Pilots throughout the world know John and Martha King from their fun video presentations in their courses, and regard them as their personal aviation mentors. The Kings’ use of technology and clear, simple, and fun teaching have made aviation knowledge more accessible to hundreds of thousands of pilots and maintenance technicians.

The Kings’ ongoing love of flying and learning has resulted in their being the first couple to both hold every category and class of FAA rating on their pilot and instructor certificates. Martha is the first and only woman to achieve this complete ratings sweep.

Through the years, the Kings have retained their enthusiasm for flying. They fly their own Dassault Falcon 10 jet wherever they go, swapping captain and copilot duties on each leg. They have flown as pilots in every continent of the world except Antarctica, including a trip completely around the world via the length of Russia.

John and Martha have had many awards and honors including enshrinement into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, but they say their greatest honor has been the privilege to play an important role in the lives of so many pilots.

Jamail Larkins was born on January 30, 1984 in Augusta, Georgia. He graduated from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he received a BBA.

But his “life” began at the age of 12, when he took his first flight through the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles Program and he became a passionate aviation enthusiast. Deciding he would do whatever it took to continue flying, Jamail began petitioning the FAA to let him fly solo at the age of 13. He didn’t get the answer he was looking for, so he headed to Canada where the minimum age
requirement was only 14. It was there he became one of the Youngest American Pilots to fly a powered aircraft solo.

A few years later at the age of 16, Jamail became the National Spokesman of the Experimental Aircraft Association “Vision of Eagles Program,” a youth education initiative which included EAA’s signature youth program, the Young Eagles Program. In this role, Jamail was able to use his passion to promote the career possibilities available to aviation enthusiasts, young and old alike. Despite being in high school, Jamail helped the organization reach its goal of exposing 1 million young people to the thrill of flight.

With this newfound status and exposure, Jamail was afforded many unique opportunities, including the opportunity to become the first student pilot to solo the Cirrus SR20, a revolutionary certified, single-engine aircraft with a built-in parachute. Spreading his wings, Jamail purchased his very first airplane before graduating high school and branched out into aerobatic flying at the age of 18. Loving the creativity and freedom this allowed him, he became the youngest air show aerobatic performer in the U.S. He not only flew airshows in front of audiences as large as 70,000 people, but also on prime-time television, including the Late Show w/ David Letterman.

Early on, Jamail realized in order to fund his passion for flight; he needed a plan to make more money than the average teenager. To do so, at the age of 15, he founded his first company – Larkins Enterprises, Inc., an aviation sales & advertising company. When not in class or promoting the aviation industry, Jamail worked on growing his start-up, and transformed it, into multiple businesses, including aircraft sales, leasing, and an aviation consulting firm. Collectively, Jamail’s companies have reached over $7.5 Million in annual sales.

Jamail’s profile was building and the Federal Aviation Administration took notice. By the Fall of 2004, FAA Administrator Marion Blakey appointed Jamail as the first official FAA Ambassador for Aviation and Space Education. For 14 years, Jamail organized and ran one of the Federal Aviation Administration’s most successful programs to expose America’s youth to aviation through the DreamLaunch Tour, a national tour designed to educate students about career opportunities in aviation and to motivate students to reach for their dreams.

During the DreamLaunch Tour, Jamail spoke to at more than 1,000 schools, 60,000 students, and took more than 1,000 people for their first flight in a small aircraft.

Jamail has had the opportunity to give speeches beside notables like first man to fly beyond the speed of sound, Chuck Yeager, the last man to step on the moon, Gene Cernan, and legendary aerobatic pilot, Patty Wagstaff. Larkins has been named a World Economic Forum’s “Young Global Leader”, a “History Maker in the Making” for MSNBC, a member of the 30 Under 30 by Forbes Magazine, and one of the Top 100 Most Innovating Entrepreneurs by Goldman Sachs. Jamail’s accomplishments have been featured on Fox News, NBC Nightly News, The Late Show w/ David Letterman, BET, USA Today, and many more.

In addition to business, Jamail has worked with organizations such as the National Business Aviation Association, Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Experimental Aircraft Association, National Black Coalition of Federal Aviation Employees, Build-APlane, and numerous other organizations to promote the aviation industry to mainstream America. His latest effort to promote aviation, is AviationStart.org, the most comprehensive resource for any aspiring aviation professional, which includes a scholarship guide containing more than $20 million in scholarships and program funding for a variety of aviation careers.

After being recognized as an expert in the aviation industry, he was requested by the US Congress to testify in front of the House Transportation Committee on the importance of the aviation industry to the country’s economy, flown with the Navy’s prestigious Blue Angels, and has been featured in exhibits at the Air & Space Smithsonian Museum (Be-A-Pilot Program), Wings Over Rockies Museum, and the Franklin Institute of Philadelphia, PA.

Stephanie Goetz is a modern-day Renaissance woman. She is an award-winning former news and sports anchor at NBC, CBS, and ABC, a businesswoman, executive communication, leadership coach, philanthropist, professional singer, TEDx speaker, and professional pilot.

