Meet Our Staff
Zach Hurst, Chief Flight Instructor
Jonathan “Jack” Hopkins, Flight Instructor
My name is Jonathan Hopkins. Throughout my entire childhood, anytime I would go on a family vacation, my favorite part of the trip was going to the airport. It wasn’t until February of 2022 that I took a Discovery Flight here at Aero-Tech Services and from the moment I first took the controls I was hooked. Being the first pilot in my family, I found it challenging to research all of the necessary information needed on how to become a professional pilot. Only after talking to people in the industry was I able to make an informed decision on how I would like to achieve my goals. What I love most about my job is being able to help others take that first step into the world of aviation. I am always more than happy to answer any questions that people may have about flight training and help them on the same path that I took myself!
Dan Herr, Flight Instructor
My first introduction to flying outside of an airline was when my brother-in-law took me flying after he got his Private Pilot Certification. I knew instantly that it was unlike anything I had experienced in the past but wasn’t sure if it was for me at the time. After a few years of sitting behind a desk, I knew I had to make a change in my career and was encouraged to look into becoming a pilot. I took a Discovery Flight in March of 2022, and have not looked back since. I completed all of my Flight Training in Florida, but I am originally from Lancaster and wanted to return to my home to instruct for ATS. Flying is unlike anything in the world and seeing the ground melt away below you, is nothing short of exhilarating.
Jon Robbins, Flight Instructor
![Best Flight School Pilot Instruction Lancaster PA Jon Robbins](https://www.aerotechservices.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/JonRobbins-scaled.jpg"")
Hi, my name is Jon Robbins. Being the son of an aircraft mechanic, I grew up going to airshows fairly often and was totally mesmerized by the Blue Angels F18s. However, it wasn’t until later in life that I actually considered flying as a career. After working as an RN for about 10 years, I decided to jump in with both feet and pursue getting an office view up in the sky! I have really enjoyed the journey so far and I’m excited to have lots more flying in my future. To me, being a pilot is a great balance of manually operating a really fun machine and also being challenged mentally to complete the mission of a safe flight. I did all my training here at ATS, so it’s an honor to be working here helping other people achieve their flying goals!
Brandon Clark, Flight Instructor
With a passion for aviation that spans over three decades, my journey in the skies has been nothing sort of exhilarating. My aviation career took off in the United States Air Force, where I trained and certified airmen in weapons systems operation of the A-10 Warthog. This early experience instilled in me a love for flying that would shape my life’s path. After my time in the Air Force, I pursued higher education at Embry Riddle University, where I honed my aviation knowledge and skills to new heights. My determination and dedication paid off, leading me to become a flight instructor in the same picturesque Arizona setting where my aviation odyssey began. For the past two decades, I’ve successfully navigated the world of entrepreneurship. But recently, I found myself drawn back to my first love: flying. It’s been a passion that’s been rekindled and has never burned brighter. I believe in sharing the joy of flight with others and helping aspiring pilots achieve their dreams. My mission is simple: to inspire and guide the next generation of aviators. Whether you’re a novice looking to take your first flight lesson or a seasoned pilot aiming for advanced certifications, Aero-Tech Services, Inc. and my teaching will be your destination for knowledge, guidance, and inspiration. Join me on this exciting journey through the skies, where success knows no limits. Together, we’ll reach new altitudes and celebrate the boundless freedom of flight.
Will Stover, Flight Instructor
My name is Will Stover. As a kid, flying to Chicago to visit my mom’s side of the family was always an exciting experience. I always looked forward to feeling the power of the jet launch into the air, not to mention the views. This, along with living near Lancaster airport, inspired me to buy a flight simulator at 10 years old and try flying for myself. A few years later, I joined the Civil Air Patrol as a cadet, where I took my first flight in a small plane. From that point on, I was hooked. In 2022, I completed my private pilot training right here at ATS with the help of the Ray Aviation Scholarship from EAA Chapter 122. After High School, I decided to join the Eastern Mennonite University Aviation program, where I am currently a student and earned the rest of my certificates. In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time with family and friends, and volunteering as a Senior Member in the Civil Air Patrol. I look forward to helping others along their aviation journey and sharing the freedom and awesome views that come with flying!
