OUR TEAM
Catherine Weber, Owner/Operator
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Al Rice, Chief Flight Instructor
Chris O'Donnell, Assistant Chief Fixed Wing Instructor
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Alisha Sweeney, Director of Sales and Marketing
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Timothy Elroy, Director of Operations and Maintenance
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Mad Peters, Accountant
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Kayla DeRuyter, Student Billing and DOT Manager
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Nicole Huntington, Director of Admissions
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Mollie Ingram Petty, Admin Assistant
ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF
CATHERINE WEBER
Catherine is the owner and operator of Silverhawk. She was born and raised in Cottonwood, Idaho, and lived in a few different states before calling the Treasure Valley home. Catherine and her former partner founded the company in 1998 and, although she is in the office nearly daily, she has many hobbies. She and her husband Nick have horses, chickens, dogs, cats, four children, and four grandkids. They are very involved in their community and church... needless to say, she is busy!
ALISHA SWEENEY
Alisha has been with Silverhawk since 2015; she was the Director of Student Services and, currently, she is the Director of Sales and Marketing. She attended three universities, Seattle Pacific, Arizona State, and the University of Idaho, where she received her BS in Advertising and Business. Outside of work, you can find Alisha with her husband exploring Idaho, camera in hand, or planning their next big trip. She hopes to visit 40 countries before the age of 40!
TIMOTHY ELROY
Timothy is Silverhawk's Director of Operations & Maintenance. He grew up in Fairbanks, AK, working on bush planes and running a shop for his previous company managing Cessna 208B Caravans and some assorted piston aircraft. Timothy is currently studying for his Master's in Business Administration and enjoys helping Silverhawk's various departments meet their goals. Solving problems and keeping things running is his passion! Fun fact, he is currently serving a term as an airport commissioner for the City of Caldwell.
KAYLA DE RUYTER
Kayla is Silverhawk Aviation Academy's Student Billing and DOT Manager. A Boise native, Kayla is a lover of rescue animals, traveling, and food... specifically cake! Previously Kayla worked for a law office in San Diego after completing her bachelor's degree at Point Loma Nazarene University. Her favorite part about her job is working with local charities to provide donations on Silverhawk's behalf. Fun fact, Kayla and her husband had their first child Eloise in July 2021!
MOLLIE INGRAM PETTY
Mollie is the Silverhawk Admin Assistant. After earning a Master’s Degree in Theater Arts from Northwestern University, she taught middle school and high school drama for 12 years. She has sung in over 35 musical stage performances and narrates audiobooks! Fun facts about Mollie: Her favorite place she has traveled to is the Spice Island of Grenada with her husband and their two teenage daughters. They live with a one-eyed rescue terrier named Charlie and Indiana Jones, a striped tabby cat. She loves Trivia Nights at 2C Family Brewing, “Aloha” tacos at Mesa Tacos, the automatic car wash, music by Sia, jumping on the trampoline, and hiking. From age six, Mollie knew she would be a pilot. Flying is "sheer bliss to me because of the mental challenge, humbling personal responsibility required, and the breathtaking views"!
NICOLE HUNTINGTON
Nicole is the Director of Admissions. She is a California native, but has lived all over: Utah, Texas, Arkansas, Wisconsin, and Virginia. She wasn't in the military herself, however she is the only daughter of a Navy Captain. Fun fact about Nicole, Barbie bought her first car!
BEAU
Certified Office Fluff. Beau has been meandering the Silverhawk hallways begging for food and looking for the perfect nap spot for years. He typically eats one kibble at a time, runs like a bunny, and leaves tastefully-placed "accidents" when his owners are away from home for too long. Recently, Beau attended a seminar on the future of digital media and aviation operations. Be sure to give him your card to talk strategy or to taste test treats.
MAD PETERS
Mad is the accountant for Silverhawk. She loves animals, especially our office fluff Beau, and spending time with her husband!
CERTIFIED FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS
AL RICE
Born in Winnemucca, Nevada, Al earned his private pilot certificate in 1969, and graduated from the US Army Flight School in 1972. Both his father and uncle were pilots, so naturally he followed in their footsteps, and was a US Army Aviator in the military. Al has years and years of experience flying both airplanes and helicopters along with 18 years in US Department of Interior Aviation Program. He is Silverhawk Aviation Academy's Chief Flight Instructor.
