top of page

Damian Fermin

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI

Damian Fermin (1x1).png

Damian was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and moved to the Houston area in 2007. He has always had an interest in aviation since he was little, but never thought about flying until high school. He was always interested in building and designing cars and airplanes and thought he would always become an engineer. He started flying in March 2020 and earned his private pilot’s license at Ellington Field. After obtaining his private, Damian found his passion for flying and decided that flying was what he wanted to do for the rest of his life.

​

He completed the rest of his flight training at Lone Star College where he earned an associate degree in December 2022. Shortly after graduating, he enrolled at Texas A&M University-Central Texas where is currently pursuing his B.S. in Aviation Management. He is grateful for all his instructors who helped and supported him during his flight training and wants to do the same for his students.

​

Outside of flying, Damian likes to be active and goes hiking, camping, walking his two dogs, playing soccer, and spending time with his family. He is a big fan of the Houston Astros and the Houston Dynamo and attends their games regularly. Damian hopes to one day become a Captain at a major airline.

Mary Harris

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Mary Harris (1x1).jpg

Growing up in an aviation family, Mary heard about flying almost every day. Her and her father would listen to IAH Live ATC and she would imagine herself as the pilot on the approach landing a 737. After hearing years of stories, Mary wanted to give it a try and see what all the excitement was about. In May 2020, her dad bought a discovery flight here at United Flight Systems and she’s never looked back. She felt a passion for aviation immediately and started flight training.  


 

Mary was born and raised in the Houston area. Just like her brother, she completed all her flight training here at United Flight Systems. Most days out of the week she spent more time at UFS then at home. She completely fell in love with airplanes and the excitement of flying.  


 

Outside of flying she loves spending time with family and friends, playing and watching basketball, and working out. As one of many pilots in her family, Mary looks forward to training and flying with her brother at United Airlines. Mary is excited for the opportunity to share her knowledge and passion for flying with her students, as they embark on their aviation journey. 

Kevin Wiseman

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI

Kevin Wiseman (1x1).png

Born outside of Flint, Michigan, Kevin moved to the Houston area in the 1990’s with his family.  Kevin graduated from Klein Oak High School before attending Oklahoma State University where he earned a

Bachelor of Science in Fire Protection and Safety Engineering.  Kevin briefly lived in Wausau, Wisconsin and New Braunfels, TX before moving back to Houston in 2005 where he began working as a firefighter.

​

Kevin’s aviation interest has been lifelong. In late 2021 Kevin completed his first private pilot training lesson here at United Flight Systems and was hooked.  Kevin obtained all his pilot ratings here at UFS including his certified Flight Instructor Certificate in August of 2023.

 

When not flying, Kevin spends time with his Wife Elisa and their daughters Caroline and Valerie.  The Wiseman Family enjoys traveling, watching their favorite sports teams, The Detroit Red Wings and Houston Astros, and being involved with school activities.

​

Kevin’s goal is to share his love of flying with our students and help them achieve their aviation goals.

Jasmine Hendry

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Jasmine Hendry (1x1).jpg

Jasmine Hendry was born and raised here in Spring, Texas. Her parents moved from Switzerland, where most of her family still resides. Growing up, Jasmine spent a lot of time traveling to Switzerland as well as across the US for various ice hockey tournaments, which ignited her passion for aviation. She and her dad both shared an interest in big airplanes and loved plane spotting together while traveling. After being gifted a surprise discovery flight at UFS, Jasmine knew she belonged in the sky. 

 

Jasmine completed all of her certificates and ratings here at UFS. You may recognize her from working the front desk as a dispatcher throughout her training. She also studied at Liberty University, ultimately earning a Bachelor of Science in Aviation degree. Jasmine is beyond excited to further her career at UFS and share her passion for flying with her students. 

 

Jasmine’s dream is to become an airline pilot and venture the world. Outside of flying, she enjoys watching and playing ice hockey (Go Stars), going to car shows, spending time with friends and family, and shopping. 

Alex Brejnik

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI

Alex Brejnik - 1x1.jpg

Alex was born and raised here in spring, tx. Although, she was born in America, her family moved here from Czech Republic. During a couple of summers she would travel with her grandparents and parents to Europe to visit family. This is what fueled her love and desire for travel. She’s also been to various places around the U.S, like the Grand Canyon, Florida, California, Hawaii, etc. 

