Meet Our Team

Erika is the Marketing Manager for Advanced Aircrew Academy. She lives at 8,700 feet in the foothills near Denver. She holds an ATP with 6,000 hours, most of that time as captain in a Boeing 727-200 and CE500 series aircraft. She has international flight experience in a Gulfstream and performed the FAA proving runs for a Falcon 20 Part 135 certification. To round out the experiences, she has had the pleasure of experiencing hypoxia in an altitude chamber.

Before going to the airlines, Erika flew for the Red Cross and then spent 12 years in the charter and business aviation sector as a pilot, dispatcher, and maintenance/avionics coordinator. She spent many sleepless nights flying 24/7 air ambulance in the harsh winters of the Midwest and is also hazmat trained and qualified.

Erika holds a bachelor's degree in International Business and Economics from the University of Denver. She is also an aviation professor at Metropolitan State University in Denver, specializing in aircraft systems and propulsion. She is the author of "A Chick in  the Cockpit" and her professional pilot columns can be found in seven national aviation magazines.

Jeff Bettger is the Vice President of Sales for Advanced Aircrew Academy. He is the primary point of contact for all new clients and leads our sales efforts while ensuring everyone receives the high level of customer service Advanced Aircrew Academy is known for. Jeff brings nearly 15 years of business aviation industry sales, customer service, and management experience to our team. He has received several awards including Highest Customer Retention, Top Producer, and is a two-time recipient of CAE's Circle of Excellence award. A native of rural Nebraska and graduate of Northwest Missouri State University, Jeff resides in Grand Prairie, Texas with his wife, Natalie. They have two children and enjoy traveling, boating, and hiking.

Dan Boedigheimer is the Chief Safety Officer and a founding partner at Advanced Aircrew Academy. He manages our team of subject matter experts, courseware developers, editors, and graphic artists to produce and deliver the eLearning module content.

Dan has held positions as an FAA Aircraft Program Designee, Pilot Proficiency Examiner, Check Airman, Instructor Pilot, Flight Standards Manager, and Training Manager for Part 135 Air Carriers. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with over 5000 hours of flight experience in business jets.

Dr. Boedigheimer holds a bachelor’s degree in Aviation Management from Minnesota State University, a master’s degree in Aviation Safety from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University, and a Ph.D. in Aerospace Science from North Central University. He is a member of the Delta Mu Delta Academic Honor Society.

Dan is the lead for Preventable Accidents Team in the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA) Safety Committee, the International Business Aviation Council’s IS-BAO Standards Board training subject matter expert, and a reviewer for the Embry Riddle Journal of Aviation/Aerospace Education & Research.

In addition to speaking at Bombardier’s Safety Standdown, Flight Safety Foundation’s Business Aviation Safety Summit, Air Charter Safety Symposium, Aviation Human Factors and SMS Conference, NBAA BACE and regional forums, Global Aerospace SM4 Aviation Safety Seminars, and Aviation Week’s Fatigue Management Forum, Dr. Boedigheimer has authored two books, UC Systems and UE Systems, describing the complete systems components of the Beech 1900 Airliner.

Jordan Gates comes to Advanced Aircrew Academy as an Aviation Education student at South Dakota State University (SDSU), having earned her Bachelor of General Studies in 2021. Jordan earned her Private and Instrument pilot certificates while competing as a Division I athlete and is currently the coach for the SDSU Division I NCEA Equestrian team.

At SDSU, Jordan worked as a Program I Assistant in the aviation department where she created and planned the master flight schedule for students and instructors and also assisted students with progress in curriculum and flight course and lesson requirements. Jordan is an active member of Women in Aviation and continues to be involved in numerous aviation camps.

William Hattler is a founding partner and Strategic Advisorof Advanced Aircrew Academy.

He holds an ATP Certificate with approximately 11,000 hours of flying experience that include remote service to the far reaches of the Alaskan bush, corporate and aeromedical transport in King Airs and Beechjets, and international operations in Embraer Legacy aircraft. He has also served as an Instructor Pilot, Ground Instructor, and Check Airman over the years.

Mr. Hattler is a graduate of the Florida Institute of Technology with a B.S. in Aviation Management. Born and raised in Puerto Rico, he is fully bilingual and able to instruct in two languages.

Jordan Huibers is Co-CEO of Advanced Aircrew Academy, leading operations, technology, and strategy. An FAA and Transport Canada registered pilot, Jordan is also a former volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol.

Recently, Jordan developed a first-to-market automotive intelligence platform providing franchise dealers with detailed insights through contactless test driving. Previously, he held commercial and strategy roles at multinational financial institutions, working closely with his Co-CEO, Alvin Wong.