Tanner Haines, Flight Instructor
My name is Tanner Haines. I have been interested in aviation since I was in elementary school, as my first-grade teacher says she remembers me always talking about airplanes with her. I took my first flight with a family friend in high school. We flew to the beach and got food, and then flew home. That flight hooked me into getting into an aviation career as I started training shortly after that. I made the decision to join the EMU at Lancaster program that partners with Aero-Tech Services, Inc. and earned all my ratings with ATS. What I enjoy most about flying is the freedom you have in the sky, as well as the welcoming community of pilots that make up the aviation industry. I love being able to show others that aviation is a very accessible career and hobby. As a flight instructor, I am excited to be helping others achieve the same dream that I had growing up.
Matthias Burkholder, Flight Instructor
My name is Matthias Burkholder. I have loved aviation ever since I was a kid. I still remember going to the air shows and being unable to tear my eyes away from all the old warbirds. I found them fascinating. In 2019 I made the decision to pursue aviation as a career. That is when I started flight training here at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. It has taken a great deal of commitment, sacrifice, and time to get far, but I couldn’t be more excited to start this next chapter of sharing my love of aviation with my student. I look forward to helping other people realize their own aviation goals and share with them what I love about flying.
Nathan Smeland, Flight Instructor
My name is Nathan Smeland. My fascination with aviation began at age 16 when I was offered a flight in a glider and began glider training. In 2020 I earned a private pilot glider certificate and I’ve been flying gliders ever since. From that moment onward I have looked to the skies and began my career in aviation. The majority of my flight training has been accomplished at ATS and I am currently a student at EMU studying LOM with an Aviation Concentration. I enjoy teaching aviation, and I am committed to making a safe and enjoyable environment for training. Aviation is a beautiful gift that I am passionate about sharing with as many people as possible.
John Felty, Flight Instructor
My name is John Felty. I was born into an aviation family, with my father, grandmother and great grandfather all being pilots. I began my flight training at 14 years old in sport planes and continued through the rest of my ratings while pursuing a career as a professional firefighter. I have a true passion for general aviation that I hope to share with all my students. I’ve been very fortunate to train in several different types of aircraft and in several different airport environments including towered, un-towered and grass airfields. As an instructor I tend to draw on my variety of experiences to make well rounded students with their own variety of experiences at the completion of training. I find instructing at ATS to be super rewarding and I’m thrilled to help our customers find their own passion for aviation.
Spencer Lauver, Flight Instructor
My name is Spencer Lauver. I’ve been intrigued by airplanes and aviation since I was a young kid. My father has been a pilot for longer than I’ve been alive, and that alone played a big role in my interest and involvement with flying. I always envisioned myself following in his footsteps to one day become a second-generation pilot in the family. Fast forward to now, and that dream is becoming a reality. I obtained my PPL license at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. after graduating high school and then attended Liberty University, going through their flight program and aeronautics degree track. Throughout my education and flight training, I have learned a vast amount not only about aviation, but also being a steward towards others. I feel that teaching people how to fly encompasses that while simultaneously doing what I love: fly airplanes!
Eric Herman, Flight Instructor
My name is Eric Herman. I have been fortunate in my life to have traveled to 40 countries. That travel led to my fascination with airplanes, and I always thought, “What a view the pilots have for their office.” When I finished playing professional baseball overseas and moved back to the U.S., I thought about becoming a pilot. I wanted a challenge and knew the rewards would be worth it. My favorite things about being a pilot are all the new people I have met and the destinations I have been to. A day beach trip from central PA is much more doable than driving! Becoming a flight instructor through Aero-Tech Services, Inc. allows me to pass on the knowledge and values to new learners. Thus, the best thing about being an instructor is connecting and helping others attain their goals and dreams and making the world of aviation possible for them.
