Charter
Thomas Bencin
Director of Operations for Charter
Lorin Kaney
Chief Charter Pilot (FWA)
Lorin began his journey in aviation in 2003 at the ALERT Academy in Texas, eventually obtaining his private pilot license, instrument rating, A&P license, and CFI/CFII.
Born in Northwest Indiana, Lorin moved to Fort Wayne with his wife and what he enjoys most about Sweet Aviation is the opportunity to share in the joy of flight with his students as well as guide them to becoming safe and proficient pilots.
Alan Callicoat
Charter Pilot
Alan Callicoat flies the Citation Encore for Sweet Aviation charter customers, but he has experience flying many different types of planes. Alan spent eight years as a United States Marine Corps pilot, flying in the A-4, F-4, and FA-18. He then joined the Air Force at Grissom, where he flew the KC-135 for two years. Most recently, Alan flew the B-727, DC-10, and MD-11 both domestically and internationally for FedEx. He retired after a 26-year career in the field, now choosing to fly passengers, not just cargo, with Sweet Aviation at Goshen Municipal Airport.
Katelyn Foutz
Charter Pilot Second in Command (FWA)
Katelyn comes from a long line of flying enthusiasts. Her family were members of the Yankee Air Force and for a time were associated with the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan. In addition, her grandfather worked in a B-24 bomber plant during WW2 and her father served in the Air Force where he worked on F-16s.
Katelyn attained her private pilot certificate from Purdue University and completed the remainder of her training at LIFT Academy. She recently attained her certificate to become an Advanced Ground Instructor as well. In addition, Katelyn also graduated from Ivy Tech Indianapolis with an associate’s degree in general studies and a technical certificate in business administration too.
When not at work Katelyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Joshua and their children hiking through local and state parks.
Mark Johnson
Chief Charter Pilot (GSH)
Joe Kobiela
Charter Pilot
Joe logged his first pilot in command time in 1979, since then he has flown 14,000 hours as a private, charter, and instructor. After retiring from Dana Corporation with 31 years of seniority he is finally working his dream job as a charter pilot at Sweet Aviation. He loves to help his passengers have a safe and stress-free trip every time.
In addition to being a charter pilot, Joe is also a single and multi-engine engine airline transport pilot, single and multi-engine instrument flight instructor, King Air 350 type rating.
Joe lives in Auburn with his wife of nearly 40 years Pat, their Golden Retriever, and a cat, and has two grown daughters. In his spare time he loves to run, lift weights, read military history, and of course fly.
Donald Shunk
Charter Pilot
Jorge Valderrama
Charter Pilot
Jorge Valderrama has more than 28 years of experience in the aviation industry. Originally from Lima, Peru, he has trained and flown with pilots from all over the world. He started his career at Indiana State University, holding multiple degrees in aviation, aerospace administration, and a Master’s degree in occupational health and safety. His extensive industry experience includes multiple international flight schools, regional airlines, and charter companies. Jorge has almost 4,000 hours of flight time, including multiple jet aircraft type ratings. He prides himself on making safety his first priority, and in providing excellent customer service. Jorge resides in Bloomington with his wife Lindsay and stepson Riley. When not flying, he enjoys working on his car, going to the gym, and traveling with his wife to explore new places and foods.
Tyson Whitner
Charter Pilot
A Fort Wayne native, Tyson first got his taste of flying at Smith Field with the Young Eagles. He followed that passion through high school, participating in programs that led him towards his A&P license. He later graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Professional Flight Technology while playing football for the Sycamores.
Tyson also has his private, instrument, commercial, and CFI/CFII certificates and is eager to share his passion for flying with the Fort Wayne community.
Dennis Whitacre
Charter Pilot
Dennis grew up watching planes depart at Fort Wayne’s Baer Field, which is now Fort Wayne International Airport. He made up his mind early on he would become a pilot. He earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Traffic Control and then went on to earn his Airline Transport Pilot license and become typed in multiple aircraft.
Dennis isn’t the only pilot in his family. His son flies for the U.S. Military, and his cousin has flown for many years. When not flying charter, Dennis likes to paint, sing in a choir, and participate in his church.
Paul Wilhelmson
Charter Pilot
Growing up in Bolivia flying mission aviation airplanes, Paul’s passion for flying is vast. He earned his private, instrument, commercial and A&P licenses at the school of Missionary Aviation Technology in Michigan, later spending a few years working as a pilot and A&P in both Indonesia and Bolivia.