Jordan earned an Honors Bachelor of Management and Organizational Sciences from Western University. He also served on the board of the Special Olympics of Lake Norman, where he organized the region's first-ever Plane Pull event, raising funds for local athletes.

Jordan lives in Charlotte, North Carolina, with his wife and two young children and enjoys flying, surfing, and spending time outdoors.

Shelbe Jarrett comes to Advanced Aircrew Academy as an active flight instructor with a B.S. in Aviation from Delaware State University where she earned her pilot certificates while competing as an NCAA Division I athlete. Shelbe recently graduated from South Dakota State University (SDSU) with an M. Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction.

While at SDSU, Shelbe worked as the graduate assistant for the aviation program where she flight instructed, taught courses on campus, and played a role in applying for grants, auditing, and researching. One of her greatest accomplishments for the program was applying for and being awarded the 2022 Textron Tophawk award for SDSU. After graduation, Shelbe continues to flight instruct and has taught as an adjunct instructor. Shelbe is an active member of Women in Aviation, Society of Aviation and Flight Educators, and the  Ninety-Nines. Shelbe also recently competed in the 2022 Air Race Classic.

Greg Lamb was encouraged by his father, who was an Air National Guard and Pan American pilot, to obtain his private pilot's license when he was 17 years old. He received his Bachelor of Science from the University of Nebraska Lincoln with mathematics and economics majors and a computer science minor.

Greg has always been drawn to education, especially aviation related, to further enhance the safety and experience of others. At the age of 19, he was responsible for training individuals in the sport of skydiving. Greg realized at this time that education was fulfilling and something that he excelled at. This was the beginning of his flying career when he transitioned to flight instruction.

Since becoming a professional pilot, Greg has served a majority of his career as a Part 135 Instructor Pilot, Check Airman, and Lead Check Airman. He currently manages a Gulfstream 450 where he is able to draw from his experiences to better enhance his role as the Advanced Aircrew Academy's International Operations Subject Matter Expert.

Sheri is a Courseware Editor and the Subject Matter Expert for the Instrument Procedures Module.

Sheri is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Aeronautics and a Master of Aeronautical Science, with Distinction, with dual specializations in Education Technology and Safety.

Sheri holds an ATP with approximately 4600 hours of flying experience with a majority of that time dual instruction given. She has continuously held a Certified Flight Instructor/Instrument Instructor since 1986. Past employment includes working 13 years for a major Part 121 airline in Flight Training and Standards, specializing in instructional design; 8 years teaching in a level D simulator; nearly a decade of experience as a Part 135 training Captain and Check Airman in a commuter airline setting; and several years as an aviation faculty member at the University level. She has been a member of the FAA FAAST team since 1992.

Recognized for her outstanding contributions to aviation, she has been the FAA Flight Instructor of the Year (Southern Region) and has been inducted into the International Forest of Friendship and Kentucky Aviation Hall of Fame.

Sheri is also a certified SCUBA diver, published author, a juried Fellow with the Craftsman’s Guild of Mississippi (Ceramics), and is married to a professional pilot.

Before joining Advanced Aircrew Academy, Gayle spent 25 years as a Paralegal/Legal Assistant for multiple attorneys and law offices in numerous areas of practice. In her role as Administrative Assistant, she assists in consolidating and coordinating efforts and communication between Advanced Aircrew Academy's diverse and talented staff. After spending the majority of her career speaking the language of attorneys—Latin and tort law—Gayle is happily learning the language of the air—acronyms, airport codes, the NATO alphabet, and military time.

Ryan Retelle has been the Subject Matter Expert for the Winter Operations Module since 2009 and enjoys working with the broad range of operators who collaborate with Aircrew Academy for their training needs.

Ryan began his flight training in a sailplane, soloing at age 14, and later went on to graduate from Daniel Webster College with a B.S. in Flight Operations. Past employment includes operating piston twins and turboprops in the seasonal Northeast winters. This is where Ryan developed an appreciation for industry best practices throughout the whole winter season. He went on to work for an industry-leading fractional operator as a Beechjet crewmember and 135 Ground School Instructor. Ryan currently flies a fleet of G450 and G550 aircraft for a corporate flight department.

When at home, Ryan enjoys flying tailwheel and float planes. He resides in New Hampshire with his wife and two children.