 

Growing up Alex participated in many activities. She was a competitive figure skater for about 15 years. From the time she learned how to walk you would find her on the ice. Alex was also a competitive gymnast starting in her young childhood. When she wasn’t on the ice or in school, she was at the gym with her teammates. She was also a Girl Scout, which gave her a love for the outdoors and nature. Later in her teenage years, she became a certified scuba diver and she still loves to travel to various places to dive. 

 

This love for adventure and travel gravitated her toward the aviation field. After her first discovery flight, she knew behind the yoke was the only place she wanted to be. When you don’t see alex at the airport, you might catch her at the beach, at a hockey game, or relaxing with her family and friends.

Reed Koch

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI

Koch, Reed - 1x1.jpg

Reed Koch, a third-generation pilot from Conroe, Texas, was captivated by aviation at the age of five while flying with his father. After pursuing a career in motorcycle racing, he chose to follow his passion for flying.

​

To finance his pilot training, Reed obtained a captain's license for charter vessels, steadily climbing the ranks to become a trainer and chief captain. In 2019, he enrolled at United Flight Systems to obtain his private pilot license.

 

Today, Reed's days are devoted to the airport and gym, where he shares his love for aviation and mentors aspiring pilots. Known for his professionalism, and dedication Reed strives to instill safety and knowledge in every aviator he guides, embodying excellence in aviation instruction and mentorship.

Derin Reinke

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

2024-0424 - Derin Reinke - 1x1 FINAL.jpg

From the great city of Conroe, Texas, Derin was born into the world of Aviation. The roar of Jet engines served as his childhood lullaby, kindling his passion for flying early on as the child of a United Airlines captain. The allure of the skies was a constant presence in his life. 

​

But it was a singular, awe-inspiring experience that sent Derin's destiny soaring. At the age of 11, he was offered an exclusive spot in the jump seat of a Boeing 767 during a deliver flight to have the aircraft painted. As the sole passenger he experience the exhilaration of takeoff and landing from the best seat in the house, cementing his future in aviation.

​

Derin knew from that singular experience that aviation would be his legacy and dream, turning childhood fascination into a lifelong pursuit. 

​

Now a CFI, Derin's goal is to do more than just teach techniques and maneuvers; Derin views every lesson as a opportunity to inspire and to share the magic that happens above the clouds, striving to ignite the same spark in others that once propelled his passion for aviation.

Jiri Brejnik

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Brejnik, Jiri- 1x1.jpg

Jiri was born in what is now Czech Republic, and at a young age immigrated to Canada with his parents. Jiri started playing hockey, which turned into a large part of his life. As a teenager, Jiri and his family moved to the Houston area, where he has called home ever since. Before making his transition into aviation, Jiri worked at a local ice rink as the pro shop manager and coach. As far back as he can remember, Jiri has been fascinated by airplanes, and even to this day, you might find him on the top floor of parking garages at IAH or Hobby watching planes takeoff and land. 

​

After a nudge from a few of his pilot friends, Jiri decided to make the big life change and begin his journey to become a pilot himself. With the support of his wife, Dani, he was able to realize his dream. Jiri earned his Private Certificate, Instrument Rating, Commercial Certificate, Multiengine Rating, CFI, and MEI. He is now looking forward to helping others accomplish their aviation goals.

​

When Jiri is not working, he is spending time with his wife and three daughters, Alexandra, Pavlina, and Elishka. He helps coach his daughter's hockey team, and enjoys taking his girls to their activities.

Nic Moxcey

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Moxcey, Nicolas - 1x1.jpg

Nic Moxcey was born and raised in Spring, Texas, where the proximity to Hooks Airport ignited his fascination with aviation from a young age. 

​

Growing up near the airport, and living underneath the traffic pattern of Bush Intercontinental, he often found himself mesmerized by the sight of planes, sparking a lifelong passion for flight.

​

After graduating from Klein Oak High School, Nic pursued his higher education at Texas A&M University, where he obtained a degree in construction and planning design. He embarked on a career in commercial construction management and project controls, gaining valuable experience in the field. 

​

However, Nic's love for aviation never waned, and he harbored a deep-seated desire to become a captain for a major airline. Determined to turn his passion into a profession, he decided to make a career transition. He started training full-time out of Conroe North Houston, and set his sights on achieving his dream of flying commercially.

