Instructors

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 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 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 and aerobatic flight instructor. Just be careful though- she might pull the power on you and expect you to channel your inner glider skills also! Kelly is also a corporate pilot flying business jets all around the country when she isn't training at Schaumburg!  

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 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. 

Born and raised in the Chicago suburbs, I began my aviation journey in 2016 at Schaumburg Regional Airport, where I earned my Private Pilot Certificate. I continued my flight training and earned my instrument and commercial certifications at Western Michigan University. After completing my Certified Flight Instructor rating, my career came full circle—I now have the privilege of instructing at the same airport where I first fell in love with aviation.

Aviation runs deep in Bailey’s family — her great-grandmother worked on the legendary Spitfire in Great Britain during World War II. Bailey took her first flight lesson with her dad in Colorado and has since trained across the U.S. under Part 61, designing her own accelerated programs to fit her goals and budget. She loves the challenge of tailwheel flying, meeting new pilots, and introducing aviation to communities who’ve never experienced it before. Come fly with Bailey — she’s friendly, patient, and dedicated to designing a training program to fit your flying dreams. 

Daniel started flying in 2023 right out of high school while also finishing his degree in Criminology from UIC. He completed all of his flight training, from Private Pilot to Certified Flight Instructor, right here at the Schaumburg Regional Airport. A first-generation pilot, Daniel has been working in aviation since he was 19 and is now proud to instruct and also work line service here at Holiday Airways. 

Check back soon for Connor's info!

Check back soon for Becca's info!

A ground instructor-turned-flight instructor, Alec is here to help you achieve your aviation goals using pilotage, dead reckoning, and the use of electronic navigation aids.

Like many of his colleagues, Alec completed his flight training at Schaumburg Airport. Now, as a member of the very flight school that helped reignite his love for aviation, he strives to share his passion for learning with all of his students... with perhaps a little 14 CFR trivia sprinkled in between.

When outside the airplane, you can find him admiring the nearest Piper Arrow or at a local Portillo’s.