Our Dedicated Team at Starseed Aviation Academy

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Aviation Coordinator| Community Developer| S.S.A.A CEO

 Starseed Aviation Academy was founded by Crystal Rankins, a CEO, community developer, and Minister of Strategic Partnerships who believes aviation should be a reachable pathway, not a distant dream. Crystal is a UC Davis graduate (2019) with a B.S. in Community and Regional Development, with an emphasis in Policy and Planning. That training shaped how she builds. She designs programs that are structured, mission aligned, and grounded in real outcomes for real people.

For years, Crystal has served communities often overlooked, including underserved youth, reentry communities, elders, and veterans. Along the way, she became known for something rare: the ability to build trust, unite unlikely partners, and turn vision into action. She brings that same bridge building leadership into aviation, creating a safety first learning culture rooted in discipline, confidence, and real world readiness.

Starseed Aviation Academy exists to help students develop the knowledge and mindset required for safe, competent flight, supported by a growing network of aviation professionals across instruction, maintenance pathways, and operational support.

Vision: Crystal is building toward a permanent Starseed Aviation Academy facility and a multi-campus model that expands flight training, drone operations, and sustainable aviation innovation over the next 15 years.

Private Pilot| Advanced Ground Instructor| Aircraft Sales| S.S.A.A Ambassador

 Ayahni Mayfield is a young pilot dedicated to flying and remaining a positive hand in the community. Growing up, he always had a passion for Aircrafts and Airplanes, always building paper planes and creating cool things. Currently, Ayahni is working on attaining his CFI (Commercial Flight Instructors) Certification, that he can express his passion for flying not only for himself, but to teach and share that passion with aspiring aviators also.

Ayahni loves to be a great help by working in various community gardens around San Francisco, cultivating and growing healthy foods. Ayahni's grandmother Yolonda Banks has her own garden which inspires Ayahni to (What his grandmother would say) "Put his hands in the soil!" Ayahni's dedication to the community is also highlighted by his continuous support in web design. Learning his skills from community program "Hack the Hood" he has been supporting businesses for over 8 years, remaining a pillar to business success. "Continuing to Learn and Grow with the Flow Everyday" is a key statement within Ayahni's life. Continuously striving to remove barriers and planting seeds of honorable and worthy health!

 A&P Mechanic |Student at The Aviation Institute of Maintenance|S.S.A.A Ambassador 

Christion Donato is an Aviation Maintenance Technician whose hands-on expertise and disciplined drive set him apart. From a young age, he nurtured a fascination with vehicles—first cars, then aircraft—leading him to the Aviation Institute of Maintenance in 2021. There he embraced every challenge, ultimately excelling in the Landing‑Gear class and earning a dual Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification along with a General rating. 

Today, Christion is actively pursuing his full A&P license, positioning himself to service all aircraft types. He hones his craft simultaneously with his business partner, Ayahni Mayfield, applying their combined knowledge to deliver precise, compliant maintenance solutions. 

Christion’s ambition extends beyond repair: he aims to innovate aircraft reliability standards, leveraging technology and teamwork to elevate safety in aviation. His blend of practical skill, rigorous training, and collaborative vision marks him as a leader ready to pilot future breakthroughs in aeronautical maintenance.

 Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician | Aviation Operations, Compliance & Deal Support

I am a Licensed Aircraft Maintenance Technician with a multidisciplinary background in aircraft maintenance, aviation operations, administrative oversight, and aviation sales support. I hold a Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology and am licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), providing a strong foundation in airworthiness standards, regulatory compliance, and operational risk management.

My technical training includes certified line maintenance competencies such as aircraft marshalling, towing, mooring, refueling, and pre-flight inspections. I completed an On-the-Job Training Program in Cessna single-engine aircraft maintenance, with hands-on exposure to practical magneto timing, safety wiring, and emergency response procedures. This training supports disciplined maintenance execution, hazard awareness, and compliance with standard operating and safety procedures.

I developed my professional experience at OMNI Aviation Corp., where I served as a Senior Level D Mechanic. In this role, I performed line and base maintenance on Cessna 152 and Cessna 172 aircraft, conducted detailed inspections, and ensured accurate maintenance documentation in accordance with regulatory requirements. These responsibilities directly contributed to flight safety, audit readiness, and the mitigation of maintenance-related operational risk. I also supervised trainees and facilitated skills assessments, reinforcing standardization and procedural discipline within the maintenance environment.

I later transitioned into an Aviation Warehouse Administrative Assistant role at OMNI Aviation Corp., where I supported inventory control, parts costing, maintenance planning, and report preparation. This position strengthened cost transparency, asset traceability, and documentation accuracy—key elements in maintenance audits, aircraft valuation, and operational due diligence.

Across all roles, I apply a compliance-driven and risk-aware approach to aviation operations and transactions. My combined technical certifications, operational training, and commercial support experience enable me to add value to aviation-focused investments, partnerships, and growth initiatives.