Meet the Region Flyers Crew

Our staff is comprised of individuals who have stood out among the crowd. Flying isn’t just a job for these folks – it’s a passion. That’s something that sets us apart. There’s nothing that makes us happier than being in the cockpit and transferring our knowledge to our students. Each instructor carries their own personal experiences which they are excited to share. Furthermore, our instructors and management team will work together to ensure that your lesson plan is picked up right where you left off and that no lessons are repeated! Meet the crew!

Brad is qualified on just about every light general aviation aircraft, as well as 7 different corporate jets and airliners.  His job mostly entails running the business but occasionally you’ll find him out teaching in taildragger and multi-engine aircraft.

Brad enjoys swimming, camping, traveling, scuba diving, skiing, and riding and fixing motorcycles.

CFI / CFII / MEI

Justin is our Assistant Chirf Flight Instructor.  He grew up fascinated by airplanes and the magic of flight, but never thought the daydreaming could actually be hiding a possible career.  After trying many other paths, he decided to take a chance and dropped everything to give it a shot. Ever since that first taste of flight he still can’t get enough and loves every moment he can spend helping others to chase their own dreams in the sky!

When he isn’t flying or nerding out about aerodynamics, Justin loves traveling, reading, sailing Lake Michigan, and backpacking the great outdoors.

Tyler Dean

Tyler enjoys fishing, hiking, playing hockey and softball in his free time. 

Andy Dessuit

Earning her PPL in 2018 she went on to become a CFI shortly after. Sharing her love of flying with her students, Amanda says she is “living her dream” and loves seeing the success of students living theirs!

Barry Moore

Barry is a CFI/CFII/MEI.

He is excited to share his passion for aviation while helping others achieve their own goals

Phil DePaolis

CFI

Phil has been obsessed with all things aviation related since he was a small child. Growing up, he spent many hours building model airplanes and badgering anyone who would listen with obscure details of aviation history or design.

After graduating college, he earned his CFI certificate and began working as an instructor alongside the rest of the Region Flyers crew.

Phil brings that same childhood love of aviation into the classroom and cockpit each day. His passion is to help each of his students achieve their own dreams of flight. When he’s not flying and teaching, he spends his time with his wife Jenny, who is also a teacher, and their dog Lola. 

Luke Sebring

CFI

Luke has always been fascinated by anything to do with airplanes since a very early age.  His Grandpa was a pilot in WWII and would frequently take Luke to airshows where his interest would become borderline obsession.  

Luke obtained his Private Pilot lincense at Region Flyers and would then go on to earn the rest of his ratings and graduate from Purdue University’s flight program.  

In his free time, Luke enjoys going to baseball games and playing shows with his band in which he’s the lead singer!

Tim Peters

CFI / CFII

Tim has a little brother that’s a pilot, and he wasn’t going to be outdone by the younger sibling!  

Tim was a doctor for 25 years and has recently caught the bug for flying and is pursuing a full time career path in aviation.  His main goals are to inspire his students while honing his own flying and teaching skills to a laser-sharp degree of precision.

In his spare time Tim enjoys running, reading, theatre, and musicals.

Welcome aboard Tim! 

Gabe Benavides

CFI

Gabe is originally from Idaho.  His mom is a flight attendant for a major US airline, and he grew up traveling the to a lot of cool destinations using those benefits.  

When he’s not teaching his students, Gabe enjoys go kart racing, skeet shooting, and spending time with his wife.

Gabe has always dreamed of becoming an airline pilot and hopes to one day own his own seaplane to go island hopping in the Carribean.

Terry Hackworth

CFI

Terry has always wanted to fly ever since he was a kid.  He dreams of being a corporate or airline pilot and that dream is quickly becoming a reality.

He works as a miner specializing in explosives and works part time snow plowing terminal gates at O’Hare.  

In his spare time Terry likes to fly, shoot pool, spend time outdoors, and shoot for target practice.

Thanks for keeping things moving for us all Terry!

Tony Rose

Ground School Instructor

He offers ground school classes twice a week in sessions that last 12 weeks each.  His goal is to prepare prospective private pilots to pass their required FAA written exam. 

In Tony’s free time, he enjoys spending time with his children and grandchildren, playing a MEAN guitar, and of course flying!

Contact Tony for details on all things related to ground school.