Clouds - Bkgrd.jpg

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.

  • 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

    Chief Flight Instructor - Private Pilot Programs

    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.

  • A man in sunglasses, a blue checkered shirt, and black pants standing next to a small white and black airplane on a sunny day.

    Andriy "Cossack" Omelchenko

    Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument

    Andriy was born in Ukraine and is fluent in Ukrainian. He has flown all over the United States and is a very experienced aviator.

  • 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

    Certified 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.

  • A man with long hair and a beard working on or inspecting an aircraft cockpit inside a hangar. He is smiling, wearing a baseball cap, a black t-shirt, and black gloves.

    Brody "Sarge" Mangel - A&P

    Aircraft Airframe & Powerplant Mechanic

    Brody received his Aircraft Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic training while in the Marine Corps. As a Marine, Brody served as a Crew Chief on a Sikorsky CH-53E. He is very detail oriented and meticulous.

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

    Benjamin "Butters" Huck

    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.

  • A smiling young man wearing sunglasses, a light blue polo shirt, and khaki pants standing next to a small white private airplane on an airport tarmac during the day.

    Ross" Rosselgesser " Hesselgesser

    Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument

    Ross started flying shortly after high school. Ross always had an interest aviation. His passion was sparked after watching his neighbor take off from a grass strip.

  • 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

    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.

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

    Edrick "Zephyr" Baez

    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

    Andrew "Brisket" Brissette

    Certified Flight Instructor - Instrument

    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.