Brandon Atkinson is the CEO of Aerowood Aviation. He is an aviation enthusiast/pilot who loves every minute of the freedom he possesses when flying. It all started at the age of 8 when he went to a local fly-in. This was the first time he had ever come in contact with an aircraft–needless to say he was hooked! Since then, he dreamed about flying, but it wasn’t until 2011 that he would actually get to fly in a single engine plane for the first time. As he became a pilot the following year he also became an aircraft owner. After owning a few aircraft an opportunity presented itself to become the owner of a flight school. He accepted the opportunity, and it was the best decision that he has ever made. He gets to enjoy flying and running a business side by side. This is the best of both worlds for Brandon. Aerowood is a growing company that treats our customers as family, and we look forward to you being a part of ours.
Kinsey Price
Customer Service Representative - Monroe
Kinsey found a new love for aviation with this job. This is her first job in this field, and she is excited to learn more about it. Outside of work, Kinsey is very involved with her church , where she and her husband serve as youth pastors. In her free time, she loves cooking and baking, anything involving music, and spending time with family and friends. Kinsey is happy to take care of your inquires!
Victoria Riley
Director of Cirrus Services
Victoria is the Director of Cirrus Services at our home base at EQY. Aviation is in her blood. Growing up, her father was a commercial airline pilot and shared his passion of flying with Victoria and her brother. She spent many of her childhood weekends watching and helping her dad fly remote control airplanes with his friends and learning how and why airplanes fly. Although she grew up with a fascination of flight, working for Aerowood has given her the wonderful opportunity to work up close and personal with aircraft and the amazing people who own and fly Cirrus aircraft. Whether you are an aircraft owner, renter ,or student, Victoria is dedicated to making sure that your Cirrus experience with Aerowood is unmatched. She is excited to help make you a part of our aircraft management family, so feel free to contact her with any questions you may have about the Cirrus lifestyle!
Adam McClinton
General Manager,
Flight Instructor, CSIP
Adam’s love for aviation began at a young age when he worked in his family business in Louisville KY flying hot air balloons. After graduating from the University of South Carolina, he decided to make a career out of his passion for flying by transitioning to airplanes. He moved back home to Louisville and earned his certificates and ratings from Private Pilot through CFII and MEI. In 2017 he relocated to the Charlotte area to work full time with us at Aerowood. Adam serves as General Manager for operations at Aerowood. He is a Platinum Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP) and heads up Aerowood’s Cirrus Training Center. He also is in charge of Aircraft Management for aircraft that Aerowood manages for our customers.
Bill Irvin
Director of Operations, Flight Instructor, CSIP
Bill is our Director of Operations at Aerowood Aviation, leading our team of flight instructors and ensuring the instruction provided by Aerowood remains top notch for our customers. He is an Air Force brat who grew up in Asia, Europe, and the U.S.; but if pressed, will call San Antonio, TX home. Growing up in the Air Force world, Bill cannot remember a time when he was not around the sound of airplanes flying overhead.
Upon graduation from Baylor University, Bill began his 20-year Air Force career. While stationed in Clovis, NM, he earned his Private Pilot certificate before heading off to Undergraduate Pilot Training in Del Rio, TX. This began his adventure of flying, instructing, and evaluating in the F-16 Fighting Falcon and T-38 Talon for the remainder of his time in the Air Force.
Following his Air Force retirement in 2018, Bill relocated to the Charlotte area. Locally he has flown for both American Airlines and a private company flight department. Deciding to leave life on the road behind, we are grateful that he has taken this leadership position at Aerowood.
Bill holds all certificates through CFI/CFII/MEI and Airline Transport Pilot (ATP). He is a Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), has more than 4300 hours in military and civilian aircraft, and has type ratings in both the Airbus A320 and Gulfstream GVII. Bill is excited to be a part of the amazing work happening day in and day out at Aerowood Aviation. If there is anything he can do to make your experience better, do not hesitate to reach out.
Jon Warnke
Flight Instructor, TCI
Jon was born and raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin; about an hour south of Oshkosh. He started attending EAA AirVenture Oshkosh at the age of five and has loved aviation ever since. He enrolled at the aviation program at Liberty University in 2017 but started his flying at the Rock Hill airport. In 2020 he decided to finish his flight training here in Charlotte, while continuing to work on his degree online. He earned his Private Pilot certificate, then continued his flight training in Gastonia where he earned the remainder of his certificates and ratings. Jon is a Cirrus TCI (Training Center Instructor). He is very excited to be instructing and to pass on his aviation knowledge and skills to future pilots here at Aerowood.
