Charlie; President

Instructor Bio:

I have owned several Cessna 172’s, a Cardinal RG, and a Piper Seneca III and my favorite airplane has to be the Gen 6 Cirrus SR22T.  I have a passion for aviation safety and am a volunteer FAA Safety Representative.

Hobbies:

In my free time I love fishing with my wife and son.

Ratings:

Com-ASEL, Com-AMEL, CFI, CFII, AGI, Gold Seal, Platinum CSIP

Trent; Vice President of Flight School

Instructor Bio:

I was drawn toward aviation as a child, often stopping what I was doing to watch an aircraft fly overhead. This aviation intrigue drew me towards the thought of becoming an Airline Pilot, which is pretty common as an initial goal. However, along the way my career has morphed into a Flight School leadership role. This role is advantageous because I get to assist in helping others achieve their goals. It may just be the teacher in me, but there is nothing better than seeing a previous student or Instructor piloting your vacation flight! 

The aviation industry is a fraternity. People in this industry love to see others achieve their wildest dreams. I guess we are all dreamers at heart. Aviation is simple, yet complex at the same time. It is peaceful, yet chaotic. There is nothing like it. You just have to immerse yourself fully to experience it!

Hobbies:

One of the great aspects about being back in Green Bay is family. I get to spend time with them on a consistent basis and watch my nephews grow up. My wife and I have even added a new member in 2022, which is an amazing gift. When I am not spending time with family my hobbies consist of boating, fishing, snowmobiling, and watching or playing sports.

Ratings:

Commercial SE/ME – CFI/CFII; Thinking about adding my MEI. 

Glenn; 141 Chief Instructor

Instructor Bio:

I am currently the chief instructor for CAVU’s Green Bay location. I got hooked on aviation when I was in my 20’s and have been flying ever since. A couple of random facts about me include that I can speak the German language and I enjoy raising my numerous pets.

Hobbies:

Other than flying, I enjoy getting outdoors to bike and play racquetball. My psychological getaway in life is making my own bread and tending to my own garden at home. I also enjoy traveling in my free time and have recently been to Thailand.

Ratings: 

I hold a Gold Seal CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, and AGI.

Ingrid; Cirrus Training Center Chief Instructor (GRB)

Instructor Bio:

My passion for aviation started when I was a little girl and would spend hours listening to my grandfather’s stories when he was at the Air Force. As I became older my passion grew further as my Dad would take me to the airport to view planes. I have been flying for over 4 years and the joy for flying never gets old. I definitely love how peaceful and exciting flying a small plane is.

Hobbies:

Besides flying my main hobby is cooking, I love trying new recipes and having friends and family over to try them!

Ratings:

I am currently a Certified Flight Instructor at Pilotsmith and CAVU. I hold a Commercial Pilot with Instrument Rating, CFI and CFII license.

John

Instructor Bio:

I am a Vietnam Veteran and was stationed as an engineer on an aircraft carrier in the Tonkin Gulf. I earned my private license in 1979 and after acquiring my commercial rating flew briefly as a corporate pilot. I have held a CFI rating for more than 25 years. Most of my career has been working as Executive Director of two  nonprofit youth organizations. One was with adjudicated youth and one in a leadership focused organization. During that time I was involved with the Young Eagles program. Flying and working with youth have always been a passion of mine, however, I enjoy flight instructing all ages. Instructing is a wonderful privilege and I am truly living that dream.

Hobbies:

My other interest is boating. I hold a current Coast Guard Merchant Mariner captain license for 100 ton vessels, unlimited passengers. My two grown daughters, Jessica and Emily,  are off on their life adventures with their mates.  I am retired and live five minutes from the airport with my beautiful wife Cindy and two cats.

