Meet Our Team
Sporty’s was founded by a pilot over 60 years ago, and from the beginning our company has been for pilots and by pilots. Our broad experience and passion for aviation makes us uniquely qualified to offer only the finest, most unique aviation products. Before we sell a new product, every one is rigorously tested by our team of pilots in the real world of general aviation airplanes. They use products just like you would (and that means no instruction manuals!). If our panel doesn’t think a product is useful, easy-to-use and reliable, we simply won’t sell it.
Michael Wolf
Chairman & CEO - Sporty's
Michael has worked at Sporty’s for over 50 years, so he knows both Sporty’s and the aviation industry quite well. A pilot for over 40 years, aviation is Michael’s first love: “I just can’t imagine life without airplanes.” While he flies a Citation regularly, most of his time is spent in the left seat of Sporty’s Aztec. “It’s a joy to fly an airplane that’s over 50 years old, but one that’s been meticulously maintained. It’s like stepping back in time, but I still get excellent utility out of it, for both family trips and business.”
FLIES:
Piper Aztec, Cessna Citation
RATINGS:
Commercial, Multi, Instrument, Glider, Citation Type Rating
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“My PJ2+ portable radio. I use it for getting clearances before engine start and for backup.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I started working at Sporty’s in high school and I knew right then I had to be around airplanes for the rest of my life.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“I flew to Chicago O’Hare in our Aztec to record the ATC chatter for a tape Sporty’s made. Wow!”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I have two wonderful grandchildren and I like to log some miles on my bike.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Engage with the entire aviation community. It’s a fascinating place filled with generous people who are almost always willing. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.”
John Zimmerman
President - Sporty’s
Coming from an aviation family, John grew up in the back of small airplanes and learned to fly as a teenager. Ever since, he has been hooked on aviation of all kinds and regularly flies a Citabria, a Pilatus PC-12, and a Cirrus SR22. He is a 4000-hour ATP and also holds ratings for multiengine, seaplanes, gliders, and helicopters. He has written for Flying magazine, AOPA Pilot, and Plane & Pilot, and is currently the Editor-in-Chief of Air Facts and the host of the Pilot’s Discretion podcast. John has worked at Sporty’s since 1999 and is currently President, where he leads new product development and marketing.
FLIES:
Pilatus PC-12, Cirrus SR22, Citabria
RATINGS:
ATP, Helicopter, Tailwheel, Glider, Seaplane
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad with ForeFlight. It has everything I need to fly safely, from charts to weather.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I love the challenge. A well-flown flight is one of the most rewarding things in life.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“A sunset helicopter flight with my wife, over the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains— absolutely stunning.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I love live music and I’m a very average runner.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Being a pilot means a lot more than just sitting in the left seat of an airplane. There’s a lot to learn from riding along with other pilots, flying simulators, attending airshows, or reading aviation books. Soak it all up.”
Chuck Gallagher
President - Eastern Cincinnati Aviation
Chuck holds the record at Sporty’s for fastest flight training program—he earned his Recreational Certificate in just two weeks. He later added a Private Certificate, plus Multiengine and Instrument ratings. Today, he enjoys recreational flying more than anything, “whether it’s a morning flight for breakfast at a nearby airport or a trip with the family.” Chuck is the airport manager for I69 and is also the President of Cincinnati Avionics, Sporty’s on-site avionics shop. His expertise in aviation electronics is invaluable in developing and testing new products, from portable radios to ADS-B Out transponders.
FLIES:
Piper Aztec
RATINGS:
Private, Multi, Instrument, FAA Repairman
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad. ForeFlight is a must-have when flying cross country.”
WHY AVIATION?
“It is exciting and always changing with technology.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“To Montreal, Canada.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Fishing, hunting, golfing, and farming.”
