Certified Flight Instructors
Sporty's Academy's staff of professional instructors are dedicated to creating a safe and enjoyable learning environment. Our instructors are experienced, knowledgeable and share a passion for flying and education. Call us at 1.513.735.9100 or email Fly@SportysAcademy.com to schedule your first lesson or contact one of our CFIs below directly to schedule your first lesson.
David Zitt
Title: Flight School Manager
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, CFI-G, CFI-ME
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x264

"Ever since I took my first ride in a Gulfstream, I knew I wanted to be a pilot."
 
Eric Radtke
Title: President, Sporty's Academy, Inc., FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, NAFI Master Certified Flight Instructor (2006)
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, ATP, Gold Seal, AGI, NAFI Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x352

"If we are walking around the airport, I want to teach the student who looks up each time an airplane passes overhead."
 
Paul E. Jurgens II
Title: Vice President Sporty's Academy, Chief Instructor-Multiengine & Glider Operations, Assistant Chief Instructor-Single Engine Airplanes, FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, Master Flight Instructor, Master Ground Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI-SE, CFI-IA, CFI-ME, CFI-G, AGI, IGI, ATP-MEL, SES, Com-SEL and Glider, Dispatcher, Gold Seal, NAFI Master Flight Instructor, NAFI Master Ground Instructor
Education: Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, Miami University
Originally From: New Paris, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x212

"I love the challenge of flight without an engine, especially the landings."
 
Bret Koebbe
Title: Vice President Sporty's Academy, Check Airman, FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, NAFI Master Certified Flight Instructor (2008)
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP, CE-500 Type Rating, IGI, AGI, Gold Seal, NAFI Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x231

"I like teaching people who see flying as an enjoyment, not necessarily a career."
 
Andy Capetillo
Title: FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor, Advanced Ground Instructor, NAFI Master Certified Flight Instructor (2007)
Current Ratings: CFI,CFII, MEI, CFI-G, AGI, ATP, LR-JET Type Rating, Commercial ASES, Gold Seal, NAFI Master Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Toledo, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x292

"This job is fun, challenging, and rewarding especially seeing a student progress from their first solo to becoming a commercial pilot."
 
Eric Francis
Title: Senior Flight Instructor, NAFI Master Certified Flight Instructor (2007), Check Airman
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI, IGI, ATP, LR-JET, LR-60, CL604, Gold Seal, NAFI Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Originally From: Independence, Kentucky
Contact: 513.735.9100 x289

"I work hard to keep the lessons efficient and enjoyable. As a Flight Instructor, it is very rewarding to share my passion for aviation and help other people create their own adventures."
 
Matt Meyer
Title: Senior Flight Instructor, Gold Seal, Advanced Ground Instructor, NAFI Master Certified Flight Instructor (2007), Designated Pilot Examiner
Current Ratings: ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, CFI-G, Gold Seal, AGI, NAFI Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati; Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Originally From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x262

"Flying is thrilling freedom. As humans, we value our freedom. For me, flying is the best way to celebrate it."
 
Keith Landrum
Title: Flight Instructor, NAFI Master Flight Instructor (2008)
Current Ratings: CFI, NAFI Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Owensville, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x372

"Flying is not only my job, it’s my passion. I take pride in sharing the joy and knowledge of aviation with others. "
 
Charissa A. Dyer-Kendler, Ph.D.
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, CFI-G, AGI
Education: Alma College; Wayne State University
Originally From: Hartland, Michigan
Contact: 513.739.9100 x 279

"Dreaming of flying is exciting, but does not begin to compare to the actual sensation of flying. Adventure and challenge await those who turn the dream of flying into reality."
 
Rick Hoofring
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, AGI
Education: Northern Kentucky University
Originally From: Fremont, CA
Contact: 513.735.9100 x295

"There are many people who say that they have always wanted to learn how to fly. I too had this dream and one day I decided to take the steps necessary to learn. This decision has brought me many hours of fun and excitement. Now as an instructor, I hope to be able to teach and inspire others about the thrills of flying."
 
Todd A. Ritchey
Title: Senior Gold Seal Flight Instructor; Advanced Ground Instructor; Check Airman
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII, CFI-G, Gold Seal, IGI, ATP, BE-200 and LR-60
Education: USAF, University of Cincinnati, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Originally From: Goshen, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x261

"I feel extremely fortunate to be able to say I look forward to going to work."
 
Colin O'Rourke
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x293

"Life is a journey, why not take the high road? Experience the world from a different angle and join us."
 
Timothy Pence
Title: Master Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI, CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI, Master Flight Instructor
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x294

"I believe that the most rewarding challenge in aviation is training others to fly."
 
Tom Baresel
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: BM. MM, Wichita State University
Originally From: Junction City, KS
Contact: 513.735.9100 x283

"As a kid I piled up boxes around me for my airplane and stuck a fan out front on one for the engine. Every time I fly I feel like that kid again, and I get to help bring that out of others now. Amazing."
 
Zach Herrmann
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x276
"The miracle of flight is an experience that one will not forget. From the first flight until the last check ride and on, every single flight brings it’s own unique challenges and situations. The best part is that almost anyone can take that first step. Start flying now and open up a world of endless possibilities that will stay with you for your entire life."
 
Travis Kuhn
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI, CFII
Education: BS Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
Originally From: Cincinnati, OH
Contact: 513.735.9100 x271

"All my life I have dreamed of being able to get into the skies, and now I am blessed to be able to allow others to live their dreams. In the words of Leonardo Da Vinci "Once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return. "
 
Jose Esquivel
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: San Salvador, El Salvador
Contact: 513.830.3703

"I remember being very young and looking up to the sky every time I heard an airplane. Now, every time I am flying I look at the world from above and feel privileged to have achieved my lifelong dream of becoming a pilot and being able to share this opportunity with others. As Charles Lindbergh said, "It is the greatest shot of adrenaline to be doing what you have wanted to do so badly. You almost feel you could fly without the plane. "
 
Jimmy McCord
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: BA/AA Northern Kentucky University
Originally From: Northern Kentucky
Contact: 513.735.9100 x281

"As far back as I can remember, I have felt a sense of belonging in the sky. Aviation is who I am and who I will always be. Instructing is a very humbling experience and the satisfaction of helping others achieve their dream of flight is beyond words. When you start your flying, you will understand why birds sing. I hope to see you in the sky soon. "
 
Cory Deming
Title: Flight Instructor
Current Ratings: CFI
Education: University of Cincinnati
Originally From: Cincinnati, Ohio
Contact: 513.735.9100 x 287
"The sensation and gratification of your first takeoff and landing is one you will never forget and will never regret."


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Sporty's Academy, Inc.
Clermont County/Sporty's Airport (I69)
2001 Sportys Drive
Batavia, Ohio 45103
Phone: 1 (USA) 513.735.9100
Fax: 1.513.735.9200
Email: Fly@SportysAcademy.com
Copyright 2009-2012, Sporty's Academy, Inc.