Stephanie has five jet type ratings, a seaplane rating and is a certified flight instructor (CFI). She currently flies the Bombardier Global 6000 for the world’s largest private jet company. Stephanie is also a flight instructor and flies an L-39 Albatros – a military trainer jet. Stephanie rose quickly in business aviation and was awarded the distinguished NBAA (National Business Aviation Association) Top 40 Under 40 Award as one of the outstanding professionals in that field.

Stephanie and her husband are deeply committed to building up and empowering the next generation of professionals and aviators. She and her husband have donated tens of thousands of dollars in multi-engine scholarships to underrepresented groups in aviation (OBAP – Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals, Women in Aviation, Sisters of the Skies, NGPA – National Gay Pilots Association) and donated an airplane to the Luke Weather Flight Academy.

Rick Andersen is a passionate aviator, devoted family man, and firm believer in mentorship and community as vital part in developing pilots. As the founder of FLYIT ACADEMY, Rick is dedicated to sharing the art of flying, inspiring others to chase their dreams, and preserving the timeless skills of tailwheel and aerobatic flight.

What began six years ago as a small family business with just one aircraft has grown into a thriving academy with fifteen aircraft, twenty eight employees, and a mission to shape the next generation of pilots. FLYIT ACADEMY offers instruction for certification from private pilot to CFII, tailwheel endorsements, upset recovery training, and basic aerobatics, as well as aerobatic and scenic flight tours over the Columbia Gorge. New this spring, the academy is expanding its impact by providing on-site accommodations for live-in students, allowing them to fully immerse themselves in their training while living right on the runway.

Rick’s own aviation journey began at the age of forty-three, when he earned his private pilot’s certificate at a small airfield in Camas, Washington. Learning in a J3 Cub from an old-school stick-and-rudder master, he discovered a deep connection to the golden age of aviation—when flying was an art, and communities shaped pilots. But this passion took root decades earlier, when a childhood dream of flight was planted in his heart at the age of nine. With that dream and a leap of faith, Rick reignited his love for aviation and built the foundation of FLYIT ACADEMY. 

Today, FLYIT ACADEMY isn’t just a flight school—it’s a place where everyday people can experience the art of flying, where mentorship is just as important as mechanics, and where the legacy of hands-on, stick-and-rudder flying lives on. For Rick, this journey isn’t just about growing a business—it’s about impacting an industry, one life at a time.

Shane Jordan is a digital strategy and product executive with over twenty years of experience and a robust background in marketing, product management, and digital innovation. An MBA graduate in Marketing from the University of Phoenix and a BS from Brigham Young University, Shane has led transformative initiatives at leading organizations including Time Inc., Amazon, Lowe’s Home Improvement, BBVA USA, and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama. Currently, as a co-founder at Hilo Aviation™, he leverages AI, agile, and data-driven insights alongside the leadership team to revolutionize the experience of flight schools, students, lenders, airlines, and operators alike.

Glen M. Pace is an accomplished businessman, lawyer, pastor, pilot and aviation enthusiast, and a child of the King! Glen lives in Columbia, Mississippi, with his wife and two dogs, Oscar and Bella. Glen and Theresa helped raise their two nephews which they consider their own children. They enjoy four grandchildren.

Glen graduated high school at the age of 15 years old. He finished his first college degree at age 17 in EMS management and paramedical science at Delta Ouachita College in West Monroe, LA. In 1990 he completed Advanced EMS studies from the same institution. He has attended LHBI with a focus on Bible and pastoral studies. While pastoring in California and having been inspired by the Christian Law Association, he attended law school through a partnership law program after scoring almost a perfect LSAT score. In 2013, Glen completed the requirements for a degree in Aviation Management from MSU. He recently completed a RGB BA with an aviation focus from WVU Tech. He is currently enrolled at Liberty University where he is pursuing a Masters and Doctor in Aviation.

Glen was 19 years old when he became the youngest director of a large EMS agency in Louisiana. He led the company to new heights it never knew was possible. Glen started his own electronic technology company in 1994. He grew the company from a small business to a multi-million dollar company during his time as owner, president and CEO. He sold the company six years ago to a national firm.

Glen has always enjoyed aviation since his first airplane ride at the age of 6. He bought his first airplane, a Cessna 150, at the age of 18. Glen completed his private, instrument, commercial, multi-engine, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, ATP, and sea plane certifications. He is currently working on his helicopter rating. Glen is also a certified A&P and IA. Glen is a FAA FAAST Team safety representative. He serves on the GAJSC that help makes rules and policy concerning aviation matters. He also serves on several committees and Vice-Chair of the Board for the Flight School Association of North America representing 1687 flight schools. Glen chairs a national Designee Pilot Examiner’s Review Board and National Aviation Safety Board. Glen’s law efforts focus on aviation law. He has owned a successful flight school in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, for the past 16 years. Glen is working hard to put aviation programs in local high schools and colleges. He is also working on charity events that raise money for charity and promote aviation at the same time. Glen generously donates to young people seeking to become pilots.

Glen is President of the Board of Trustees for the Flight School Association of North America, chairman of a national aviation safety board, a national DPE review board, serves on the GAJSC, a Mississippi FAA safety representative, Chairman of the Board for Southeastern Baptist College, and hold positions on various aviation boards and committees.

Glen has written more than 600 poems, short stories, and articles. He has written two books. He has always enjoyed writing on Christian subjects and aviation. Glen hopes to spend some of his retirement writing on aviation topics that will inspire aviation safety and increase training.