​

Driven by his own journey, and the joy he experienced with each aviation milestone, Nic seeks to share his expertise and passion with others, providing top-notch training to aspiring pilots, helping them safely and efficiently navigate their path to becoming licensed pilots. 

​

When not flying, Nic enjoys spending time on the golf course, traveling, fitness, and cookouts with his family and friends. His love for flying is deeply ingrained, nurtured by the support of his pilot friends and the memorable flights he took in his youth.

Brian Rose

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Rose, Brian - 1x1.jpg

Brian Rose grew up in Kingwood, TX, where the proximity to George Bush Intercontinental Airport ignited a lifelong passion for aviation. From his first flight on an airliner as a young kid, he knew he wanted to someday be a professional pilot

 

After graduating from Kingwood Park High School, Brian earned a degree in Logistics & Supply Chain Management from the University of North Texas. He began a career in transportation working as a fleet manager for a trucking company in Dallas, TX.

 

Despite building a career in the field of logistics, Brian’s passion for aviation always remained. After moving back to Houston, Brian took a Discovery Flight at UFS in August 2020, and was hooked right away. He then decided to finally pursue his dream of becoming a professional pilot.

 

Brian looks forward to using his own experience to help motivate other to become safe, skilled, and knowledgeable pilots. Outside of flying, he enjoys cooking and baking, playing golf, and spending time with friends and family.

Brian Dalzell

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Dalzel, Brian - 1x1.jpg

Brian’s passion for aviation began at an early age, fueled by a fascination and admiration for fighter jets, air shows, and classic aviation films. Following his childhood dream, Brian began his flight training at United Flight Systems in August 2021.

 

Motivated by his own training experience, Brian aspires to emulate the professionalism, support, and kindness demonstrated by his instructors at UFS, as he transitions into the role of instructor himself. His goal is to guide and inspire students, helping each one achieve their aviation goals with dedication and enthusiasm.

 

Outside of aviation, Brian has a love for the outdoors. He takes solace in fly fishing and outdoor pursuits, especially archery. He also cherishes spending time with his wife and their two Staffordshire Bull Terriers, Neo and Remi, whenever possible.

 

Brian has an Honors Degree in Economics from Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia. In a previous life, he worked as a statistician, economic consultant, stockbroker, and day-trader. With a blend of passion for aviation, dedication to teaching, and appreciation for outdoor pursuits, Brian looks forward to continuing his journey in aviation, while sharing his love for flying and adventure with others.

Natalie Donahue

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Donahue, Natalie - 1x1.jpg

Natalie was born in Annapolis, Maryland, but has lived in Kingwood, Texas for most of her life. Growing up near Bush Intercontinental, along with the fact that her dad is a Captain for United Airlines, Natalie has always been surrounded by Aviation. However, what truly sparked her passion for flying was when her dad surprised her on her 16th birthday with a Discovery Flight out of Cleveland Municipal. She's been captivated by anything aviation related ever since.

​

After graduating from Kingwood High School in 2022, Natalie would spend the next year and a half solely focusing on Flight Training. Flying out of La Porte Municipal, she earned her Private PIlot License in 2023. She then moved to Scottsdale, Arizona, where she obtained her Instrument and Commercial Licenses. She then moved to the other side of Phoenix and lived in Mesa, Arizona while obtaining her Multi-Engine rating while flying out of Phoenix-Messa Gateway. She then went on to move back to Texas, where she flew out of Conroe/ North Houston Regional where she earned her CFI, CFII, and MEI.

​

As a CFI, Natalie plans to teach her students to be the best pilots they can be. Her goal isn'tjust to teach students how to pass a checkride, but also how to be the most safe, confident, and competent pilot when behind the prop. In the future, Natalie aims to take after her father, with the goal of working for United Airlines.

​

In her free time, Natalie enjoys golfing, watching gymnastics, and traveling with friends and family!

Willem Van Der Werff

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Van Der Werf, Willem - 1x1.jpg

Willem was born in Arizona, but quickly made his way to the great state of Texas. His interest in aviation began at a young age, frequently traveling from Houston to Amsterdam where much of his family still lives. He fondly recalls being in awe of the majestic Boeing 747's he frequently traveled on.