CHRIS O'DONNELL
Chris is the Assistant Chief Fixed Wing Instructor. In 1986 Chris watched Top Gun for the first time. Since then he's been hooked on the idea of flying. A Southern California native, Chris retired from the police department and soon thereafter became a fixed wing CFI. He has found he loves teaching and showing students the life as a pilot.
JASON SPICKELMIRE
Jason bounced between small town Riggins, Idaho, and big city life in Denver, Colorado. He felt well equipped to live anywhere, so he joined the US Navy and traveled the world for 20 years. He was a Gas Turbine Systems Technician Mechanic and retired as a Senior Chief Petty Officer. After working in the Landing Craft Air Cushion community his dream of flying led him to Silverhawk. Jason is a helicopter CFI, "helping others attain their goals and dreams", enjoys the outdoors, and spending time with his wife and three kids.
PARKER ROBINSON
​ Parker grew up in Nuevo Casas Grandes, Chihuahua, Mexico. He moved to Arizona to attend college, where he met his wife. Parker always dreamt of becoming a pilot, but was told it was impossible. After working an office job, he knew he had to make it possible. After his wife finished school they moved to Idaho with their two dogs to begin flight training. Parker loves the outdoors and cooking over an open fire or the smoker.
BRYANT BILLET
Bryant, a helicopter CFI, graduated from Boise State in 2013 with a bachelors in Criminal Justice; you can find him on his off time reading books, pack rafting rivers, or running trails. In the military, he was an Officer/ Captain and an Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Technician (Bomb Squad) for six years. He decided to learn to fly because he loves the freedom. Fun fact, Bryant has met and protected a few US Presidents, they might even be friends.
ALEX SNYDER
Alex is a helicopter CFI from Stromsburg, Nebraska. He grew up playing any sport possible, competing with his brother, and now is an avid river rafter and fisher. He joined the Marine Corps to be a helicopter crew chief, but became a diesel mechanic instead. Alex has always been fascinated with flying, so he jumped at the opportunity to use his VA benefits at Silverhawk. Now he gets to share his passion with his students! Fun fact, Alex's dog Rigby is a police academy dropout.
QUINN HILYARD
Quinn was born in Elko and raised in Spring Creek, NV. He became a Certified PADI Jr Open Water Scuba diver at the age of 10 and lived in Africa with his dad for two months while in high school. Growing up, his dad told aviation stories, many about the kit helicopter he built. Eighteen days after high school, Quinn left for basic training. He was a Culinary Arts Specialist (only partially by choice). During this time, he went on two combat deployments to Ghazni Provence, Afghanistan. The remaining eight years were spent in the National Guard with the 2/211 Global Support Aviation Battalion based out of West Jordan, Utah. Quinn loves powersports; he owns a snowmobile, dirt bike, street bike, rock crawler, and an airplane!
TYLER EBERHARDT
Tyler is a helicopter CFI from Lewiston. His life is centered around the outdoors... dirt bikes were his favorite thing until he found helicopters! He moved to Billings, Montana, to play college football and get a bachelors in business management. Eventually, he discovered Silverhawk and decided to chase a passion and start a career he was proud of. He was looking for a career with a purpose, "a career like this demands the best from you and there is something to be said about being held to that standard."
Beside flying and the outdoors, Tyler enjoys traveling and experiencing new cultures and ideas!
JOE FOSS
Joe is a helicopter CFI.
AMBER TJADEN
Amber is a helicopter CFI from Minnesota. She was a firefighter/EMT in the military, then sought out a fulfilling and fun career. This search led her to becoming a pilot! Outside of flying, she spends time outside, exploring Idaho, with her pup and friends.
BLAINE LARSEN
Blaine is a helicopter CFI that found, as a skydiver, he liked flying the aircraft more than jumping out of them. This led him to a career in aviation. He started an EMS program at the College of Southern Idaho. After earning his basic, advanced EMT and his paramedic certifications, he began a career in EMS. In 2017 he began working with Air St Lukes Boise. Blaine and his wife welcomed their first baby in July 2022!
TANNER LYMAN
Tanner was raised on a family owned and operated ranch on the southern Arizona border. He received a BA from the University of Arizona in Agriculture Technology and Management. Tanner was able to ride in a helicopter used to gather cattle and discovered his love for aviation! His dad always said find something you like to do, then find someone to pay you to do it and you will never work a day in your life. Currently, Tanner is in flight school working toward a career he can be proud of and enjoy. Fun fact, Tanner competed on the U of A rodeo team!