Previously, Paul worked in Indianapolis obtaining his multi-engine commercial and CFI ratings.
He enjoys sharing his unique experience and passion for aviation with others as well as spending time with his wife, Jami, and their four children.
Rachel Cheng
Charter Logistics Manager
Originally from Fort Wayne, Rachel joined the Sweet Aviation family in 2015 and has over fifteen years of customer service experience. She is a graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne with a bachelor’s in psychology and is looking forward to becoming a pilot herself soon.
Cathy Taylor
Charter Logistics Specialist
Cathy Taylor knows how to book travel from airlines, cruise lines, hotels, rental cars, and more, but it was her love for the aviation side of things that won her over. After a 13-year career with United Airlines, the company shut down its satellite offices, forcing her to make a choice. Did she move back to the big city or put down roots with her growing family in northern Indiana? She chose the latter, which opened up to her the world of Part 135 charter. With Sweet Aviation, Cathy manages charter sales, flight planning, and flight following, which involves making sure each passenger’s plane arrives on time. Her love for aviation has also inspired her son, who is pursuing his own flight dreams in El Paso, Texas.
Sherry Yun
Charter Logistics Specialist
Sherry Yun might not be the one in the cockpit, but she’s instrumental in organizing your perfect flight. She’ll help you find the best airport for your destination, assist with quoting, scheduling, catering, ground transportation, and more. Sherry first discovered her love for planes at Elkhart’s Salute to Veterans Airshow, but she didn’t consider getting involved in aviation professionally until a pilot she was babysitting for brought up the idea. After several years at a travel management company, she came back to the aviation industry with Aircraft Charter Services, which is now Sweet Aviation. When not at work, Sherry enjoys reading her bible, taking walks, and exercising at the gym.
Maintenance
Sean Barr
Director of Maintenance (FWA)
Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Sean graduated with honors from the US Air Force Academy with a bachelor’s in political science and a German language minor. He went on to serve eleven years on active duty as an Air Force Special Operations Pilot, logging over 2,100 hours of flight time including 1,000 hours of combat over Iraq and Afghanistan. For his accomplishments Sean was awarded a Bronze Star and eleven Air Medals.
In addition to aircraft, Sean is also passionate about his faith and earned his master’s in Theological Studies from Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary while attending A&P school.
Sean enjoys spending time with his four daughters, as well as camping, traveling, and hunting.
Clayton Omelian
Assistant Director of Maintenance
I’ve been married for 13 years with five kids. My path to aviation began more than a decade ago in efforts to provide a better life and future for my family. After spending the first couple of years in general aviation for a small private company, I moved on to the airlines where I would spend the next seven years with SkyWest Airlines. I began as a mechanic, then spent about four years in avionics, and finished my SkyWest career as a night shift maintenance supervisor. Eventually, I returned to the general aviation world to leave the first shift life, spend more time with the family, and work closer to home. Since then, I have earned my Inspection Authorization which opened the door to better opportunities leading me to Sweet Aviation. I am excited to see where my career leads within the company.
Daniel Horney
Lead Aircraft Mechanic
Noah Medcalf
Director of Maintenance (GSH)
Michael Santella
Chief Inspector (GSH)
Reanna Traxler
Accountable Manager (GSH)
Brian Blosser
CS/Parts Manager (GSH)
Michael Brewer
Maintenance Coordinator
Colton Denn
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Eric Faulkner
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Cory Flynn
Aircraft Detailer
Michael Hicks
Certified Aircraft Mechanic (GSH)
Jonathan Hill
Lead Floor Mechanic (GSH)
John Hoffa
Chief Avionics Inspector (GSH)
Carter Kelly
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Drew Martin
A&P Apprentice
Tom Mollenauer
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Brock Nafziger
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Jeff Reid
Maintenance Admin Assistant
Andrew Rupert
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Austin Scheiderer
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Steven Schwanz
Certified Aircraft Mechanic
Colt Wagner
A&P Apprentice
Ethan Wilson
Certified Aircraft Mechanic (GSH)
Customer Service
Kristi Garris
Office Manager
Wade Marquette
Line Operations Manager (GSH)
Codi Yohn
Line Operations Lead (GSH)
Josh Bender
Customer Line Technician
Josh is from the Nashville area and recently moved to Fort Wayne to be closer to his family. Josh currently has his Airplane Single Engine Instrument rating for land and sea, and is currently working towards his Commercial Certificate with Sweet Aviation. Josh is very passionate about aviation and we are glad to have him on the team.