Glen is Pastor of Cornerstone Baptist Church in Hattiesburg for the past 28 years. He has also pastored in Jackson, MS and Fresno, CA. He served as youth pastor in Columbia, MS and Mt. Olive, MS. Glen enjoys reaching out to others with the glorious gospel of Jesus Christ! Glen is Chairman of the Board of Trustees for Southeastern Baptist College and Director of the BMA History and Archives Department. He has severed as president of the Oak Grove Association, Mid-State Association, BMA of California, and many other positions in our associated work. Glen wants to be used where God places him!

Glen seeks to spread the Gospel first and foremost. Second, Glen’s desire is to leave a strong legacy of aviation for future generations to enjoy. Scuba diving, aviation, business or pastoring, Glen is passionate about the things he does. He puts his whole heart and energy into every cause. Through determination and hard work, anyone can accomplish the desires of their heart that God has given them.

Donny is the Founder & CEO of FlightLine Technologies, an innovative tech-enabled co-ownership program that makes it easy for anyone to own, operate, and access personal aircraft. Today, the company is focused on launching a fleet of Cirrus Aircraft nationwide.  

He is a 2x founder, was on the early team at FlightAware, and has held a commercial pilot certificate since 2006.

Donny is passionate about making personal aviation accessible, collaborative, and affordable for more people while transforming how personal aircraft are purchased, financed, owned, and shared. 

Beyond aviation, Donny enjoys being a 2x girl dad, skiing, motorcycle and car racing, golfing, and point-hacking the next family travel adventure.

Chris McCorkle is an accomplished financial professional with experience in domestic and international finance. Throughout his 20+ year career, he has consistently managed complicated financial relationships, helping clients navigate complex financial challenges. He has originated $1.5 Billion in loans in his career and served in multiple roles in banking. His experience also brings a fast knowledge of underwriting and risk management across multiple industries and portfolios. He has helped build teams, products, and lines of business that have enabled organizations to grow profitability, reduce risk, and exceed production expectations. Chris currently serves as CFO/CCO of 4Fi (a financial services company) and executive director of QuantEFi Equipment Finance.

Ryan Bohlander, Account Executive, Education/Flight Training promotes digital solutions and relationships with ForeFlight’s 250 flight schools and university partners. As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Ryan also finds time to freelance instruct in the southwest practice area (122.85) south of Chandler, AZ.

I have been providing flight training at some capacity for 19 years; I am type rated in 3 different aircraft and have flown for the two largest private part 91k companies in the US. In 2020 I co-founded Kilo Charlie Aviation where we started with 2 airplanes and covid and in 5 years have helped build the company to over 20 airplanes and 50 employees. I currently hold the position of Chief Revenue Officer at Kilo Charlie.  Outside of aviation that has helped me be extremely successful; I had a successful career in business development for one of the largest payroll companies in the world.

Felipe Santiago is an experienced commercial aviator and mechanic based in Miami, Florida. His family moved to the United States when he was very young, and Felipe seized every opportunity that came his way. With a passionate love for flight, he began his aviation career at just 12 years old, working at a flight school in exchange for flight time.

Felipe quickly progressed in his aviation journey, obtaining both his Private and Commercial Pilot’s licenses. He started flying banner towing operations to pay for his Instrument Rating. After receiving his Multi-Engine rating, Felipe began flying charters to the Bahamas, a job he fondly remembers. This experience helped him build the necessary hours to become an airline pilot.

On his 21st birthday, Felipe was at Flight Safety in Missouri, obtaining his Airline Transport Pilot certificate and Embraer 170/190 Rating. His dedication paid off, and he managed to accumulate an impressive 2300 total flight hours in just 18 months. This achievement led to an offer from Spirit Airlines for a first officer position.

Felipe is now a Captain of the Airbus 320 family at Spirit Airlines. When he is not flying jets, he returns to his first love, general aviation. He is deeply committed to giving back to the aviation community by educating current and future pilots. Felipe is also a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Auxiliary, where he contributes his expertise and time. Additionally, he holds a Gold Seal Flight Instructor and an associates in Professional Pilot Technologies

George Charles Allen, CFII, MSc, FRAeS, is an experienced aviator, consultant, and educator. He currently sits on the board of directors for the National Association of Flight Instructors and is an elected Fellow of the Royal Aeronautical Society. His flight training center has won more than 15 national and regional awards — including AOPA National Best Flight School in 2015 and 2019 — for its dedication and service to the flight training industry. 

George is a recipient of the National Science Teaching Association’s Wendell G. Mohling Outstanding Aerospace Educator Award, was recognized as a 40 Under Forty Outstanding Business Leader, and earned a Master’s with distinction from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. He is currently pursuing a Doctor of Aviation (Av.D.) at the Florida Institute of Technology. When not flying his classroom in the sky, George can be found playing chess, keeping up his other instrument rating as a classical pianist, reading voraciously, or seeking nautical adventures along the rocky coasts of New England with his lovely wife.

Lee Collins currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the National Flight Training Alliance (NFTA), where he brings a wealth of leadership experience and passion for aviation to his current role.

Having been captivated by flight since childhood, Lee’s journey in aviation began at the age of 8 when his parents gave him a ride in an airplane for his birthday; it is there the journey began.

