Flight Instructor · Aviation Educator · ATC Systems Specialist · App Developer

Both Sides of the Radio

21 years as a flight instructor. Years of experience working inside the air traffic control system. I bring a perspective most aviation educators simply can't offer.

Joe Mattison with his aircraftJoe Mattison in the cockpit

Hi, I'm Joe

I've been a certificated flight instructor since 2005 — that's over 21 years of helping pilots learn to fly safely and confidently. I hold a Commercial Pilot certificate with ratings in single-engine land, single-engine sea, and multi-engine land, along with CFI and CFII credentials.

Beyond the cockpit, I've spent years working deep inside the air traffic control system — first as a controller at an Air Route Traffic Control Center, and now as an ATC systems specialist managing the automation that keeps controllers informed and airspace safe.

That combination — flight instructor and ATC insider — shapes everything I teach. When I explain how controllers think, what they expect from pilots, and why proper readbacks matter, it's not textbook knowledge. It's lived experience from both ends of the frequency.

21+
Years Instructing
5
Pilot Certificates & Ratings
1,600+
YouTube Subscribers

How I Can Help You

Whether you're preparing for a checkride, sharpening your radio skills, or ready to solo — I've got you covered.

🎙️

ATC Trainer App

Practice ground control and IFR clearance readbacks with AI-generated scenarios and real-time scoring. Built from the ground up with authentic ATC knowledge.

$29 / month · Cancel anytime
Try Free Demo
NEW
🎓

Checkride Prep AI

Practice your oral checkride on-demand with an AI examiner that thinks like a real DPE. Private, Instrument, and Commercial topics. Voice-enabled. Available 24/7.

$29 / month · Cancel anytime
Try Free Demo
👨‍✈️

Mock Oral Checkrides

Simulate the oral portion of your FAA checkride via FaceTime or Teams. I'll ask the questions, challenge your knowledge, and give you honest feedback — so the real thing feels familiar.

$100 / hour · Online via FaceTime or Teams
Get in Touch
🛩️

Flight Instruction

In-person flight instruction from a CFI who understands both sides of the radio. Whether you're working on your private, instrument rating, or proficiency, let's talk about your goals.

$100 / hour · Contact for availability
Get in Touch
BUNDLE DEAL

Get Both AI Tools — ATC Trainer + Checkride Prep

One subscription. Full access to both products. Save $9/month vs. buying separately.

$49/mo
vs. $58 separately
Get the Bundle

Free Aviation Content on YouTube

I share what I know — for free. On my YouTube channel I cover tips for flying in the national airspace system, behind-the-scenes looks at how ATC works, commentary on current aviation events, and honest advice for pilots at every level.

With over 1,600 subscribers and growing, it's become a place where pilots come to finally understand the controller's perspective.

Visit the Channel
📺
1,600+
Subscribers
Tips · ATC Insights · Aviation News · Cockpit Perspective

Get in Touch

Interested in a mock oral, flight instruction, or just have a question? Send me a message and I'll get back to you.