Isaak Berghoff
Customer Line Technician
Isaak knows the fact he’s still able to pursue his aviation dreams today is nothing short of a miracle. He grew up in Fort Wayne and graduated from Leo Junior/Senior High School in 2018. But then, just a month later, he suffered a debilitating stroke. After spending three weeks in the hospital, Isaak recommitted himself to his dream of becoming a private pilot. Isaak required six months of extensive physical, speech, and occupational therapy until finally, physicians cleared him to pursue his passion once more. Isaak hopes to one day help fly missionaries across the world.
Timothy Blough
Customer Line Technician
Amy Brinkerhoff
Customer Experience Representative
Tyler David
Customer Line Technician
Jayce Davis
Customer Line Technician
TJ Faur
Customer Line Technician
Tyler Frisbie
Customer Line Technician
Brandon Graber
Customer Line Technician
Originally from Nebraska, Brandon graduated from Indiana University and has called Fort Wayne home since 2004.
His passion for helicopters was ignited after college when he had the opportunity to fly in a UH-60 Blackhawk through the Army officer training battalion over the IU campus. Since that moment he focused on becoming a pilot.
Brandon earned his private, commercial, instrument, and CFI ratings through Sweet Aviation, and is working towards his CFI-I and ATP ratings. He may add fixed-wing ratings to his repertoire for fun in the future, but for now, he is very happy focusing on helicopters. His goals include: being a Sweet Helicopters charter pilot and a Samaritan/Helicopter EMS pilot.
Shae Henn
Customer Experience Specialist
Shae grew up in the Syracuse-Wawasee area before moving to Fort Wayne to attend Purdue Fort Wayne. He had originally planned to complete a degree in Secondary Education. However, after hopping into the cockpit of an airplane for a discovery flight, Shae shifted his focus to pursuing a career in aviation. He enrolled in Sweet Aviation’s Certified Flight School, and he now serves as a Customer Experience Representative.
Ian Kreie
Customer Experience Specialist
Ian is a Fort Wayne native who’s responsibilities include repositioning aircraft, assisting customers, and helping coordination between students and their flight instructors. He became interested in aircraft after attending a local airshow, and one day hopes to become a pilot himself. In his free time Ian enjoys scuba diving.
Derek McDonald
Customer Experience Specialist
After his first discovery flight with Sweet Aviation, Derek knew he had found his calling and a team he wanted to work with. Previous to Sweet Aviation, Derek spent six years traveling the country climbing as an arborist and also worked at the Nashville International Airport. He is the father of four beautiful children and is also a musician who loves to perform and bring people and communities together.
Damien Morales
Customer Line Technician
Damien grew up in Texas, where he graduated with a sociology degree from the University of North Texas. He built up a small franchising company in the Lone Star State before becoming a Park District Commissioner for Paulding County, Ohio. However, his career path changed again when he became a student pilot at Sweet Aviation where Damien fell in love with flight immediately. He earned his private pilot license and now serves as a Customer Line Tech, helping customers and refueling aircraft. Damien is currently working towards his instrument and commercial ratings. His ultimate goal is to teach others to fly and inspire the same passion he feels for his craft.
Tim Ormsby
Customer Experience Specialist
Tim has had a longtime love for flying after obtaining his private pilot license in 1987 at Smith Field. He has since owned several different single and twin-engined airplanes and has logged over 3,450 hours of total flight time.
Tim is also a mission pilot with the Civil Air Patrol and a volunteer piloting Young Eagle flights and flying rescue dogs to their new foster homes for Pilots ’n Paws.
Trace Roa
Customer Line Technician
Jason Smith
Customer Line Technician
Jason Smith is an instrument-rated commercial pilot from Fort Wayne. He graduated college with an associate of applied science degree in general studies and a bachelor’s degree in business. As a Line Services employee, he provides customer service to both local and transient pilots. When he’s not out flying or helping customers, Jason enjoys biking, exploring the outdoors, and tackling his own home improvement projects.
Brayden Sollars
Customer Line Technician