Early in his career he was involved with flight training and eventually was the owner of a 141 Flight Training Center in Louisville, KY. In later years his career spanned both Corporate and 135 Flight Operations, as well as the Regional and Major Airline industries.

During his career as an Airline Captain, Lee demonstrated unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, maintaining final authority and responsibility for flights across the globe.

Throughout his long career, Lee has held significant leadership roles in various aviation organizations, including Philanthropic, Government and Legislative Affairs, Airline Operations, Flight Safety and Security. He was also instrumental in driving culture transformation and rebranding efforts during his tenure as President of an Airline Pilot Trade Association, where he demonstrated strong leadership and vision on a variety of important issues before our nation’s airline industry.

In his current role as CEO of NFTA, Lee is dedicated to leading this groundbreaking organization towards new horizons, leveraging his extensive experience in governmental and legislative affairs, organizational design, strategic vision, and leadership.

Lee combines academic rigor with practical expertise. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, and Classical languages from the University of Kentucky and a Graduate degree from the Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary.

Beyond his professional endeavors, Lee’s interests include blue water sailing, reading, and travel; alongside spending time with his family and beloved French bulldog Winston. Lee and his wife Michelle currently reside in Southwest Florida along with significant time in residence in our nation’s Capital.

Connect with Lee Collins via LinkedIn or reach out via email at lcollins@nftaus.org.

Ed Bagden is the Director of Operations at LIFT Academy, a premier pilot training school in Indianapolis, Indiana, owned by Republic Airways Holdings. As the academy’s primary on-site leader, he ensures that LIFT’s mission-specific flight training programs align with airline standards, preparing graduates for success in commercial aviation.

With a career that began as an airline pilot, Ed was instrumental in the startup team that built and launched LIFT Academy. Drawing on his experience as an airline captain and flight operations manager, he has shaped LIFT’s innovative approach by mirroring the procedures and best practices of Republic Airways. This strategy redefines traditional pilot education and consistently produces top-performing graduates.

Ed’s leadership style emphasizes operational excellence and fosters a culture of recognition and continuous improvement. His insights on aviation training and technology have been featured in Flying Magazine, AVweb, and Flight International, where he has shared his vision for modernizing pilot education.

Passionate about emerging technologies, Ed is a driving force behind the integration of virtual reality and other advanced tools into flight training. By enhancing the learning experience and better preparing pilots for modern aviation, he ensures that LIFT Academy remains at the forefront of flight training innovation.

Dan Roehrs is a distinguished figure in the aviation industry, renowned for his extensive expertise in aviation technology and consulting. As the founder and principal consultant of Springs Air (www.springsair.ai) , a leading aviation technology and consulting firm, Dan has been instrumental in driving innovation and operational excellence across various sectors of the aviation landscape.
At Springs Air, Dan collaborates closely with High Tide Aviation in the coastal Carolina region, providing strategic insights and solutions that enhance flight operations and training programs. His commitment to advancing aviation education is further exemplified through his consultancy work with the United States Air Force Flight Training Centers and Aero Clubs, notably at the Air Force Academy and other key locations. In these roles, Dan focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies, providing aircraft scale, and various process changes to elevate the training experiences of both instructors and students.

Beyond his consulting endeavors, Dan contributes to the strategic development of aviation infrastructure as a member of the Airport Commission at Colorado Springs International Airport. In this capacity, he plays a pivotal role in shaping policies and initiatives that drive the airport’s growth and operational efficiency.

Dan’s career is marked by a series of leadership positions in sales and business development within the aerospace and defense industries. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to establish several tech-based (finance related) companies in the Boston and San Francisco areas, showcasing his ability to innovate and lead in complex business environments.

With a robust finance and tech background, Dan brings a multifaceted perspective to his work. His passion for aviation and dedication to fostering growth and innovation make him a sought-after consultant and thought leader in the industry.

In addition to his professional achievements, Dan is a proud father of two and a new grandchild. His family-oriented values and commitment to excellence resonate throughout his professional and personal life, inspiring those around him to reach new heights in the field of aviation.

In his role as COO and Co-Founder at Stratus Financial, Brandon spearheads strategic initiatives and oversees day-to-day operations to drive growth and ensure operational excellence. Together with Stratus FInancial’s exceptional team, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s vision and implementing a customer-centric approach. Stratus’ mission is to revolutionize the financial landscape by offering comprehensive and intuitive solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients.

Brandon has been flying since 2014 and holds Commercial Pilot Certificates along with CFI/CFII/MEI instructor ratings. He has a deep knowledge of part 141 and part 61 flight school operations in addition to training guidelines set forth by syllabuses and the FAA.

With expertise in flight instruction and a deep understanding of pilot student loans and private finance, Brandon leverages his skills to create innovative solutions in the aviation industry.

Tim Jedrek is the founder of Right Rudder Marketing, a digital marketing agency specializing in helping flight schools grow and dominate their local areas. With a background in computer science, business leadership, and aviation, Tim brings a unique blend of expertise to his work. Right Rudder Marketing focuses exclusively on flight schools, providing tailored marketing solutions that understand the nuances of the pilot training industry. The agency’s mission is to train more pilots and help100 flight schools double their student body in 2025.