Mitchell Powl, Flight Instructor
My name is Mitchell Powl, and my passion for aviation began at a young age when my father earned his private pilot’s license. From that moment on, I became fascinated with aviation. Whether it was playing with toy planes as a child, attending annual air shows, or logging hours on Microsoft Flight Simulator; I have always known that I wanted to pursue a career in aviation. I began my aviation career here at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. in 2016, where I earned my private pilot’s license. However, I chose to temporarily pause my flying career to serve in the Army National Guard as a Blackhawk Helicopter mechanic and attend Millersville University. After 6 years away from flying, I returned to Aero-Tech Services, Inc to continue my training and make my dream for a career in aviation a reality. Flying is truly an exhilarating experience, with each flight offering a unique adventure. There is no greater thrill than the moment of takeoff and feeling the hustle and bustle of the world fade beneath you. I am eager to share my passion for aviation with others and assist them in pursuing their own dreams within this remarkable field.
Michael Horst, Flight Instructor
My name is Michael Horst. (Pronounced Hurst) I’ve always found helping others to be extremely rewarding. After High School, I earned my BS in physics and worked for a local government in their utility department as a chemist. Along the way, I’ve helped numerous people from classmates to work colleagues to understand difficult concepts. After a 20-year career, I made the decision to pursue something I truly enjoyed. When I was younger, I was very interested in aviation, so I scheduled a discovery flight. From the moment the wheels left the ground, I was hooked. At ATS, I’ve earned my instrument rating, commercial certificate, CFI, and CFII in less than a year. As a flight instructor, I get the opportunity to share my passion for flying with students while helping them to achieve their goals. I look forward to continuing to help students overcome challenges and be successful in aviation.
Aaron Blain, Flight Instructor
Hello, my name is Aaron Blain. Like most CFI’s, my love for aviation started at a young age. I remember taking family vacations to the Midwest to visit my grandparents. Flying there was half the fun! In 2014, I started training with Aero-Tech Services, Inc. Over the course of the next nine years, I completed Private through Certified Flight Instructor ratings here at ATS. As a CFI, I look forward to helping students achieve their goals through a fun and enjoyable teaching style while upholding a high level of safety and professionalism.
Mark McCowan, Multi Engine Flight Instructor
My name is Mark McCowan. Ever since I can remember I’ve always been in love with flying. As a kid, my dad would take me to Lancaster Airport to get breakfast every Saturday morning. Then we would be allowed to walk out to the commuter plane and check it out! Hey, it was the 80’s where we could still do stuff like that. When I was 18, I joined the Air Force and was an aircrew member on the KC-135R as a Boom Operator and served all over the world including Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. What I enjoy most about flying is the sense of freedom it gives. Especially when you are above the clouds, and you feel like you are the only one up there. I think what makes me different from other instructors is my ability to put students at ease and help them relax during stressful phases of their flying education. My favorite part of instructing is seeing students that I’m instructing attain the certificate, rating, or endorsement they were going for. I do have my CFI and may use it occasionally, but I mostly use my MEI.
Matt Kauffman, Chief of Operations
As a child I was fascinated with anything motorized, especially with the airplanes that would fly over our house. After my first flight lesson in an Aeronca Champ I knew I wanted to learn how to fly. I did most of my flight training right here at Aero-Tech Services including ATP and Helicopter ratings. I began flying professionally in 1994 and after a short time in corporate aviation and another season as an airline pilot I’ve been flying at Aero-Tech Services since 2000. I appreciate the value that aviation brings to the lives of so many and I enjoy the challenges and adventure of traveling to new destinations. I am thrilled to be a part of helping our customers and employees achieve new milestones in their aviation journey.
Nathan Bagge, Chief Charter Pilot
The ability to bring distant people and places within reach, the opportunity to experience a perspective we’ve had for only a little more than a century, the thrill and satisfaction of operating a unique piece of machinery: these are all reasons many of us enjoy flying and I’m no exception. I was first introduced to airplanes through repeated travel to and from my childhood home in Kenya. As a kid, I loved driving any kind of vehicle I could get my hands on. This and plenty of exposure to airplanes led me to pursue a career in aviation which started with training at Letourneau University. Since then, I’ve worked as a pilot and/or aircraft mechanic in rural Alaska, Washington, Virginia, and now Pennsylvania with Aero-Tech. I love the rewards and challenges flying provides and seeing firsthand how an invention like the airplane can serve both our local and global community.