Ratings:

Com-ASEL, Com-AMEL, CFI, AGI, Gold Seal

Dennis

Instructor Bio: I began my flying career at Parks College of St. Louis University years back. After a time away from aviation, circumstances changed and I have been flying at every opportunity since. I learned a while back that the more you learn about one topic, the more it applies to the next – and that there is incredible synergy at the pinnacle. As pilots, we always strive to reach that pinnacle. It’s energizing to be a part of the pilot community, where we all look for ways to constantly improve what we do and help each other to safely and effectively reach our goals. I currently work from the KGRB locations and would love to help you reach your aviation goals!

Hobbies: I enjoy flying airplanes, community involvement / volunteering, playing guitar, sailing and boating, amateur radio, traveling and outdoor sports, to name just a few. I am an active member of the US Coast Guard Auxiliary and also the US Air Force Auxiliary,  the Civil Air Patrol.

Ratings: CFI, CFII, AGI, and IGI; Commercial, Instrument, High Performance, Complex,  Remote / UAS.

Trisha

Instructor Bio:

I begin my flight training in poplar Grove IL. Where I begin flying in a Piper cub. If I could own my own aircraft I would own a Piper cub. I finished my training at FVTC and I am currently finishing my bachelor’s at UWO for aviation management.

Hobbies:

In my free time my favorite this to do is read, play video games and spend time with my family. Fishing with my dad, having a cook out with my dad and stepmom. Playing board games, watching movies or playing video games with my mom, little sister, and fiance. I love to spend time with my five nephews and older sister. I also love to spoil my two cat Sparta and Nibbler.

Rating:

Commercial single and multi-engine, instrument, CFI, CFII, MEI

Gavin

Instructor Bio:

Hobbies:

Ratings:

Connor

Instructor Bio:

I started my flight career at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, graduating with a degree in Aviation Management and I joined the Air National Guard as Avionics technician. Between deployments I was able to finish my CFI at Blue Skies Aviation in Crystal Lake Illinois. I have a few years of flight instruction under my belt at another 141 operation and also taught a Private Pilot Ground school at a college.

Hobbies:

I am a huge Packers fan. Love everything about that team and would love to talk about it with you when we have the time! I also love spending my time with friends and family when I can, I’m a big fan of stand up comedy and I’m a very chatty person, and I thoroughly enjoy talking with people.

Ratings:

CFI (Obtaining my CFII very soon!)

Alex

Instructor Bio:

I am from Green Bay and attended Notre Dame Academy. My passion for aviation started when I was a freshman at the University of North Dakota. I started college as an engineering major, but made the change to commercial aviation. This turned out to be the best decision I have ever made because I discovered my love for flying. I have earned a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautics from the University of North Dakota. Being from Green Bay it is very exciting to be able to fly so close to home and I am thrilled
to be a part of this organization.

Hobbies:

In my personal life my fiancé Ally I enjoy rooting for the Packers, North Dakota Hockey, and spending time with our Husky Loki. In our free time we enjoy traveling and being outdoors.

Ratings:

I hold a Commercial Single and Multi-engine land with an Instrument rating. I am a CFI and CFII.

Ian

Instructor Bio:

Ian is a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College where he turned his love for flying into a career as a Certified Flight Instructor and Commercial Pilot. Ian got his passion for aviation from his father and aunt, a pilot and an air-traffic controller respectively. Ian’s goal as a flight instructor is to share the joy and excitement of flying with everyone he meets. He loves the teaching process because it gives him the opportunity to see new pilots experience the thrill of flying for the first time.

Hobbies:

In his free time, Ian enjoys playing sports, downhill skiing in winter, spending time with family and friends, and flying.

Ratings:

He has earned his Commercial Pilot Certificate (ASEL/ AMEL/ INSTA) and Flight Instructor (CFI) and CFII.

Tyler

Instructor Bio:

Hi there! My name is Tyler and I’m from Portland, Oregon. I have done my flight training all over the United States, experiencing many different places to fly. From Portland to Salt Lake City, to Duluth to Sherman, Texas. I have loved flying in all types of environments! I have also earned a Bachelor’s of Science-Professional Pilot degree from Utah Valley University and have a desire to help others learn to fly and show them this other world in the skies.