Mark Wiesenhahn
Vice President, Business Development - Sporty’s
Mark Wiesenhahn is a vice president at Sporty’s, where he has worked for the past 35 years. In addition to his administrative duties managing Sporty’s dealers and vendors and directing media relations and trade show participation, Mark works closely with Sporty’s partnerships within the industry, including AOPA and EAA. He is actively involved in promoting Aviation Exploring and has been an Exploring advisor for over 20 years. He serves on the Executive Committee of Learning for Life Organization as the Exploring Chair.
FLIES:
Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Recreational
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“A quality ANR headset, like a Bose A30 or a Lightspeed Delta Zulu. A flight is more enjoyable with a comfortable headset and clear communications.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I began working at Sporty’s while in college, and was hired full-time upon graduation. My interest in aviation grew from being at the airport and around many of my co-workers who are pilots. They helped to show me the many great opportunities and adventures aviation can deliver.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“My checkride was my favorite flight. The examiner for my checkride was Al Passell, a member of the Flight Instructor Hall of Fame, and one of the most prolific examiners of all time. Al loved to teach, and he used the checkride to not only test my skills and proficiency, but he also passed along a few tips he knew would make me a better pilot. I came away from the checkride with my certificate and also learned a thing or two.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I enjoy spending time with my family, including hiking, camping, and traveling. I also volunteer for the Scouts BSA Exploring program, an initiative that helps to deliver career exploration opportunities to young adults.”
Paul Jurgens
Chief Instructor - Sporty’s Academy
Paul is a true aviation educator, and one of only a handful of flight instructors in the world to have earned both the Master Flight Instructor and Master Ground Instructor certifications. “I really enjoy teaching, especially in the Aztec,” he says. Paul also teaches several classes at the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot program, including weather theory. When he’s not teaching, you’ll find Paul flying an Aztec or a Cessna 182 for personal transportation.
FLIES:
Piper Aztec, Cessna Citation, Cessna 172/182, Lindstrand hot air balloons, “whatever I can”
RATINGS:
ATP, Flight Instructor, Citation Type Rating, Seaplane, Glider, Balloon
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“You can never have too many flashlights. I’ve had an electrical failure at night. It is not fun.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I took my first airplane ride in high school at the Dayton Air Show and decided that I wanted to learn to fly. I ended up going to college for an Aeronautical Science degree at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Fly other things! Primarily, outside of flying, my time is spent with my family, working around the house, checking out interesting vacation spots, and thinking about how to fly more.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“(1) Spend as much time as you can with knowledgeable older pilots. Learn what you can from them but know that sometimes stories tend to grow over the years. (2) Show up to your lessons well prepared. This can save you a lot of time and money. (3) Realize that you do not know as much as you think that you do. (4) There may be more than one ‘correct’ way to do many things in aviation. There are definitely many ways to do things wrong.”
Eric Radtke
Vice President - Sporty’s Academy
It was his first airplane trip at age seven that made Eric decide to become a pilot. “While boarding the airplane, a flight attendant noticed my interest in the flight deck and urged me to go talk to the pilot. I give a lot of credit to that pilot for my career choice.” He learned to fly at Sporty’s as part of the University of Cincinnati’s Professional Pilot Program, an initiative he later directed. He earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and went on to an airline career. Eric now works at Sporty’s flight school and manages Sporty’s media network, including iPadPilotNews.com and FlightTrainingCentral.com
FLIES:
Cessna 172/182, Piper Aztec, Challenger 300
RATINGS:
ATP, Multi, Instrument, Flight Instructor, Ground Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad with a back-up battery, specifically Sporty’s Flight Gear backup battery. Managing and executing a flight in the modern era depends on timely access to information in order to make safe, informed decisions. I depend on my iPad for critical flight information.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I’ve stayed in aviation for the adventure, the people, and the process. Adventure - aviation is the ultimate adventure with new perspectives, new challenges, new accomplishments on a continual basis. People - the aviation community is filled with interesting, passionate, caring people. Process - the process and discipline of lifelong learning and improvement is inspiring.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Cross-country (literally) in a Skyhawk, from Cincinnati, OH, to Palm Springs, CA, over two days. There’s no better way to see this beautiful country than low and slow in an airplane.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Inside of Sporty’s, writing, teaching/mentoring, and developing new educational content. Outside of Sporty’s, most of my time and energy is spent on my family and supporting my high- school age daughters in all of their activities. Also enjoy exercise, the outdoors, golf, and reading.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Own your learning experience—be an active participant in the process and control your own destiny.”