Derlyn Martin, Charter Pilot
My name is Derlyn and I was born and raised in beautiful Lancaster County! When I was in my early 20’s I volunteered with an international mission organization that gave me the opportunity to travel around the world. Through my travels I noticed a great need for airplanes and pilots to access remote areas that have no road systems. Upon returning home from that educational experience I soon began my training here at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. It has been a wonderful journey working from Private Pilot to Commercial Pilot and now Flight Instructor. During my training at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. I met many wonderful people along the way who shared the same passion as me and they are now serving in places like Brazil, Alaska and Africa! In Spring of 2016 I became part of the ATS team and I am looking forward to helping others to fulfill their dream of becoming a pilot. I feel blessed to be able to share the freedom that being a pilot offers with my students and watching their skills grow with each lesson.
Tom McIntire, Charter Pilot
My aviation journey started early. It began with flying model airplanes and progressed to helping my father work on airplanes at the local airport. Occasionally I got an airplane ride, but everyday I dreamt about becoming a pilot. I furthered my education and began a career as an aircraft maintenance technician, then earned a pilot’s license and additional ratings. The technical foundation has allowed me to enjoy flying more because I understand what keeps an aircraft safely in the air. As a charter pilot, my greatest fulfillment comes from providing a service that takes our customers wherever they would like to go, leave whenever they want to leave, and bring whoever they would like to take along!
Dale Wintersteen, Charter Pilot
My name is Dale Wintersteen. As a child I always wanted to join the military. After high school, I joined the Army and spent six years active duty with the 101st Airborne Division. After my time in the military, I was able to pursue my passion for Aviation. My first Discovery Flight was right here in Lancaster County with Aero-Tech Services. I decided to attend Middle Tennessee State University for their Professional Pilot Degree program where I received my Pilot Ratings. After graduation in 2016, I was lucky enough to get hired by Aero-Tech Services, Inc. as a Charter Pilot and haven’t looked back since. I love being able to do something so few get a chance to do, and providing a great experience for our passengers. Because of this job, I have seen many places I never would have even thought to go. I look forward to seeing where it may take me in the future. I’m proud to provide an enjoyable Charter experience one flight at a time!
Nicholas Yacobucci, Charter Pilot
I have always had an interest in aviation ever since I was a kid and my parents gave me a book about different types of planes. I ended up going to college and graduating from Saint Francis University with a degree in Exercise Physiology and Health Science before ever believing that a career in aviation could be a possibility for me. Once i did a Discovery Flight, I knew aviation was what I was looking for! Since then, I did my initial training in Florida but earned my CFI here at ATS. Flying continues to allow me to have new experiences, travel to new places, and to make connections with people. I love being able to share the excitement of reaching goals and learning new things with students.
Ben Bradford, Charter Pilot
My name is Ben and I come from a family of aviation enthusiasts. One could say I am extremely talented at keeping the blue side up and very passionate about flying. When not at the airport I can often be overheard talking about airplanes or unsolicitedly informing others that I am a pilot. This has been a dream come true of mine from childhood, greatly thanks to a supportive family. I couldn’t be more proud to be a part of the Aero-Tech team; also admired since childhood. For anyone out there on the fence considering the next step I’d be happy to bore you with the details anytime, but once you experience the joys of flight… you know… the sky’s the limit and all that warm fuzzy stuff.
Evan Ballard, Charter Pilot
Hello, my name is Evan Ballard. My love for flying began with my childhood in Senegal. Regular transatlantic flights made me fascinated with air travel. Because of this I studied aviation at LeTourneau university where I became a pilot and an aircraft mechanic. I am so grateful that I have already gotten some experience on both large and small aircraft. I have had the opportunity to help people experience the thrill of flight while flying skydivers, as well assisting in people’s travels while I helped to maintain airliners. I love that I get to help people experience flight and travel in such a unique way.
Ervin Reinford, Charter Pilot
Bronson Haller, Charter Pilot
Hi, I’m Bronson Haller. I have lived in Lancaster, PA my entire life and have been interested in aviation for as long as I can remember. I grew up flying remote control airplanes around the back yard and my parents gifted me a Discovery Flight for my 14th birthday. After that flight, I knew I wanted to be a pilot. When i was 16 years old i took my first flight lesson and completed all of my flight training here at ATS. I began working as a flight instructor, and now I’m living out my dream as a charter pilot. Having the opportunity to discover and explore new places and taking people wherever they want to go, captures everything great about being a pilot!
