​Owner, A&P IA, CFII

Christopher braun

Christopher, a pilot and A&P/IA, has been flying for 25 years. As a Dad, he believes that safety is the number #1 priority in every area of the business. He followed his passion and hobby by founding United Magneto and Norcal Flight Center. He is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of United Magneto and personally works on magnetos in addition to maintaining Norcal Flight Center's fleet and customer aircraft. He has extensive experience with Cessna and Piper aircraft and Continental and Lycoming engines. Prior to entering the aviation industry, he obtained his B.S. in Economics from Vanderbilt University and a J.D. from New England Law and pursued a career in financial services, which began on Wall Street, and ended with selling the firm that he founded. 

Maintenance Lead, A&P

Stephen smith

Being inspired at a young age by his family, Stephen has always had an interest in aviation, spending many hours on flight simulators at home. During high school, he volunteered his time with the local Civil Air Patrol squadron in Placerville, serving as the Aerospace Education Cadet NCO to inspire young aviators in his community. When looking for a career path, he turned to his passion for aviation, pursuing a career as an aircraft mechanic. He currently holds both an Airframe and Powerplant certification from the FAA. ​

Operations Manager

Conrad haeckl

Having been around tail wheel aircraft since a young age, Conrad has always been fascinated by aviation.  His uncle is a recreational bush pilot in Alaska and inspired him to become an aviator himself.  He became a student pilot with NorCal Flight Center in July of 2024 to pursue his Private Pilot's License and plans to become a Certified Flight Instructor with our school in the future.  Conrad has an Associate's degree for transfer from De Anza College, Cupertino and plans to pursue a Bachelor's degree in Natural Resource Management.  Outside of the cockpit, Conrad is an active outdoorsmen either mountain biking, fishing or camping and is passionate about enjoying and preserving the natural world.