Bret Koebbe
Senior Vice President - Sporty’s
Bret Koebbe is a Senior Vice President at Sporty’s and leads the video production and pilot training course development team, overseeing the creation and distribution of over 30 aviation courses across online, mobile, and TV app platforms. He has been recognized as a Master Flight Instructor and holds an ATP certificate, and enjoys both recreational flying in a Piper Aztec and professionally in a Cessna Citation. Bret is also editor of iPadPilotNews.com and a leading expert on EFB and mobile app usage in the cockpit.
FLIES:
Piper Aztec, Cessna Citation
RATINGS:
ATP, Multi, Instrument, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“I’d leave my headset in the bag any day in favor of a Sentry ADS-B receiver. Whether flying professionally as a captain in a corporate flight department or on the next vacation with my family in a Piper Aztec, I always try to maximize the utility of the airplane in (and around) all types of weather. Sentry provides the latest text and graphical weather information in ForeFlight to ensure I’m always making the best in-flight decisions along the way.”
WHY AVIATION?
“From the earliest age I can remember, I always wanted to go to airports to watch airplanes takeoff and land. My dad worked as a jet engine engineer at GE, so he was just as interested in aviation and he helped me understand how airplanes worked. From that point I was hooked.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“While producing Sporty’s Tailwheel Checkout Course with Patty Wagstaff, we traveled to Talkeetna, Alaska, to film operations in a Turbine Otter on skis. We outfitted this rugged bush airplane with six cameras and flew up to Denali National Park to show what it takes to land a tailwheel airplane on an active glacier in the snow.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I like to travel to places with adventure sports, like mountain biking, snow skiing, hiking and camping. I also spend a lot of time in front of the grill and smoker, attempting to cook the perfect seared steak or 18-hour smoked brisket.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Challenge yourself during training to fly in conditions that push your comfort zone, and don’t get in the habit of only flying during the days with calm winds and blue skies. Find strong crosswinds within the limits of your airplane and have your instructor simulate systems failures so that you’re ready to handle these situations after the checkride.”
Doug Ranly
Director of Aviation Products and Marketing - Sporty’s
Doug flies because it’s fun—pure and simple. One of his favorite rituals is to get up at the crack of dawn and go flying to find a greasy spoon at one of the many airport cafes around Sporty’s. “There’s nothing better than eating biscuits and gravy at a restaurant 70 miles away before starting your day,” says Doug. His airplane of choice is a G1000-equipped Cessna 172S. He is also Sporty’s most active product tester, and as an Eagle Scout and a US Army veteran, his standards are high. “I believe a product should work the first time right out of the box, and preferably without instructions.”
FLIES:
Cessna 172/182
RATINGS:
Private, Instrument
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“ADS-B receiver. The situational awareness gained makes it a must have—traffic, weather, GPS, and more.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I love the freedom of flight.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Too many to choose from. If I had to pick one, flying around Alaska on dirt strips and gravel bars would be up there.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I enjoy the outdoors: camping, hiking, hunting, fishing, anything that gets me outside.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Embrace technology.”
Chris McGonegle
Director of Search Marketing - Sporty’s
Chris caught the aviation bug at the age of seven when he was able to sit in the cockpit of a 737 between flights, thanks to his aunt working at a large airline. Countless balsa wood flyers and multi-stage rockets later, he enrolled in the Aviation Technology Program at the University of Cincinnati and successfully turned a fascination into a career. “One of my most memorable flights was flying my dad to a local airport with a restaurant just off the ramp known for their generously portioned ribs. I’ll never forget that day with passenger #1.” As the Director of Search Marketing at Sporty’s, Chris is tasked with managing online advertising and search engine optimization but he still loves to search for new products.
