Garrett Seddon, Aviation Director and Instructor of Aeronautics

Garrett joined the Aspen School District (ASD) full time in July 2021 to utilize his experience and knowledge to help achieve the ASD Aviation Program mission. Garrett has a Bachelor of Science in Aviation Management and an Associate of Applied Science in Aviation Flight from Southern Illinois University. He is a certificated flight instructor with over 15 years of experience in the aviation industry.

Before working at the ASD, Garrett worked in airport management at the Kissimmee Gateway Airport in Florida and the Aspen/Pitkin County Airport in Colorado. While working in airport management, Garrett ensured airfield safety and compliance with the Federal Aviation Administration through safety oversight and Aircraft Rescue Firefighting.

After airport management, Garrett worked for the Colorado Center of Excellence for Advanced Technology in Rifle Colorado. As the Unmanned Systems Project Manager, Garrett led the research and implementation of new unmanned systems technology, software, and other advancements that improved the safety and efficiency of first responders. Garrett managed the unmanned aerial systems (UAS) program for the Colorado Department of Public Safety.

In 2009, Garrett commissioned in the United States Army into the Adjutant General Corps. He has served in the Colorado Army National Guard as a human resources manager for multiple units, the Commander of the 104th Public Affairs Detachment, the Public Affairs Officer for the Colorado Army National Guard, and is currently the Commander of the Headquarters Headquarters Detachment located at Joint Forces Headquarters in Centennial, Colorado.

In his current role as the Director of Aviation and Instructor of Aeronautics, Garrett shares his passion for aviation with students and staff. He teaches classes at the middle and high schools with the mission to have students pursue their aspirations within the aerospace industry.

Nicolas Kass joined Aspen Flight Academy full time in July 2021 in order to pursue teaching the future of aviation. Nicolas, has a Bachelors of Science in Professional Flight from Purdue University prestigious School of Aviation. Nicolas is a certified flight instructor with hundreds of hours of experience both in teaching and in received instruction.

Prior to Aspen Flight Academy, Nicolas served as a flight instructor for Purdue University. During his time in this role, Nicolas had the opportunity to teach students of various backgrounds and goals. Nicolas received a safety recognition award for assisting in an off airport landing.

After working for Purdue University, Nicolas went on to serve as an instructor for the Able Flight program. During this role Nicolas had the opportunity to educate physically disabled students how to fly in an accelerated course. Within two months Students with minimal background in aviation received their Sport Pilot certificates.

In Nicolas’s current role as full time flight instructor, he is devoted to making sure students receive the best education in the safest manner possible. He educates students in both ground in flight instruction, sharing his passion for aviation and dedication towards lifting students towards their goals.

Elizabeth Thompson, Aspen Flight Academy Flight Instructor

Elizabeth graduated from Texas Christian University with a General Studies Major, emphasis in health and fitness. Upon graduation, she enrolled in ATP flight school in Arlington, TX, where she gained her Certified Flight Instructor, Certified Flight Instrument Instructor, and Multi Engine Instructor ratings. She went on to flight instruct for ATP at both the Portland, Oregon and Fort Lauderdale locations. In December of 2021 she will have been a flight instructor for 2 years.

Elizabeth has been a flight instructor with the Aspen Flight Academy since July of 2020. She enjoys the hard work and dedication it takes to teach students how to fly in mountainous terrain.

Shahyon is a graduate of Purdue University’s flight program and brings his knowledge and experience of a world class flight school to the Roaring Fork Valley. Shahyon started flying when he was 18 and quickly became a CFII at the age of 20. Coming from a family with no ties to aviation, he found his passion for flying by coincidence from a neighbor who was an airline pilot and now hopes to create that same spark for young pilots and motivate them into careers in aviation.