Built by airline pilots, for future airline pilots.

Benjamin Dwyer is the President and Co-Founder of Direct Connect Flight Academy, where he leads the organization's strategic vision and oversees its commitment to delivering exceptional flight training. With more than 25 years of professional aviation experience, Ben is dedicated to developing safe, skilled, and confident pilots while fostering a culture built on integrity, professionalism, and operational excellence.

Since launching his professional flying career in 2000, Ben has built an accomplished career spanning airline, corporate, and charter aviation. He has flown the Beechcraft 1900, CRJ-200, Airbus A320 family, and the Pilatus PC-12, providing him with a well-rounded perspective across diverse flight operations.

In addition to his extensive flying experience, Ben has held numerous leadership positions with a major airline over the past 20 years, including Airbus Fleet Manager, Flight Operations Duty Manager, Technical Pilot, and Director of Flight Standards. These roles have allowed him to lead pilot training, operational standardization, regulatory compliance, and safety initiatives while mentoring flight crews and shaping organizational performance.

Ben also serves as Chief Pilot for a Part 135 Pilatus PC-12 operation and is a Pilatus PC-12 owner, providing him with firsthand experience in aircraft ownership, business aviation, and operational leadership. This unique combination of executive leadership, line flying, aircraft ownership, and Part 135 management gives him a practical understanding of every aspect of aviation—from flight training to advanced commercial operations.

A graduate of Metropolitan State University of Denver with a degree in Aviation Technology, Ben is passionate about preparing the next generation of aviation professionals. Under his leadership, Direct Connect Flight Academy has become known for its unwavering commitment to safety, excellence, and student success, equipping pilots with the knowledge, discipline, and confidence needed to thrive in today's aviation industry.

Ben believes that aviation is more than learning to fly. It's about developing sound judgment, professionalism, and leadership. His vision is for every student who walks through Direct Connect Flight Academy's doors to leave not only as a capable pilot, but as a trusted aviation professional prepared to excel throughout their career.

Keith Hawbaker serves as Chief Pilot and Chief Flight Instructor of Direct Connect Flight Academy, where he leads the academy’s flight operations, instructor standardization, safety initiatives, and flight training programs. As a co-founder of the academy, Keith has played a vital role in building an organization dedicated to producing safe, confident, and highly skilled professional pilots.

Keith’s passion for aviation began in early childhood and developed into a career spanning more than 25 years in professional aviation. He attended Kansas State University–Salina, where he earned his aviation degree while obtaining his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII), and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) certificates.

Following graduation, Keith launched his professional flying career as a flight instructor before joining Great Lakes Airlines, operating as United Express, in 1999. At just 23 years old, he upgraded to Captain on the Beechcraft 1900, later earning the role of Check Airman, where he trained, evaluated, and mentored fellow pilots.

Keith continued to advance his airline career by flying the MD-80 for Vanguard Airlines before joining Comair Airlines, a Delta Connection carrier, where he flew the CRJ-700 regional jet. In 2006, he joined Frontier Airlines, where he currently serves as an Airbus A320 Captain. Throughout his tenure, he has held numerous leadership and instructional positions, including Line Check Airman, Simulator Instructor, and Simulator Check Airman. These roles place him among the airline’s most trusted pilots, responsible for training, mentoring, and evaluating flight crews while upholding the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

Since co-founding Direct Connect Flight Academy in 2017, Keith has helped shape the academy’s vision of delivering professional, career-focused flight training. As Chief Pilot and Chief Flight Instructor, he oversees flight operations, instructor development, training standardization, and safety programs, ensuring every student receives the highest quality instruction in an environment built on professionalism, discipline, and integrity.

Keith believes that great pilots are developed through consistent mentorship, disciplined training, and an unwavering commitment to safety. His unique combination of active airline leadership and hands-on flight instruction allows students to learn from an educator who not only teaches industry best practices but also applies them daily in the airline environment. His experience, leadership, and passion for aviation continue to inspire the next generation of professional pilots at Direct Connect Flight Academy.

Outside of the cockpit, Keith enjoys spending time with his two children and encouraging their curiosity and passion for aviation.

Frank Schultz is the Vice President and Co-Founder of Direct Connect Flight Academy and professional pilot himself. He plays a key role in advancing the school's mission of providing exceptional flight training and developing the next generation of aviation professionals. With more than three decades of aviation experience, Frank is committed to helping students build the knowledge, skills, and confidence necessary for successful careers in aviation.

