Aspen Flight Academy is Colorado’s most welcoming flight school, thanks to our dedicated staff, expert instructors, and top-tier aircraft maintenance. Our team, our fleet and our location make Aspen Flight Academy the premier destination for flight training in the Rockies.
Kobe’s career in aviation began in 2021 training with the American Airlines Cadet Academy in Dallas, Texas. His fascination with aviation began as a young child where his mother would take him to airshows. After graduating the AACA, he became Certified Flight Instructor, and eventually Chief Pilot for American Flyers, a part 141 flight school in Addison, Texas. Kobe is committed to having a culture of safety and helping students achieve their dreams of becoming a pilot. When outside of the plane, Kobe enjoys going to the gym and reading books. Kobe can’t wait to take you up to enjoy the beautiful mountain skies!
Michael obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Professional Flight, and his Master’s in Aviation and Aerospace Management, both from Purdue University. Michael’s journey into aviation began at his father’s restaurant at Ngurah Rai International Airport in Bali, Indonesia. Mesmerized by the many planes taking off and landing, he knew he wanted to become a pilot. Michael came to the United States to learn as much as he could from a world-renowned university. Grateful for the many memories and invaluable experiences he gained in the United States, he decided to stay and contribute back to the aviation community. He now brings his knowledge and skills to the valley.
Michael looks forward to the day he can fly into Ngurah Rai Airport, not as a passenger, but as a pilot, bringing his journey to a full circle
Lilly is a recent graduate of Purdue University, where she earned her degrees in Professional Flight, Aviation Management, and Airport Management. Her passion for aviation began in her hometown just outside of Flint, Michigan, where she spent countless hours watching planes soar overhead as a child. That early fascination took flight during a discovery flight over the stunning landscapes of Traverse City and Lake Michigan, solidifying her dream of becoming a pilot.
Now, Lilly brings her enthusiasm and expertise to the team, eager to inspire the next generation of aviators. Whether she’s in the cockpit or the classroom, she’s dedicated to helping her students build confidence and develop a true love for flying. Outside of aviation, Lilly enjoys staying active through sports and working out, and she’s always up for trying a new recipe. She can’t wait to help you take off on your aviation journey!
Kaden is a graduate of Purdue University, where he earned degrees in both Professional Flight Technology and Aeronautical Engineering Technology. His passion for aviation began in high school, where he fell in love with the challenge and freedom aviation provides. His favorite part about instructing is helping pilots master the complexities of flight while sharing the joy aviation has to offer.
Outside of flying, Kaden enjoys fishing, biking, eating sushi, and snowboarding. Whether he’s flying with a career-minded student or simply showing the world from a new perspective, Kaden is excited to bring his passion for aviation to Aspen and help aspiring aviators achieve their dreams! Kaden holds certifications as a Commercial Pilot (ASEL, ASES, and AMEL), a CFI/CFI-I, and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic.
Trevor’s first flight was as a young kid in a relative’s J3 Cub off a grass airstrip in the upper peninsula of Michigan. Growing up he had the opportunity to fly a handful of times in small GA planes before ever stepping foot on an airliner. Other adventures in the outdoors then took priority in life for a period of time. Graduating with a business degree he headed west to Colorado to explore those interests.
He spent a decade working in the ski industry in Aspen, CO, and managing operations running multi-day wilderness river and mountain bike expeditions across the western states during the summers. After transitioning to the corporate side of ski area operations for a few years, he then dropped that and went all in to pursue aviation. Trevor has been a volunteer with Mountain Rescue Aspen since 2021, working as an EMT and technical backcountry rescuer. He also paddles on the USA Men’s Open whitewater rafting team and has three national titles with them, and has been to two world championships, and counting.
He was hired on as the Director of Operations and CFII for Aspen Flight Academy in January 2026. When he’s not flying airplanes and spreading the love of aviation, he’s skiing, mountain biking, or paddling on an expedition somewhere around the world.
Jeff is the CEO/ President of Genesis Energy Ventures and is also President of the Board for 316 Aviation which leases airplanes to hospitals for non-profit medical care. Jeff has been a pilot for 26 years and is type rated in over five aircraft including multi-engine instrument rating and has had his helicopter rating for over 23 years. Jeff is Alumnus of University of Alabama and has lived in Aspen for over 15 years with his wife Elizabeth Slossberg.
Evan is an avid aviator that is passionate about aviation safety and continuous operational improvements. Evan operates a 2019 TBM910 and is based out of Rifle, CO during the summer and Fort Worth, TX during the winter. Prior to owning the TBM, Evan owned a Cessna 182 and a Beechcraft Baron G58. Evan serves on the board of the TBM Owners and Pilots Association with a focus on Operational Best Practices and Safety. His licenses and ratings include: Commercial ASEL, Commercial AMEL, CFI, CFI-I. He aspires to obtain an Airline Transport Pilot license. Evan has spent his career in energy and real estate. Evan holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and a Master’s in Business Administration, both from Southern Methodist University.
Alex is a Managing Partner at Altus Properties, a private equity real estate investment and development firm with a portfolio spanning industrial, retail, multifamily, office, and development properties across Colorado, Minneapolis, St. Louis, and Kansas City. Beyond his role at Altus, Alex is an adjunct professor of Real Estate Finance and Investments at Washington University in St. Louis’ Olin School of Business, where he shares his expertise with the next generation of industry leaders.
