Director of Operations and Pilot
Hal is a graduate of Louisiana Tech University and received a Bachelor’s of Science in Professional Aviation and a minor in Aviation Management. His professional career began in 1998. He has worked as a contract pilot since 2001, and is currently the manager of the Portland Municipal Airport. Hal also serves as Portland, Indiana’s local representative of the Federal Aviation Administration. He has logged over 15,000 hours in the air with a variety of aircraft and has experience working in multiple large regional airports. The following is a list of his pilot credentials:
– Director of Operations and partner in Sonrise Aviation
– Owner of Tavzel Aviation, a management company/ flight school
– Accident and incident free flying career
– No violations
– 11 years FAA part 135 certified
– Qualified Pilatus PC-12 and NGX pilot
– Qualified TBM 700 C2 pilot
– Airline Transport pilot
– Dispatched and managed a large cargo company (14 plane fleet)
– FCC licensed
Chief Pilot
Erik is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Aviation. Since 2006, he has flown private charter and has 7500 flight hours. He is also the designated pilot examiner for Sonrise Aviation. Erik is a certified flight instructor and instrument instructor. He is a qualified Pilatus PC-12 and NGX pilot as well as TBM 700 C2, 850, and 900.
We also have a team of qualified charter captains. To fly for Sonrise, they are required to have at least 1200 flight hours, 500 cross country hours, 100 night hours, and 100 hours instrument experience. They go through a rigorous ground and flight training program at Sonrise Aviation. They must complete a check ride to fly for Sonrise, part 135 charter, FAA air carrier certificate #2BZA342N.
Director of Maintenance
Dusty is a 20-year professional in the aviation maintenance industry. His maintenance career began in 2003, and he has worked for multiple charter companies. He specializes in twin Cessna aircraft, specifically, Cessna 310, 340, 404, and 421. Dusty has an air frame and power plant license with inspector authority.
