From Saratoga, Wyoming and less than 10 years old, J.T. remembers feeling the spark of aviation and adventure flying in a de Havilland Beaver DHC-2 seaplane in the Canadian Bush while on a family fishing trip.  Aviation runs in his blood as both grandfathers and his grandma from Mom's side were aviators!

 

In 1999, J.T. received his first logbook entry after a Discovery Flight at Embry-Riddle in Prescott, Arizona.  During college at University of Denver 2005-2009 and years following, he pursued initial flight training at Rocky Mountain and Centennial airports.  After applying for a medical, J.T. found out a medication he needed for personal health would currently prevent his dream of flying solo.  Despite the unfortunate obstacle, in 2016 he moved for his current company to work in Utah and continued receiving formal instruction at Salt Lake City International Airport. 

 

In 2018, J.T. wanted to return to Wyoming and moved to Sheridan working for the local FBO Bighorn Airways.  He really enjoyed serving corporate and general aviation customers with fellow line crew!  It was not long in the beautiful wide open airspace of Northern Wyoming, J.T. soon caught the “flying bug” again.  He soon became involved in the Sheridan Pilots Association (SPA), a now 501(c)(3) non-profit, as a member.  SPA's mission is promoting the impact of aviation on the community through education, scholarships and events.  Currently SPA operates a state-of-the-art simulator room in the Main Terminal building at Sheridan County Airport (KSHR) with a Redbird LD FAA-approved simulator and desktop computer with X-Plane and Microsoft Flight Simulator free for kids under 15.  Since January 2022, J.T. has served the organization as President.

 

After a year at Bighorn Airways one day at a hangar in 2019, he met fellow pilot and local business leader John Tucker.  John co-founded Vacutech, an industry leading car-wash vacuum system manufacturer with the most private employees in Sheridan County.  After an initial conversation and formal interview, J.T. decided to further his main career path with Vacutech and accepted a full-time position managing shipping operations.  After 18 months in the role, J.T. transferred to Aftermarket Sales where he serves the company presently. 
 

In May 2020 as a result of demand for flight training stemming from the SPA flight simulators, J.T. founded Sheridan Pilots 307 as a way to say "Yes" to students for actual training.  A Part 61 flight school, SP307 seeks to provide dependable safe and quality instruction, consistent access to aircraft and affordable flight training.  Since founding, he is proud with the help of many independent instructors to assist 16 pilots achieve their Private Pilots License, 3 earn Instrument ratings, 4 obtain tailwheel endorsements and countless Discovery Flights.

 

As a life-long student pilot, J.T. has over 500 hours of experience in mostly Cessna 172 and 182's with some 185 Skywagon and J-3 Cub time in the mix.  He feels you can "never know enough" and constantly pursues new instrument and tailwheel training from friends and instructors across the USA. 

 

Beyond spreading his contagious passion and giving back to aviation, one of J.T.'s greatest joy is taking a kid or an adult flying for their first time and seeing the pure joy they experience in the air!  

 

J.T. is a dedicated lifetime member and involved in many aviation organizations including Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association, Angel Flight West, Aero Club of Washington, Cessna Pilots Association, Commemorative Air Force, Flight Schools of North America, National Business Aviation Association, North American Trainer Association, Recreational Aviation Foundation, Seaplane Pilots Association, Smithsonian Air & Space Museum and Experimental Aircraft, Vintage and Warbird Associations.

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Outside of aviation when Mother Nature prevents a clear day to fly, you can find J.T. outdoors with family and friends doing anything from boating, snowmobiling, skiing, golfing or traveling.  He also enjoys volunteering for the Sheridan Chamber of Commerce as an Ambassador celebrating and supporting local small businesses.

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Get those wheels up!