FLIES:
Cessna 172RG
RATINGS:
Commercial, Instrument
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“My Flight Gear iPad Backup Battery is a necessity. Whether flying a plane or going on vacation, it has a designated pocket in my backpack.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I’m continuously in awe when flying around the southwestern portion of Ohio during autumn when the trees paint the landscape with red, yellow, and orange. I also love the precision required when flying an aircraft paired with the challenge of no two flights being the same. It’s ever-changing and constantly rewarding.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“My wife and I took a flight to Eagle Creek Airpark on the northwestern side of Indianapolis not too long ago. There’s a boatyard cafe about a two minute walk from where you park the airplane with great views and an extensive menu. We had a great dinner followed by a sunset flight home.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I grew up as an avid video game enthusiast when I wasn’t studying or playing sports in my teens. I enjoy focusing that amusement towards flight simulators these days. I still get the chance to “game,” yet test out products and software that lend themselves to aviation. Simulated flight has grown exponentially over the last decade and I’ve enjoyed cheerleading the value of an at home simulator to real world pilots.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Don’t get discouraged and focus on the big picture. Flight training is full of peaks and valleys and it’s often easy to focus on the losses rather than the victories. Elevate the wins and learn from the losses. Make sure you take some time to enjoy it while it lasts. 0.02% of the world’s population can fly an aircraft. Enjoy the sights, experiences, and relationships you foster while working your way towards getting your wings.”
Chris Clarke
Media & Content Coordinator - Sporty’s
Having a childhood dream of aviation, Chris first became an Aviation Explorer, which motivated him to earn his private pilot’s license as a teenager. During his four years at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, he earned his commercial, multiengine certificate with an instrument rating. While experimenting in seaplanes, gliders, and his personal vintage Cessna 172, Chris developed a passion for general aviation and shares that passion as he develops aviation training apps and content for Sporty’s Pilot Shop.
FLIES:
Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Commercial, Multi, Instrument, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad. It contains all my charts, flight plans, and important documents.”
WHY AVIATION?
“Aviation chose me.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Landing a seaplane on an Alaskan glacier lake in the Arctic Circle, but there are many more.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I collect and repair weird cars.”
Dan Robinson
Chief Financial Officer - Sporty’s
Dan has worked at Sporty’s for over 30 years, including at Sporty’s European location in the 1990s. Today he is the Chief Financial Officer, responsible for all Sporty’s accounting team. But he’s a pilot at heart. “My wife doesn’t fly well but she is always willing to go. The destinations are almost limitless so she is willing to be uncomfortable.” Those trips have taken them as far as the West Indies in the Caribbean, usually in Sporty’s red Aztec.
FLIES:
Piper Aztec
RATINGS:
Private, Multi, Instrument
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“A noise-canceling headset. Headsets that are not ANR squeeze too much and give me a headache. I have tried others but I prefer the Bose.”
WHY AVIATION?
“Sporty’s made it a hard deal to pass on. They’ll pay for your license and you get free use of company airplanes.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“A long, beautiful Aztec flight to Nevis in the Caribbean for vacation.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I keep active by playing baseball and volleyball.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“If you’re considering it and have the funds, it’s a great experience and it’s not as difficult as many believe.”
Alan Nguyen
Video Producer - Sporty’s
Alan learned to fly as a student at the University of Cincinnati before working as a flight instructor at Sporty’s Academy, teaching everything from primary students to instrument and multiengine students. He then began an airline career, flying as a first officer and captain for a regional airline before moving to a major airline as a Boeing 757/767 first officer. When he’s not flying, Alan works as a content developer on Sporty’s pilot training courses, applying his broad experience to help new pilots learn the latest information. He’s also a flight simulator enthusiast with deep expertise in both software and hardware.