Steve Mesko, Charter Pilot
I always had a love of aviation. It was solidified at a young age at an airshow in Kissimmee, Florida. That day I saw Bob Hoover and the Shrike Commander, a surprise flyby of the B-2 Stealth Bomber and the F-117 Nighthawk along with the Thunderbirds. I did not learn to fly until I was much older, but I knew right away I needed to switch careers from being in the trucking industry. I made the switch suddenly when a call out of the blue prompted me to become a ground instructor at a corporate aviation compliance company. I continued to work on my ratings until the time was right to become a Charter Pilot with ATS. It is rewarding to transport passengers safely and efficiently to their work appointments or to a well-deserved vacation. It is always great to see their smiles as they exit the aircraft at their destination after a luxurious and hassle-free flight. Aviation is a tight knit family where it is understood every conversation can be interrupted by looking up at a passing plane. I have a wonderful wife and three children who are so supportive of my aviation dreams.
Paul Hadfield, Charter Pilot & Director of Safety
My name is Paul Hadfield. I have had my head in the sky looking at airplanes ever since I can remember. When I was a child I spent a year in central Africa while my parents served in a missionary boarding school. This experience afforded me the opportunity to fly on many missionary airplanes, something I knew I wanted to do later in life. I grew up in Bucks County PA, then attended and graduated from Millersville University followed by West Chester University. My wife and I settled in Southern Chester County where I worked as a public school teacher for 12 years. The aviation bug bit me hard and we moved to Spokane Washington so I could train for missionary aviation with Moody Aviation. I served in Alaska as a missionary pilot and mechanic for 10 years. I now live in Lancaster County with my family, and i look forward to serving our clients to get them where they are going safely and efficiently.
Brian Bitler, Flight Operations Manager
My name is Brian Bitler. As a kid, my dad’s job gave me the opportunity to ride in the cab of a train locomotive. I took my first ride on a helicopter as a young teenager, and my first airplane flight as a young adult. There has always been something special to me about seeing the world from the air, or the front of a train. That different perspective has always fascinated me. Years later, after careers in the faith-based hospitality, church, and community service worlds, I am excited to join ATS. I enjoy problem solving, helping people, and learning. With lots to learn, I am enthusiastic about this new adventure.
Angie Lucabaugh, Charter Coordinator
My name is Angie Lucabaugh – one of the members of the ATS Flight Coordination Team for Charter Operations. I grew up in York County and have lived there all my life, so far. I have two children, three dogs, and three cats. I love to go camping with family and friends, I enjoy traveling, gardening and hiking, and I love going to the beach as much as possible. I began my career in aviation in 2011 as a Flight Attendant for a regional carrier. I remember always thinking to myself during my trips that I wish I could be flying the airplane instead of working in the back of it. Life took me in other directions in the travel industry and back to the aviation world, but I never gave up on the thought of becoming a pilot. Then, in 2020, I took my first Discovery Flight at ATS and I was hooked! I love being up in the air just looking down on the earth below, it’s a great feeling commanding the operation of an aircraft. I am the first in my family to fly an airplane and now my daughter is following in my footsteps by attending college in Florida for Aviation Science. I can’t wait to someday fly with her! I enjoy being a part of the ATS family and can’t wait to help you with your next charter flight!
Rose Lopez, Charter Coordinator
Raul Schvartzman, Chief Financial Officer
There seems to be no connection between my first name and my last name, but the important part is that most of my professional life has been spent in the aviation industry! I started my career in South Florida working for international airliners. Granted, always in the Finance area, but loving aviation. So much so, that in my free time, I took it upon myself to obtain my license to fly gliders. Unfortunately, such a hobby is extremely expensive and at some point, I had to choose between flying and golf; the family chose for me: Golf. I joined the ATS team in 2022 not only for my love of aviation but also for the corporate values, and the team’s dedication to excellence. Back to my name. I am originally from South America but schooled at the University of Texas in Austin. Hook’em Horns!!!