Hobbies:

I love doing many things. I love to see new places, exploring via plane and landing at airports I’ve never been to. I enjoy hiking, learning, traveling, doing outdoor activities, going to church, being with family, playing board games and video games. I also love playing sports and watching my favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Portland Trail Blazers (especially when they win!).

Ratings:

Commercial Single-Engine/Multi-Engine, Instrument Rating, CFI /  CFII / AGI / IGI, Complex Endorsement

Austin

Instructor Bio:

My first exposure to aviation happened to be during a summer school class in 5th grade during a discovery flight. After high school graduation, I attended UW-Platteville and earned a bachelor’s degree in 2018, majoring in Geography with a minor in Geographic Information Systems. After college, I moved back to my hometown in Marshfield, WI and was reminded of my excitement for aviation. I decided to pursue a career in aviation a month after college graduation, and obtained my PPL in approximately 4 months. After countless hours of fun cross country flights with family and friends, I moved to Green Bay in 2021 to further my education. With the help of the Pilotsmith team, I’ve earned my Instrument Rating, Commercial and CFI. I hope to inspire young kids, and I’m excited to share my passion for aviation with my students.

Hobbies:

In my free time, I enjoy being outdoors and enjoy activities such as golfing, hiking, biking, and skiing. During the summer months, you’ll see me riding around on my motorcycle which I’ve been riding since the age of 16. I’m always excited to travel to new places, and learn about different cultures.

Ratings:

Commercial Single Engine, Instrument Rating, CFI, CFII, High Performance

Alexander James “AJ”

Instructor Bio:

I started my aviation journey when I was 15, and I actually did a discover flight at CAVU! I flew with Woody and ever since, I have been hooked on being a pilot. I am from Oostburg, Wisconsin, and I went to college out in Phoenix, Arizona. I got my private pilot license in Scottsdale, and then I came back to Wisconsin after I graduated and got the rest of my licenses at Pilotsmith!

Hobbies:

In my free time, I enjoy golfing, water sports, and hanging out with my family and friends. I like to travel, and we go up north and spend a lot of time at our cabin up there.

Ratings:

Instrument rating, Commercial-SE, CFI, CFII

Jacob

Instructor Bio:

I am from Rock Springs, Wyoming and have always had an interest in aviation. It wasn’t until high school when I realized it was something I could do as a career. I enrolled at Utah Valley University where I graduated with a bachelors in Professional Piloting. Flying has taken me to many places I never thought I’d go and I want to bring that exposure to others. My goal is to bring quality instruction and a great experience for my students.

Hobbies:

Besides flying, I enjoy going on walks, hikes, and golfing in the warmer months, and skiing in the winter. I like to travel, go see movies, play video games, and spend time with friends and family.

Ratings:

Commercial single engine and multi-engine land, Instrument, CFI

Ben

Instructor Bio:

Growing up on a farm near Ripon, Wisconsin, I originally started my aviation path as just a hobby, getting my private pilot license with Wisconsin Aviation so I could fly my parents’ PA-12 Super Cruiser. I attended UW-Madison and graduated with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. As I was looking at getting a job in that field, I realized I was hooked on flying, so I decided instead to pursue aviation. I continued my flight training at ATP Flight School obtaining my ratings and becoming a CFI. Flying has allowed me to view the world through a whole new lens and I hope to share that passion with the next generation of pilots.

Hobbies:

Besides flying around in the Super Cruiser, I like hanging out with friends and doing outdoor activities like water sports, tennis, golfing, and riding my motorcycle. In the winter I love downhill skiing and snowmobiling.

Ratings:

Commercial Single and Multi Engine, Instrument rating, CFI, CFII, MEI, Tailwheel

Gustav

Instructor Bio:

I’m Gustav, but some people call me Gus. I’m originally from Madison, WI, and currently live in Appleton with my wife. I grew up around aviation, as my dad has been an airline pilot since before I was born. I took my first flight at 9 years old with him. After that, I was sure what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. I periodically took lessons growing up until I started at University of Wisconsin-Madison in 2018, which had a course in partnership with the local flight school. I got all my certificates in Madison, except for the CFI which was done in San Diego, and I have a degree in Aviation from Liberty University. My wife’s dad is also an airline pilot, so I ended up having a pretty big aviation family. I’m excited to share my passion of flying with like-minded people!

