Our Instructors
“A good instructor is confident and calm and lets the student fly. A good student comes prepared, listens, and ask questions. We should be good [pilots] – safe, knowledgeable, proficient, prepared, and confident.” Mark Twombly, AOPA Pilot, Feb 2007
We subscribe to this philosophy: Our instructors are available seven days and evenings a week to fit YOUR schedule. We are committed to you; not about building hours. Our Instructors include former school teacher, business owner and airline pilot, and a former Test Pilot and current Corporate Pilot.
We teach because we love to do it. Our Office Number is 715-294-4500

Troy Pongratz, CFI, CFII, MEI
Certified Flight Instructor
Tailwheel Instructor
Cell: 612-384-0122

Juan Gonzales, CFI
Certificated Flight Instructor
Cell: 651-373-3591

Shelley Budke, CFI, CFII
Certificated Flight Instructor
Single Engine Land & Sea – Instrument
Cell: 651-315-6601

Dick Johnson, CFI, ME
President/Owner with wife Carolyn
Airport Manager
Certificated Flight Instructor & Aerobatic Instructor Corporate Pilot
Commercial Single Engine Land and Sea
Commercial Glider
Commercial Lighter Than Air Free Balloon
Tailwheel Instructor
Cell: 612-308-0647