Krista Saabye is a Training Administrator at Advanced Aircrew Academy. Krista comes to Aircrew Academy with bachelor’s degrees in Psychology and Computer Science from Colorado State University. During her career, she has worked in mainframe support, training development and delivery, and software development. Krista took some time off to raise her children and spent time volunteering and serving on the Tri-Lakes Little League Board of Directors.

After taking a hiatus from the working world to raise her children, Krista is excited to return to the world of instructional design at Advanced Aircrew Academy where she is the Subject Matter Expert for Emergency Response Plans and manages production of custom modules.

Krista resides in Birmingham, Alabama with her husband Eric. They enjoy traveling and spending time with their three grown children.

Dave is the Director of Instructional Design for Advanced Aircrew Academy. His main role is to ensure consistency and quality in instructional modules in accordance with FAA, ICAO, EASA, industry, and user standards. His duties also include incorporating the latest research-based instructional methods.

Dave holds an ATP with three type ratings and is a current CFI with over 5,000 flight hours. He earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in engineering from Virginia Tech as well as a Masters in Educational Technology and a Graduate Certificate in Online Teaching and Learning from Webster University.

Dave's flying background includes a career in the US Air Force as a Captain, Instructor, and Evaluator pilot, flying KC-135 tankers, T-38 supersonic trainers, and RC-135 electronic reconnaissance aircraft across the United States and overseas. He also served in multiple military operational training and staff positions. Dave also led a collegiate flight program at a midwestern university for seven years and was a Chief Instructor at a Part 141 flight school. His experience also includes a stint in Part 135/91k and over 150 hours of C-182 flying for a missionary organization in remote Canada. He has just passed the 10-year mark as a volunteer instructor pilot with Civil Air Patrol.

Dave resides in Kansas City with his wife, Melanie.

Milt Steiner is the Vice President of Program Management at Advanced Aircrew Academy. In addition to managing the Part 91 customers, Milt is the International Business Aviation Council's (IBAC) International Standard Support Services Affiliate (I3SA) representative for subject matter training for Advanced Aircrew Academy.

He has extensive experience in technology systems engineering and management primarily with the development of large complex systems. Milt started his career in the Department of Defense (DoD) sector where he was an integral part of the design team for the Peacekeeper & Minuteman missile command and control systems as well as involved with a variety of other projects. After that, he transitioned to the commercial sector where he spent significant time managing projects and programs in the telecommunications and transportation systems sector.

Milt holds a bachelor's degree in Computer Science and Psychology (specializing in Human Factors Engineering) from the University of Nebraska – Kearney and a master's in Systems Management from the University of Southern California. Additionally, he is a member of the Program Management Institute (PMI) and is a U.S. patent holder for reporting telecommunication service conditions.

A 5^th generation native of rural Nebraska, Milt grew up around corporate aviation and earned his pilot's license when he was 19. He enjoys recreational flying and hanging around small airports with lots of unique and antique aircraft. He resides in Colorado Springs, CO with his wife. They have three grown children and enjoy spending any free time with their family and volunteering with the Boy Scouts and local high school robotics team.

Kasey Stevenson is the Aircrew Training Manager at Advanced Aircrew Academy. Kasey manages the training programs for our Part 135 customers, onboarding new customers and keeping courseware for our existing customers up-to-date by integrating operator specific procedures.

Kasey graduated with honors from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautical Management Technology and a Master of Science in Aviation Management and Human Factors. Her degree concentrated in Air Transportation Management, where she completed research on Smart Airport Landing System, which aims to increase airport capacity and promote traffic flow efficiency. Kasey also holds a certificate in Homeland Security from the Arizona State University School of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

Previously, Kasey managed the Del E. Webb High Altitude Chamber in Mesa, Arizona. She coordinated and supervised the flight operations for hypoxia training of pilots, flight test engineers, students, military service personnel, and physicists for a variety of aviation manufacturing companies, corporate flight departments, and space exploration companies. Kasey also spent a year and a half as a Teaching Assistant for private and commercial pilot ground school. She is an active member of Women in Aviation International.

Kasey is a candidate for a Ph.D. in Aviation Management and Human Factors from the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University.

Gray Taylor is a freelance graphic artist since 2016 creating images for training modules, graphs and diagrams, as well as web banners, print media, and trade show displays. Gray is also part of the enrollment team specializing in quality control to make sure everyone gets the correct training assigned.

Gray is an Eagle Scout with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design from Louisiana Tech University. He lives in Austin, TX working as a graphic designer and social media manager, while volunteering at events held by the American Institute of Graphic Arts (AIGA). Gray Taylor is the oldest son of Advanced Aircrew Academy subject matter expert Philip Taylor. With his father and younger brother in aviation, Gray is working towards getting his Private Pilot license, with his instrument rating following soon after.

