Interested in learning to fly?
Meet our Certified Flight Instructors
Jay Grafton, CFII
Jay has been a friend for a long time and has always played a role as member of “Team MVN”, however has recently become dedicated full time as a member of SRT and “Team Mt. Vernon” family. He is flying both GA and LSA aircraft and joins our team of other instructors to allow us to maintain our quality, friendly and professional staff and flight department. We are very lucky and happy to have Jay with us!
Stan Blank, CFIIS
Stan has been part of the SRT family for some time as a LSA Instructor. Stan is a stand up man and one whom takes pride in everything he does. With years of teaching behind him, Stan is a man of his word, honor, and professionalism. We all all blessed to have him on our team.
Ray Xanders, CFII
Ray has been part of the SRT family from almost the start. Our most seasoned veteran is also our busiest. Ray is always ready to help if he can. Ray is a large part of our team and we are blessed to have him.
Rylan Crane, CFII
Rylan is a dedicated and highly qualified flight instructor who grew up minutes from the Mount Vernon Outland Airport. Rylan received a rigorous education in aviation from Southeast Missouri State University, graduating with his Professional Pilot Degree. He is excited to help you earn your sport pilot, private pilot, commercial pilot or complex aircraft endorsement. Rylan brings a blend of professional expertise and local passion to every lesson and he is committed to making you a safe, confident, and competent pilot. He works to bring the rigor of a part 141 program while leveraging the flexibility of a part 61 flight school to ensure that everyone receives the individual attention that will make them successful.
Ethan Lentz, CFII
Ethan grew up in Hillsboro, Illinois and is a highly trained Certified Flight Instructor, CFI. He completed Private Pilot through CFI at a rigorous Part 141 program in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Ethan moved back to southern Illinois and began working as a Flight Instructor at SRT Flightline. He focuses on the scheduling needs of Part 61 students while blending the knowledge & skills of a Part 141 program. If you are looking to achieve a Sport, Private, or Commercial Pilot Certificate, or need a High Performance or Complex Endorsement – Ethan can help!
Keefe Huddleston, CFII
Originally from Sparta, Illinois, Keefe graduated from SIUC with a Bachelor’s in Electrical Engineering. He spent the next 20 years as a molding engineer making various products such as headlights for cars. Keefe decided to pursue his dream of becoming a pilot. He enrolled at ATP Flight School and achieved his Private, Instrument, Commercial, CFI, CFII, and MEI Certificates. Safety is Keefe’s number one priority and he instills this in his students.
