The Venture West Philosophy:
Take Action Take Control Take Flight

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ONE VISION

ONE GOAL

ONE TEAM

OPEN POSITIONS

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MEET Tyler Johnson

Meet Tyler, a certified flight instructor with years of experience in the aviation industry. Tyler has been teaching student pilots of all levels, from complete beginners to advanced certified flight instructors. He is a dedicated and passionate instructor who is committed to helping his students achieve their goals.
 
After completing his training, Tyler transitioned to civilian aviation, opened Venture West and has been working as a flight instructor ever since. He holds a commercial pilot’s license and multiple certifications, including his certified flight instructor certificate.
 
Tyler’s teaching style is patient and personalized, adapting to the needs of each individual student. He believes that the key to successful flight training is clear communication and a focus on safety. He also encourages his students to be active participants in their own learning, promoting a hands-on approach to training.
 
In his free time, when not instructing, Tyler indulges in an array of sports and delves into the intricacies of business. He also likes to spend time with his family and friends, and enjoys outdoor activities. He is always happy to share his passion for aviation with others, and is excited to be a part of your flight training journey.

MEET David Lines

David grew up in Gilbert, AZ, and became fascinated with aviation at a very young age. David is following in the footsteps of his WWII pilot grandfather and in 1999, he achieved his dream of becoming a pilot and earned his private pilot’s license. David loves to fly as often as he can and share his passion through instructing. He is always on the quest to learn something new, fly a different airplane, and to further better himself as a pilot, instructor and business owner.
 
David graduated from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Professional Aeronautics. He is currently a Commercial Multi Engine rated Pilot and Flight Instructor. In his free time, he enjoys volunteering for the EAA Young Eagles Program to teach and share his love of Aviation with young aviators. David is a Husband and father to 2 amazing kids who love to fly with him as often as they can.

MEET James Dean

James is a Chandler, Arizona local with over three years of aviation experience and holder of initial, instrument, and multi-engine instructor certificates. Alumni of The East Valley Institute of Technology Aviation program and currently working towards his Bachelor of Aeronautics at Embry Riddle University, he is passionate about all things related to aviation.
 
James believes in a holistic approach to instruction and particularly enjoys transitioning pilots into complex airplanes and different airframes. As your flight instructor, he is dedicated to having a positive and impactful impression on your aviation journey, bringing you closer to your ultimate goal. When he is not working, James enjoys traveling and advocating for general aviation in the local community.

MEET Garrett Clemetson

My name is Garrett Clemetson. I did my flight training through ATP Mesa in 2019 getting my CFI, CFII, and MEI. Upon completing my training, I instructed for ATP in 2020. Due to the onset of covid I continued on to fly for the Civil Air Patrol as an Instructor and Mission Pilot doing low level search routes, U.S. Air Force joint training operations and Pilot Training. Through the Civil Air Patrol I also work with young cadets teaching aerospace education. I began Instructing for Venture West in June 2023 as an Instrument Instructor.

MEET Patrick Mellmann

Bio Forthcoming.

MEET Carly
Orr

My name is Carly Orr. I am an experienced pilot from Roseburg, Oregon. Flying has been my passion since I was a kid. I started flying in 2014 and have since received my private, instrument, commercial, commercial multi-engine, and flight instructor ratings.
 
As a certified flight instructor I am on a mission to share my love for the skies and help others find that as well. Safety is my top priority as I help bring the next generation of pilots into aviation.

MEET JALEN FONSECA

Jalen was born and raised in Washington State where he began to purse his aviation dream. He initially started training at Central Washington University, eventually transferring to Arizona State University in the Fall of 2019. Jalen graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2022, Cum Laude B.S Aeronautical Management and Technology (Professional Flight).
 
Jalen is a first generation college graduate, as well as a first generation pilot. Jalen’s education and diversity assists him in being a determined instructor. Jalen understands the work and determination necessary to become a successful aviator, while having an increased focus on safety. Jalen is a CFI/II here at Venture West.

MEET Matthew Simmons

Hi, I’m Matthew Simmons, a CFI at Venture West Aviation. I did much of my training here in the Phoenix-area at a major flight school based out of Gateway. I decided I wanted to get away from the “pipeline”, and more into a family-like environment. Luckily, because I was a renter of Venture West’s aircraft, I was offered a position as a flight instructor.
 
I plan to eventually go to the airlines, specifically Delta. Outside of flying, I enjoy playing volleyball and pickleball. Additionally, I of course love traveling and am working on checking more countries off my list.

MEET SHANE THEODORE

Shane, a Michigan native is a new resident of Arizona. Born into an aviation family with his Father, Mother, and Brother all pilots. Growing up Shane was always curious about flying but never took a flight in a small aircraft until the end of 2021. Now, he is a CFI/II and is always looking for more opportunities to learn as a pilot.
 
As a flight instructor, Shane’s approach to teaching has been developed through all his previous instructors styles. Shane is detailed oriented and cares about his students success. In his free time Shane is an avid hockey enthusiast, loves to travel, train in the gym and enjoys all things outdoors.

MEET Kenzie Nguyen

I’m Kenzie. I am from the Pacific Northwest. I started flying in the Seattle area then moved down to Arizona after getting my private pilot license. I moved down to Arizona for the year-long flying conditionals and to attend a major flight academy in the valley where I earned the rest of my ratings. During my free time, I enjoy playing Fifa on the Xbox, playing tennis, and occasionally tossing a football around.

MEET HUGO VALLEJO

Hugo grew up in the South American Andes in Ecuador and moved to the United States to pursue his flying career. He is a seasoned instructor and has a deep understanding of the aviation industry and what it takes to become a competent and safe pilot. Currently holds a CFI, CFII and MEI certificate and loves instructing new pilots. Hugo enjoys anything outdoor related such as camping, snowboarding, mountain biking, hiking, backpacking and any type of sport.

MEET Zachery Harris

Zachary Harris, is an Arizona native, born and raised in Gold Canyon, AZ. He did all of his flight training through UND Mesa in 2020 while getting his associates degree in Airway Science Technology. Zachary is a second generation pilot in his family. Zachary plans on accomplishing his dads ultimate dream goal of being an Airline Pilot in which his dad was unable to, due to medical conditions. Zachary’s journey in aviation was very tough with graduating high-school in the beginning of the pandemic, and starting flight school and college in the beginning of the pandemic in early 2020, while at the age of 17 years old. He was the only student to graduate in his class on time in his flight degree program and receive all of his licenses and ratings. Now, he is a CFI/CFII and is teaching new aspiring pilots and students how to fly.
 
As a flight instructor, Zachary is very supportive and detail oriented. He always makes sure his students are first and cares about them succeeding, he takes his own personal time to help and support his students. When Zachary is not flying, he likes golfing, traveling, going to the gym and doing other outdoor activities.

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