Instructors

Torben Kiese - CFI, CFII, MEI, CSIP, CE-500&525 Type Ratings, Chief Flight Instructor

Since his grandpa let him steer a Piper Cherokee when he was 5 years old, Torben has loved to fly. A professional pilot since 1994, and current Chief Pilot of Twin Cities Aviation, Torben has accrued more than 8,000 flight hours as an instructor, 'freight dog', corporate, and airline pilot. Serving as the original Cirrus factory instructor, Torben checked out the first SR20 customers in their new planes. He has successfully soloed single engine airplanes across both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, and currently flies a B737 as first officer for Sun Country Airlines. Whether you are an aviation newbie looking to learn, or a seasoned aviator ready to polish your proficiency, Torben will help you achieve your flying goals.

Wade Baribeau - CFI, CFII, MEII, CSIP

After spending 4 years in the military working as an aircraft mechanic Wade decided he wanted to be the one in the pilot seat. After his military service was over he began training towards his pilot ratings. Wade has over 2100 hrs total time in a variety of aircraft. He is a factory trained Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot with Cirrus Turbo and Cirrus Perspective experience. Formerly a Chief Pilot, Wade has exceptional knowledge both in the pilot and instructor seat.

Will Outlaw - CFI, CFII, CSIP

Will began to fly consistently when he joined a flying club at Crystal Airport (KMIC). Finally in 2006 he decided he wanted to teach flying full time and earned his instrument, commercial, CFI and CFII certificates in short order. In a nice bit of symmetry, he passed his CFI checkride 23 years to the day after his first solo flight. Will is also a Cirrus Standardized Instructor with more than 1,400 hours total time and several hundred hours teaching in Cirrus aircraft.

Cheryl Daml - CFI, CFII

Cheryl is a full time 1st grade teacher who instructs flight students after school, on weekends, and full time in the summer. Flying is her passion in life. She enjoys instructing because she loves helping people achieve their dream of flying. She also loves the people she meets in aviation. They are happy people. Cheryl has over 3200 flight hours and more than 2500 hours of dual flight instruction given.

Chris Dunn - CFI, CFII, MEI, CSIP

Chris flew his first airplane during a 4th of July vacation on Lake Vermillion in Cook MN at age 11. After that, he knew flying was what he wanted to do. Chris obtained a Marketing major to have background in something other than aviation but after graduation in 2004, he went to Delta Connections Academy and obtained his Instrument through MEI. After finishing there, Chris later returned to Minnesota to be closer his family and continues his dream of teaching students pilots the same thrill of flying he enjoys himself.

Greg Krantz - CFI, CFII, CSIP

Greg has always wanted to fly. He started flying on his 18th birthday, changing careers in 2004 to start flying professionally. Greg worked for a regional air carrier for a short time but found he missed teaching people how to fly and soon returned to flight instruction. Greg has over 1200 hours total time with 550 hours dual given.

Lynn Rychner - CFI

Flying for Lynn was a lifelong dream. After sixteen years as a stay at home mom, she knew it was time to do something for herself. Lynn took her first flight lesson in a Cessna 172. Her first solo was in the very same plane on December 17th, the same date as the Wright brother's first historic flight. After that there was no stopping her.

Dan Whipple - CFI, CFII, Tail Wheel

Dan was taught to fly by his father in a Piper Cub PA-18 on their ranch in South Dakota. He has now been flying for 41 years and has over 4500 hours total time. Dan has a Masters degree in Education has been an educator for over 36 years. His love of teaching prompted him to become a CFI. After 23 years as a CFI he has over 3000 hours of dual given. Dan teaches all levels of pilots from private to CFII and tail wheel. Dan loves teaching and being able to pass his love for flying to other people. His greatest joy was teaching his own 4 children to fly and thus passing on the family tradition.

Bill Tischer - CFI

Bill has been earning ratings and flying his own single and twin-engine planes since 1992. Finally it was time to become an instructor and pass on the knowledge to others - but not just enough information to pass the FAA tests, but to share what he's experienced in 2200+ hours of flying. As pilots will tell you, the real learning starts after you get your license. As far as his plans for his own continuing education, he is working on the CFII and ATP ratings - but is still going to keep his engineer day job and teach during evenings and weekends.

Stacy Schulz - CFI, CFII

Stacy's interest in flying was sparked at the age of ten when her uncle would fly home from college, and give the family rides in a C172. Stacy went on to pursue her love for aviation and completed the Private Certificate in 1997. It was at that time, she realized she would like to explore additional ratings. She completed the Instrument, Commercial, CFI and CFII in 1998-99 at ComAir Aviation Academy in Florida. Stacy enjoys people, and finds great satisfaction in mentoring students on their path to achieving their aviation goals.

Matt Kuechle - CFI, CFII

After completing High School in 2002 Matt decided to pursue a career in Professional Aeronautics. He completed his Private through CFII in Tulsa, OK and shortly thereafter moved to Tucson, AZ to teach international students. Matt returned home to Minnesota in 2008 to both work and pursure a Health and Safety degree at Embry Riddle University. He enjoys living our his dream of flying and teaching others who have the passion of flying like himself.

Scott Kanlyn - CFI, CFII, MEI, CSIP, FAAST Representative

A professional instructor with experience in both general aviation and commercial aviation. Scott graduated fromt he Univeristy of North Dakota, Majoring in Flight Education and Commercial Aviation. While Scott instructs for Twin Cities Aviation, he also works with Delta Air Lines as an A330 Instructor and Flight Safety analyst. Scott has instructed in numerous countries as well and is especially experienced in the realm of international flying, especially enjoying Canadian and Carribean flying. He teaches because it is his passion and his teaching style is very focused on the big picture with safety being paramount.

Amy Labus-Olson - CFI, CFII

Several years ago, Amy decided to transition into a new career as an aviation educator. For the past ten years or so, she has been teaching English as a second language for college and university intensive English and foreign language programs both in the US and abroad. Amy holds a master's degree in education and is very passionate about pedagogy and promoting professionalism in education. She received her private pilot certificate in 2006 and is now a CFII. Aviation and education are two of her passions and to be able to combine the two has proven to be very rewarding.

Mike Heath - CFI, CFII, MEI

Ever since his first flight to visit family in Florida, Mike had a passion and desire to fly airplanes. Finally at the age of 20 that dream became a reality when Mike started his flight training with a company in the Twin Cities. With a passion to teach and see others fulfill their dreams, Mike has taught hundreds of students and has given over 2000 hours of dual instruction. With flight instruction, airline and charter flying and over 3600 hours of flying, Mike has a wide variety of aviation experience under his belt.

Chris Kvidera - CFI, CSIP

Chris first discovered aviation with a flight in a Cessna 152 when he was 8 years old. With just a taste of aviation, he knew he had to make it a bigger part of his life. Chris earned his CFI and CFII ratings along with a Commercial Aviation degree from the University of North Dakota, graduating in 2006. From cold winter flights in the Dakotas, mountain flying in the Carolinas and international flying to the Bahamas, Chris has picked up a variety of flight experiences ready to share with his students.