NICK HALL
Nick is a helicopter CFI, born in Boston, raised in Maine, and a big fan of deep snow! He moved to Big Sky Montana after he graduated high school, then to Idaho a few years later. Aviation is in Nick's blood, so naturally, he loved being in the air and pursued a career that could give him just that. Helicopters were a clear choice for him because of the maneuverability, hovering, and big windshields. Before flying, Nick and his buddies would travel around the states and Canada making ski movies. Ask him to see some of the rad videos!
JORDAN SEAMAN
Jordan is a helicopter CFI from Eureka, California. Before becoming the Air Force as a C-130 Crew Chief, he attended a local community college. He has 18 years of football experience, playing and officiating, he "enjoys cooking and mostly eating" and plays the guitar. Currently, Jordan is an A-10 Crew Chief at Gowen Field.
GRANT RUNG
Grant, a helicopter CFI, is from Pennsylvania, but his roots are in Montana. He's passionate about exploring the outdoors, traveling, flyfishing, and tracking birds with his English Pointer Rae! He hopes to assist with aerial photography, wildlife conservation, and extreme sports. "For me, aviation is about exploration. I want to take jobs all over the world and learn all I can about other cultures and continuously grow as a pilot." In the military, Grant was an infantry team leader and sniper instructor.
JOHN GROMMET
John is a helicopter CFI from Wichita, Kansas. You can find him either studying, flying, with his German Shepherd, or at the gym. While in the military, John was Paratrooper with the 82ND Airborne Division. He says, "The possibilities are endless when it comes to helicopters. There is an aspect of excitement in every flight and a curiosity within the world of helicopter aviation." Fun fact, John is a third-generation aviator.
BRENDEN HUBELE
Brenden is a FW CFI in Ontario, OR. He was born in Moscow, Idaho, and raised in Weiser. He likes to run, ski, hike, make/listen to music, and cook. He learned how to fly because his father and grandfather are both pilots. It can also be very thrilling (and challenging) at times. Brenden is a bugler in the military and his first job was trapping gophers. Fun fact, his dad was a former Silverhawk helicopter instructor!
NEIL MERCER
Fixed wing CFI Neil is a father of two children, a veteran, and an Idaho enthusiast. He moved to Boise for the first time when the Air Force gave him his first assignment as a jet mechanic, then again, a decade later, when he was stationed in Boise to fly the F-15E Strike Eagle. Neil loves being involved in the community and he is overjoyed to be able to retire in an area like the Treasure Valley.
MATT MARTINEZ
Matt is a fixed wing CFI. He recently wrapped up a 20-year-long Air Force career and began teaching in October 2022. He worked on F-16s and F-15Es for seven years, then earned his degree and became an F-15E Weapons System Officer (WSO) for 20 years. "It’s been a blast being able to travel to the world and fly around in one of the most advanced fighter jets in the U.S. inventory".
Aviation has been a lifelong passion for Matt. "Being able to hop in a plane and go wherever you want is a felling that’s hard to match."
Matt is married with three dogs who all look forward to staying in one place for longer than a couple of years!
ZACH MUNDS
Zach grew up in Caldwell, Idaho, learning to explore the outdoors. He loves camping, capturing the perfect sunset with his drone, and snowboarding in the winters. In high-school he had the opportunity to take flight and his eyes have been skyward ever since. Prior to instructing, he worked as a carpenter building cedar products for homes in the valley. When Zach is not flying you can find him restoring his classic car or vintage camper trailers. He was a competitive swimmer for 12 years and competed at State Championships all 4 years of high-school. Zach wanted to be a CFI to have the same impact on his students his instructors had on him!
HERB SWEENEY
Herb was born in Nampa and he grew up in Pocatello. He had always thought about flying but never took the leap until he "got old" and had a mid-life crisis! He hopes to be a good role model for his kids and provide a good life for his family. In the military, Herb was an LVS operator. The great outdoors is where Herb feels he belongs...
COLE BAXTER
Cole is a fixed wing CFI from La Grande, OR. He grew up playing all types of sports, his favorite being football. When he was 15 years old, he took ground lessons but had to pause due to finances. After living in Bolivia, he married his wife and worked as a wildland firefighter to save money for college, then COVID hit. His friend Dawson, a Silverhawk CFI, convinced him the time was now to follow his pilot dreams. Cole and his wife moved to Caldwell and now he flies airplanes for a living! Outside of Silvehawk, Cole is a blacksmith!