Tyler Tenbrink has built a notable career in aviation and education, underscored by a strong commitment to excellence and safety. He is a graduate of Kansas State University-Polytechnic in Salina, KS, where he earned bachelor’s degrees in airway science and technology with minors in safety and business.

Tyler’s journey in the airline industry began with Air Midwest Airlines in 2005, where he served as a Customer Service agent while still pursuing his studies. Over the course of 19 years, he has amassed a wealth of experience in various roles, including Flight Operations, Safety, Station Management, Avionics, and Talent Acquisition. His unwavering dedication to safety, a cornerstone of his career, has equipped him with a comprehensive understanding of the aviation industry’s operational and safety needs, instilling confidence in his competence and commitment.

Since joining Piedmont Airlines in 2015, Tyler has held several pivotal positions. He commenced his journey as the Manager of Safety Programs, where he was entrusted with implementing and managing safety programs and initiatives. His exceptional skills and contributions in this role propelled him to the position of Manager of Human Resources for Air Operations Recruitment. In 2019, Tyler’s strategic vision and leadership were recognized with his promotion to Director of Talent Acquisition and Development. In this role, he spearheads all recruiting efforts and employee development initiatives at Piedmont Airlines, inspiring others with his achievements and dedication.

Tyler is committed to excellence in his field. He holds several certifications, such as Firefighter I (ARFF), Certified Pilot Recruiting Specialist, HR Manager Certification, and Employment Law Certification, and is an instrument-rated Private Pilot. His dedication and impactful contributions to collegiate aviation education have been recognized with the University Aviation Association’s prestigious W. W. Estridge Award. This honor is bestowed upon individuals in the aviation industry who have significantly advanced aviation education and training, reflecting Tyler’s profound influence and passion for nurturing future aviation professionals.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tyler is deeply committed to community service. He serves as a Firefighter, Emergency Medical Responder, and Emergency Veterinary Technician, demonstrating his dedication to safety and his community. Moreover, he is the proud owner of Eat the Frog Fitness in Ashburn, Virginia, where he applies process improvement principles to drive efficiencies. His diverse interests and commitments are a testament to his passion and dedication, leaving a lasting impression on those around him.

Tyler resides in Chester, MD, with his husband and their four dogs. His personal and professional life reflects his passion and dedication, setting him apart as an exceptional individual in every aspect.

With over 25 years in the insurance industry, Greg is the Assistant Vice President of Underwriting at IAT Aviation, managing the West Coast operations based out of Scottsdale, AZ. He specializes in insuring aviation risks, including light aircraft, turboprops, jets, flight schools, helicopters, and other commercial aviation risks. Greg believes insurance is a people business; his approach is to build strong partnerships across organizations and with insureds and brokerages. A proven leader, mentor, and career developer, he fosters a performance-based culture by building highly engaged teams that drive results through consistency, collaboration, and teamwork.

Greg holds a bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Management Technology from Arizona State University.

CEO and Co-Founder of Stratus Financial, Anthony Geraci, Esq., followed his passion for aviation and obtained both his Commercial Pilot Certificate and Ground Instructor Ratings in 2020. During his instruction, he recognized a lack of available funding in the space.

Bringing a combination of legal and financial expertise to Stratus Financial, Anthony is tasked with strategy creation for the firm. A skilled mortgage lending and securities law attorney, Anthony has authored numerous articles on real estate finance and security subjects. Over the past fifteen years, he has run financial funds and served as legal advisor to several lending funds which have totaled more than $100 Billion offered and more than $200 Million raised. Leveraging his securities background, Anthony has been instrumental in securing credit lines and starting capital raising ventures to fund flight school loans for Stratus Financial.

A founding member of EO (Entrepreneurs Organization) Inland Empire and Founder and Vice Chairman of the American Association of Private Lenders (AAPL), Anthony keeps his finger on the pulse of the financial industry.

Captain Richard Swindell transitioned to the airlines after leaving active duty military service in 2005, and has been with United Airlines since 2013. In addition to being a CFI, CFII, and MEI, he holds an ATP with type ratings in the Airbus 320, and Boeing 737, 757, 767, and 777. For over a decade Captain Swindell volunteered extensively with the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA), serving in multiple capacities including the national Professional Development Group Chairman, working to advance membership benefits, provide aviation educational outreach, assist veterans transitioning to airline flying, delivering union leadership training, and assisting with the furloughed pilot support network. For years on his days off from flying, Dr. Swindell taught at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University as well as Indiana State University in the Department of Aviation Technology, but has shifted in recent years to guest lecturing on topics such as leadership in volunteer driven organizations, concepts in flight deck gradient, and aviation safety. He also provides aviation safety consulting through his company Sycamore Safety Audit Solutions, and is one of the authors of The Airline Transition Manual, a complete and practical guide to the airline piloting profession.

Richard Swindell
United Airlines
San Francisco – Boeing 777

Richard Fornaca is an accomplished aviation professional whose journey began with a commitment to service in the U.S. Army after the tragic events of September 11, 2001. He served in an aviation unit and was deployed to Iraq in 2003, gaining invaluable experience. After his military service, Richard transitioned out of the Army in 2005.
Richard pursued his passion for aviation by enrolling in the Commercial Flight Degree program at Mt. SAC, where he earned his Private Pilot License (PPL). He later decided to shift his focus to an Aviation Program and completed his training in 2009.

