Instructors
Milwaukee Aero instructors are experienced, enthusiastic, and ready for takeoff. Contact Milwaukee Aero to be put in touch with an instructor to begin your flight training!
Jacob Oostdyk
Jacob began his flight training at the University of Dubuque in Dubuque, Iowa, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Flight Operations. With a passion for aviation, he aspires to fly the biggest and best aircraft in the skies. Jacob holds his CFI and CFII certificates and is excited to help you pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.
Ryan Badger
Ryan began his flight training in Madison, WI, earning his private pilot certificate in 2019. He is certified as a CFI, CFII, and MEI, and looks forward to helping you earn your private, instrument, and commercial certificates. Outside of aviation, Ryan holds a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin and enjoys playing and listening to music in his free time.
Steve Wycklendt
Steve has had a lifelong passion for aviation. After a successful 25+ year career as a registered nurse, he made the decision to pursue aviation full-time, completing his training at ATP Flight School in Waukesha, WI.
He now holds CFI, CFII, and MEI certifications and is available for private, instrument, and commercial flight training.
Nolan Schoenleber
Nolan’s aviation journey started with a discovery flight he received as a birthday present. From that day on, flying regularly and becoming a pilot became Nolan’s top priority. The vast majority of Nolan’s training was done here, at Milwaukee Aero, where he earned: PPL, Instrument, CPL, CFI, and CFII. He is now available for Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot Training.
Austin Sims
Austin has been passionate about aviation since he was 4 years old, when a family friend took him on his first flight. Austin started his career as an Engineer at Honda's Ohio engine assembly plant before starting flight training full-time in Texas. After moving to Milwaukee in 2024, he completed his CFI certificate with Milwaukee Aero and is available for Private and Commercial training.
Ben Clark
Ben grew up around airplanes, riding in the right seat of Cessna Citations with his dad as a toddler. Ben earned his Private Pilot's license at 17 years old and later continued training in Melbourne, FL to become a CFI and CFII in 2025. Ben also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certificate and a degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology from Columbus State Community College in Ohio. Outside of aviation, Ben enjoys working on cars and manages a small portfolio of properties. He looks forward to making flying safe and fun for private, instrument, and commercial students!
Ryan Rivas
Ryan earned his Private Pilot Certificate while attending the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee, sparked by a lifelong passion for aviation that began on a family trip to Disney World as a child. He completed his Instrument, Commercial, and CFI ratings at Milwaukee Aero and is currently available for both Private and Commercial flight training. In his free time, Ryan is also a photographer and plays bass for the Milwaukee-based band Gold Steps.
