Flight Instructor

CFI/CFII

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.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Watching the progression of students from not knowing how to start the airplane to soloing in such a short period of time

Flight Instructor/Mechanic

CFI/CFII/A&P

Ben Clark

Ben grew up around airplanes, riding in the right seat of Cessna Citations with his dad as a toddler. He earned his Private Pilot's license at 17 years old and continued training in Melbourne, FL to become a CFI and CFII in 2025. Ben also holds an Airframe and Powerplant Mechanic certificate from Columbus State Community College in Ohio. Outside of aviation, he 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!

Favorite Part of Teaching: The smile on a student’s face while I give them the most satisfying handshake right after their first solo

Flight Instructor

CFI/CFII/MEI

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.

Favorite Milwaukee Aero Memory: Landing on runway 19R while a flight of Air Force aircraft did an overhead break above

Flight Instructor

CFI/CFII

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.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Seeing a student's curiosity during a discovery flight turn into true excitement and a passion for aviation

Flight Instructor

CFI

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.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Watching students gain confidence as they navigate complex Class C airspace alongside commercial aircraft

Flight Instructor

CFI/CFII

Jake Oostdyk

Jake 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. When not at Milwaukee Aero, he is a first officer in Milwaukee with a regional airline. Jake holds his CFI, CFII and ATP certificates and is excited to help you pursue your dream of becoming a pilot.

Favorite Part of Teaching: Being able to see the joy in a student when they accomplish the milestones they’ve worked so hard for

Flight Instructor

CFI/CFII/MEI

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 working with students from private through their instructor certificates. He is also a first officer at a regional airline in Chicago. Outside of aviation, Ryan holds a journalism degree from the University of Wisconsin and enjoys playing and listening to music in his free time.

Favorite Milwaukee Aero Memory: Seeing my former students become flight instructors and now coworkers here at Milwaukee Aero