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OUR TEAM

  • A man wearing sunglasses and a headset with a microphone, smiling inside a small aircraft cockpit with a clear sky outside.

    Dave "Scarecrow" Benson - CFI

    Owner

    Dave is one of the co-founders of Fundamentals Flight Training and a passionate aviator. Dave is an experienced instructor in various airframes. He is committed to growing the general aviation community in Erie, PA.

  • A middle-aged man with glasses, short hair, and a friendly smile, wearing a suit and tie, standing indoors against a neutral background.

    Sam "Brickyard" Conley - ATP/CFII/MEI

    Chief Flight Instructor - Commercial and Instrument Programs

    Sam has been a pilot for 38 years, 31 of which in commercial aviation. He has experience as a Check Airman for Republic Airlines, general aviation instruction, and is proficient in multiple aircraft. He grew up in the Erie area where he currently lives with his wife and Golden Retriever.

  • A man in a pilot uniform sitting in the cockpit of an airplane at night, looking at the camera with airport structures and a plane visible through the cockpit window.

    Bryan "The Machine" Loomis - CFI/CFII

    Chief Flight Instructor - Instrument

    Bryan started flying in 2008 and is a very passionate flight and ground instructor. Fundamentals is proud to have him as a career CFI.

  • Young man wearing a headset with a microphone, a cap, sunglasses on his head, making a thumbs-up gesture and smiling.

    Devon "Winston" Natalie - CFII/MEI

    Certified Flight Instructor

    Devon is a skilled flight instructor with a proven track record of guiding students to obtain their aviation certificates and ratings in a cost-effective and efficient manner. He emphasizes the practical aspects of aviation training, drawing on his experience flying in the harsh winters of Minnesota and the challenging environment of Arizona. His teaching style is thorough and engaging, ensuring that students receive a comprehensive and enjoyable learning experience.

  • Interior of an airplane cockpit with two young men, one smiling at the camera, surrounded by various flight instruments and controls.

    Benjamin "Butters" Huck - CFII/MEI

    Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument

    Ben is our first student that’s gone from zero to hero with Fundamentals Flight Training. Ben has now earned his CFI rating, and is excited to help others earn their credentials. He’s always had an interest in aviation, now with the goal of training level headed, passionate students, much like he once was.

  • Helene “Wonder Woman” Waldemarson – CFII/MEI

    Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument

    Helene has lived all over the country and came back to her hometown of Erie, Pa to complete her flight training right here at Fundamentals. Helene is also a Flight Attendant and has been flying and instructing with JetBlue Airways since 2014. Her experience as a flight attendant gives her a unique perspective on aviation, allowing her to emphasize the importance of safety, teamwork, and professionalism, while still creating a fun flying environment! Helene was also awarded the “Women with Wings, Miss Pennsylvania 2025,” with the goals of inspiring, mentoring, and supporting other female aviators!

  • A smiling man wearing sunglasses and headphones takes a selfie inside a small aircraft or helicopter.

    Edrick "Zephyr" Baez - CFI

    Certified Flight Instructor

    Born in Puerto Rico and fluent in Spanish. His passion for aviation was ignited at a young age during an airline flight while moving to the U.S. Inspiring him to pursue a career in aviation, and leading him to graduate Cum Laude from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University.

  • Andrew "Brisket" Brissette - CFII/MEI

    Certified Flight Instructor

    Earning his PPL in 2014, Andrew has been recreationally flying for a decade. In 2024 he decided to make his hobby into a career. He’s a Penn State graduate and served 6 years on Active Duty as a USAF Logistics Officer. Andrew still serves in the Reserves while being a full-time CFII.

  • Cayce "Mac" Mcwilliams

    Cayce "Mac" Mcwilliams - CFI

    Certified Flight Instructor

    Cayce got his Private pilot license at Fundamentals after developing an interest in airfoils from racing sailboats and the rest is history. He is an avid enjoyer of tail wheel aircraft and is always looking to fly one into a remote grass strip somewhere. Cayce also actively works on the aircraft for the flight school keeping them safe and ready to fly!

  • A man wearing sunglasses and a headset with a microphone is sitting in the cockpit of a small airplane, flying above a landscape of fields and a town.

    Jungsu "Jace" Ou - CFI/CFII

    Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument

    Jungsu is Eagar to help others and take to the skies. He has flown in both Korea and Oregon. He is here to make sure flying is both safe and fun.

  • Gavin and Brock "The Hangar Chickens"

    Certified A&P Mechanics

    Our dedicated mechanics help keep our fleet maintained and ready for the skies. Through careful inspections, quality workmanship, and a commitment to maintaining our aircraft, they play a vital role in supporting safe and dependable flight training.