Owner/General Manager - Scott Fank
Scott started with JA Air Center in 1985 as the Manager of ground services operations working his way up to Vice President of Sales in charge of the aircraft sales department in 2001. Together with business partner Bruce Jacobs, JA Flight Services was founded in 2007 as a leasing business adding the flight school in 2009. Scott credits having a a "great staff of people" for the continued success of JA Flight Training. When not not working he enjoys spending time with his wife of 30 years, five children and six grandchildren as well as playing golf.
Eric Swanberg - Chief Pilot - CFIA/CFII/MEI
Erik started flying when he was 15. Graduate of Liberty University. His career has seen him as a Chief Pilot, Director of Operations, OCONUS Flight Department Manager, Designated Check Airmen, and Lead International Jet Captain. Erik is type rated in the Citation 500, Citation 525, King Air 300, Gulfstream IV, and Dassault Falcon 7X. Erik has a keen interest in motorcycles and not only has more miles on two wheels than 4 but have ridden on 4 continents as well.
Gail Rodgers - School Administrator
Gail has over 15 years' experience helping students navigate their future in aviation. Whether a student is looking to learn to fly for fun or dreams of being an airline captain, her industry knowledge helps guide them down the perfect path. "Not all students are a one size fits all, so being able to offer both collegiate and non-collegiate programs are so beneficial. I love that our partnerships allow these different training options to our students."
Bill Seith - Assistant Chief Pilot - CFIA
Bill has over 40 years of experience in aviation with much of that time devoted to single-pilot IFR operations and aviation safety. Bill is an avid student of aviation safety who believes strongly that when it comes to aviation, you can never stop learning. Bill serves JA Flight Training as a CFI and Assistant Chief Flight Instructor. Bill also has 7 years of Part 135 experience in Cessna Caravans, Hawkers, and Phenom 300s. He brings all of that experience to the classroom at JA Flight Training.
Gautier Laude - Assistant Chief Pilot - CFIA/CFII/MEI
Gautier is a flight and ground instructor for airplanes and has CFI, CFII and MEI certificates.He teaches on various models with round dial instruments or screen PFD displays.
As a software engineer, he worked on engine systems for airplanes and other projects.
International students are welcome; he also holds a European Part- FCL license.
Dale Wiegand - School Counselor
Dale has been working at J.A in various roles for over 12 years. His current role as guidance counselor, helps our students formulate a gameplan in their program, to make sure they cross that finish line.
Elizabeth Coleman - Customer Service Representative
Elizabeth has been a familiar face at JA for years, first working over at the FBO, then eventually transitioning to our flight training operation. She provides exceptional customer support with her wealth of aviation knowledge. In her downtime, Elizabeth enjoys working towards her PPL in her family's Cessna 172, as well as hiking, attending music festivals, and painting.
Ethan Reimer - Director of Maintenance / IA
Ethan has been maintaining JA's aircraft as an A&P for several years, eventually obtaining his Inspector Authorization in 2024. Ethan does an exceptional job of maintaining JA's rapidly growing fleet and keeping safety the number one priority.
Joe Cordigan - Check Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Joseph learned to fly at JA and has a passion for instructing. He is a Gold Seal CFI and CFII. An ATP rated pilot and airline first officer; he holds a CL-65 type rating. His special interest is instructing airplane owners transitioning into owned HP aircraft.
Dennis Stehlik - Check Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Dennis is an Information Technology business owner with an aviation and aviation education passion. Dennis began flying at age 16 (before that if you consider Line-Control and Radio-Control airplanes) and received his Airplane Single Engine Land rating in 1984. Dennis is an Instructor in Airplane Single Engine (Land and Sea), Instrument, and Glider. He also holds Commercial Single-Engine Sea, Multi-Engine Land, and Glider ratings. Beyond instructing, Dennis owns and operates a V-Tail Beechcraft.
Ben Allison - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Ben has been a longtime employee of JA, working on the maintenance side of the house while simultaneously working towards all his ratings. After receiving his CFI certificates, he was brought on as an instructor in 2023. He is currently a Team Lead instructor at JA on his days off from flying a Citation.
Onsy Fahmy - Instructor - CFIA/CFII/MEI
Onsy has taught taught initial, intermediate and advanced training; hold a a Commercial Single/Multi Engine Land as well as his CFIA, CFII and MEI. He has experiance flying C172, C182, C310, PA-24, PA-28, PA-34, PA-44, and Beech Baron 55. "Aviation has been an old passion of mine, love teaching and introducing people to aviation."
Riley Andersen - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
After playing D2 college football in Arkansas, Riley's dream of traveling led him back home and into a career in aviation. Riley trained at a couple different flight schools in the area before finding his place at J.A. "I am excited to be working at the same place I did a majority of my training and am passionate about helping students reach their aviation goals."
Billy Eckles - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Billy completed the Liberty University program at JA. He has his CFIA/CFII ratings currently working with Private through CFI students. Because his experience through the Liberty program he is a great resource for those students.