​

Initially following his Father's footsteps, Willem attended Lone Star College where he attended the fire academy and gained certification as an EMT. He has worked in all three branches of emergency services, most recently serving as a police officer. Willem found a passion for teaching new police officers as an academy instructor and field training officer. After realizing that he did not want to stay in emergency services for the rest of his career, he took a discovery flight at the La Porte Municipal Airport. This ignited a new passion for aviation and the desire to put his teaching experience into his new career field. Willem attended a few different schools for his pilot certificates and ultimately landed at United Flight Systems. He chose United Flight Systems due to their unmatched standards and commitment to student success.


Willem’s goal as an instructor is to make safe pilots and always put the needs of the student first. He believes that flight training should be fun while also making sure that we hold ourselves to the highest standards of safety and knowledge.

Mariah Banks

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Banks, Mariah - 1x1.jpg

Mariah Banks is a dynamic flight instructor whose impressive career spans both the skies and the laboratory. With a degree in Molecular Biology from the University of Wyoming, she delved into the world of scientific research before transitioning to aviation. Her disciplined approach to life was further shaped by her service in the Texas Army National Guard, where she developed strong leadership and resilience.

Mariah’s aviation experience began as an American Airlines Cadet in Dallas, TX. There, she completed her CFI/CFII and began instructing students at a local Part 61 school. Her most fond moment as an instructor is being able to instill confidence in her students.

Outside of her professional achievements, Mariah is an avid powerlifter. She also enjoys gaming, finding it a perfect way to unwind after a long day in the skies. At home, Mariah is devoted to her two miniature schnauzers, Nene and Fitz, who bring joy and companionship to her busy life. Balancing her diverse interests and responsibilities, Mariah exemplifies a well-rounded and inspiring individual.

Harry Croughton

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Croughton, Harry - 1x1.jpg

Born and raised in England Harry always had a love for aviation but pursued a career in engineering. It wasn't until a trip to Houston with his wife that he decided to follow his passion for aviation. A close friend took Harry for his first flight in a single engine plane at UFS, and after he knew that he had to turn that passion into a career.

​

Starting his aviation journey in the UK obtaining a PPL, and buying a share in Piper Warrior, which he used to explore the UK with family and friends. In November 2023, Harry moved to Houston with his wife, Charlotte, dog Bonnie, and began training at UFS. 

​

Harry enjoys sharing his passion of flying with students, and supporting others to achieve their aviation goals.

​

When he's not at the airport, Harry enjoys spending time with his wife, walking his dog, working on his car, eating good food, and enjoying time with his family and friends.

Ford Proctor

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Proctor, Ford - 1x1.jpg

Ford was born and raised in Beaumont, Texas. His love for aviation runs in the family. Both his grandfather and great-grandfather were military pilots, and two of his uncles enjoyed flying as a hobby.

​

After graduating from High School, Ford attended Rice University, where he played Baseball. Following College, he played professionally for the Tampa Bay Rays and San Fransisco Giants. Once his Baseball career came to an end, Ford immediatley jumped into aviation, and his childhood passion for flying was reignited during a discovery flight at UFS. Since then, he has been working to turn his dream of becoming an airline pilot into a reality.

​

When he 's not flying, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Madison and daughter, Olivia, playing Golf, or spending time with friends. Ford is dedicated to helping others acheive their aviation goals while making the journey enjoyable.

Weston Manzer

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Weston Manzer - 1x1.jpg

Born in Tucson, Arizona and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Weston has lived in various parts of the country and even spent time living in Spain, cultivating a global perspective and a love for travel and adventure. A second-generation pilot, Weston was inspired by his father’s passion for aviation and pursued his own dream of flying. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and spent nearly a decade in the project management field before transitioning full-time to aviation.

 

As a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII), Weston is dedicated to helping students unlock their full potential. His teaching philosophy emphasizes creating a supportive and structured learning environment, where students not only master technical flying skills but also build confidence, sound judgment, and disciplined habits essential for safe and successful aviation careers.

 

Outside the cockpit, Weston enjoys home cooking, tackling home improvement projects, and, most importantly, spending quality time with his wife and four children.

Sylwester Serelko

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Sylwester Serelko - 1x1.jpg

Sylwester was born in Poland and moved to the United States in 2006 after graduating high school. He settled in the Houston area and spent nearly 18 years working in a CNC precision machine shop, where he was responsible for programming and machining parts on both lathes and mills for the oilfield industry. Although aviation had captured his imagination from a very young age, he never believed becoming a pilot was within reach—until later in life, when he made the decision to finally pursue the dream he had always carried.

