Instructors

chris coltrin

      Owner & Flight Instructor

Chris has been flying out of the Schaumburg Airport since 1980, and has been around aviation for all his life. His presence at Schaumburg Airport has been appreciated by many and granted him local legend status. When it comes to instructing, Chris is one cool cat - there's no doubt you'll learn a ton flying with him. Chris brings many flying talents and tens of thousands of flight hours to the table - he has flown aerobatics competitively and owned several different tailwheel or aerobatic aircraft. There's a good chance he has a few hours in almost any airplane out there.

sean kline

Owner & Flight Instructor

Sean has been around aviation his entire life, and flying at Schaumburg Airport since his first solo there at the age of 16. While he is pretty sure that his accumulation of flight time is inversely related to the amount of hair on his head, he wouldn't trade his experiences and fun in aviation for John Stamos' luscious locks. Sean has a very laid back instruction style and is just happy to be anywhere near an airplane. When he's not running (or flying) around Schaumburg, he flies corporate aircraft and lives with his very supportive wife and their three crazy dogs.

KELLY NOWACZYK

Flight Instructor

Kelly has been around aviation since the day she was born. Growing up on an airport inspired her to start flying at a young age. Kelly started flying gliders at age 13 and over the years she worked her way up to become a tailwheel flight instructor. Just be careful though- she might pull the power on you and expect you to channel your inner glider skills also! Kelly may be young but her natural skills and knowledge of flying may put you in awe.  

erik ford

Flight Instructor

Erik grew up watching his dad go on trips as a pilot for American Airlines. He was exposed to aviation at a young age and received his first flight lessons from his dad in the family 172 at a local airport. His love and experiences with aviation continued to grow while he pursued other career opportunities. He now works as a police officer at a local law enforcement agency where he loves to teach as a field training officer while also working here, at Holiday Airways as a flight instructor.

Joe hoffman

Flight Instructor

Joe has been involved with aviation since meeting his wife in Florida. As an American Airlines Flight Attendant, she encouraged him to go into flying in the late 1980's.  He instructed and flew Part 135 and became the Director of Aviation at a college in Florida before relocating back to his hometown of Chicago.  He taught his son to fly, who is now with United Airlines. They own a plane together ("Trixie") which is hangared at an airstrip in the area where his son resides.  With a background in education and aviation, he enjoys being a life-long flight instructor. 

mark mallamo

Flight Instructor

Mark has been flying since 2012 when he first began taking lessons in a J-3 Cub.  Since then he has flown a variety of aircraft from gliders to seaplanes to jets.  He earned his CFI in 2017 and specializes in tailwheel transition training.  When he is not flying for us, Mark flies all across the country for a busy charter company in New York. 

emma bryan

Flight Instructor

Meet Emma, your dedicated flight instructor from Lake Tahoe, California and her sidekick, a dog who's more chill in turbulence than most passengers. With a degree in Aeronautical Science from Embry-Riddle, Emma blends her passion for flying with a love for surfing and aerobatics. She's committed to ensuring your journey in the skies is not only safe but also incredibly fun. Get ready for an unforgettable flying experience with Emma! 

colin armistead

Flight Instructor

Colin began flying in college at the age of 18. He competed both his commercial and CFI licenses in tailwheel aircraft out of Centennial, Colorado. Colin is also an accomplished aerobatic pilot, with numerous awards within the field of competition aerobatics. Outside of flying, Colin is a combat veteran with the United States Air Force and plays Division 1 golf for Chicago State.