Hi, I am
Rafael Pinheiro
Online Flight Instructor / Sim Tech
Hi! My name is Rafael, and I'm here to help you get the most out of your flight simulator, whether you're just starting out or working toward a real aviation career. I bring both real-world flight experience and deep technical know-how in VR, hardware, and simulator setups, and I can't wait to fly with you! I teach in English, French, and Portuguese, so language is never a barrier.
Flight Sim Experience
Microsoft Flight Simulator 2024 (MSFS)
X-Plane 12 Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020 (MSFS) X-Plane 11Hardware Experience Components this instructor has helped clients with in coaching sessions. = expert-level proficiency. Sorted by how often they come up in sessions.
Software & Add-ons Software and add-ons this instructor has helped clients with in coaching sessions. = expert-level proficiency. Sorted by how often they come up in sessions.
Certificates & Ratings
Instructor
EASA FI(A): Flight Instructor, Airplane (Portugal)
Pilot
EASA CPL(A): Commercial Pilot License (Portugal) • Single-Engine Piston (Land) • Multi-Engine Piston (Land) • Instrument Rating IR/PBN (Multi-Engine)
EASA Frozen ATPL: Airline Transport Pilot License theory complete
ICAO English: Level 6
Real-World Aircraft
I have also piloted:
Avionics & EFB Experience
Avionics
Electronic Flight Bags
Languages
About Me
My name is Rafael, and aviation has been part of me for as long as I can remember. I still recall the fascination of looking up at the sky for the first time, knowing that's exactly where I wanted to be. That dream became discipline: today I hold a frozen ATPL, a CPL (MEP, SEP, IR/ME), ICAO Level 6 English proficiency, and a flight instructor rating (FI(A)), and I'm always chasing the next step in my aviation career.
My connection to aviation doesn't live only in the cockpit of a real aircraft, though. Over the years I've also immersed myself in the world of flight simulation, learning to approach systems, hardware, and software with the same technical rigor I apply in real flight. I've worked with VR headsets, built and fine-tuned simulator setups, and developed a sharp eye for everything that makes a simulator feel truly real, from panels and controls to the software details that separate playing from training.
It's that combination of real flight experience and deep technical knowledge of simulation that I bring to every session as an instructor at Flight Sim Coach. I know what it feels like to start from zero and to ask questions while there's still a long road ahead, and that's exactly why I take every student seriously, whether they're an enthusiast building their first home cockpit or someone seriously preparing for a career in aviation.
My teaching style is direct, patient, and always hands-on. I like explaining the why behind every procedure, helping troubleshoot hardware and software issues, and showing how to get the most out of any setup, whether it's VR or a multi-monitor rig. I'm also available to teach in French and Portuguese, in addition to English, so language is never a barrier to getting the most out of your lessons.
In addition to flight simulation, I also offer sim-racing setup and technical support. I have competed in national and international EA SPORTS WRC rally events for two years and am experienced with sim-racing hardware configuration, Assetto Corsa mod management, and SimHub setups for equipment such as motion rigs and bass shakers.
I'm thrilled to be part of the Flight Sim Coach team, and I can't wait to help you take your next step, whether that's flying better in the simulator or making the leap into real-world aviation.
Testimonials 6
“Hi Mike, I just wanted to pass on some feedback about Rafael, who has been helping me with both the technical side of my simulator and my flying instruction. I think it’s important that you know how your instructors are performing, and I can honestly say Rafael is 10/10, just like you and Jordan. He has excellent in-depth knowledge, explains things clearly and, most importantly, knows how to simplify things so students can easily understand them. That, to me, is exactly what makes a good instructor. It’s great to see you’ve built such a competent and professional team. Rafael clearly has a very promising future in aviation ahead of him, and I thought his efforts deserved some recognition. Best regards, Kevin”
“Rafael remotely set up my equipment to a high standard, updating drivers for it all and making it work. He then calmly and clearly guided me through making the instruments work.”
“Raphael is a great instrucoe Very happy Unfortunately having a lot of issues with my set up”
“I had a great experience with Rafael and my issue was address”
“Rafael was a pleasure to speak with. He was 10 out of 10. Very helpful very informative and insightful. His knowledge of the software and systems were a great help. While we didn’t get the issue fixed 100% he led me in the right thing to do when our time ended. His customer service and technical expertise was only outmatched by his willingness to get the problem resolved. Rafa it was my pleasure and I hope we get a chance to chat again.”
“Rafael provided excelled customer service and support. He understands X Plane 12 and Microsoft Flight Simulator software and setup. Thank you, Bob Perez”
