Meet the Team
Jon Dillenberg
Director, Part 147
Jon is a skilled airframe and powerplant technician with an inspection authorization. He has a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, having started his career as a UH-60 Crew Chief in the US Army. In this role, he was responsible for maintaining and repairing the aircraft, as well as training other crew members. Jon also served as a Standardization Instructor in the Army, sharing his knowledge and expertise with his colleagues.
After leaving the military, he worked as a Technical Instructor at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy, where he taught type training for the Bell 412 to students from around the world, and was promoted to Manager, Technical Training, leading the entire global technician training business. Jon has conducted training in over 20 countries, making him a well-rounded and highly qualified professional in the field.
Khadijha Belk
Program Coordinator of Maintenance
Khadijha Belk is an FAA-certified Aircraft Dispatcher and aviation operations professional with extensive experience supporting Flight Operations Systems (FOS), operational recovery, and cross-functional airline operations within FAA-regulated environments. With experience across Envoy and American Airlines, they have worked closely with Dispatch, Crew Scheduling, Maintenance, IT, and Flight Operations teams to improve operational efficiency, support IRROPs recovery, and enhance system performance.
Blending aviation expertise with business analysis and technical operations experience, Khadijha specializes in bridging business and technology teams, troubleshooting operational systems, supporting implementations and training initiatives, and driving process improvements in fast-paced environments.
Instructors
Forrest Benson
A&P Instructor
Forrest’s aviation career started at a small-town Wisconsin airport where he rebuilt vintage aircraft and traded sweat equity for flight time. He has since served as Director of Maintenance, flight instructor in Alaska, and Caravan Captain in the Caribbean.
He earned his A&P at Fox Valley Technical College in Oshkosh, Wisconsin and has logged over 1,600 flight hours across 49 U.S. states and three countries. His experience spans every corner of General Aviation, giving students real-world perspective both in the cockpit and on the hangar floor.
Daniel Bettke
A&P Instructor
Dan came to aviation after running his own engine and PWC repair shop in Denton, TX for eight years. His background in electrical work, construction, and small engine repair gives him a practical, hands-on teaching style that connects with students.
He earned his A&P and worked at a flight school in Denton before joining Thrust Institute. Dan is currently working toward his Private Pilot License and pursuing IA and rigging certifications. Outside the hangar, he’s on Lake Lewisville wakeboarding or riding freestyle jet ski.
Eric Arnett
A&P Instructor
Eric has over 11 years of experience as a certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic with a strong foundation in aircraft systems, maintenance practices, and safety compliance. Known for his disciplined approach and attention to detail.
Ben Duitsman
A&P Instructor
Ben earned his A&P Certificate in 2017 and has worked as a mechanic with Spirit Airlines, Aeromexico, Envoy, and the NFL’s New England Patriots. He brings airline-level maintenance standards and hands-on experience from diverse operations into the classroom.
Neil Flowers
Neil Flowers is an FAA-certified aviation maintenance professional with extensive experience across military, commercial, and rotorcraft operations. He has led maintenance teams for American Airlines and managed multi-site helicopter operations for Leading Edge Helicopters, maintaining rigorous FAA compliance and operational efficiency.
A U.S. Marine Corps veteran with a background in FA-18 ordnance maintenance, Neil brings a disciplined, safety-focused approach and a commitment to excellence to every aspect of aviation maintenance and instruction.
Start your aviation maintenance technician career today. Book a call with a member of our admissions team and get all your questions answered.