Rob Devinja - Owner
Rob is dedicated to preserving the school’s legacy as the longest-standing flight school at Knoxville Downtown Island Airport. His passion for aviation and commitment to quality instruction help ensure that every student begins their aviation journey in a supportive and professional environment. Outside the school, Rob manages and flies aircraft—including a HondaJet—and continues to enjoy the freedom of flight while encouraging others to pursue their own path in aviation.
Ben Vaughn - Chief of Operations
As the Chief of Operatations of KFTC, Ben carries on the legacy of aviation at Knoxville Downtown Island. As the oldest flight school based here, the academy has built its reputation on years of experience, trusted instruction, and a strong commitment to student success. Although life and business kept him busy over the years, the love of aviation has always remained close to his heart. Today he is proud to be apart of helping future pilots take flight.
Lindsey Mason- Flight Operations Coordinator
Lindsey helps manage daily operations at KFTC, assisting students with scheduling, training coordination, and getting started in aviation. She enjoys being apart of each student's journey from their first discovery flight to reaching their goals in the sky, and is currently working towards earning her Private Pilot License.
Nathan blair - Chief Flight Instructor
Nathan grew up in Maryville, Tennessee and attended Maryville High School. He began his aviation journey right here at DKX, where he earned his Private Pilot License before continuing his training at Middle Tennessee State University.
While at MTSU, Nathan earned his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, Multi-Engine Rating, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Certified Flight Instructor – Instrument (CFII). His long-term goal is to fly professionally for FedEx or UPS.
Nathan enjoys helping students build confidence in the cockpit and guiding them through their training in a safe, efficient, and encouraging environment. Outside of flying, he enjoys spending time outdoors and traveling with friend.
Ratings: CFI- CFII-MEI
Jonathan Ward - Flight Instructor
Jonathan Ward was born and raised in Greenville, South Carolina and completed his training at American Flyers down in Pompano Beach, Florida. He earned his private, instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII while attending flyers. After completing his multi training at KFTA, Jonathan continued his journey as an instructor here. Jonathan enjoys golfing as well as exercising and pickleball. Other hobbies Jonathan includes hiking and reading.
Ratings: CFI- CFII
Faith Atchison - Flight Instructor
Faith earned her aviation ratings through Henderson State University in Arkansas and further training at Aviation Academy in Louisiana. With a strong academic foundation and hands-on flight experience, she brings both knowledge and enthusiasm to the cockpit. Faith is passionate about helping students build confidence in the air while maintaining a strong focus on safety, professionalism, and solid fundamentals. From your first Discovery Flight to earning your final rating.
Ratings: CFI- CFII-MEI
Patrick Rahaim - Flight Instructor
Patrick believes learning to fly should be both disciplined and exciting. With a focus on safety, clear instruction, and confidence-building, he enjoys helping students turn their curiosity about aviation into real skills in the cockpit. He earned his CFI, CFII and MEI through ATP Flight School and brings extensive experience in flight training. Whether it is your first flight or the final steps toward your certificate, Patrick is committed to making every lesson count.
Ratings: CFI- CFII-MEI
Janna Crow - Flight instructor
For Janna, aviation is about helping others discover the same sense of freedom and accomplishment that comes with flying. After earning her pilot certificate, she chose to pursue flight instruction so she can guide new aviators through their own journey in aviation. Known for her patient teaching style and attention to detail, she enjoys helping students build confidence in the cockpit and achieve their goals as a pilot.
Ratings: CFI- CFII
Richard Brinkman - Flight Instructor
Richard is originally from Spokane, Washington. He is a retired veteran who served overseas for over 14 years in Germany. When he got out of the military he pursued his pilot license. His first transport pilot position was as the PIC on the Saab 340 B. He then became the owner of a flight school in Orlando, Florida for a couple of years. From there Richard became a transport pilot for a large commuter airline that is subcontract to Delta, United and American. He was the PIC on the Saab 340 A and the Embraers 170/190. Rich’s skills include ATP, CFII, MEI, Drone Pilot. He has logged over 28,000 Flight Hours, 17,200 Turbine Hours and has given over 7,500 Instruction Hours.
Richard moved to the Knoxville area to be closer to where his wife’s family has resided in the Smoky Mountains since the Colonial Times. He has two grown daughters who reside in Arizona and Michigan. He just became a proud grandpa last Winter. His passion for flying is very evident to all of his students.