Meet the Instructor

Born and raised in the heart of Southern Illinois, Chase brings both local roots and a wide-reaching passion for aviation to the Avion Acrobatico team. After high school, he followed his family’s tradition of hard work and academic excellence by earning both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Accounting from Southern Illinois University Carbondale (SIUC). But after a few intense tax seasons, Chase began to feel the pull toward something different — something with a little more altitude.

It was a conversation with his stepdad that changed everything. “Why not try flying?” he suggested. One discovery flight later, Chase was hooked. From that very first takeoff in 2021, aviation became more than a curiosity — it became a calling.

Over the next two years, Chase poured his focus, discipline, and attention to detail into flight training. His dedication paid off: today, he holds a Commercial Pilot certificate and is a Certified Flight Instructor, helping others experience the same spark that launched his own journey.

When he’s not in the cockpit — or crunching numbers during tax season — you’ll likely find Chase outdoors enjoying the best of what Southern Illinois has to offer. Whether he’s fishing, golfing, or staying active with a workout, he brings energy and enthusiasm to everything he does.

Chase is the kind of instructor who doesn’t just teach—you can tell he truly cares. His precision, patience, and passion for developing confident, skilled pilots make him a valued part of the team. But his impact goes far beyond his role as a flight instructor.

Stop by, say hello, and see for yourself what makes Chase such a standout. You’ll be glad you did.