Bryan Fiesco
Flight Instructor
Bryan was born in Queens, New York and grew up in NC. As a child he enjoyed being around airplanes. His passion for aviation grew when he spent some time plane spotting.at airports. After a Discovery Flight in 2018, Bryan was eager to start flight training. He earned his Private Pilot certificate at Aerowood in 2020, then finished the rest of his training in Gastonia, where he earned his Instrument rating and Commercial and CFI certificates. Bryan returned to Aerowood, added his CFII certificate, and is looking forward to helping future pilots achieve their goals in aviation.
Aisha Jabeen
Flight Instructor
Aisha grew up in a small town in NC and graduated from UNC-Charlotte with a Bachelors in Sociology and Biology. Post graduation a friend recommended she take an intro flight and that’s when her passion for aviation began! She started training right away and completed all of her flight training here in NC. Aisha enjoys everything about aviation, from the airports to training, and especially sharing it with her students. As a CFI and CFII, she is excited to be a part of your wonderful journey into the skies and looks forward to helping you achieve your aviation goals.
Corinn Gavigan
Flight Instructor, TCI
Corinn was raised in a small town in Southern California. Growing up, her parents took her across the United States to instill a love for travel and aviation. After she attended the University of Arizona, she became a Flight Attendant in order to pursue a lifestyle in aviation. Two years later she decided that her true passion was to become a pilot and enrolled in a flight school in Dallas, TX. Upon completion of her Instrument, Commercial, and CFI certificates and ratings Corinn left to instruct in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. After instructing in Milwaukee, she moved to the Charlotte area to instruct and added her CFII certificate. Corinn has experience with high performance, complex, and technically advanced aircraft (she is a Cirrus Training Center Instructor) She looks forward to being a part of the Aerowood community and helping you further your aviation goals.
Will Phelan
Flight Instructor, TCI
Will was born and raised in Charlotte, NC where an interest in flying and aircraft began at a very young age. While studying at NC State, Will earned his Private Pilot certificate which furthered his desire for more knowledge and experience. Following graduation, a year and a half was spent as a Pitmaster at a barbecue restaurant in RTP while he worked out plans for a career in aviation. Will then earned his CFI, CFII, MEI, and TCI (Cirrus instructor) certificates and ratings and is looking forward to creating a fun and informative learning environment with students who share a passion for all things aviation.
Paul Lohmann
Flight Instructor, TCI
Paul was born in a small town west of Dallas and grew up in a Navy household living in places that included Hawaii, Seattle, and Jacksonville. While in college 9/11 occurred and changed the world as we knew it. Paul joined the Air Force in 2003 as a C-17 loadmaster where he flew over 1000 combat sorties and has over 2500 hours as a loadmaster traveling the world. He has been to all seven continents and has had multiple experiences that make a well rounded aviator and instructor. After a short time in law enforcement he moved to Charlotte to be closer to family and pursue his original dream of being a pilot. Paul is a graduate of ATP and is a certified Commercial pilot, CFI, CFII, MEI, and TCI (Cirrus Instructor). With a 92 percent pass rate and over 12 check rides he qualifies as a Gold Seal certified instructor. Paul’s core values stem from the Air Force and are part of what he brings to our aviation community. Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do! He looks forward to guiding you on your aviation journey, and your continued success in your aviation goals.
Dax Cole
Flight Instructor, TCI
Dax was born and raised in Charlotte, NC and grew up on Lake Norman. He has had many career paths and interests, from playing music in Nashville, finishing his undergraduate degree in biology at NC State, to being a wedding photographer across North Carolina. He grew up traveling with his father, a retired Navy and Delta Air Lines pilot, and finally decided to join the family business. In 2021, he was commissioned in the Air Force and attended pilot training flying the T-6A Texan II for eight months in Texas. The peak of Dax’s flying career was getting to solo the T-6 and do aerobatics over the Rio Grande. Dax has moved from the military to continue his aviation career on the civilian side as a Flight Instructor and Cirrus Training Center Instructor at Aerowood and is looking forward to inspiring and teaching other aviators.
Michael Osborne
Flight Instructor, TCI
Michael was born and raised in Charlotte NC. His love and passion for aviation developed when his uncle took him up in his Bonanza as a Christmas gift when he was 15 years old. He quickly fell in love with the freedom and enjoyment flying brought him. There was no question he wanted to be a pilot. A few years later, as a senior in high school, he made this dream a reality when he earned his Private Pilot certificate with Aerowood Aviation. He went on to get his Instrument, Commercial, Commercial-Multi, CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates and ratings with Blue Line Aviation then added his Cirrus Training Center Instructor at Aerowood. He has experience in high performance aircraft, complex aircraft, and conventional gear aircraft. He is back with Aerowood and is excited to help build the next generation of safe and confident pilots.
