Shawn spent seven years in active duty Air Force as a Crew Chief. After leaving active duty, he decided he would rather fly! He completed his flight training at Southern Utah University, and is excited for his first position as a helicopter pilot instructor with Ideal Aviation!
Casey Kroeker was born and raised in St. Louis. He grew up dreaming about flying helicopters and after serving active duty in the US Army Infantry, he used his GI bill and pursued his dream of flight training. Now he is a CFI and close to completing his CFII. He has been instructing with Ideal since August of 2021.
or form, he has earned commercial glider, airplane, and helicopter certificates. More than anything, he loves to teach and holds CFI and CFII ratings in airplanes and helicopters. The Air Force brought him to the St Louis area in 2003 and he continues to serve as a Flight Surgeon in the Reserves. Josh has been instructing with Ideal since April of 2021.
Billy is a Saint Louis native. He was on active duty in the marine corps for 4 years and reserve for another 4. He has been flying helicopters since March of 2019 and is currently working on his CFII in the Southwestern Illinois College Aviation Program. Billy has been instructing with Ideal since January of 2022.
riginally from California, Jason spent 20 years as an Air Force officer and C-130 Navigator. His final assignment landed him in the Metro-East area where he soon found himself flying helicopters, completing his training through CFII, and beginning a second career. Currently, a utility and 135 pilot for a local operator, Jason has been a part-time and check instructor with Ideal Aviation since 2019.
Zach was born and raised in St. Louis with 15 years of aviation experience. He served 9+ years active duty in the Marines as a Huey Crew Chief, Mechanic, and Weapons and Tactics Instructor. He graduated from Saint Louis University with a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management in 2018. He is both a helicopter mechanic and helicopter CFI and CFII. Zach has been instructing with Ideal Aviation since October 2019.
Cody is from Kansas City, Kansas. He studied at Kansas University and the Naval Postgraduate School. He is a CFI and CFII in helicopters and is an instrument-rate commercial pilot in airplanes. Cody has been instructing with Ideal Aviation since October 2019.