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.
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.
WILLIAM EDWARDS
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI. MEI)
As a passionate aviator and dedicated flight instructor, William combines business expertise with a lifelong love of aviation. A graduate of the University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a degree in Business Administration, he brings strong communication, organization, and a client-focused approach to every lesson. His background as a student athlete shaped the work ethic and resilience he believes are essential in the cockpit. Inspired by his father’s career as a pilot, William pursued his CFI and MEI certifications and is committed to helping aspiring pilots build confidence and achieve their aviation goals.
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.
MATTHEW MALIK
Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI, CFII)
Matthew started his flying journey in Iowa in 2021 after his international backpacking trip was cut short by a global pandemic. Since then, Matthew found his passion in the sky and has become dedicated to becoming a great aviator. That passion led him to the very capital of the birthplace of flight here in North Carolina. He is now a CFII and eager to share his knowledge and help others soar to new heights. Matthew is committed to providing professional but also enjoyable instruction that keeps the skies safe and the aviation community growing.