FLIES:
Boeing 757/767
RATINGS:
ATP, Boeing 757/767 Type Rating, CRJ Type Rating, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad. It is a tool that contains many tools within it that makes flying safer and efficient, from ForeFlight to the Sporty’s E6B app.”
WHY AVIATION?
“My dad raised me around all things aviation: plane watching at airports, airshows, flight simulators, toy airplanes. It has been a passion for as long as I can remember.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“A trip in a Cirrus SR22 to Dulles with friends to visit the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy museum and getting dinner.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Photography, video editing, working on cars, hiking.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Focus on the smaller goals within your flight training, instead of the big picture. For example, you may be working on private pilot, but focus on that first solo, and then the solo cross-country. Most importantly, have fun during flight training. Seek out unique airports or restaurants to go to when the opportunity arises.”
Branden Thompson
Brand Manager - Sporty’s Wright Bros. Collection
Branden is the manager of the Wright Bros. Collection, Sporty’s store that specializes in aviation products for the fan of flight outside the cockpit. He oversees product development, the collection of aircraft models available from TheModelYard.com, apparel designs, and propellers, and is always on the hunt for unique memorabilia. He also manages the Wright Bros. social media platforms, email marketing, product videos, vendor relations, and works with museum buyers and aviation organizations on product purchasing and development. Branden is right seat certified with the goals of one day earning his left seat rating soon.
FLIES:
Whatever he can hitch a ride in
RATINGS:
Experienced right seater
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“Flight Gear Battery Pack, so I can charge all my devices with one unit.”
WHY AVIATION?
“The history and the people—it’s such a unique industry.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“An airline flight to Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, really got me excited about aviation.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I love to coach my daughter’s basketball team.”
Socials:
WB Blog: https://www.wright-bros.com/blog
Russ Hartley
Product Manager - Sporty’s
Russell grew up around Sporty's and started working as a college freshman. Over the years, he has held roles in many parts of the company and understands the ins and outs of getting products out the door and in the hands of customers. Now, as Product Manager, Russell is tasked with finding and testing the latest products in general aviation while keeping up correspondence with current vendors. When he’s not busy searching for the next new gizmo for your flight bag, you can find Russell coordinating Sporty's trade show exhibits.
FLIES:
Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Student Pilot
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“Sporty's Flight Gear Tailwind Backpack. It has an assortment of pockets for all my needs and its universal application is useful for flight training, business, and pleasure trips.”
WHY AVIATION?
“Sporty's - they make it easy. Show up and work hard. Then you might stumble into the left seat.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Sitting in the jump seat of Sporty's Citation on a trip to Nevis in the Caribbean.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Exercising, boating, camping, working around the house.”
Advice for young pilots?
“If you are skeptical of whether you want to fly or not, I suggest finding an aviation community or someone you know who has a small aircraft and going for a few short flights. These experiences taught me so much and introduced me to the aviation bug.”
Brady Kannady
Sales and Customer Experience - Sporty’s Academy
Brady became hooked on aviation at a young age, after his family would take him to a local airport on Sunday afternoons to have lunch and watch airplanes take off and land. Eventually, he was taken up on a Young Eagles flight and fell in love with flying, knowing he wanted to be in the sky again. Years later, after beginning to work at Sporty's, he had the opportunity to begin taking flight lessons and eventually obtained his commercial pilot certificate and instrument rating. He loves to take long, scenic cross country flights to find new airports, views, and restaurants. Brady is currently the Sporty's Academy sales and customer experience associate, so if you call in to Sporty's to discuss flight training you'll surely speak with him. Brady also manages the Sporty's Flying Club which currently has four airplanes, ranging from a 172RG to a 182T, and 35 members.