Mitch Jensen
Flight Instructor, TCI
Mitch was born and raised in a small town in Iowa. He knew at a young age that he had a passion for aviation when his parents would bring him to Fly-In breakfasts. He graduated high school, married his sweetheart, spent some time travelling, and had two beautiful children. At age 28, he decided to finally follow his dream of pursuing a career as a pilot. Mitch graduated from the University of Dubuque in 2023 with his Bachelors in Flight Operations. During his studies, he obtained his Instrument Rating and his Commercial, CFI, and CFII certificates. He has experience in complex and technically advanced aircraft and is a Cirrus Training Center Instructor. Mitch recently moved to North Carolina with his family to escape the Iowa winters. Don’t hesitate to call or shoot him a text to see how he can help you achieve your dreams of flight!
Tyler Leister
Flight Instructor, Tailwheel
Tyler, a Florida native, brings over a decade of experience in the United States Navy to his role as a flight instructor. Having served as an Aviation Rescue Swimmer and Door Gunner with multiple deployments to the Middle East, Tyler’s expertise and leadership skills have been honed in high-pressure environments. Transitioning to the role of a Naval instructor, where he earned the qualification of Master Training Specialist, Tyler played a pivotal role in shaping the skills and knowledge of future Naval Aviators and Rescue Swimmers, showcasing his dedication to training and mentorship. In his downtime, Tyler enjoys golfing, fitness activities, and quality time with his family by the lake. Inspired by his early experiences flying in his grandfather’s Cessna 195, Tyler developed a passion for aviation, particularly in tailwheel flying. Now, as an Aerowood Flight Instructor, he brings this passion and expertise to you and looks forward to guiding his students with patience and efficiency.
Danielle Rubino
Flight Instructor
Danielle was born in Long Island, NY but grew up in Charlotte, NC. She graduated high school in 2021 and was unsure of her career path. Her father signed her up for a Discovery flight and she was hooked. Danielle enrolled at Aerowood in 2021 while simultaneously completing her Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at UNC-Charlotte. At Aerowood, Danielle earned all of her ratings and certificates from Private to CFI and CFII. Danielle looks forward to being a part of the Aerowood community and helping you achieve your aviation goals.
Jacob Hilkert
Flight Instructor
Jacob was born and raised in Charlotte, North Carolina. He started his aviation journey when he took aerospace engineering and avionics at Sun Valley High School. He then had his intro flight with Aerowood in 2017 and fell in love with flying. Jacob started his training in 2019 and has since completed his Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial, and Flight instructor certificates and ratings through Aerowood. He is excited to work with and help the next generation of smart and safe pilots!
Bradon Black
Flight Instructor
Bradon was born and raised in Charlotte and has had a passion for aviation from a young age. He began flight training when he was 16 years old and has loved aviation ever since. As a senior in high school, he obtained his Private Pilot certificate from Aerowood, then attended Embry Riddle as a collegiate athlete, majoring in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Homeland Security. While studying he obtained his Instrument rating, Commercial, Multi engine, and CFI. Bradon returned to Aerowood from Florida trying to escape the heat and humidity. Don’t hesitate to call or text to see how Bradon can help you pursue your aviation dreams!
Dar Hanjiev Jr
Flight Instructor
Dar’s passion for aviation began at an early age, growing up immersed in the world of airplanes alongside his father. Just six days after his 17th birthday, Dar earned his Private Pilot certificate, marking the beginning of a swift progression in his aviation career. After gaining valuable experience working at Aerowood Aviation’s front desk, he achieved both his Instrument Rating and Commercial Pilot certificate during the Summer of 2024. Two years after obtaining his Private Pilot certificate, and the day after his 19th birthday, Dar earned his Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate then followed with his CFI-Instrument. Dar has expertise with a wide variety of aircraft makes and models, including those from Beechcraft, Mooney, Cessna, Piper, and Grumman. Outside of his professional pursuits, Dar enjoys hands-on aircraft maintenance, writing music, leading his band, and playing volleyball. He is eager to help you achieve your aviation goals and looks forward to working with you!
Ashley King
Flight Instructor
Ashley was born in Torrance, California and raised in both the South Bay and Christchurch, New Zealand. She became interested in aviation through a family friend who owned a P-51 Mustang; hanging out at the hangar, hearing all the pilots chatting, and getting to sit in the cockpit. It wasn’t until 2020, when Ashley got “stuck” in New Zealand during COVID, that she looked further into aviation. After following her family to Charlotte, North Carolina, she booked a Discovery Flight at Aerowood Aviation and got the flying bug. Ashley got her Private Pilot Certificate at Aerowood. She completed the rest of her certificates and ratings in Concord, NC but knew that Aerowood Aviation was the place to continue her aviation journey where she will introduce new pilots and inspire their aviation dreams!
