When everything seems to be going against you, remember that the airplane takes off against the wind, not with it. ~ Henry Ford

Meet Our Crew

Mark Schmitt

Owner, Flight Instructor, Mechanic, DPE

Hi everyone I’m Mark Schmitt, owner of Sparta Aviation Services. I’ve been a flight instructor for over 40 years and teaching at Sparta airport for over 15 years. In addition to flight instruction, I also work as an A&P mechanic fixing our planes, and as a Designated Pilot Examiner doing check rides for new private pilots. When not working at Sparta Airport I am an American Airlines Boeing-787 Captain. I look forward to talking with you about learning to fly.

Presley Webb

Flight Instructor

Hey, I’m Presley! Growing up with both parents in aviation, I’ve always dreamed of flying an airliner with my dad. After high school I got my private pilot license here in Sparta, then finished the rest of my training at Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City. Flying seaplanes and doing aerobatics were some of my favorite aviation experiences so far. I’m grateful to live and fly in such a beautiful state. As an instructor, I’m lucky to share my passion and excited to help others reach their flying goals!

 

Jacob Dendulk

Flight Instructor

Hi my name is Jacob DenDulk. I grew up here in Sparta, I graduated from Algoma Christian School and then GVSU. I worked in physical therapy for a couple of years but was considering a career change. I took my first discovery flight at Sparta airport 3 years ago and was immediately. I have been flying ever since and have loved every moment. I have completed my flight training here in West Michigan as well as Arizona. Some of my favorite flights include day trips to Mackinaw Island, stopping for ice cream in Traverse City, and cruising down the Lake Michigan shoreline at sunset. I look forward to helping you achieve your aviation dreams and goals. The sky is the limit…literally! 

Austin Wilson

Flight Instructor

Hey everyone, my name is Austin and I am an instructor here at Sparta Aviation. I grew up in Grand Rapids and I have had a passion for aviation since I was young. I first started my training at the West Michigan Aviation Academy, where I earned my Private Pilot Certificate. After I graduated, I continued my training with Eastern Michigan University, where I had experience with multiple different airports and aircraft. In my free time, I enjoy running, spending time with my wife and family, and exploring the outdoors! I look forward to helping you achieve your dreams of flying. I can’t wait to join you on this journey!

Joe Popowich

Flight Instructor

My aviation journey started with a discovery flight at our very own Sparta Aviation Flight Training! Since then I have pursued a career in aviation and have become an aircraft owner. I have been interested in aviation ever since I was a child and hope to pass on that same interest through flight instruction. Beyond aviation I enjoy outdoor activities like camping and fishing. 

Tim Allen

Flight Instructor

My name is Tim Allen and I’ve been passionate about aviation for as long as I can remember. As a kid I loved flying on the airlines but I didn’t have a good opportunity to start flying myself until I was in college. After college I worked for a while in the coatings manufacturing industry before my wife and I moved to Michigan in 2020. I was close to my commercial rating at the time and at my wife’s suggestion I completed my commercial rating and became a CFI later that year.  I’m passionate about helping others, especially those who have no connection to aviation, become pilots.

Aaron Hoke

Flight Instructor

Hi my name is Aaron Hoke and I am a flight instructor here at Sparta Aviation. I am originally from the West Michigan area but I started flying in the Southeast US while working in the engineering industry. I’m glad to be back in the West Michigan area and I look forward to helping you meet your flight training goals.