About Us
Get to Know Us
At Aviation Career Experts, we believe every aviation journey begins with honest guidance and ends with a clear goal. Our mission is to provide the direction you need to achieve your bright future in aviation. Whether you’re starting flight training, joining the military, transitioning out of military service, or pursuing careers in aircraft maintenance (A&P), air traffic control (ATC), corporate aviation, aircraft ownership, or even starting a flight school—we have the experts to guide you with clarity and confidence.
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Our advisors are seasoned aviation professionals who have walked these same paths. They share honest insights, lessons learned, and proven strategies so you can avoid missteps, save time, and move steadily toward your goals. Together, we’ll chart your course and help you achieve your aviation dreams.
Our Story
Aviation Career Experts began with a group of pilots and aviation professionals who recognized how difficult it can be for newcomers to find clear, reliable answers about pursuing a career in aviation. Many aspiring pilots struggle to understand where to begin, what training path makes the most sense, or how to navigate the financial and educational decisions required to enter the field. What started as informal conversations, mentorship, and guidance among colleagues quickly revealed a larger need within the aviation community.
As word spread, more aspiring aviators began reaching out for advice on flight training, certifications, career paths, and opportunities within the industry. The founders realized that the guidance they were offering could make a real difference for people trying to turn their passion for flying into a professional future. What began as a small group of experienced pilots helping others find their way soon evolved into a dedicated team committed to supporting and educating the next generation of aviation professionals.
Today, Aviation Career Experts continues to build on that original mission. The team remains focused on providing honest insight, practical guidance, and real-world experience to help aspiring pilots and aviation professionals make informed decisions about their future. By sharing knowledge, mentorship, and encouragement, they aim to simplify the journey into aviation and help others confidently pursue their dreams in the skies.
Meet Your Team
Mark
Founder | DPE | ATP | MEII | sUAS
Mark has spent over 20 years flying in airline, military, and general aviation. Today, he serves as a pilot at a legacy airline, flight school co-founder, flight school and charter operation safety manager and partner, and experienced evaluator and instructor. What he enjoys most is mentoring—helping others navigate challenges and reach their aviation dreams with clarity and confidence.
Katy
Client Career Concierge | Student Pilot
Katy has 18 years of experience in educational planning and customer service. She’s passionate about making every client feel supported, valued, and confident as they navigate their aviation journey.
John
Medical Advisor | Senior AME | ATP | CFII | BG (Ret)
John has been an Aviation Medical Examiner for 37 years and is a board-certified emergency physician. A former military leader and lifelong aviator, he also serves on the EAA Aeromedical Council and FAA Federal Air Surgeon advisory board. He values helping pilots overcome medical challenges and building lasting relationships in aviation.
Lute
​Flight School & Aircraft Ownership Advisor
Lute is an entrepreneur and advisor with 25 years of experience in aircraft ownership and startups, having successfully exited two ventures. He has purchased and leased four aircraft of varying types and understands the operational, financial, and strategic realities of ownership. His ventures have ranged from founding a flight school and a distillery to building a training software company. Today, he also serves as an AI consultant for emerging businesses, helping them modernize, scale, and compete. He continues to guide organizations and individuals through innovation, investment, and mentorship.
Ben
Air Traffic Control Advisor | CTO | Pilot
Ben brings over 25 years of military and civilian ATC experience, from the Marine Corps to leading operations as a Tower Chief Controller. A decorated veteran and mentor, he enjoys guiding aspiring and current controllers through training, certification, and career transitions while helping them achieve lasting success in aviation.
Adam
Aviation Management Advisor
Adam helps aspiring leaders navigate careers in airport and airline operations, safety, and aviation business management. He guides future managers through education choices, certifications, and career pathways—providing insights into leadership, compliance, and industry opportunities—so clients can build successful and lasting careers in aviation management.
Jay
Cargo Pilot Advisor | ATP | CFII
Jay has spent 23 years flying in cargo, airline, and military operations, serving as both an airline captain and a military pilot. His diverse background spans long-haul freight, the airline flight deck, and tactical missions. Away from aviation, he enjoys motorcycles and golf, and as an instructor, he loves sharing his experience to help pilots chart efficient pathways and take advantage of opportunities in cargo, airline, and military flying.
David
Airline & Air Force Pilot Advisor | ATP
David brings over 20 years of diverse aviation experience, including Airline, Military, and General Aviation operations. He possesses extensive expertise in pilot mentorship, recruitment, and hiring within the aviation industry. David is passionate about guiding pilots on their journey to achieving their career goals, particularly in helping them navigate the path to their destination airline.
Todd
Charter Pilot Advisor | Gold Seal CFI
Todd is a Citation XLS pilot, charter manager, and safety leader with deep experience in Part 135 operations. As an FAA Gold Seal CFI, CFII, and MEI, he has trained, evaluated, and mentored pilots from initial ratings through advanced proficiency and turbine operations. Todd brings real-world insight into charter hiring, safety culture, and career progression, helping pilots transition confidently into corporate and charter aviation while building long-term, sustainable careers.
Greg
Pilot Advisor | ATP
Greg has been a pilot for over 23 years with global experience with highly challenging military and civil aviation experience. He has numerous type ratings and vast array of aviation experience. His greatest pride is helping people land their dream aviation career.
Andy
Airline & Air Force Pilot Advisor | ATP
Andy has over 20 years of experience flying airline, military, and special operations aircraft. His background includes the Boeing 737, 757, 767, DC-10, KC-10, KC-46, C-40, MC-130, HC-130, C-130 (E/H/J), HH-60G, CL-65, and BE-400. Today, he flies for a legacy airline and is retired from the Air National Guard. He enjoys mentoring pilots through military transitions, airline hiring, and long-term career planning.
Ed
Airline and Tactical Cargo Pilot Advisor | ATP
Ed brings over 26 years of experience across military, special operations, and airline aviation. His background includes enlisted and officer service, special operations flying, and airline operations as a 737 First Officer. With more than 4,900 flight hours.
Ed is also recognized as the first monocular vision pilot in the U.S. Air Force. After overcoming medical hurdles with the specialized help of a flight physician, Ed’s journey reflects resilience and determination — fittingly captured in his last name, spelled with two Ts, two Ns, and one I.
Larry
Aircraft Maintenance Advisor | A&P | IA | Private Pilot
​Larry brings over 42 years of aviation maintenance experience from both military and civilian aviation. After joining the U.S. Air Force in 1984, he earned his Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certification in Hawaii and later served in the Missouri Air National Guard as a Maintenance Supervisor, Crew Chief, and Quality Assurance specialist until retiring in 2015. Larry has also worked extensively in civilian aviation maintenance and earned his Inspection Authorization (IA) and private pilot certificate. He enjoys mentoring aspiring mechanics and helping others navigate careers in aviation maintenance.
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