NOLAN M. HASH
Nolan grew up in Auburn, Washington, and moved to Boise in May of 2022 to continue his aviation journey. His dad, a fellow pilot, introduced him to aviation at a young age and became his CFI for his Private Pilot License.
"A career in aviation is so rewarding and it's an incredible opportunity to meet some really cool people. I wanted to become a CFI to help other people accomplish their goals."
Some of Nolan's hobbies include hunting, fishing, and golf.
ALEXEI CORK
Alexei is a fixed wing CFI from Boise. The excitement of traveling the world and the awesome office views are what led him to aviation. Outside of flying, he enjoys spending time with friends and family, biking, hiking, kayaking, and growing Bonsai Trees.
STEVAN DUNKIN
Stevan is a fixed wing instructor in Ontario, Oregon. He earned his PPL while in the Air Force. When he left the service, he began a 20-year Software Engineering career. It provided him time to spend with his family. Now that his two daughters are older, he wanted challenge himself and get back into flying. "I enjoy the freedom flying provides and the ability to travel long distances quickly."
Stevan volunteers with Civil Air Patrol as SAR/DR Mission Pilot and Instructor Pilot. He enjoys providing Orientation flights to CAP and JAFROTC Cadets.
TYLER SCHLADOR
Tyler is a fixed wing instructor with a passion for traveling, backpacking, and exploring the world. Some of his hobbies include snowboarding, soccer, and dirt biking. Growing up around helicopters caused him to dream of seeing the world from a new perspective. His goals are to bring joy to others through flight and to travel as much as possible!
CODY MELCHIOR
Cody was born and raised in the Bay Area. After receiving his BS in Wildlife Biology from the University of Montana, Cody moved to Wyoming to work as a field biologist. He spent many hours in a small aircraft conducting surveys which led him to wonder what life as a pilot would be like. He loved the endless opportunities in aviation and how it connects our great big world. After his time as a fixed wing CFI, he would like to pursue a career in conservation as a wildlife pilot. Fun fact, Cody spent his summers in college as a professional "snorkeler" for Idaho Fish and Game.
KALEB KELLER
Kaleb is a fixed wing CFI in Ontario, OR.
DAWSON KENNON
Dawson is a fixed wing CFI from Union, OR. He grew up an outdoorsman and was involved in athletics all the way through college. Dawson wanted a rewarding career, so he learned how to fly! He feels the best part is helping students feel the same sense of accomplishment he felt while going through training! In 2017, Dawson was a State Champion Javelin Thrower and a two time national qualifier at the collegiate level. He will possibly compete in the outdoor 2022 season. His older brother Johnny, who Dawson said "is an excellent role model in his life" is a former Silverhawk helicopter CFI. Now we have met the entire Kennon family!
BEN CRIPPS
Ben, a fixed wing instructor, moved to Boise in August 2020. Ben and his wife like to get out and explore all the Treasure Valley has to offer. They enjoy skiing, traveling, and flying! He grew up around aviation in Tacoma, WA. Both of his parents worked for Alaska Airlines, and he has been a flight attendant for Alaska since 2016. "There is no other feeling like being behind the controls in the air. Everything else melts away! The lifestyle and benefits are an added perk!" Fun fact, Ben took his first non-rev (standby) trip to Chicago when he was 10!
JOE LYON
Joe is a fixed wing CFI in Ontario, OR. He was born in Madrid, Spain, and had always dreamed of flight. After working as a Navy nuclear-trained submarine mechanic, he attended the University of Idaho and earned a degree in Mechanic Engineering. Joe returned to the Navy as a submarine officer and retired after 27 years. He pursued aviation because "The view is always spectacular. Challenge and opportunity to hone skills are nearly continuous. The people who are in the aviation business are some of the most gracious, helpful and thoughtful people I have ever met. It is a privilege to be a part of that family."
DAYTONA ARNZEN
Dayton, named after the Daytona 500, is a fixed wing CFI from Lewiston, Idaho. She began racing when she was six years old and still races today. She loves motorsports, skiing, hockey, flying, and anything outdoors! She believes the best parts about flying are how different each day can be... and the people you meet in the community.
