MEET OUR COACHES
Heather Sharp
In 1997, Heather was hired by Northwest Airlines which merged with Delta Air Lines. She flew the B747 and A320 for 25 years, Her career was cut short when she had to medically retire at age 55. Before the airlines, she was a CFII/MEI, flew freight, flew for a regional airline, and flew the C130 for the Air National Guard. Heather was on the interview team for Endeavor Airlines and has reviewed thousands of resumes and conducted hundreds of interviews.
She has a passion for inspiring people to chase their dreams.
Radio Interview on
The World of Aviation
Heather has over 15,000 accident free hours and has flown 53 different types of aircraft. She is an author and motivational speaker.
Caroline "Blaze" Jensen
In her 27 year career, Blaze accumulated over 3500 accident-free hours. She was an instructor pilot in the T38 and F16. She is a combat veteran and flew the F16 in Operation Iraqi Freedom. She was the first woman to fly T-7A Red Hawk.
"Blaze" is a 1998 graduate of the USAF Academy, a combat veteran and a retired fighter pilot and a single mom.
She was the second woman to fly for the Thunderbirds demonstration team.
She is a sought-after public speaker and recently formed the company Diamond Echelon LLC to provide strategies and motivation for leading and building teams that work in high-pressure environments.
Tom Robinson
For over 20,000 accident free hours, Tom flew the T37, T38, C130, B727, DC10, A320 and A330. He spent 21 years in the AF reserves and was an Instructor and Chief Pilot at the 934th AW. For all but 4 years of his 34 year career at Delta Airlines he was an instructor, Line Check Airman and a Test and Ferry pilot.
Tom grew up on the south side of Chicago. Graduated from the USAF Academy in 1980 and then flew Special Operation C130s. The mission was search and rescue, flying low level (300 feet AGL) fingertip formation at night with NVGs and no terrain following radar.
He says, “When I look back on my life, I can’t believe it. If you told me back then, what I would get to do, I would say you were crazy. I got paid to go all over the world, meet new people, experience different cultures and do what I love.
It sure beats working for a living. It is front-end loaded. You have to work hard to get there and you do have to work while you are there. It’s not a paid vacation all the time, but it is so worth it.”
Chuck Chuva
He graduated from the United States Air Force Academy in 1978 and flew the C141. His son also graduated from USAFA.
He loves flying and loves this country. Both have been very good to him and he wants to pay it forward. He is happy to give advice and share what he has learned during his successful career. After a 34 year career, he is a retired Delta Air Lines Captain. He received a water cannon salute on his last flight.
John Rutoski
John Rutoski is a retired Delta Air Lines pilot. His motto is, "Prepare for success, not hope for the best." John uses his 40+ years of aviation experience to inspire the next generation of aviation professionals. He uses his many contacts to help students navigate the world of aviation to go from zero to hero.
John has over 20,000 accident-free hours. In his 40 year career, he flew the A320, B757, B727.
While in the US Air Force he flew the T37, T38 and C130.
Matt Dunbar
Matt Dunbar graduated from USAFA in 1979 and was hired by Northwest Airlines in 1988. He was an instructor on the Boeing 747 for over 25 years.
While in the US Air Force he flew the T37, T38 and was a test pilot in the KC 135R. He was the youngest instructor pilot and Chief Pilot in the Strategic Air Command.
He is a Team USA U-19 La Crosse Coach and believes strongly in investing his time in our youth. On behalf of the President and USAFA he recently presented an appointment to USAFA. See below.