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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.
Hi, my name is Cody Schmitt I am the Director of Operations at Sparta Aviation. I have been around airplanes my whole life. I got my Private Pilots License last May, and I am currently working on getting my aircraft mechanics license. I enjoy flying and working on all of the airplanes here at Sparta Aviation, some of my favorite places to fly are up the coast of Lake Michigan and around the Northern Michigan area.
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!
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 5 years ago and was immediately hooked. 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!
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!
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.
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.
Hi, my name is Mark Taber. I’ve been flying for a couple years now and I’m enjoying the current season of my career. Instructing students and getting to see them achieve their goals is unbeatable. At some point in the future I would like to venture into the corporate world and possibly fixed wing medevac.
Hello, I’m Brendan Carney. I grew up in Kentwood and graduated from East Kentwood, GRCC, and Michigan State University. I worked as a carpenter in college and pursued a career in banking after graduating from MSU. After four years in the banking industry, I needed a change and took my discovery flight with Sparta Aviation. I completed all my training here at Sparta Aviation and now I get to share my experience with my students. My love for aviation started as a kid when my dad would take me to the airport on the weekends to “help” him clear planes into the U.S. for Customs. There I got to tour all the small planes and private jets. I always knew I would get into flying, and Sparta Aviation helped me pursue a career in aviation!