MAINTENANCE CREW
ZACH BANNER
Born and raised in Star, Idaho, Zach and his wife are proud parents to their two kids. When he's not working on aircraft, Zach likes to fish, golf, hunt, and fly helicopters! Before Silverhawk, he was an Avionics Electrical Technician for seven years in the US Coast Guard. Zach flew as a crew member on USCG aircrafts conducting law enforcement, counter drug operations, and search and rescue. Zach loves the challenge his job presents and he is left handed!
DAVID ASH
David is an A&P mechanic from Marshall, Minnesota. He was homeschooled through his sophomore year, then attended a technical college. "I was a part of speech and robotics. I have always loved learning and building new things, and strive to glorify God in every aspect of my life." While earning his degrees and certificates, he did the maintenance on wind towers in Minnesota. Fun fact, David has his PPL and worked as a blacksmith throughout high school.
JOSH SIMON
Josh is a former helicopter CFI who continues to fly and work full-time in maintenance!
TARA CHAMBERLAIN
Tara, our meticulous Parts Manager, is from Challis, Idaho. She grew up playing multiple sports and riding horses on her family ranch. Tara went to TVCC and played basketball for two years while getting her associate's degree in business management. She is excited to see where this career takes her. Sweet tidbit, Tara has a 3-year-old lab mix puppy named Creed.
SETH BERKENMEIER
Seth was born in Boise and is the youngest of five boys in his family. He is an A&P mechanic who loves aviation! When he isn't working on an aircraft, he is outside, riding dirt bikes, camping, fishing, or boating. Or, perhaps studying, as he is a full-time engineering student!
AUSTIN SHAW
Austin works at Silverhawk Ontario.
PAMELA LARSON
Pam is the assistant to the Parts Manager. She grew up in Hawaii and moved away from the island when she was 17 years old. Pam has lived in four different states in the past two years. She enjoys cooking, riding her motorcycle, surfing (whenever possible), and painting!
ETHAN ROSS
Ethan, an Idaho native, is a mechanic apprentice. He enjoys shooting, hunting, and camping - all that good outdoor stuff. He received an apprenticeship when he was in high school at Silverhawk and says, "it has been awesome". Interesting fact, Ethan is pretty good at driving a wheel barrel!
NOLAN MCQUEEN
Nolan is an A&P on the maintenance team. He grew up in Kalispell, Montana, alongside five sisters and one brother. At 18 years old, he realized he wanted to be a mechanic while fixing his 1994 F-150. After completing the Aviation Maintenance Technician program at MATC, Nolan earned his A&P license. During this time, he met and married his wife Michaela and, after a few years in Wisconsin, they moved to Middleton, Idaho. Nolan hopes to test for his Inspection Authorization which will allow him to perform annual inspections. During his free time, he backpacks, kayaks, and works on my small farm.
AMELIA THEURER
Amelia is an apprentice.
IAN SIENKIEL
Ian works in the Silverhawk maintenance department.
BRE WINDER
Bre is an A&P mechanic.
MATT PERKINS
Matt (his friends call him "Bearclaw") is a mechanic on the Silverhawk maintenance team. He is from Paradise, California, and worked as a fisheries tech before joining Silverhawk. Interesting fact, Matt's grandfather was a competitive aerobatic pilot!
BLAKE OLSON
Blake was born and raised in Idaho. He works as an apprentice A&P and aircraft fueler for Silverhawk Ontario, and he is a fixed wing student at TVCC. He loves anything and everything to do with aircraft and flying. His end goal is to be a Med-evac, Life flight pilot, or firefighting pilot. Love anything outdoors and in nature. Blake is a Blackhawk Helicopter mechanic and crew chief for the Idaho Army National Guard.
He truly loves aviation and can't see myself doing anything else. Fun fact,
he has a twin sister named Adison.
PATRICK DRUM
Patrick was in the Air Guard as a Crew Chief on the F-15 Eagle for six years. For the past 14 years, he worked as a machinist setting up CNC mill machines and building things out of blocks of aluminum, steel, and plastic. Patrick has made parts for aerospace, semiconductors, and gun parts. His interest in the aviation world led him to work as an apprentice for Silverhawk. "The best part of tearing apart and putting an aircraft back together is seeing it fly again!"
BRETT SIMMONS
Brett is an A&P mechanic.