Dive Team member at the Georgia Aquarium, JJ has a passion for teaching and loves connecting others with the world in areas he is passionate about. As a diving professional and FAA Certificated Flight instructor, JJ has dedicated his career to developing safe, competent individuals across various backgrounds and environments, both underwater and in the clouds.

"I tell all of my students the same thing, aviation is the hardest thing I have ever pursued in my life, but also the most rewarding. Flying has a unique way of changing your perspective and granting your ultimate freedom of soaring the skies. The focus, concentration and the attention to detail that flying takes is a kind of meditation. Both restful and engaging, the other things seem to slip away. Its for the same reason that I fell in love with diving, you see things and experience that which others may only dream about every time you step into the "office". Why spend my time doing anything else?"

Derek Epstein is the founder and driving force behind Dependable Painting & Remodeling, a family-operated painting and remodeling company based in Dallas, Georgia. As a father of seven, Derek is grounded by faith, family, and community in his work. Derek has built a reputation as a reliable, customer-focused entrepreneur dedicated to quality, craftsmanship, and integrity. Under his leadership, Dependable Painting & Remodeling has grown to be one of the most trusted names in home improvement across Metro Atlanta, earning consistent five-star ratings on Google and Facebook.

Driven by his belief in giving back, Derek founded the Depend on Dependable Foundation, supporting local families, youth programs, and community improvement initiatives, reinforcing his vision of business as a force for good.

With a passion for Aviation, Derek earned a Private Pilot License, and quickly realized the major pitfalls associated with traditional flight training. Determined to change the way things are done, his passion quickly followed his entrepreneurial spirit, and Dependable Aviation was born.

Derek brings his 2 decades of successful business development and leadership to Dependable Aviation, with a clear goal: To create, safe, competent, and passionate pilots through a simple and transparent process. With an unstoppable work ethic, he truly lives by his motto: Pay the price today, so you can pay any price tomorrow!

The proverb goes, "If you light a lamp for someone else, it will also brighten your own path." I couldn't have dreamed up a better way to live it than flight instructing. After taking my first discovery flight several years ago, there was a deep clarity that I was born to fly. The love has only grown as time has gone by, and the experiences that I have been blessed with solely due to my involvement in aviation are priceless. From exploring the continental US to now opening a flight school with my childhood best friend JJ, God has used this career path to open many doorways and challenge me in ways I never knew I needed. Leading clients through their own aviation journey while teaching them how to be safe, professional pilots is my joy in life. If you hear that still, small voice inside whispering for adventure, we would be honored if you would allow us at Dependable Aviation to be your guide.

From growing up always being on the lake to now teaching the next generation of pilots, I have never felt more at home. Spending long days around boats and ever-changing weather conditions built my ability to stay calm, think ahead, and take care of people—skills that now carry over into aviation. After receiving my private pilot license in high school, I knew flying was for me. That is why I decided to attend Middle Georgia State University and pursue a degree in aviation. Now as a flight instructor, I'm passionate about helping students turn their goals of flight into reality. I strive to create a safe, encouraging learning environment where students build confidence, master the fundamentals, and truly enjoy the process of becoming a pilot. Whether it's a first discovery flight or preparing for a check ride, I'm committed to helping each student succeed and most of all, having fun along the way.

“Great things don’t come from comfort zones”

Christopher is an Atlanta native who grew up in the northern suburb of Milton, GA, He has been fascinated with aviation his entire life. He took his first Discovery Flight when he was only a junior in high school and has been hooked ever since. During his senior year of high school, he earned his Private Pilot certificate. After graduating from High School, he attended Embry Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Florida, where he studied Aviation and earned a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Science.

During college, he worked in the Aviation Learning Center on campus as a Ground Instructor/Tutor earning his advanced ground instructor and instrument ground instructor certificates while helping his fellow classmates with their individual aviation classes and check ride prep. After working through remaining ratings and receiving his FAA Flight Instructor certificate, he earned his airline dispatcher certificate as well.

When he’s not flying planes, you can find him at HPDE (High-Performance Driving Education) events chasing lap times at local Atlanta tracks. He has loved motorsports for years, and it’s a hobby he passionately pursues right alongside his race car loving dad.

“I have loved planes for as long as I can remember. In fact, I even dressed up as a pilot for “Career Day” in preschool when I was only 4 years old. Fast forward to present day, and I am still passionate about aviation and wouldn’t consider any other career path. I hope you will allow me to share my passion of flying with you through flight lessons at Dependable!”