Dedicated to both education and community, Alex serves on Washington University’s Alumni Board of Governors and holds the position of Treasurer at the Aspen Flight Academy. A passionate pilot since 2009, he currently flies out of KRIL (Rifle, CO), enjoying the freedom, discipline and challenges that aviation brings. Alex resides in
Snowmass Village with his wife, Dana, and their two children.
Michael took his first two flying lessons in 1985 while in college in New York City. Due to a variety of factors, his next flying lesson was 21 years later in 2006 – in Aspen! Today, Michael is an instrument-rated, multi-engine jet pilot. Professionally, Michael served as a CEO of various telecommunications companies for 27 years and currently serves on several for-profit and non-profit boards.
Jim is a Managing Director at Morgan Stanley and has worked in the financial and investment industry for over 28 years. Jim has served on numerous non-profit boards over the years, in addition to AFA, Jim currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Colorado State University Foundation, serving as the Investment Chair for the
University’s Endowment. In his free time Jim has a passion for aviation as a licensed private pilot and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and three children at their home on a ranch outside of Aspen.
Heather was born and raised in the mountains of Colorado. Attending Metropolitan University in Denver, where she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Science in Aviation Technology and minor in Business Management. She received her Private Pilot, Instrument and Commercial ratings while finishing college courses. Heather was selected as a Flight Engineer Intern with United Airlines at the United Flight Training center where her focus was in Crew Resource Management. She entered the United States Air Force Reserves, the 302nd Airlift Squadron at Peterson AFB in 1998. After attending Officer’s Training School and numerous survival schools, she went on to Air Force pilot training, flying the T-37, T-44 and the C-130H as an Aircraft Commander. Since leaving the military, she works for SkyWest while juggling being a wife, mother of twin boys, ski coach, and a realtor.
Charles has been working in aviation since 2022. He began working a desk job for an FBO and has since been a Flight Instructor, Contract Pilot, and one of Aspen Flight Academy’s previous Assistant Chief Flight Instructors. He currently operates the Embraer 175 for Envoy Air out of Miami Florida. As he has worked as an instructor for the academy, he is a valuable asset to our current instructors and makes sure the quality of instruction at AFA remains top-notch.
During his 18 years with Atlantic, Mr. Jones has held every operational position at an FBO, has first-hand knowledge of every job, and leads by example. He started at Atlantic as a part-time CSR while attending Oklahoma State University, working his way up to Customer Service Manager, Line Service Technician, Safety and Training Manager, Line
Manager, Operations Manager, and finally taking a General Manager position in Fort Wayne, Indiana. After 3 years in Fort Wayne, he moved to El Paso, TX, taking another General Manager position, as well as running all the fueling operations for Biggs Army Airfield on Fort Bliss. Also, after 3 years in El Paso, he took the Senior General Manager position in Aspen, taking the helm of one of Atlantic’s busiest locations. Mr. Jones’ breadth of experience and successful history as the General Manager of the ASE FBO uniquely qualifies him to serve as the General Manager for the new lease.
Bill White grew up in Glenview, Illinois, a suburb just outside of Chicago. He graduated Cum Laude from the University of Notre Dame in 1995 with a BA in History. During his time there he was active in the Bengal Bouts, a boxing club sponsored by the university that raised money for the famine crisis in Bangladesh. Upon graduation, he moved to Aspen Colorado to ski and experience life outside the Midwest. He began his career with Alpine Bank in 1998 and is currently the Regional President of the Upper Roaring Fork for that organization, serving both Aspen and Snowmass Village. A fairly new member of the Aspen Flight Academy Board, Bill currently serves as the Treasurer. He is looking forward to continuing the positive momentum initiated by his predecessors and bringing real world experience in aviation to a growing number of students in the Roaring Fork Valley and beyond.
Mike has been a pilot with American Airlines since 1986, he is currently Check Airman on the Boeing 777. Since his solo at sixteen, Mike has logged 20,000 flight hours and is Type Rated in the MD-80, B-757, B-767 and B-777. He is a Certified Flight Instructor – Airplane, Instrument and Multi-Engine. Before moving to Aspen, he co-founded the Fisher Island Day School and was the school’s former President in Miami, FL. He is also the Founding Partner of TeachAde.com, the first social networking website designed specifically for educators.
Lorraine Ohanesian is owner/operator of Core Executive Services and has over 20 years experience in providing all inclusive business services. Well versed in both corporate and entrepreneurial environments, Lorraine’s experience spans multiple industries such as real estate, legal, agricultural research, and investment programs. She possesses the
ability to work in a variety of business environments and assess any situation to interpret what is necessary. Lorraine has a proactive work style and is accountable to her clients.
John Ward is the Mountain Region President of ANB Bank, a privately held Colorado headquartered bank. John brings over 20 years of community banking experience, knowledge, and strong leadership to the board. Before becoming regional president, John was the community bank president of ANB Bank’s Aspen branch. John holds his bachelor’s degree from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and attended the Pacific Coast Banking School at the University of Washington. John is committed to serving his community through his involvement with various non- profit organizations and activities. Besides serving on the Aspen Flight Academy board, he is a past president of the Aspen Rotary Club, currently the president of the Aspen Fire Protection District’s Board of Directors, past chairman of the Aspen Pitkin County Housing Authority Board of Directors, and is also a board member of the Aspen Lacrosse Club.
John has been committed to the flight academy since aiding in the academy’s first aircraft purchase. He sees the program as an incredible asset to the Aspen Community and its students. Providing an opportunity for real growth, development, inspiration and confidence to every student it comes in contact with from any economic background. It also provides a natural path to a career for those students who want to take on new challenges.