Alex Garcia - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Alex has been in the airlines for many years, currently working as a Dispatcher at United. He holds an ATP certificate and type rated on two regional jets. He speaks fluent Spanish and some Portuguese. On his down time Alex enjoys cooking, grilling and traveling.
Caden Sell - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Caden began his career in aviation at J.A Flight Training in 2020. He is current and proficient in both the Cessna 150 and Cessna 172 aircraft we have on the fleet. He also has a great understanding of the simulators that we incorporate into our training programs. "I love meeting new people and helping them reach their aviation goals. Happy Flying!"
Ryan Hauge - Instructor - CFIA
After serving 6 years with an overseas deployment in the Army, Ryan opted to utilized his VA benefits on flight training. Ryan came to J.A as one of our Liberty University students, working on his online bachelor’s degree while flight training through us. After receiving his CFI certificate, Ryan was brought on as one of our flight instructors in 2023. “Ryan is a great resource for our veteran students, especially those who are going through the Liberty Program.”
Kennn Richmond - Instructor CFIA/CFII
Born and raised in the Philippines, Kenn relocated to the United States in 2018. From an early age, Kenn developed a deep fascination with aviation, though opportunities to pursue it were limited in the Philippines. He began his flight training at JA in January 2021 and successfully completed the entire program, earning his CFI and CFII certifications while simultaneously gaining experience as a flight instructor at JA.
Harrison Hailey - Instructor CFIA/CFII/MEI
Harrison gained his private pilot license at JA before heading off to the United Aviate Program. After gaining his remaining certificate, Harrison came back to flight instruct and is one of the main MEI instructors here at JA.
Hanson Coleman - Instructor CFIA/CFII
Hansen completed all her flight ratings through JA Flight Training while working on her bachelors degree through Lewis University. She currently holds her CFIA and CFII and is a JA instructor team lead. On her downtime Hansen enjoys flying her family's Cessna 172, camping and snowmobiling. Hansen completed all her flight ratings through JA Flight Training while working on her bachelors degree through Lewis University. She currently holds her CFIA and CFII and is a JA instructor team lead. On her downtime Hansen enjoys flying her family's Cessna 172, camping and snowmobiling.
Wilson Gifney - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Wilson attended JA's CFIA Academy in 2024 and was hired on after receiving his certificate. He is currently working towards his CFII and will be taking on IFR and CFII students in early 2025.
Martial Ngouadjio Djiofack - Instructor - CFIA
Martial completed all his training at JA through the Liberty University program, qualifying him for a restricted ATP. He is currently taking on Private and Commercial students and is especially a great asset to international training students.
Claire Barenie - Instructor - CFIA
Claire grew up in the local area before moving to Colorado to pursue her education. There, she began her flight training and earned her PPL. After returning home, Claire completed the remainder of her flight training with JA. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Commercial Aviation from Utah Valley University, which she completed online. Outside of aviation, Claire enjoys spending time with family and friends, golfing, skiing, and watching football.
Sean Brink - Instructor - CFIA
Sean Brink is a CFI and skilled aviation photographer with a deep-rooted passion for all things aviation. With years of experience in the skies, Sean combines his expertise in teaching aspiring pilots with his talent for showcasing the beauty and energy of flight through his lens. Whether he's guiding students through the fundamentals of flying or framing the perfect shot of an aircraft in action, Sean's dedication to aviation shines in every direction.
Aerin Hopkins - Instructor - CFIA/CFII
Aerin graduated May of 2024 from SIU Carbondale, where she had been working as a CFI since January of 2024 before moving to JA in September of that year. She is a CFI, CFII, and also has a CMEL certificate. After spending two years attending South Dakota State University, she received her PPL at a local flight school in the summer of 2022, then went on to attend SIU after that where she obtained the rest of her certificates/ratings.
Casey Rich - Instructor - CFIA
Casey graduated from SIU then attended JA's CFI Academy in 2024. He was hired on shortly after passing his CFIA Checkride. Casey also assists as an aircraft sales associate under our VP.
CJ Sedlock - Mechanic A&P
CJ received his A&P license from Rock Valley College in 2022 and joined JA's maintenance team shortly after. CJ is a great addition to the team working alongside our Director of Maintenance to keep our aircraft safely in the sky. On his downtime you can find CJ fixing his collection of cars and riding dirt bikes.
Matt Vanderkolk - Maintenance Assistant
Currently working towards his A&P, Matt has several years' experience under his belt, assisting with aircraft maintenance, following his graduation from SIU. Matt is a great addition to JA's team in 2024, working under our director of maintenance, to safely and swiftly resolve any issues that arise with our aircraft.
Achieving and maintaining a consistent record of 5-star reviews demonstrates the school's dedication to delivering top-notch aviation education and creating a supportive environment for students to thrive.
Love training at Ja flight training. Great people and the best instructors. The airplanes are very well maintained, highly recommend.
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