All of Sylwester’s flight training—from Private Pilot through Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot, and Certified Flight Instructor—was completed at United Flight Systems. Now a CFI, he is passionate about sharing his knowledge and helping others achieve their aviation goals.

​

Sylwester plans to fly for a regional airline, with a long-term goal of joining a major carrier.

​

Outside of aviation, Sylwester enjoys motocross riding on trails and tracks, working on cars and motorcycles in his garage, and taking on hands-on mechanical projects. In his free time, he enjoys walking his dog Trixie with his wife and playing video games with his kids.

Royce Howley

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Royce Howley - 1x1 2.jpg

Royce was born and raised in sunny South Florida, where his love for adventure and exploration first took flight. He attended Baylor University, where he met his future wife on the wakeboarding team. After college, Royce moved to Houston to be with her and start the next chapter of their lives together. 

 

 For Royce, flying is more than a career, it’s a calling. He’s drawn to the freedom, the thrill, and the sense of purpose that comes with being in the air. That awe he felt from the beginning continues to inspire his work. As a flight instructor, he’s passionate about sharing that feeling with others, helping students grow into confident, capable pilots, and building a culture of safety, skill, and excellence along the way.  

 

Outside the cockpit, Royce is an enthusiastic advocate for Bitcoin and enjoys discussing its potential to reshape the future of finance. He’s also a lifelong learner who’s constantly diving into books on history, technology, and self-growth. When he’s not flying or reading, you can find him golfing with friends or exploring new ways to challenge himself and have fun. 

 

 Fly safe and buy Bitcoin!

Jaime Gray

Certified Flight Instructor

CFI, CFII

Jaime Gray - 1x1.jpg

Jaime was born in Dallas, Texas and moved to the Houston area in 2017.  As a child, her family moved to different areas across the United States, which sparked her interest in becoming a pilot.  She met her husband in college, where he was a Navy ROTC student pursuing a career in naval aviation.  She was fascinated by all of it!  This led Jaime to take a discovery flight at a local flight school while they were stationed in Lemoore, California and she was hooked!

​

Jaime obtained her B.A. in Mathematics at the University of South Florida in Tampa, Florida in December of 2003.  During this time Jaime married, became a full-time math teacher, had three children, and managed a household as the wife of a naval aviator.  After successfully navigating several deployments, Jaime and her family relocated to the Houston area in 2017, where Jaime continued teaching math at The Woodlands High School and her husband began flying for Southwest Airlines while continuing to teach aspiring naval aviators in the Naval Reserves.  After Jaime’s two oldest daughters graduated from high school and left for college, Jaime made the decision to leave her 15-year teaching career and pursue flying full-time in June 2023.  She completed her flight training at ATP flight school in Conroe, Texas, and graduated in March 2025.

​

Outside of flying, Jaime loves to sing!  She sings frequently with her church choir as well as with the Texas Master Chorale.  In addition, Jaime and her family love the Houston Astros, attending games when they have the chance.  One day, Jaime wishes to pursue a career with an airline.  Her first goal is to fly for SkyWest and then perhaps one day fly for Southwest Airlines with her husband!

David Wright

CHIEF INSTRUCTOR

David Wright - 1x1.jpg

David grew up in Houston.  He began his passion for flying as a child, often riding his bicycle to Andrau Airpark (unfortunately, Andrau is now a golf course) to watch airplanes.  After earning his Private Pilot Certificate at 17 years old, Embry Riddle Aeronautical University (Prescott, AZ) granted David a B.S. in Aeronautical Studies/Computer Science.

​

David has been related to United Flight Systems since 1990.  He is the school’s Chief Flight instructor, serving that position since 1996 (with some breaks).  He was in corporate aviation as a director of flight operations for a Part 91 Flight Department for 26 years.

​

When he is not teaching, he out flying for Southwest Airlines as a First Officer.  He is type rated in Cessna 500 Citation, Cessna 510 Mustang, Cessna 525, Cessna 560XLS, and Boeing 737.

​

His wife, Yolanda, and children, Diego and Maya keep him occupied when he is not out turning Avgas or Jet-A into noise.

Kevin Foster

Assistant Chief Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Kevin Foster (1x1).jpg

Kevin grew up just outside of Chicago and as a 3rd generation pilot, his love of aviation was inevitable.  The summer after completing high school, Kevin started his flight training with his brother as his instructor and he received his Private Pilot Certificate.  