Benton Griffin
Flight Instructor
Benton and his passion for aviation started at a young age. He began flying remote controlled airplanes at the age of 2 and the love for aviation has never gone away. Benton first started in real aircraft where he soloed in a glider at the age of 14. He would go on to earn his Private Glider Certificate at age 17 and later earned his Commercial Certificate in gliders as well. While attending Wingate University and obtaining a Finance degree, he started working towards his Private Pilot Airplane and completed this in the spring of 2022. After graduating with honors from Wingate University, Benton decided aviation was the career route he wanted to take and started at Aerowood; earning his Instrument, Commercial, Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), and Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) ratings and certificates. Outside of professional endeavors, Benton enjoys traveling to various air shows along with his family – they are also into aviation. With over nine years of experience flying, Benton looks forward to meeting and teaching safe flying to the next generation of pilots!
Drew Metz
Flight Instructor, TCI
Drew’s love of aviation started from a very young age, going to the Charlotte Airport Overlook and flying with his grandpa and uncle in their Pipers. In high school, Drew knew that he wanted to make aviation his career and earned his Private Pilot certificate at Aerowood Aviation. He earned the rest of his ratings and certificates at Auburn University, graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Flight. A move took him to the west coast of Florida where he instructed for a year, logging over 950 hours. During that year, Drew maintained a 100% first time check ride pass rate while landing at every public use airport in the state of Florida. Of his total flight time, Drew has flown 275 hours in Cirrus SR20/22/22T models, and is excited to help out as a TCI for Aerowood Aviation. Drew’s instructional style revolves around a student first mentality, where he aims to put the interests and goals of his student above all else, while helping form safe and standardized pilots to take to the skies.
Carson Dryer
Flight Instructor
Carson grew up outside Akron, Ohio where he served as his high school football team’s captain before discovering his passion for aviation. While enlisting in the Air National Guard, he began flight training and earned his Private Pilot Certificate just before leaving for Basic training. After returning from Basic, he worked 16-hour overnight shifts in Flight Services to fund his flight training, eventually earning his CFI/CFII and returning as an instructor at the same flight school where he trained. With experience instructing in Ohio’s unpredictable weather and flying aircraft ranging from Cessna 172s to Beechcraft Musketeers, he provides real-world, practical instruction. Carson also serves in the Air National Guard as an Emergency Management specialist and holds a Business Administration degree from Western Governors University. Whether you’re pursuing a Private, Instrument, or Commercial Certificate or Rating, he’s ready to help you achieve your goals – reach out today to get started!
Jong Lee
Flight Instructor
Jong relocated to Charlotte in 2016 following careers in law enforcement, as a military intelligence officer, and as an engineering defense contractor (supporting Naval Aviation). As a volunteer pilot (CFI, Check Pilot Examiner) in Civil Air Patrol (CAP), he has logged over 900 hours in the G1000 Glass Cockpit platform.
For the first time in July 2019, the USAF started a program of using CAP CFIs to evaluate commissioned officers for their potential continuation into Undergraduate Pilot Training. Jong was part of this initial CFI cadre of 24 CFIs tasked with flight and classroom instruction for the USAF. He has also used his flying skills for law enforcement activities and to support disaster relief operations.
At this time, he does not take on primary students. But he’d be happy to help you create a plan of action for your aviation goals post primary, e.g., fine-tune private pilot level skills, instrument training, commercial training, instructor ratings. Additionally, he’s available for flight reviews, instrument proficiency checks, mock check rides, night currency, and mountain flying techniques.
As for mountain flying, he can provide specialized training in actual mountainous terrain near Asheville. While you may not contemplate flying into some of those short, high elevation airfields, actually doing so can increase your confidence while overflying mountainous terrain.
Incidentally he’s also a helicopter CFI and CFI-I. So, while we may not have helicopters for the time being, he’d be happy to address your helicopter questions as well.
Ron Horton
Flight Instructor, Seaplane, TCI, DPE
Ron soloed to earn his student pilot certificate on his 16th birthday in 1966 – his Dad drove him to the airport (he got his driver’s license the next day). He has logged more than 5,000 flying hours; over 3,000 in the Cessna 172, the airplane Aerowood uses as a primary and instrument trainer. As an instructor, he enjoys helping advanced students realize the dreams that await them in the air, taking students to the deep satisfaction of proficient Instrument flying, and (especially) working with CFI candidates — those who would like to become a Flight Instructor. Ron is a Cirrus Training Center Instructor (TCI). In October 2016 he was awarded the Wright Brothers Master Pilot award for 50 years of safe flying; in October 2018 he was named a Distinguished Flight Instructor by the AOPA based upon feedback from his students. As an FAA Designated Pilot Examiner (DPE), Ron is able to administer Practical Tests for single engine Private Pilot and Commercial certificates, Instrument-Airplane ratings, and single engine CFI certificates right here at Aerowood.