Philip Taylor is an original member of the Advanced Aircrew Academy cadre. He is a Courseware Design Specialist and maintains the Emergency Situations, Runway Excursion, and Runway Incursion modules.

He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with over 7000 hours of flight experience. Philip began his flying career in the U.S. Air Force flying the KC-135. He moved on to be an Instructor Pilot in the T-1A. He is also a Certified Flight Instructor. He has served as an Aircrew Program Designee, Check Airman and Pilot Proficiency Examiner in a Hawker 400A, 400XT, and Mitsubishi Diamond 300 aircraft. He had a brief assignment to the Embraer Legacy 500. Currently, Phil is flying the Gulfstream G-450.

Philip completed his Bachelors degree in Telecommunications at Texas Tech University and Masters degree in Professional Aviation from Delta State University.

Philip also volunteers as an FAA Safety Team (FAAST) member in his hometown. He gives back to aviation by interacting with a collegiate professional aviation department as a simulator instructor. This environment allows him to mentor young aviators concerning safety issues.

Chris Tranbarger has been a member of the Aircrew Academy team since 2016. He is a Subject Matter Expert for Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs), Aeronautical Information Manual (AIM), and Overseas Territories Aviation Requirements (OTARs).

Chris has had an enthusiasm for aviation since his first flight at age 13. After earning his flying credentials at Vincennes University in 1983, he began his career as a CFI in Anderson, IN where he discovered a love for sharing knowledge and was first exposed to FAR 135 flying. Gaining experience, he moved on to a larger operation in Columbus, OH where he served as a line pilot and instructor/check airman in multiple aircraft types.

With a continuing desire to learn and grow, he pursued and completed his B.S. in Aviation Technology at Purdue University in 1994. Following this, he served as a pilot and safety specialist with Mesa Air Group operating the SD3-60, BE-1900, and DHC-8 aircraft. He has since served as Director of Operations for two large FAR 135 air carriers spanning over a decade of experience.

Chris accomplished his MBA at Malone University in 2014 and today is Director of Safety and an active pilot for a rapidly growing FAR 135 operator in Cleveland, OH. He is type rated in the HS-125, LR-JET, BE-1900, DHC-8, and BE-300 with over 7500 hours experience. He lives in northeast Ohio with his wife, Laura, and sons, Nathan and Noah.

Jared has been a team member of Aircrew Academy since 2009 and is the Subject Matter Expert for Security, CFIT and Upset/Loss of Control training.

After college, Jared started his career as a CFII at Kokomo, Indiana. Like most new CFIs, he wanted to fly bigger and faster aircraft, so he moved on to fly Convairs for a Part 125 freight operation based at PTK. Jared gained his jet experience flying for a Part 135 fractional company where he also became a ground instructor, specializing in new-hire indoctrination. While there, he initiated the distance learning training concept for that operation and developed many of the ideas that he uses in creating courseware for Advanced Aircrew Academy.

Jared currently flies an Airbus for a U.S.-based airline and is type rated in the Convair 580, BeechJet, Falcon 20, and Airbus 320 with approximately 10,000 hours.

Quote: "I think that training should be about more than just checking the box. When I create training, my goal is to have each student come away from a session not feeling like it was a waste of his time, or more of the 'same old thing.' I really want each person to learn something from the training I made, and hopefully it makes them a better pilot or support person."

Jared graduated cum laude from Indiana State University in 1997 with a B.S. in Professional Pilot Technology. On his time off he has a mission to visit every National Park in the lower 48 States. Jared and his wife have homes in Las Vegas and "The Thumb" of Michigan where it's either too hot or too cold, depending on the time of year.

Sheila is a Subject Matter Expert and Training Administrator for Advanced Aircrew Academy. Her primary responsibility is for our modules in Crew Resource Management, Hazmat/Dangerous Goods, and Alcohol and Drug Misuse Prevention.

Sheila is a graduate of Metropolitan State University with a Bachelor of Science in Professional Pilot. After college, Sheila instructed off a grass strip and became a police officer and pilot with a city municipality. She is a type-rated ATP with over 7000 hours of commercial and general aviation, most recently as a jet Captain and Ground Training Instructor for a large U.S. Part 135 operator. She has substantial experience as an aircrew training ground instructor specializing in CRM and Hazardous Materials Training.

She currently lives in South Carolina with her husband – also a professional pilot – and daughter.