Frank's passion for flying began in Colorado at the age of 16 and ultimately led him to earn a degree in Aviation and Aerospace Science from Metropolitan State University of Denver. Since beginning his professional flying career, he has accumulated extensive experience across a wide range of aviation operations. His career started flying skydivers in a historic Beech 18 before moving on to conduct sightseeing flights over the Grand Canyon. He later advanced to regional airline operations in California and went on to fly the DC-9 for AirTran Airways, the Boeing 757 for National Airlines and ATA Airlines, and the Boeing 747 for Tradewinds Airlines.

For the past 21 years, Frank has served as a Captain on the Airbus A320 family at Frontier Airlines. In addition to his line flying responsibilities, he serves as an Aircrew Program Designee (APD), where he evaluates and mentors airline pilots while helping maintain the highest standards of safety, training, and operational excellence. His extensive airline experience provides students with valuable real-world insight into the skills and professionalism required to succeed in today's aviation industry.

Throughout his career, Frank has remained passionate about aviation education and mentorship. As a co-owner of Direct Connect Flight Academy, he takes pride in helping aspiring pilots navigate their training journey, from their first flight lesson through the pursuit of professional flying careers. His combination of flight training experience, airline leadership, and operational expertise allows him to provide students with practical guidance rooted in decades of industry experience.

Frank has been married to his wife, Karissa, for more than 31 years. Together they have raised two children, both of whom have pursued careers connected to aviation and public service. Frank believes that successful pilots are defined not only by their technical skills, but also by their character, judgment, and commitment to continuous learning. His goal is to help every student at Direct Connect Flight Academy develop the professionalism, confidence, and decision-making abilities needed to excel throughout their aviation career.

Michelle Dwyer serves as Chief Administrative Officer of Direct Connect Flight Academy, where she provides executive leadership for the academy's financial and administrative operations. She oversees budgeting, accounting, payroll, human resources, business administration, and organizational planning, helping guide the academy's strategic growth while ensuring an exceptional experience for students, staff, and instructors.

A Colorado Springs native, Michelle began her professional career as an Emergency Room Registered Nurse. Her years in emergency medicine developed her ability to lead with compassion, remain calm under pressure, think critically, and make sound decisions in high-stakes environments. These qualities continue to shape her leadership style and commitment to serving others.

At Direct Connect Flight Academy, Michelle plays a vital role in the organization's continued growth and success. As part of the executive leadership team, she has helped transform a vision into a thriving flight academy known for its commitment to safety, professionalism, and student success. Her passion for operational excellence and organizational development has helped create an environment where both students and employees can thrive.

Michelle believes that every student deserves an outstanding training experience and that strong leadership begins with investing in people. Her focus on financial stewardship, operational efficiency, and servant leadership helps ensure the academy remains well-positioned for continued growth and excellence in aviation education.

Outside of her professional role, Michelle values faith, family, and community. She and her husband, Benjamin, are proud parents of four children: Cody, a pilot with United Airlines; Tannah, serves as Office Manager at Direct Connect Flight Academy and is an integral part of the daily operations; AveriAnn, a paraprofessional with a local school district; and their youngest son, Titus, who has a passion for football and dreams of following the family's aviation tradition.

Whether caring for patients in the emergency room or helping lead one of Colorado's premier flight training organizations, Michelle's mission has remained the same-to serve others with integrity, compassion, and excellence while helping them achieve their fullest potential.

Karissa Schultz coordinates ATP-CTP ground school and simulator scheduling, ensuring a smooth and organized experience for every student from enrollment to completion.

Though not a pilot, Karissa has spent over 31 years married to one, gaining a deep appreciation for aviation and the dedication it requires. She and her husband, Frank Schultz (Co-owner of DCFA and an aviation professional), have spent the past decade building Direct Connect Flight Academy with their team into one of the country's best Part141 flight schools!

Karissa is especially passionate about supporting military veterans as they transition into aviation careers. She believes DCFA’s strength lies in its people; from dedicated instructors to motivated students and a welcoming, supportive culture.

Proud parents of two children: Megan, who works in aviation at Textron, and Zach, who serves on active duty in the U.S. Navy.

Outside of work, Karissa enjoys traveling, cooking, spending time outdoors, and making memories with family and friends.

I began my aviation journey in 2020 when I earned my Private Pilot Certificate in Airplane Single-Engine Land (ASEL). Shortly afterward, I decided to pursue aviation as a career and enrolled at Direct Connect Flight Academy, where I completed my Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificates (ASEL and AMEL), and Flight Instructor Certificate.

Since 2022, I have had the privilege of serving as a flight instructor at Direct Connect Flight Academy, helping students achieve their aviation goals and build the skills needed to become safe, confident pilots. With a strong commitment to aviation excellence and hands-on instruction, I strive to create a supportive learning environment that prepares students for success throughout their training and future aviation careers.

