Our History
2006
US Aviation Group (USAG) originated at the Denton Municipal Airport (KDTO) with three airplanes, a handful of international students, and a grumpy mechanic.
2008
USAG secured the approval of The Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) and became certified to train Chinese commercial airline students and negotiated a multiple-year training contract with Shenzhen Airlines, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Air China.
2010
USAG partnered with Tarrant County College to establish a FAA approved Part 141 flight training curriculum for college students at TCC Northwest Campus / Alliance Airport (KAFW). USAG opens first Fixed Base Operator (FBO) at the Denton Municipal Airport (KDTO) to serve the general, corporate and military aviation communities.
2011
USAG awarded its first military contract, Initial Flight Orientation (IFO) for multiple countries, the United States Airforce, Air Education and Training Command at Randolph Air Force Base, Texas.
2013
USAG was the first to partner with American Eagle (now Envoy) to develop a Pipeline Instructor Program, a career pathway from Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) to Regional Airline Pilot.
2015
USAG became a sub-contractor to KBR-Wyle who was co-awarded the Multi-Aircraft flight training (FA3002-16-D-0001) providing initial, recurrent and instructor aircrew training for 43 different aircraft types for Foreign Military Sales (FMS).
2017
USAG purchased Business Air at the Denton Enterprise Airport and re-branded as US Jet Center to enhance our product offering to the corporate aviation community and solidify US Jet Center as “The Gateway” to North Texas and surrounding communities.
2018
USAG was awarded as the Southwest Region professional pilot training partner for the U.S. Department of Transportation – “Forces to Flyers” research initiative.
2019
USAG became an “Employee Pathway” training partner for the Southwest Airlines Destination 225° the program which provides pathways to becoming a competitively qualified candidate for future Southwest First Officer positions. USAG partners with Lone Star College-Montgomery in Conroe, TX to provide flight training for the new Professional Pilot Program offered at the Lone Star College-Conroe Center. Flight operations are located at the Conroe North Houston Regional Airport (KCXO).
2020
USAG partners with United Airlines via their “Aviate” career path program. This program provides a clear pathway for qualified US Aviation students and instructors to become a United Airlines pilot. USAG partners with Dutchess Community College (DCC) located in Poughkeepsie, New York, to provide a professional pilot program beginning in January 2021 with operations conducted at the Hudson Valley Regional Airport (KPOU).
2021
USAG partners with Norway’s Pilot Flight Academy (PFA) and granted a special permit by the Norwegian Civil Air Authority (NCAA) and European Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) to teach norwegian students under a dual enrollment course. USAG partners with Southeastern Missouri State University (SEMO) to provide professional pilot program management services for their new Professional Pilot Bachelor of Science degree. Flight operations are conducted at the Cape Girardeau Regional Airport (KCGI). USAG secures FAA approval of a Part 147 A&P program for students pursuing a career as an Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) at their Denton location (KDTO).
Our US Aviation Team
Mike Sykes
Chief Executive Officer & Founder
Mike Sykes is one of the founders of US Aviation and has worked as the CEO since the company started in January of 2006. Mike’s passion is to help businesses grow through strong leadership while delivering quality services at competitive prices. He attended Claremont McKenna College and has used his accounting degree to establish and build several businesses. As a instrument pilot himself, the aviation industry was a natural fit for his business building skills. Outside of work, Mike enjoys water sports, golf, and generally spending time with family.
Mark Taylor
Chief Relationship Officer & Co-founder
Mark has over 35 years of experience in business development, client relations, employee relations, sales and marketing. He holds a BA in Management, a certificate in human resources management and an MBA in Personnel & Industrial Relations. Mark oversees the organizational development of existing and new business relationships, while working with management and team members across all disciplines. Mark has a sincere belief in the value of education, quality training and commitment to community as he serves on the University Aviation Association board as an Industry Trustee.
Justin Sykes
Chief Financial Officer
Justin graduated with a BA from Claremont McKenna College, majoring in accounting and went on to obtain his CPA after working for EY for several years. He also trained at US Aviation and is an instrument-rated Private Pilot of 100 hours. He enjoys actively being involved in growing and managing a business. On his own time, Justin enjoys water-skiing and driving his “classic” cars.
Scott Sykes
Chief Development Officer
Scott graduated from Baylor College with a BA in Economics and continued on at UNT to obtain his Masters in Economics. He also obtained his Private Pilot license at US Aviation. Scott enjoys the challenges the aviation industry brings: finding the best solution for US Aviation customers, creative problem solving, and pragmatic thinking. At home, Scott enjoys spending time with his wife, five snakes and dog. If he is not home, he is at the lake waterskiing.
Chris Ramey
Chief Flight Instructor, VP of Compliance & Standards
Chris received his Bachelors of Science in Aviation from Southeastern Oklahoma State University 2007. Shortly after graduating, Chris began working as a line instructor for USAA. He has held many positions as he earned his way up to VP of Compliance & Standards and Chief Flight Instructor. Chris is a wealth of knowledge regarding FAA standards and flight instruction.
Francesca Gooding
Payroll Manager/ HR Specialist
The mission Francesca strives for each day is to reach out and positively impact as many people as possible. Outside of work, Francesca spends the majority of her time with friends and family. She loves to travel, and enjoys focusing her attention on self-development by reading, exercising, and getting closer to her faith.