 

Kevin attended the University of Illinois and obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree in Civil Engineering.  Upon graduation, he began a 10-year career in Project Management with ExxonMobil.  He and his family were fortunate to spend much of that time overseas, and while he loved to travel, every time he got on a plane, Kevin knew he wanted to be the Pilot, not the passenger.  Ultimately, he pulled the trigger on a career change and enrolled in a professional pilot program where he obtained his Instrument, Commercial, Multi-Engine, CFI, CFII and MEI.

Kevin is excited to be instructing at United Flight Systems – He vividly remembers the excitement of his first training flight 15+ years ago and he’s excited to share in those moments with new students on their journey to becoming a pilot.  Kevin is currently a First Officer for Sky West and continues to mentor our instructors and students.

 

Kevin and his wife Vanessa have two children – James and Emily.  When Kevin is not flying, he enjoys sports, traveling, camping, and spending time with friends and family. 

Zac Borden

Assistant Chief Instructor

CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP

Zac Borden (1x1).png

Zac grew up in Indiana but has also lived in Massachusetts, California, and even Australia for a couple of years. He moved to Houston in 2013 to start a career as a mechanical engineer in oil and gas. Zac began started training as a student with United Flight Systems in 2020 just for fun, something he’d always wanted to try, but soon realized that flying was something he wanted to do for the long haul. He left his 10-year career to finish up his ratings and become a full-time flight instructor.

 

Zac has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Olin College of Engineering, and a doctorate from the University of California, Santa Barbara. He has a passion for teaching that began in graduate school and is excited to help you realize your aviation goals, whatever they are.

 

When not instructing, Zac enjoys rock climbing (both inside and outside), cooking, and spending time with friends.

Eagle Schacht

Assistant Chief Instructor

CFI, CFII, ATP

Schacht, Eagle - 1x1.jpg

With a name like this you might think you were born to fly your whole life, but Eagle grew up training horses, learning to be a firefighter, and planning to go into the Coast Guard. Being a pilot seemed like a fun thing other people got to do.

 

Fortunately, she also grew up in the mountains of north Idaho among some of the best and most experienced pilots in the world and soon had the opportunity to fly with them. They thought she might have a knack for it and encouraged her to consider aviation as a career. Skeptical at first, she eventually took them seriously and quickly became obsessed with the idea.

 

Six months later she was starting flight training in Houston. All day every day for 7 months she worked harder than she had at anything else her whole life, studied in her car at the end of the runway at IAH and with the help of a few tough but encouraging instructors and examiners learned to fly and found she enjoyed it more with every single flight.

 

She is interested in every kind of flying from airlines to acrobatics and continues to learn everything she can. She did CFI training at United Flight Systems and is looking forward to showing people who think being a pilot is only something to dream about that they really can do it in real life.

Bill Ruddell

Assistant Chief Instructor

CFI, CFII, ATP

Ruddell, Bill - 1x1.jpg

Bill grew up in Houston and earned his Private Pilot Certificate when he was 17. He attended the Air Force Academy where he flew with the Academy's NIFA competition team, then completed Air Force pilot training after graduation. He flew F-16's for 12 years for the Air Force and Air National Guard, and he was hired by Southwest Airlines in 1999 where he now flies as a captain. Bill recently obtained his master's degree in aviation safety from Liberty University. He and his wife have 3 children. Besides flying, Bill enjoys teaching, being with his family, studying the bible, and working out.

Jerome Brown

Assistant Chief Instructor

CFI, CFII

Jerome Brown (1x1).png

Born and raised in Houston and growing near Bush Intercontinental Airport, Jerome's fascination with aviation began at a young age while staring up at the sky. It was during college when Jerome purchased his first computer, and a copy of Microsoft Flight Simulator that really got him interested in turning an interest into a reality. After graduating from Texas A & M University with a Bachelor of Science majoring in Molecular and Cell Biology, Jerome spent the next 10 years working in the lab as a scientist. With some money in his pocket, he decided to take flight lessons at the nearby airport in College Station where he did his Discovery Flight with United Flight Systems in 2004.

​

After earning his Private Pilot Certificate in 2005, and instrument rating in 2009, he enjoyed flying recreationally, making many trips with his wife and friends over the years. He had gotten involved in business development and sales since his laboratory days, but felt a calling to do something he really enjoyed for a living. He decided to turn his aviation hobby into a professional career and earned his commercial certificate in 2021, and his Flight Instructor Certificate in 2023 at United Flight Systems.