Hobbies:

When I’m not flying, I spend a lot of time reading about it and learning new things. I also like studying new languages and traveling to new places. I enjoy spending time with friends and family, and I play a few video games here and there.

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL/AMEL, Instrument, CFI, AGI

Alexander

Instructor Bio:

I am from Lisle, Illinois and conducted my flight training at The University of
North Dakota while majoring in Commercial Aviation. I first wanted to be a pilot in the 4th
grade after my brother showed me Google Earth’s flight simulator, and after that I was hooked!
My mom would take my brother, my sister, and I to O’hare Airport so we could watch planes for
hours. I am extremely excited to instruct for Pilotsmith out of Milwaukee Timmerman!

Hobbies:

Outside of flying, I enjoy hiking, traveling, playing soccer and golf, and spending time
with family and friends.

Ratings:

ASEL/AMEL, CFI/CFII

Laurel

Instructor Bio:

Growing up I always had to love for air & space, but especially astronomy. It wasn’t until I went to my very first EAA when I was a young girl, that I fell in love with aircraft and all things aviation. I knew from that day forward, watching the pilots do incredible aerobatics and flying screaming jets, I wanted to be a pilot. I did all my training at Fox Valley Tech in Oshkosh starting from zero experience to CFI. No one in my family before me had been an aviator, which helped me prove that anyone with the right mindset can achieve their goals. I want to share my love of aviation for others and show that anyone can become a pilot with enough passion and drive!

Hobbies:

Some of my hobbies that are not flying include fishing on the bay or on Lake Winnebago, aviation photography and amateur astronomy. I also love being outside and to go on walks around the bay during my free time.

Ratings:

I have my commercial single and multi engine with an instrument rating. CFI, MEI and CFII.

Sydney

Instructor Bio:

Fun fact, I used to be terrified of flying! It wasn’t until I lived overseas that I realized, despite my fear of flying, that I wanted travel to be a part of my everyday life. As a first generation pilot, aviation was not introduced to me until I landed my first job as a pilot recruiter for a 121 airline. I had finally found access to the lifestyle I wanted. However, once COVID hit and my airline ceased operations, I found myself at a crossroads. Do I wait for the industry to open back up and resume pilot recruiting or are there other options for me? Two months later, I was signed up for flight school. I completed PPL, Instrument, and CPL in Minneapolis, CFI in Phoenix, and my CFII and multi-rating in South Florida. Flying has been one of the most fulfilling things that I have done and I am excited to share my passion with the next generation of pilots.

Hobbies:

Outside of flying, I love traveling, hiking, skiing/snowboarding, ice skating, drawing, cleaning, and learning. I also enjoy spending time with my loved ones and my two dogs!

Ratings:

Com-ASEL, Com-AMEL, CFI, CFII, and complex endorsement

Zachary

Instructor Bio:

I am originally from a suburb of Chicago called Algonquin. I went to Lewis University to run NCAA D2 Track and Field and complete my flight training. I recently graduated in May 2024. I was a long and triple jumper for my track team which took up most of my college career. I was still able to do my flight training on my off days and during my summers though.
I am the youngest of 7 siblings in my family and am the first pilot! I also recently got engaged and will be married next year :-). I first took an interest in aviation when I was a kid and got remote control planes for Christmas every year. I was amazed how things flew. So, I decided I also wanted to fly. I am super excited to be a part of the Pilotsmith Team and look forward to meeting all my students!

Hobbies:

I play lots of sports and love doing anything active. I enjoy outdoor life and lakes.