Warren has been fond of aviation since his childhood days in Alaska where bush planes are a way of life. He flew the AH-64 Apache in the US Army from 2005 until he retired in 2024. During his time in the Army, served as a Standardization Pilot, Instrument Examiner and Maintenance Test Pilot Examiner. In 2023, he also added Airplane ME and SE commercial certificates at DCFA as well as working as a CFII and Check Pilot for the school. Warren attended the DCFA ATP-CTP and went on to fly CRJs for SkyWest for 18 months. He now flies as an A320/321 First Officer for Frontier Airlines. Warren has accumulated 4000 hours in his 20+ years of flying and continues to have a passion for flight instruction!

Tannah is a Colorado native and serves as the office manager at DCFA. She plays a key role in the school's daily operations. Witha focus on organization, communication, and exceptional customer service, she helps create a welcoming experience for students, instructors and visitors. Tannah also holds her PPL and enjoys spending her free time exploring the outdoors and everything Colorado has to offer.

Hi, I’m Brett Mayhan. Born and raised in rural Eastern Colorado, I’ve had a passion for aviation for as long as I can remember. My journey took off during my senior year of high school after a discovery flight at Direct Connect Flight Academy (DCFA). That experience hooked me immediately, and I began working toward my Private Pilot License that September.

Over the following years, I earned my Instrument, Commercial Multi-engine, and Single-engine ratings. I later returned to DCFA as a ground instructor while finishing my CFI and CFII certifications. I love sharing my passion for flight with others and helping students reach their aviation goals.

When I’m not flying, you’ll usually find me helping out on my family’s ranch in Eastern Colorado or out on the golf course with friends.

Adrian discovered his passion for aviation after leaving the automotive dealership industry in 2024. What began as a career change quickly became a calling, and he immediately knew aviation was where he belonged. He believes that one of the greatest aspects of flying is that no one ever stops learning. Every flight presents an opportunity to grow, improve, and gain new knowledge,something that continues to fuel his passion for aviation.

As a flight instructor, Adrian finds the greatest reward in helping students achieve their goals and watching their confidence grow from lesson to lesson. He is passionate about fostering a supportive, team-oriented culture at Direct Connect Flight Academy, where instructors and students work together to develop safe, skilled, and professional pilots.

For Adrian, flying offers the perfect combination of breathtaking views and the unmatched feeling of freedom that comes with taking to the skies. Outside of aviation, he enjoys following Formula One racing, spending time playing video games, and anything related to cars and trucks.

Adrian is proud to be part of the Direct Connect Flight Academy team and is committed to helping every student succeed while sharing his enthusiasm for aviation along the way!

Ken is from Georgia and came to DCFA after serving in the military and began his aviation journey at DCFA in September 2023. He started his PPL training at Direct Connect in September 2023 and finished all of his instructor ratings. He enjoys working in the professional learning environment cultivated at DCFA and takes pride in helping students build their knowledge, skills and confidence as they progress through their aviation journey.

Austin is a 10 year Army Veteran who started the Private Pilot with Direct Connect Flight Academy in May 2024. He is currently a CFI/CFII working towards his MEI.

I started out as a student at DCFA in September 2022. After finishing my flight training, I became an instructor for DCFA, and I’ve been instructing ever since then for almost 3 years. I love teaching students of all levels and being able to fly with so many amazing people. Outside of aviation, I love to fly fish and play golf.

Patrick is passionate about developing safe, confident, and professional pilots.

His favorite part of Direct Connect Flight Academy is the school’s commitment to professionalism, from its disciplined use of checklists to the high standards every student is expected to achieve. Patrick believes these habits build a strong foundation for success, both during training and throughout a pilot’s career.

Outside of aviation, Patrick enjoys fishing, rock climbing, and spending time restoring his pickup truck.

Aidan is a Colorado native whose passion for aviation began in high school after taking an Aviation Technology class. That experience led to him earning a scholarship for his Private Pilot Certificate and beginning his journey in aviation.

What Aidan loves most about flying is the freedom of being in the sky and sharing his passion with others. He enjoys instructing at DCFA because of the friendships he’s made and the strong, family-like culture of the academy.

When he’s not flying, Aidan enjoys golfing and playing basketball.

Originally from Illinois, Tyler began his journey with DCFA as a student in 2024 and is now a CFI, CFII, and MEI. His favorite part of instructing is building relationships with his students and helping them reach their aviation goals.

When he’s not flying, Tyler enjoys spending time outdoors and exploring all that Colorado has to offer.