​

Jerome is very excited to continue to be a part of such a great flight school, and looks forward to helping others achieve their aviation dreams. When he isn't flying, Jerome enjoys learning new things and spending time outdoors with long walks with his wife and dogs, and riding his bike.

Matt Shaunty

OPERATIONS MANAGER

Matt.JPG

​

What started as a Birthday gift, has become something so much more. With the help of Matt's golfing buddy and UFS Student, Bobby Doss, Matt's wife, Jen surprised Matt with a bag full of pilot supplies and a gift certificate to begin at United Flight Systems. So, in September 2017, Matt took his first Private Pilot lesson, and was hooked immediately. 

​

Just a few months and a dozen or so lessons later, Matt met Bobby for coffee to talk about possibly partnering on a single trainer aircraft that they could use for training, while leasing it back to United Flight Systems. That cup of coffee led to a conversation with the UFS owner, Bobby Watts about his vision for the future of the school, and ultimatley in Matt and Bobby's acquisition of United Flight Systems.

​

Matt's backgroung in business administration with Texas A&M's institute of Biosciences and Technology, The Texas council of Economic Education and his own company, Simplified Communications Group. He also worked at AT&T in Telecommunication Sales.

​

Matt enjoys spwending time with Jen and their sons, Jordan, Jackson, and Gavin, and can be found at the Lake, on the Golf Corse, Tennis Court, or in the Kitchen with Jen.

JAY ROBINSON

VICE PRESIDENT 

Jay Robinson - 1x1.jpg

Ever since his first airplane ride from Sugar Land to Austin at a very young age, Jay Robinson has dreamed of flying. He spent his youth going to air shows, flying model airplanes, and begging his grandfather, who was a private pilot, for trips to the local airport to watch airplanes through the fence.

 

Jay always knew that he needed to turn this passion into a career and set out to become a professional pilot. He obtained a Bachelor's degree in Aviation from Westminster College in Salt Lake City, UT, along with a commercial pilot certificate, and began taking on various flying opportunities after graduation. Over the years, Jay has flown thousands of hours in a myriad of light piston and turbine aircraft in professional capacities from ferrying to contract and corporate operations.

 

Along the way, Jay always held a special place in his heart for world flight training and helping others discover aviation, starting with a part-time job at the local flight school when flying was slow. Over the years, he spent more and more time involved at the flight school, and his experience has evolved into a career in management roles with flight training operations and FBOs.

 

When he is not at work, Jay and his wife, Amanda, love to travel. They have visited over 20 countries together and counting and are always planning their next adventure.

BOBBY DOSS

PRESIDENT & OWNER

Bobby Doss - Profile Pic (2025) - Full Photo.png

Bobby has always been interested in aviation, but for one reason or another didn't take a lesson until he was in his 40's.  Bobby took his first lesson on May 3, 2015, at United Flight Systems and has been learning ever since!  Growing up in the area he has always seen planes flying overhead.  

​

While pursuing his commercial license he considered buying a plane to lease back to United Flight Systems.  That conversation about a leaseback turned into a full acquisition with his partner and fellow UFS student, Matt Shaunty in May 2018.  Bobby acquired Matt's portion of the business in September 2020.

​

Bobby has thoroughly enjoyed learning the business and working long hours in the evenings and weekends to start making improvements to the school and the fleet.  When Bobby isn't at the flight school he can often be found on the golf course watching his son or playing with his son or friends. Bobby has been married to his wife Tammie for 28 years and they have two children Emily (24) who graduated from the University of Texas and Blake (20) who is attending Arkansas University.

CALL US
EMAIL US
HOURS OF OPERATION

Tel: 281-376-0357

EVERY DAY: 8am - 7:30pm

OVER 36 YEARS EXPERIENCE
CONTACT US
VISIT US

United Flight Systems opened on January 21, 1989 and has been teaching people to fly ever since.  Hundreds of airline pilots started flying at United Flight Systems!

  • Facebook Social Icon
  • Twitter Social Icon
  • Instagram Social Icon
  • YouTube Social  Icon
  • LinkedIn Social Icon

Thanks! Message sent.

20119A Stuebner Airline Rd.

Spring, TX  77379

© 2024 by United Flight Systems

bottom of page