CARSON WILLIS
Managing Director, Co-owner, & CFI (ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI)
Carson launched his aviation career at the age of 22 as a First Officer on the Beech 1900 with US Airways Express. He advanced to Captain at United Express on the CRJ 200/700. With over 6,000 flight hours, including 2,000+ as an instructor, he now focuses on training new pilots and mentoring our CFIs. Carson currently works in financial services in Raleigh, but his greatest passion remains sharing the joy of flight.
DAVID WILLIAMS
Co-owner & Gold Seal Flight Instructor (ATP-SE, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, sUAS)
David is a Gold Seal flight instructor for instrument, single-engine (land and sea), and multi-engine aircraft, and has been flying since 1998. In 2010, he was recognized as the EAA Outstanding Chapter Coordinator for Young Eagles. He also holds instrument and advanced ground instructor certifications and has taught aviation ground school at Wake Tech Community College. Beyond instruction, David founded Wildon Software, which provided initial support for the Operation Fly NC program.
GENE CONARD
Founder/Co-owner & Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
Gene is a dedicated flight instructor (CFI, AGI) and founder/co-owner of ExecFT. Gene has over 35 years of flight experience and more than 4,500 hours with a history of membership in military flying clubs all over the continental U.S., Alaska, Hawaii, and even Guam.
DAN CLARK
Founder/Co-owner
Dan started flying as a student in 1998 and is an instrument rated private pilot who also holds a certificate of professional photography from the New York Institute of Photography, a masters in national security strategy from the National War College, and a masters in strategic communication from the William Allen White School of Journalism at the University of Kansas. Dan served as the President of EFTS from incorporation until departing North Carolina in January of 2013. He currently resides in the United Kingdom and continues to work with ExecFT through online collaboration.
WAVERLY BARHAM
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
From a young age, Waverly was captivated by aviation. One summer, while out boating with family, he witnessed a seaplane perform takeoffs and landings on the lake. It was an incredible sight that inspired him to set a goal of becoming a pilot. Later that same year, he earned his private pilot's certificate, and then pursued further flight training at a local college, graduating in May 2022. Waverly is now thrilled to be working as a CFII and eager for the opportunities ahead in aviation.
SEAN BLIGH
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
Sean is a CFI and CFII, born and raised in New York and recently moved to North Carolina. Sean's love of flying started when he was 12 years old when his dad took him to visit a friend’s hanger. Sean got to sit in a Su-26 aerobatic plane and spend time flying in a simulator. He realized that day that flying was destined to be in his future. As Sean got older, he pursued a career as a project manager and plumber, and was brought back to flying when he was gifted an intro flight lesson for his birthday. That lesson changed his life. Almost immediately after landing he decided that flying would be more than just a hobby and left his job to enroll into a full time flight school. After completing flight school, Sean worked as a flight instructor in New York before relocating to North Carolina and joining Executive Flight Training. He is excited for the new adventures and opportunities NC and Executive Flight Training hold.
LUKE BRASSARD
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
Luke would sit in on his older brother's first flight lessons and found that he enjoyed learning about flying more than any subject he was ever shown in school. Before heading to college he became fully immersed in reading books about aviation, watching documentaries and studying for flight exams. Earning his Private Pilot certificate right before heading to College to study a 4-year degree in Aviation Sciences. After being surrounded by other pilots and finding joy in helping his peers study, he then knew he wanted to become a flight instructor to help others achieve their goals in flying.
KELSEY CONCI
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
Born and raised in Colorado, Kelsey became interested in aviation while earning her bachelors degree in Meteorology. Immediately after graduating, she earned her Aircraft Dispatcher license and began to work in both private aviation and for United Airlines. While working for United, she was accepted to the United Aviate Academy in Phoenix, AZ where she completed her flight training from PPL to CFII. New to Raleigh, she’s looking forward to
instructing and exploring the area from the sky.
CADEN EDWARDS
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII, MEI)
Caden’s love for aviation began at 18 when his first discovery flight sparked a lifelong dream of flying. Now a dedicated instructor, he focuses on delivering professional, customized training that helps each student reach their full potential.
ANDY HAUPRICHT
Certificated Flight Instructor (ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGI, IGI, sUAS)
Andy decided to take up flying while away on deployment after speaking with another soldier who used to fly traffic watch. Now that he’s retired from the Army National Guard after nearly 27 years of service, Andy enjoys helping pilots reach their goals. He’s a volunteer for Angel Flights, Pilots N Paws, Veterans Airlift Command, and Operation Airdrop. Andy’s experienced in 50 types of general aviation planes, and flies a Mooney M20J 201 out of TTA.
AUSTIN HICKS
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI)
Austin was born and raised around the Hickory NC area and moved to Raleigh in June 2025 after getting married. Austin had a love for airplanes from an early age and went to school at the University of North Carolina - Charlotte, where he majored in Meteorology. While working as an FAA Contract Weather Observer at Charlotte Douglas International Airport, he started taking flight lessons. After training with a few incredible instructors, Austin knew that he wanted to become a flight instructor and help others achieve their aviation dreams and become safe and competent pilots.