We’ll pair you with a flight instructor who aligns with your schedule and learning preferences, ensuring the best fit for your aviation journey
Our team
OWNER / INSTRUCTOR
Jamie Arispe
Jamie never envisioned herself in aviation until her husband Anthony, an A&P and IA, suggested one day in 2016 that she take some lessons "just for fun" so she could have a better understanding of what he did for a living.
Things escalated quickly from there, and, by 2020, she had ditched her "real job" to pursue aviation full time, was living at an airport, became a flight instructor and started her own flight school. Jamie also serves as Treasurer on the Aero Country Property Owners’ Association Board of Directors.
When she's not managing the school, Jamie enjoys spending time with her family the lake.
CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
Caleb mundt
Caleb wanted to be a pilot ever since he was little and took a Young Eagles ride in Milwaukee, WI. That hooked him, but he didn’t do anything aviation-related until he was in college, when he worked at an FBO and earned his Private. He has a B.S. in Music Education and taught Middle School band and General Music for 6 years before deciding to career change and move to Texas. He completed the rest of his ratings and is excited to jump into flight instructing full-time. Outside of flying, he enjoys reading, music, and spending time outdoors.
Flight Training Standardization & Instructor Development Advisor
Manolo Centeno
Manolo is a Gold Seal CFI with over 20 years of experience in the airline industry, including ground training in a Part 121 airline, flight operations, IT, operations planning and analysis, financial planning and analysis, and revenue management. He became a private pilot in 2018, and his commitment to professionalism has led him to his instrument, commercial, CFI, CFII, commercial multi-engine, and ATP ratings.
At Airplanes & Attitude, Manolo provides expert guidance on flight training standardization and instructor development. He ensures that training programs align with best practices, enhance instructional quality, and support the professional growth of Flight Instructor. Additionally, he assists with IT system support to improve training operations.
When Manolo isn’t refining training standards, he enjoys flying, spending time with family, traveling, and cooking- Especially Grilling!
LEAD INSTRUCTOR
Holly Dyer
At the age of 14 Holly was taken for a ride in a helicopter in California. The pilot allowed her to take controls, and after that, she knew she wanted to fly professionally. Holly realized her dreams of flying in 2018 and has been instructing ever since. When she is not sharing her love of flying with others, she enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, working on her plane, raising chickens and gardening.
INSTRUCTOR
Parker Dunlap
Ever since Parker was old enough to remember, his father always took him to every airport he could find! His father’s passion for aviation began to rub off on him. That eventually turned into flying with his father and getting his ratings. Parker holds his CFI and CFII licenses and loves helping people achieve their aspirations in aviation. When Parker is not flying, he enjoys the outdoors, golf, and hanging out at the airport.
INSTRUCTOR
STERLING GAFFORD
Sterling is a Gold Seal CFI/CFII, AGI, IGI with Commercial Multi and Single Engine, Instrument privileges. In the Marine Corps, he was an Airframes Mechanic on KC-130s for six years, serving during OIF and OEF. He comes from a long line of aviators starting with his Great Grandfather who started the first flight school and Cessna Distributorship on the grounds of what is now KBTR in Baton Rouge, LA. His grandfather was a 37-year Delta Captain and Chief Warbird Pilot at Cavanaugh Flight Museum.
Sterling is extremely honored to continue the family legacy by transmitting skills and knowledge to the next generation of aviators.
He is a proud father of three and is currently instructing his daughter through her Private license en route to an aviation career.
When he's not flying he is thinking or reading about flying and training his son in basketball.
INSTRUCTOR
Daniel Kaphingst
For as long as Daniel can remember, he has always been fascinated with airplanes and the idea of flying. At 16 years old, he joined the Tango Thirty One Aero Clube, had his first flight, and knew he had to become a pilot. He now holds his CFI and CFII certificates and loves sharing his passion for aviation with others!
INSTRUCTOR
BENJAMIN RIGGS
Ben grew up local to DFW, where his dad took him for airport picnics and to local airshows.
Ever since, he's wanted to do nothing but fly!
Ben attended Texas A&M University where he studied weather, geography, and was a proud member of the Corps of Cadets and Fightin' Texas Aggie Band.
Ben worked at the Airport FBO in College Station during his flight training before moving back up to DFW and has found his home at Airplanes and Attitude.
When he's not flying, he enjoys spending time with his girlfriend, playing board games with his friends, painting model aircraft, and competition shooting sports.
INSTRUCTOR
Chris Dennis
Chris Dennis, known as “Mooneyman,” is a CFI with a background in electrical engineering from UTA and a career in network operations and IT at Verizon. He’s also a drone operator, software developer, certified firefighter, EMT, and skilled mechanic with a passion for hands-on projects and restoration.
Chris owns a Mooney based at McKinney National Airport (TKI) and is available for instruction on weekends and weekday evenings.
His mission:
“I’ve committed my life to making better, safer pilots.”
INSTRUCTOR
ALEX o’ BRIEN
Alex grew up in Nebraska and attended Nebraska Wesleyan University. While in college, he took a discovery flight and immediately knew that flying was going to be a big part of his life. After graduation, he initially pursued a different career, but the calling of aviation never left. Eventually, he decided to make the leap and pursue aviation full time.
Now, Alex is excited to share the joy of flying and welcome new pilots into the aviation community!
INSTRUCTOR
KIM MILLER
Kim blends a love for aviation with a strong foundation in education. She first gravitated toward the flight deck during her time as a flight attendant and fell in love with flying even more after a discovery flight. Kim earned her degree in Math Education from Stephen F. Austin State University and previously taught 7th grade math. Now, she brings that same passion for teaching into the airplane—helping students feel confident, capable, and supported throughout their training journey. In her free time Kim enjoys traveling, spending quality time with loved ones and volunteering within the aviation community.
INSTRUCTOR
CHAD CLARK
An Oregon native, Chad's sense of adventure has always existed. Moving to McKinney in 2021 & living right near Aero Country Airport, his curiosity for aviation was sparked by the all of the planes overhead.
Following a referral from another pilot, Chad took a discovery flight with Airplanes & Attitude and was immediately hooked. He is a true A&A success story, completing all of his training with A&A from his first lesson to becoming a Certified Flight Instructor.
When he’s not teaching, Chad enjoys traveling with his family and giving back to the community by flying for Angel Flights.
INSTRUCTOR
Taylor price
Taylor is a Certified Flight Instructor who loves sharing her enthusiasm for aviation with new pilots. She earned bachelor’s degrees from the University of Arkansas (woo pig!) and Texas A&M University College of Dentistry. She previously worked as a dental hygienist, where she developed the patience and precision she now brings to flight training. Her goal is to make learning to fly fun while building confidence in every student she works with. Outside of flying, Taylor enjoys playing with her puppy and practicing Pilates.
DIRECTOR OF MAINTENANCE
Anthony Arispe
Anthony is the owner of Airspeed & Attitude, the avionics and maintenance shop where our fleet reside. In addition to being an IA and A&P, Anthony is also a pilot. He maintains the aircraft that both he and his wife (Jamie) fly.
ADMINISTRATIVE & MARKETING MANAGER
Jonathan Pallmann
Jonathan is a certificated Commercial Pilot with a love for aviation, with his passion for aviation starting at the low age of just 4 years old. He loves spending time with friends, family, in the gym, and has a particular enjoyment for smoking meats.