Peyton Jaquis, Accountant
Hi! My name is Peyton Jaquis and I joined the Aero-Tech Services, Inc. accounting team in the summer of 2023 after my graduation from Duquesne University. I have called Lititz, PA home for most of my life and am happy to be back in such a beautiful small town. I was a little hesitant to join the industry having no aviation background, but I knew it would be an exciting challenge and a great step in starting my professional career. I have loved every moment since and am eager to learn more about such a fascinating industry! If I am not here at Aero-Tech Services, Inc. you can most likely find me coaching basketball, cheering on the Eagles, going on long walks, or traveling to new places!
Amber Lynn, Customer Service
While working as a bank teller in 2007, one of my customers wearing “Top Gun” sunglasses approached me and asked if I would like to try something different. Having no aviation background, I was a little nervous but found the subject challenging and exciting. I have not been disappointed in my decision! On my very first day I practiced the aviation alphabet and have continued to learn more each day. I truly enjoy the relationships I’ve made here and watching people grow as pilots.
Meredith Kauffman, Administrative Assistant
My name is Meredith Kauffman. I enjoy baking, reading, running, and going for walks with my family. One of my favorite things to do is just to be with our pets, Abner and Marty. My absolute favorite place to be is home, but Maine and Kansas are close seconds. I am not a pilot, nor do I have a desire to command an airplane, but I have learned my fair share about the flying world over the years being married to a pilot. I may not want to fly the plane, but I certainly do enjoy the utility of flying for travel. The best part of working at ATS is the people I get to work with and the people I get to meet. That’s saying a lot for an introvert like me!
Amanda Bojako, Customer Service
Hello! My name is Amanda Bojako. I’m a mom to five and have lived in Lancaster County for over 30 years. I came to Aero-Tech Services, Inc. in 2018 with no experience in aviation. I first started working here in customer service to help fund my husband’s flight lessons. Over the past few years my knowledge in aviation has come a long way and I have grown to love it! One of the reason’s I enjoy working at ATS is meeting new people and hearing their story!
Gabby Fittery, Customer Service
Hello! My name is Gabby. I work as a customer service representative at the flight training department of ATS. I decided that college wasn’t what I wanted to commit my time to out of high school and always had an interest in aviation, which brought me to ATS. I took a discovery flight and realized that flying was something I wanted to pursue, which made the position I am in a perfect fit. I am currently working on my private pilot certificate with Aero Tech. Outside of flying, I’m an avid swimmer, love being outdoors, and love trivia. I’m always looking forward to assisting in the initial setup for anyone with the desire to become a pilot!
Melissa Sauder, Customer Service
Hello! My name is Melissa Sauder. I am a mom of four young adult and teenage sons, and my husband and I love the adventures that having sons brings! My exposure to aviation began before I was born! I grew up flying with my dad in his Cessna 120 on the family farm, where he has a small, grass airstrip. Flying on a calm, clear evening around Lancaster County was the highlight of my week! Eventually, my dad had access to a friend’s Piper Lance which allowed us to travel all over the northeast…and Texas! I also had the opportunity to be a part of the Lancaster Airport community, albeit vicariously, while my dad worked here as a mechanic for decades. Fast forward to now, my oldest son is earning his commercial license at ATS, and I am currently working on my instrument rating as well. It is a privilege to be part of 3 generations of pilots! Even though I’ve been aviating my whole life, my favorite parts of flying remain the same: take offs and seeing God’s amazing creation from the air! I am excited to be a part of the ATS community and look forward to helping introduce people to aviation, serving students and customers, and listening to others’ stories of aviation experiences.
Rachel Würth, Customer Service
After living in Brazil, Dubai and Florida, I never imagined that Lititz, PA would be the place my husband and I would ultimately set our roots. But unbeknownst to me, this sweet little town would win me over in no time; and now I can officially add ‘being a part of Aero-Tech Services’ to my list of reasons why I love this area. As a third generation pilot, I’m working on finalizing my Commercial certificate while thoroughly enjoying meeting new people with shared passions at ATS. Whenever I’m on the clock, don’t hesitate to come by the front desk and say ‘hi’! Outside of work, however, you can find me at church every Sunday or often traveling on my days off someplace or another. From Qatar to Atlanta- Where in The World is Rachel Today?