With a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, Richard worked at various flight schools, gaining further insights and expertise. In 2014, he met Brandon at AIA, which led to the creation of his own business, CAVU Aviation, in 2016. Two years later, Richard joined forces with Brandon to open CAVU Aero Service, combining their skills and expertise to take their business to new heights.

Pramod Raheja is the CEO & Co-Founder of Airgility, Inc., a company focused on artificial intelligence and aerial autonomous systems based in the Washington DC Metro area. He is an entrepreneur of 25+ years and a longtime member and past president of the Entrepreneur’s Organization of Washington DC. Pramod also has had an illustrious 30-year career as an Airline Pilot with 15000+ hours of flight experience, serving as an Airline Captain at a major carrier, as well as a Line Check Pilot and Crew Resource Management and Leadership Facilitator. He is a Gold Seal FAA Certified Flight Instructor and a two time winner of the FAA Achievement Award for Superior Flight Instruction.

He is a graduate/mentor of the Founder’s Institute, Mass Challenge US Air Force Labs, and the Fedtech Accelerator Program. Pramod holds a B.S. in Aerospace Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a graduate of the Entrepreneurial Master’s Program at MIT.

Pramod has been involved as a Board Chair, Judge, and Mentor for the past few years with the EO Global Student Entrepreneur’s Awards, the premiere global competition for college student entrepreneurs. He is the 2022 award recipient of the University of Maryland Alumni “EnTERPreneur of the year” and a 2022 DCA Live “Red Hot Entrepreneur.” Currently, he serves on the Alumni Board of Mindshare and the University of Maryland Engineering Alumni Board.

Pramod thinks of himself as half geek and half sales guy and is passionate about how innovative, deep tech technologies, particularly Aerospace tech, can solve problems.

Panel topic: Flight School Masterminds: Scaling Successes from Small to Large Flight Schools

Paul Wynns believes that the best leadership works in service to great teams. He’s lived that philosophy in communities ranging from the military to startups to the world’s biggest aerospace company. Paul is a retired Naval Aviator from the S-3B Viking sea control community where his duties included leadership of the aviation safety, training, standardization, and operating procedures program for all Navy Viking pilots, worldwide. After leaving the military, Paul worked as a program manager at Boeing Defense, Space, and Security, where he and his engineering team were awarded two patents for their prototyping work. His extensive educational background includes earning aerospace degrees from the U.S. Naval Academy and Stanford University and an internship at the NASA Ames Research Center. He is a Ph.D. candidate currently enrolled at the University of California, San Diego Rady School of Management.

Paul J. Preidecker has been involved in aviation training and education for 35 years. He retired from a regional airline where he held positions of chief flight instructor, examiner, and captain. Paul’s aviation industry experience includes serving on a FAA Aviation Rulemaking Committee, as facilitator of the Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee’s Standardized Curriculum Working Group for Part 135, and contributing as an invited speaker at the NTSB. In addition, he served as chair of the Flight Training Committee for the Regional Airline Association as well as co-chair for the Flight Operations Steering Committee at Bombardier.

Paul is president of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), and he contributes to several aviation publications. A frequent presenter at the World Aviation Training Summit (WATS), he is also the moderator for the ab Initio track for that conference.

President of his own company, Paul works with training organizations to develop curriculum and best practices for more effective flight training.

A frequent international traveler, Paul enjoys living in Madison, Wisconsin and Phoenix, Arizona, with his partner, Susan.

Nobi Buntin, a dedicated aviator and entrepreneur, is a beacon of inspiration in the aviation industry. Her unwavering commitment to positively impact the industry and her community is a testament to her passion and drive. With a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and an ongoing pursuit of an MBA in Aviation Business, Nobi combines her love for flying with solid business acumen. She has been a proud PAPA member since 2021 and serves on the Outreach Committee.

In 2020, Nobi founded Aloha Aviators, a groundbreaking organization with a threefold mission. This initiative not only provides valuable flying opportunities to minorities and low-hour pilots but also conducts impactful charitable missions across the United States. These missions, such as Animal Rescue operations, Christmas for Homeless Teens, and Back-to-School Supply drives, are a testament to Nobi’s commitment to using aviation as a tool for societal change. Based in the Bay Area, Nobi works as a flight instructor, leveraging her bilingual skills in Japanese and English to teach non-native speakers the art and science of flying. Her ability to bridge language barriers allows her to share her passion for aviation with a diverse group of aspiring pilots.

In addition to her instructional role, Nobi flies King Air charters out of Sacramento, further expanding her professional experience in the aviation sector. Nobi’s philosophy centers on helping others and sharing experiences. She aims to be the mentor she always wished for, inspiring and guiding the next generation of aviators to achieve their dreams. Nobi Buntin continues to make significant contributions to the aviation community while fostering a spirit of service and mentorship through her work with Aloha Aviators, volunteering, flight instruction, and charter operations.

