Helen Frado – President
Owner of Brett Aviation, and has managed the flight school for over 38 years. She is proud to run Baltimore’s Premier 141 flight school and has helped thousands of students get their license.
James Hardwick – Director of Operations
James is the Director of Operations and also runs Brett’s day to day operations.
Chelsea Fluck – Aircraft Dispatcher
Chelsea is our flight school dispatcher, CATS Proctor, VA SCO and Office Manager.
Madison Jackson – Aircraft Dispatcher
Joe Mancini – Maintenance
Rob Siebenmann – CFI CFII
Dan Sullivan – CFI CFII
Dan caught the aviation bug at the ripe age of 8 in the cockpit of a KLM Boeing 767, over the Sahara Desert. Years later he completed his private pilot training at Potomac Airfield, the closest General Aviation airport to the nation’s capital, inside Washington DC’s Flight Restricted Zone. He went on to earn his Instrument Rating, Commercial License, and Certified Flight Instructor rating through Brett Aviation. After graduating from Towson University with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies, Dan began working for Brett, where he is thrilled to passionately and enthusiastically share his love of flying. When not flying, Dan enjoys playing the drums, and photography.
Ian Bollinger – CFI
Ian’s love for aviation began at a young age when flying along with his father, a licensed Airline Transport Pilot. Inspired by the presence of aviation within his family, he began his flight training and soloed at the age of 16. Ian has since progressed through his flight training to become a certified flight instructor.
After graduating from high school, Ian enlisted into the Maryland Air National Guard to serve as a Crew Chief for the A-10 Thunderbolt II. In addition to guard duties, Ian is a full time student at Towson University, majoring in Business Administration. He enjoys traveling with the guard, watching football, and is a member of the Towson University Men’s Club Soccer team. Ian looks forward to teaching and sharing this love of aviation with others.
Joe Stinchcomb – CFI CFII MEI
Joseph Stinchcomb was born and raised in the state of Maryland where he developed a passion for flying at an early age. He joined the U.S. Navy in August 2000 where he served on two submarines, worked at the White House as a chef for the president, first family, and staff, spent time at the pentagon with the secretary of defense, and finished his time at the navy yard in Washington, D.C. working for the admirals and generals who would visit and were stationed in the area. It was during his time in the Navy that he received his pilots license in October 2003 at Pavco flight school out of Tacoma Narrows airport outside of Seattle Washington. He completed his instrument, commercial, certified flight instructor, instrument instructor, multi engine commercial and instructor licenses in 2008 through American Flyers. Joseph began teaching in 2008 at Capitol Air at Tipton airport in MD and at American Flyers in Morristown N.J.. After leaving the Navy in 2010 he became a firefighter and EMT and now in addition to being a CFI/II/MEI at Brett Aviation, he also works here full time keeping us safe as a Firefighter/EMT for Martin State Airport Crash Fire Rescue. Joseph is an outstanding addition to our team and is excited to serve our students and the Brett Aviation family for a long time to come.
Walter Coats – CFI CFII MEI
Walt started flying after receiving an introductory flight as a gift. After a few more lessons, he became hooked and now he has over 6,000 hours, with 5,000 hours as a flight instructor. His ratings include commercial, instrument, complex, and high-performance airplanes.
After 35 years as a high school science teacher, Walt retired and began to follow his love of flying. His teaching experiences combined with his love of flying make him a natural flight instructor. He still works with children as a part of his Civil Air Patrol activities; he also serves as a mission pilot for the Civil air Patrol; he participates in searches for downed aircraft and boats in distress. Walt also enjoys golf, gardening, and teaching Sunday School classes.
He is a talented flight instructor who helps all types of students easily gain the skills they need to acco
mplish their goal of learning to be a pilot; while emphasizing safety. His professional teaching experience helps him effectively demonstrate and coach students. His instruction provides comprehensive support for passing FAA tests; as well as helping students become safe and proficient pilots.
He finds flying not only relaxing but also challenging at the same time. His greatest satisfaction is a great safe landing followed closely by a well-planned trip. “Flying is only the second greatest thrill; landing safely is the first . . . “I’ll prepare my students to enjoy both of these thrills.”