Tony Wallace has been a business aviation pilot for the last 25 years. After leaving the U.S. Army and graduating from Henderson State University with a B.S. degree in Aviation as a professional pilot, he has flown a variety of aircraft including the Twin Cessna, Beech 18, King Air, Beechjet, Hawker, and Citation X. Tony is currently a Captain on a Gulfstream for a Part 135 operation.

Tony's experience includes serving as the Director of Operations and Ground Instructor for a Part 135 scheduled and unscheduled passenger and freight operation. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate along with a CFI, CFII, and MEI certificate.

Tony has been a Subject Matter Expert for Advanced Aircrew Academy's Regulatory and TCAS modules since 2008.

Melissa caught the flying bug in 1988 after her father let her take the controls of an airplane he was flying. Not long after, she was fully immersed in lessons and bailed from the path to becoming a photojournalist to a professional pilot. Melissa is an ERAU graduate from the Daytona Beach campus with a BS in Aeronautical Science. After graduating in 1993, the University hired Melissa into their instructor internship program, which she fulfilled for a year until moving back home to Vermont.

Prior to and post-graduation, Melissa was employed by two airlines (Business Express and United) as a Customer Service Agent. She also worked for multiple FBOs performing line and customer service duties, working as a flight instructor, and conducting aerial flights. Melissa formed a friendship with another pilot who offered her the opportunity to build multi-engine time as a SIC for a Part 91 operator.

Melissa ended up in Aiken, South Carolina and had the good fortune to pick up several contract jobs from several operators. A Fortune 500 Southeastern energy company hired her full-time, where she stayed for seventeen years. This was the company where, together with her teammates, Melissa grew professionally, developing a culture of safety, compliance, and innovation.

Melissa's accomplishments include the role of Safety Officer, gaining extensive experience developing Safety Management Systems, and full involvement with the processes of becoming IS-BAO Stage III compliant. As a member of the Southeastern Aviation Safety Roundtable, Melissa held the position of Chairman for several years, developing and deploying an online Information Hazard Reporting and Tracking System with the help of company IT geniuses, developing and producing a safety video for two different types of aircraft, and overseeing the maintenance schedules of the company aircraft until a Chief of Maintenance position was created.

Melissa has continued her education by enrolling in additional training including the NTSB Accident Investigation course, AIRCARE Emergency Procedures Training, and APS Upset Prevention and Recovery Training. She also received Safety Management System certification from USC.

When Melissa is not working, she loves to cycle. In 2016, she rode with her family across the state of Oregon. She is a musician and plays the guitar and upright bass. Bluegrass is the primary choice of music when out playing with friends. Melissa's absolute favorite thing in life is animals, well and food. She’s had several horses and dogs and currently has one dog who rules her world, sweet Nala!

Jim Weaver is Vice President of Operations and IS-BAO Auditor at Advanced Aircrew Academy. He brings vast experience in aviation education and managing business aviation aircraft to our team.

Jim's roles while serving in the Navy included leadership positions in aircraft operations, safety, maintenance, and training, including tours as flight instructor in TA-4J and F-14A aircraft. He led operational test and evaluation of Navy and Marine Corps F-14 and F/A-18 aircraft and weapon systems and oversaw procurement of F/A-18 fleets for two European air forces. Jim is a graduate of Navy Fighter Weapons School (Topgun).

Jim then spent 14 years as a pilot and manager in business aviation where he held positions as Director of Operations, Manager of Aircrew Training, Ground Instructor, and Pilot-in-Command for Flight Options as well as test, demo, and delivery pilot for Nextant Aerospace. Jim holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with over 5000 hours of flight experience along with a Flight Instructor certificate.

Jim is a Director with the Arizona Business Aviation Association (AZBAA) and IS-BAO subject matter expert for the NBAA Safety Committee, Safety Leadership working group.

Jim holds a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of New Mexico and an MBA in Information Systems from National University. He completed post-masters coursework in Management of Engineering and Technology at Northcentral University.

Alvin Wong is Co-CEO of Advanced Aircrew Academy, leading the sales, marketing, and finance teams. With nearly 20 years of experience building and leading high-performance organizations, Alvin has a proven track record of driving growth and achieving results.

In his previous role, Alvin led the successful international expansion of a multinational corporation, working alongside his Co-CEO, Jordan Huibers, to scale operations and navigate global markets.

Alvin holds an Honours Bachelor of Commerce, with a minor in Political Science, from McMaster University. A Toronto native, he developed an early passion for aviation inspired by his family's longstanding history with Air Canada and is currently pursuing his pilot's license.

He resides in Toronto, Ontario, with his wife and two young children. Alvin enjoys flying, traveling, and coaching his children’s little league teams.