INSTRUCTORS
At Pilot Rise, you’ll train with FAA-certified instructors who specialize in real-world flying, clear instruction, and high-quality training—not just checkride prep.
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FAA-Certified & Experienced
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Adaptable to Weather, Pace, and Learning Style
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Personalized Lessons That Maximize Value
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Strong Safety & Risk-Management Focus
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Consistent, One-on-One Guidance
Meet the team committed to developing confident, capable, and safe pilots.
Jaxon Craig – Manager Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Jaxon@pilotrise.com
From the moment Jaxon took his first discovery flight, he was hooked. The thrill of soaring above the earth lit a fire within him, leading him straight into flight school after high school. Now, as an instructor, Jaxon is eager to guide the next generation of pilots, sharing his passion for the skies with those ready to chase their own dreams of flight.
Anthony Balaity – Manager Dallas
Certificates: CFI, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Anthony@pilotrise.com
Anthony has a passion for aviation and is dedicated to developing safe, skilled, and confident pilots. His journey began in the skies of Colorado, where he discovered his love for flying and built a foundation rooted in adventure and precision. With nearly 4 years of experience, he brings real-world knowledge, a calm approach, and a strong focus on safety and situational awareness. He tailors instruction to each pilot’s goals and learning style, from beginners to those pursuing advanced ratings. Outside the cockpit, he enjoys Dodger baseball, good food, and time with family, and remains active in the aviation community.
Jordan Connors – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Jordan@pilotrise.com
Jordan has been soaring the skies for 5 years, choosing Pilot Rise as his foundation to train as a CFI. Renowned for his exceptional knowledge and unwavering dedication, he not only brings standard expertise but also enriches each session with custom training materials. His preparation and fervor for aviation make him an invaluable asset to our team and students alike.
Ricky Carazo – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Ricky@pilotrise.com
Having graduated from the American Airlines Cadet Academy, Ricky has been deeply involved in aviation from a young age. While still in high school, he attended college courses to jump-start his flight training at 18. With a wealth of knowledge and a genuine passion for the field, Ricky enjoys sharing his expertise with aspiring pilots, helping them launch their careers in aviation.
Diana Crump – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, MEI, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Diana@pilotrise.com
With 8 years of flying and a decade of experience in aviation safety, Diana brings a deep expertise to her field. Her knowledge is enhanced by both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in Aviation Safety. When not immersed in her work, Diana savors her free time with family and friends, enriching her personal life with meaningful connections.
Andrew Dahlstrom – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Andrew@pilotrise.com
Andrew has had a deep passion for aviation from a young age, often begging his dad to take him to air shows and museums. With over six years of experience in the aviation industry, he is now a flight instructor with Pilot Rise, ready to pour into the next generation of pilots. Andrew is eager to share his love for aviation with his students.
Sam Smola – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Sam@pilotrise.com
Sam has always dreamed of a career in aviation. After taking a discovery flight with Pilot Rise he was hooked. He received his Private Pilot License at Hicks and went on to Oklahoma State University where he received his Bachelors of Science in Aerospace Administration and Operations with a concentration in Professional Pilot. Finally, he returned to Pilot Rise to obtain his CFI-I. Sam looks forward to training the next generation of pilots!
Liam O’Flaherty – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL, Instrument
Liam@pilotrise.com
Specializes in night instruction between 5pm and 4am
Liam is a third generation pilot with aviation in his blood and a strong foundation of knowledge to match. He has completed his two year degree and is pursuing his four year degree, with a goal of flying C-130 Hurricane Hunters in the Air Force Reserves. Liam brings high standards, precision, and a genuine love for teaching to every lesson.
Jayna Moore – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Jayna@pilotrise.com
Jayna brings energy and enthusiasm to everything she does, whether she’s paddle boarding at sunrise, line dancing on the weekend, hiking new trails, or flying just for the joy of it. As a flight instructor at Pilot Rise, she combines her adventurous spirit with a steady, encouraging approach to help students grow in skill and confidence in the cockpit.
Tanner Peels – Instructor Fort Worth
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Tanner@pilotrise.com
Originally from Chattanooga, TN, Tanner moved to Texas with his wife in 2022. His aviation journey started with a discovery flight at Pilot Rise, which sparked his interest in flying.
Before aviation, Tanner worked in the powersports industry as a technician and assistant service manager. He is now part of the SkyWest Cadet Program. Outside of flying, he enjoys spending time with his wife, fishing, watching the Dallas Stars, and learning more about aviation.
Jake Kennedy – Instructor Dallas
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Jake@pilotrise.com
Jake has had a passion for aviation since an early age. As a third-generation pilot, he has let that lifelong love take him all over the world. A Texas A&M graduate, Jake loves traveling, staying active at the gym, and playing or cheering on just about any sport, especially golf. He is deeply passionate about passing on the knowledge and love of aviation that was passed down to him and couldn’t be more excited to help train the next generation of pilots.
Michael People – Instructor Dallas
Certificates: CFI, CFI-I, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
m.people@pilotrise.com
Following his service in the United States Air Force as a C-5M crew chief, Michael pursued his passion for aviation while completing his Bachelor of Science in Aviation at Liberty University. He enjoys sharing his knowledge with aspiring pilots and helping them build confidence both in and out of the cockpit. His professionalism, preparation, and commitment to student success make him a trusted mentor for pilots at every stage of training.
Taylor Reed – Instructor Dallas
Certificates: CFI, MEI, CPL ASEL/AMEL, Instrument
Taylor@pilotrise.com
Michael Forseth – Founder / Owner
Certificates: ATP, CFI, CFI-I, MEI, Instrument, A320, CL-65
Michael@pilotrise.com
Not available for primary training
Michael has always had a love for flying. He started flying when he was 16. Michael wanted to make the aviation world better in any way he could, so he started this flight school. He re-imagined how flight training could be done to increase safety and make it more affordable.