Michael Sykes received a B.A. degree in Economics from Claremont McKenna College in 1985. He joined Continental Business Service / CBS Payroll in August of 1985 as a staff accountant in the Bookkeeping division. During his 17 year tenure Micheal has held the positions of Service Representative, Sales Representative, Branch Manager, and starting in 1991 as President and CEO. As CEO, Micheal transformed the business from a family operated single state bookkeeping company to a multi-state employer services firm with over 375 employees.

In 2002 Michael negotiated the sale of CBS Payroll to Intuit, Inc., the makers of Quickbooks, Quicken, and Turbo Tax. Micheal worked for Intuit for 18 months to aid in the transition process of CBS Payroll to Intuit.

Michael is the co-founder and CEO of US Aviation Group, DBA US Aviation Academy. US Aviation Academy began in January of 2006 as a three aircraft flight school and one man maintenance shop. US Aviation Academy, over the last 19 years, has grown to become a world recognized leader in professional flight training with a fleet of over 165 aircraft operating from seven training bases. US Aviation Academy also operates a FAA approved Airframe and Powerplant Maintenance Training Academy operating from four campuses.

Micheal has flown personal aircraft for over 40 years as a private pilot and has logged over 1800 hours. He holds a private pilot license is commercial & instrument rated and has a multiple engine commercial rating. He is married and has two adult children.

Matt Liknaitzky is the Co-CEO and co-founder of the Sling Aircraft US Distributorship and Sling Pilot Academy. With over 30 years of aviation experience and 3,400+ flight hours, Matt is a seasoned Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor. He is also an accomplished Aerobatic Competitor and Prizewinner, showcasing his skill and passion for aviation. In addition, Matt serves as an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner, further contributing to the aviation community through training and certification.

Experienced airline pilot career mentor. Retired United Airlines and US Army Captain. 24,000 flight and 7,000 simulator hours. Past founder of AIR, Inc the largest airline pilot career service in the US from 1996 to 2009. Ten-year ATP-CTP Instructor Pilot B-757/767, B-737/717, and MD-88 for Delta Professional Services in Atlanta, GA. Pilot career value expert for Major, National, and Regional airline pilot careers. Pilot resume and application expert. Get your most difficult career questions answered at the forum by one of the top pilot career mentors in the US.

Karen Kalishek is Chair of the National Association of Flight Instructors. She holds an ATP certificate and is a Designated Pilot Examiner, four time NAFI Master Instructor, CFI, CFII, MEI, CFIG, FAA Gold Seal Instructor,FAASTeam Lead Representative and WINGSPro. Karen was honored as the National FAASTeam Representative of the Year in 2019.
She serves on the GAJSC, FAA Surface Safety Group, Runway Safety Council, Angle of Attack Working Group, and is active in several aviation organizations. Karen is a Major in the Civil Air Patrol, serving as a CAP volunteer flight instructor, check pilot, examiner, mission pilot, and Safety Officer. She also writes a weekly column and presents on aviation safety and instructional topics throughout the year.

Justin graduated with a BA from Claremont McKenna College, majoring in accounting and went on to obtain his CPA after working for EY for several years. He also trained at US Aviation and is an instrument-rated Private Pilot of 100 hours. He enjoys actively being involved in growing and managing a business. On his own time, Justin enjoys water-skiing and driving his “classic” cars.

Captain Jolanda Witvliet immigrated to the USA to become an airline pilot as women were not allowed to become commercial pilots at that time in The Netherlands.

She worked as a flight instructor, chief flight instructor, charter pilot, flew for a commuter airline (now called regional), as well as Braniff and United Airlines. She has worked as a simulator instructor, Line Check Pilot, Manager of Instructor Training, designing & implementing various training programs for airport, route and LCP qualifications. Captain Witvliet has flown numerous aircraft such as the BE-99, BAC-111, B737, B757, B767, B777 and is currently a Captain at United Airlines on the Boeing 787, based in ORD.

She has been involved in union positions at the Air Line Pilot Association (ALPA) such as Membership, designing & implementing a New Hire Pilot Mentor Program, New Hire Pilot Briefings, Family Issues, elected to be a union Representative, and creating various outreach and training events. She mentors both new pilots and those transitioning to the airlines.

Jolanda holds a Bachelor degree of Science in Applied Science & Technology from Thomas Edison State University and a Certificate of Adult Education from Oregon State University.

Lastly, Captain Witvliet has written articles on various topics such as the first female airline pilot Captain Emily Warner, the dangers of LASIK, benefits of diversity in aviation, and co-authored two books: The Airline Transition Manual, a comprehensive guide to becoming a successful airline pilot and the comprehensive Pilot’s Guide to Scholarships & Grants. Both can be found at www.airlinetransition.org.

John is an aviation enthusiast and passionate entrepreneur with over 20 years of strategic marketing experience. As the owner of Bravo 6 Flight Academy, a premier flight school in Idaho, John is committed to inspiring the next generation of pilots through hands-on training. His leadership has helped establish Bravo 6 as a trusted name in flight training, serving aspiring aviators from across the region.

In addition to his contributions to aviation, John brings a wealth of expertise from his extensive background in digital marketing. Having executed successful campaigns for national brands like Costco and US Bank, as well as hundreds of small businesses, he has a proven ability to identify impactful strategies tailored to diverse industries. John’s unique perspective as both a business owner and marketer provides him powerful insights into the challenges flight schools face in standing out in a competitive market.