FLIES:
Cessna 172RG/182S
RATINGS:
Private, Instrument
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“Lightspeed Zulu 3. This headset provides the best quality for the price that you can buy, and comes with a great warranty. I've put hundreds of hours on this headset and it has never given me a single problem. Also, since I wear glasses, it's important to have ear seals that can still keep sound outside of the ear cup and the Zulu 3 does that with no problem.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I've always had a love of mechanical things. I remember Sundays after church, the family would grab some food and head up to KSWI to watch airplanes. After that, I became obsessed and absolutely fascinated with aviation. As I got older, I got a chance to take a Young Eagles flight and immediately fell in love with the feeling of leaving the ground. I knew from that day on that aviation was in my future.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“My favorite flight was taking out a 182S for a day and flying down to Georgia to some small airport in the hills, grabbing some absolutely delicious barbeque, heading north and stopping in at Pigeon Forge/Gatlinburg Airport, and then returning home from there while watching a stunning sunset. All in all, just over 5 hours of flying - all solo. It was by far the most peaceful and serene flight I have ever been on.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I enjoy working on my cars, going to the gym, and spending quality time with friends.”
Advice for young pilots?
“Hazardous attitudes are incredibly important to mitigate from the very start of training - too many young students begin flight training and get far too cocky and comfortable far too quickly. Humble yourself a bit before aviation does it for you. Understand, appreciate, and respect your instructors experience and advice.”
Socials:
FTC: https://flighttrainingcentral.com/author/bradykannady/ Sporty’s Academy Blog: https://sportysacademy.com/author/bkannady/
Noah Frye
Flight Instructor & Social Media Manager - Sporty's
Ever since he was a kid, Noah wanted to become a pilot. The obsession started 15 years ago when he was gifted a copy of Flight Simulator X for Christmas. He has and always will be a sim nerd, but now he’s living out his dreams and works as a Flight Instructor and Social Media Manager at Sporty’s. When he’s not flying a plane, you can probably find him at the local airport watching planes fly by and telling everyone fun facts about aircraft.
FLIES:
Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“My one must-have item is my sunglasses. Whether it's a nice pair of Ray-Ban aviators or some cheap pair from a gas station, having sunglasses is an absolute must for me. Getting blinded by the sun for hours is never a pleasant experience.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I've wanted to be a pilot since I was a kid. I got a copy of Flight Simulator X for Christmas about 15 years ago and the obsession started from there. From sim nerd to flight instructor (and still sim nerd, of course).”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“My 7-hour solo for my commercial certificate. I flew to Roanoke, Pigeon Forge, then back to Clermont County. I chose that route since KROA-KGKT follows the Appalachian Mountains. It gave me views I'll never forget. Flying in the mountains is easily my favorite type of flying.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Photography and videography. I've been messing around with photography since high school and more recently started diving into the world of video.”
Advice for young pilots?
“If you've ever considered doing a discovery flight, do it. It'll make you fall in love with flying. Do your homework. You can't take shortcuts with aviation. Ground lessons are just as important as flight lessons, so pay attention and put in the effort necessary to be a great pilot.”
Eric Carnahan
Customer Service Representative - Sporty’s
Eric has always been interested in flying, and his father paid to have him and his brother go up in a Cessna when they were kids. After retiring from the Navy, he decided that it was time to learn to fly real aircraft. His only regret is that he did not learn sooner. The real pleasure of flying for Eric is flying kids for EAA’s Young Eagles program. Nothing gives him more satisfaction than taking a young person up for their first GA flight, usually in his Piper 235. Now he feels lucky to work on Sporty’s customer service team and teach at Sporty’s Academy.
FLIES:
Piper 235, Piper Aztec, Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Commercial, Multi, Instrument, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“iPad and Stratus: it gives me all the information I need.”
WHY AVIATION?
“My dad took my brother and I up when I was about 8, and I have wanted to fly ever since.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Every time I fly kids for the Young Eagles program.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I love to ride horses and spend time with my wife and granddaughters.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“If you have a desire to do something, do not let anything stand in your way.”