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL, CFI/CFII

Isaac

Instructor Bio:

As I was picking colleges, aviation was not on the top of my mind. I attended St. Norbert
College. I played baseball and got a degree in Business Administration with an emphasis in
finance and an economic minor. During my sophomore year, I decided to get my private pilot’s
license at Pilotsmith in Appleton. After that, I knew I found what I wanted to do for a career. I am
excited to share the aviation industry with my students.

Hobbies:

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with friends and family and being outdoors. After finishing
baseball, I picked up playing golf which is a work in progress. I have a German shorthaired
pointer and she keeps me on my toes every single day.

Ratings:

Single engine commercial and CFI

Jared

Instructor Bio:

I grew up in Appleton and remember attending EAA Airventure every summer which is where my passion for aviation began. In highschool I got a job at the Appleton Flight Center to get involved in aviation and have loved working there ever since. I completed most of my training in Appleton but for two years I lived in Utah where I got experience flying at high altitudes in the mountains and also got my instrument rating.  While in Utah I also got married to my amazing wife Emalee and stayed busy working in construction/excavation. After we moved back to Wisconsin I finished my commercial certificate and my multi-engine rating with Pilotsmith before transferring to FVTC for my instructor ratings.  Through my training I have had the opportunity to fly many different aircraft including Cessna, Diamond, Piper, Beechcraft, and Vans and loved them all.

Hobbies:

I really enjoy my work at the airport and will often be found at the flight center working, flying for fun, or now, flight instructing. When I am not at the airport I enjoy spending time with my wife and our dog adventuring outdoors, walking, hiking, or traveling to new places.  Weekends will often involve going to a new state park to hike around or camp when we can and going to church and volunteering there.

Ratings:

Commercial Single-Engine & Multi-Engine Land, Instrument, CFI, Soon to be CFII

Elizabeth

Instructor Bio:

My love of flying began at about 12 years old, when I attended an all-girls aviation camp at my local airport in Sheboygan, WI. I earned my private pilot license and instrument rating at Western Michigan University, and went on to complete my commercial training while finishing up my degree at UW Madison. Since graduating, I have moved around and trained at a few different flight schools around Wisconsin and Minnesota. I am now settled in Menasha (near Appleton) and I am very excited to now be a part of the Pilotsmith family!

Hobbies:

When I am not in the sky, I enjoy almost any activity that gets me outdoors. My favorite ones include hiking, backpacking, traveling to the National Parks, and spending time with my husband and our two little boys, Jameson and Cooper.

Ratings:

Commercial ASEL and AMEL, CFI

Ryan

Instructor Bio:

I started flying with my dad at the age of 2. I have him alone to thank for my passion in the industry. Growing up just 25 minutes from EAA, i have attended 19 years of my life and I don’t plan on missing a year in the future. I was fortunate enough to find Pilotsmith while I was working on my private, and did the majority of my training in Green Bay. I am excited to help others reach their goals surrounded by great people and flight instructors here at Pilotsmith.

Hobbies:

In my free time, I enjoy hiking, fishing, and traveling of any sort. I play hockey, when i find the time, as well as skiing and snowmobiling during the winter. I’ve been blessed with great people in my life which has led to a lot of relaxation and cookouts.

Ratings:

Com-ASEL, Instrument, CFI, CFI-I, IGI

Connor

Instructor Bio:

Growing up and going through high school, I wasn’t sure what career path I wanted to pursue. Immediately after high school, I joined the military as a 74D in the Army reserves. Soon after, I booked a discovery flight after watching a “day in the life video” from a pilot on YouTube. I realized how I could leverage my military benefits to go to flight school and started my training at a local part 61 school. After obtaining my PPL, I transferred to Pilotsmith and the rest is history. Who knew such a great decision could come from a YouTube video! I look forward to providing high quality instruction and helping you obtain your aviation goals!

Hobbies:

I enjoy many outdoor hobbies such as camping, fishing, and hiking. I also love taking trips on my motorcycle in the summer. One day I wish to own a airplane of my own or a paramotor!

Ratings:

Commercial SEL, IR, CFI/I