John Patrick Munoz is an experienced Regional General Adjuster and Aviation Surveyor with over 25 years of expertise in handling complex and high-exposure claims across multiple industries. Currently with McLarens, John specializes in general liability, commercial auto liability, inland marine, and general aviation claims, where he performs field investigations, coordinates with FAA and NTSB investigators, and ensures thorough documentation of loss scenes and damages. Previously, he served in senior roles at Crawford & Company and Knight Management Insurance Services, managing large-scale aviation and casualty claims while also leading teams of adjusters and auditors.

With a strong background in commercial and personal lines, as well as an in-depth understanding of litigation and complex injury claims, John is a highly skilled professional known for his ability to navigate intricate claims and provide strategic solutions. He holds multiple state Adjuster licenses and holds his Commercial Pilot Certificate: Private Pilot Rotorcraft-Helicopter; Instrument Helicopter; and Airplane Single Engine Land.

With over 13 years of experience in the industry, Joe Ryan represents some of the country’s prominent fleet operators. As an Insurance Broker for Wings Insurance, one of the largest privately held aviation insurance brokerages in North America, Joe provides a personalized customer experience while leveraging large brokerage house influence with insurance
companies.

Prior to Wings Insurance, Joe held roles as an Airline Pilot and Chief Flight Instructor. He graduated from the University of North Dakota’s prestigious aerospace program.

Gordon Alvord is a seasoned aviator and entrepreneur with a passion for teaching and flying. After graduating from UND Aerospace he taught aspiring pilots for several years before transitioning to the airlines in 2001. In 2007, Gordon co-founded Rainier Flight Service in Seattle, Washington. Under his leadership, the flight school has grown to become one of the largest private flight schools in the US. To modernize flight training and improve customer experience, Gordon co-founded NeedleNine, a flight school management software solution. Today, Gordon still loves flying jets while mentoring the next generation of pilots and consulting with flight schools around the country.

Frank Cohen is the Chief Revenue Officer at Joy Aviation Supply, an ASA-100 accredited aviation parts reseller based in New Jersey.

Frank is a visionary entrepreneur with a sharp business acumen and extensive experience in creating and executing innovative business strategies that maximize both customer satisfaction and economic success. Before joining Joy Aviation Supply, Frank held managing partner roles in companies specializing in electronic products and medical supplies, showcasing his versatility across industries.

For over 17 years, Joy Aviation Supply has been a trusted partner to the aviation community, providing thousands of aircraft and helicopter parts with zero rejection rates. Their clients include flight schools, private and corporate aircraft operators, charter companies, helicopter fleets, and government and defense organizations.

In addition to supplying high-quality parts, Joy Aviation Supply also offers a unique service: purchasing overstock inventory from operators and flight schools. For organizations with excess inventory sitting unused on their shelves, the company provides a hassle-free solution by offering to buy it outright, helping free up space and recover value.

Joy Aviation Supply’s mission is to be the most reliable source of aviation parts, staying ahead of customer needs while building long-term relationships based on trust, quality, and exceptional performance.

Christian Knape is a Captain at Endeavor Airlines flying within the Delta Connections Network. As a young aviator, he fast tracked his career through Western Michigan University’s part 141 program, graduating with a Flight Science degree in 2018. His flight experience comes from thousands of hours of part 61 Instruction, part 121 Regional Operation, and as an active Michigan Flyers Club member. His more recent step into the industry has given Christian unique insight into the available Pilot training programs, along with the current Airline hiring environment. His Pilot career has lead him to become a passionate advocate and mentor within the aviation community, experienced in navigating the many financial and logistical barriers required to reach the Flight Deck. Christian now resides in Ann Arbor, Michigan based out of Detroit Metro Airport.

Brett’s aviation career began while leading a recruitment team at a part 141 school in Florida, where he developed a passion for the flight school environment and its inherent mission. As Brett continued his career in recruitment he realized the most important part of building a flight school is creating the finish line for students. Brett later moved to another large 141 Flight School in the Pacific Northwest where he began his work helping create that finish line for students by finding them exciting career opportunities when their training was completed. This included developing pathway programs with some of the largest fixed wing and rotor wing operators in the world.

While creating progress reports for some of his pathway partners, Brett realized that the software the flight school was using was simply missing the mark. With the help of one of his colleagues, they started building what would become Four Forces. Since Four Forces creation, Brett has enjoyed connecting and building a software solution that truly works for every flight school.

Ari Prevalla is the founder of International Aviation LLC & FlightSchools4sale.com, specializing in flight school consulting and merger & acquisitions. Throughout his thirty years in the aviation industry, Ari has operated Part 141 Flight Schools, Part 135 charter and FBO’s producing students both domestically and internationally for prestigious airline companies. He is a well-versed pilot, holding an Airline Transportation Pilot (ATP) and flight instructor license.

Inspired to help flight schools reach their best potential after his valuable experience as an operator, Ari established International Aviation LLC in 2006, generating quality solutions that contributed to the growing success of flight schools across the nation. The consulting company aims to equip flight schools with FAA Part 14, 135 and SEVIS compliance as well as laying the pathway to achieve those licenses while helping growth and profitability. The M & A side of the company helps flight schools find their true value in investors worldwide.