Dustin Yockey
Senior Assistant Chief Instructor - Sporty’s Academy
As a teenager, Dustin started showing his interest in becoming a pilot, whether that was standing out on his front porch to watch what was flying over his childhood home or exploring the many aviation museums he had visited. Dustin had his first flight lesson while he was in college and after that he was hooked. After obtaining his bachelor's degree at Ohio University in Aviation Science, he found that his favorite part about aviation is being able to share his interest with others by teaching them how to fly. "Nothing makes me feel better than seeing one of my students develop a strong love for aviation and succeed."
FLIES:
Cessna 172/182
RATINGS:
Commercial, Multi, Instrument, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“A pair of sunglasses—can’t be a pilot if you don’t look the part.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I’ve had a fascination with airplanes since a young age and I always wanted to get my pilot’s license.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“A flight to Oshkosh, Wisconsin, when we flew the coastline of Lake Michigan right past downtown Chicago.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I operate a restoration shop with my father, restoring old cars, trucks, and farm equipment.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“If you have a chance to get started in aviation at an early age, jump on the chance. The earlier you start, the more experience you will get in aviation.”
Jayme Frederick
Assistant Chief Instructor - Sporty’s Academy
As a kid, Jayme hated airplanes—she wanted to work with rockets. But in college, she learned that she would rather fly than be involved with engineering. She transferred into UC’s Aviation Technology program in 2016 and became a CFI in 2021. Outside of Sporty’s, Jayme is president of the Wright Chapter of Women in Aviation and is a big advocate for introducing aviation to young girls.
FLIES:
Cessna 172/182
RATINGS:
Commercial, Instrument, Flight Instructor
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“Lightspeed Delta Zulu headset. I love the ability to record conversations and play them back for students.”
WHY AVIATION?
“I’ve been interested in it since childhood.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Taking a friend out to dinner who hadn’t flown in 10+ years.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“I enjoy painting, reading, camping, and various aviation community outreach efforts.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Find a way to study that makes sense to you—doing the ground study, while hard, makes everything easier in the long run.”
Jeremy Hilbert
Customer Service Representative - Sporty’s
Jeremy Hilbert is a customer service representative at Sporty’s. His interest in aviation was ignited as a kid when he observed his grandpa working on balsa wood airplane kit parts with his laser in his basement. If there is one thing that smells better than jet fuel, it’s the freshly cut balsa wood from the laser. Not long after, he was gifted Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 for Christmas and his parents had to regularly pry him from the computer. Jeremy is an instrument- rated Private Pilot and enjoys all types of flying, but mission-oriented flying is his favorite. After spending countless challenging hours learning to fly and working to master his craft, it is rewarding to see it all come together to accomplish a mission.
FLIES:
Cessna 172
RATINGS:
Private, Instrument
FLIGHT BAG MUST-HAVE:
“A backup iPad with updated charts and data in ForeFlight. You never know when your primary one will go out. An extension of that would be an ADS-B receiver… and yes I fly with a backup one of those as well!”
WHY AVIATION?
“As a kid, my grandfather created balsa wood airplane kit parts for his customers and this ignited my curiosity for aviation. From there, I spent hours playing Microsoft Flight Simulator 2004 and knew that someday I would want to learn to fly. Until this day, any time an airplane flies overhead I will look up, regardless of whether it is a 172 or a 747.”
FAVORITE FLIGHT?
“Probably with my dad up to Urbana to get some breakfast. This was when I was a newly- minted private pilot and it was my first flight that felt like it had a true purpose. It was even more meaningful being able to share that memory with my dad.”
OUTSIDE OF FLYING?
“Practice guitar, snowboard, weightlifting, try new things, spend time with my family.”
ADVICE FOR YOUNG PILOTS?
“Be resilient and learn from your failures. Flight training can be challenging and setbacks are inevitable. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and use them to improve your skills.”