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 a “Employee Pathway” training partner for the Southwest Airlines Destination 225°
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 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. Outside of work, Mike enjoys water sports, golf, and generally spending time with family.
Mark Taylor
Chief Development 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 initiatives 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
VP of Accounting & Finance
Justin 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
VP of Business Development
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 dog, five snakes and wife. If he is not home, he is at the lake water skiing.
Dana Bruner
Human Resources & Payroll Manager
Dana loves her position in Human Resources because this career path allows her to study human behavior and how that plays into the black and white lines of employment law. Outside of work, Dana is “NanaMomma” to twin girls and when her life isn’t full of unicorns, dresses, bows and fairies, she loves going on motorcycle trips with her better half.
Seth Hamilton
VP of International & Domestic Training
Seth enjoys problem solving and finding the most efficient ways to do things. Outside of work, Seth loves to spend time with his friends and family. He also loves to travel as often as possible and enjoy learning about different places and cultures.
Chris Ramey
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 eventually working his way up to his current position.
Erica Garland
Talent Acquisition & Admissions Director
Whether it is enrolling a new student or hiring a new instructor, Erica loves being a part of enabling students and instructors to make their dreams come true. Outside of work, Erica is a mom who loves to travel, spend time with friends, and be involved in the Denton community.
Giselle Fuentes
Communications & Marketing Specialist
Giselle enjoys being a result-driven strategist with a passion for contributing to campaigns that help tell US Aviation's story. She loves promoting the activities of US Aviation and building relationships by being actively engaged in social media and content marketing. Outside of work, Giselle is a freelance photographer that enjoys boxing and spending time with friends and family.
Francesca Gooding
Flight School Administrator
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.