Instructors

Casey, CFI and tailwheel instructor at KXNX

Casey, CFI

Hi, I’m Casey. My aviation journey began in California, where the stories and flyovers honoring my neighbor—one of the first California Highway Patrol pilots—sparked my passion for flying. I earned my private pilot certificate at KVNY in 2019 and, in 2021, moved to Tennessee with my husband, Wyatt. Though I was a country singer-songwriter at the time, I soon shifted my focus to aviation, earning my instrument rating at KBNA, commercial at KBWG, multiengine at KCEY, and CFI with Ben in his Cessna 140A at KXNX.

Tailwheel flying quickly became my favorite, drawn to its hands-on challenge and the pure joy of stick and rudder flying. My dream is to one day own a Cessna 170B for backcountry flying. When I’m not in the air, I’m either fishing with my husband, Wyatt, or spending time with our three dogs—Bradley, Colt, and Maple.

Ben, CFII and tailwheel nerd and at KXNX

Ben, CFII

Hi, I’m Ben. I’m a CFII and tailwheel and coffee nerd! All the bills for Drift come to my address so I guess that makes me the owner of this flight school or is it a coffee shop? Hmmmm. I’ve been dreaming of flying since I was a kid building marginally airworthy Lego planes, especially the Piper Cub — it’s hard to believe that I get to fly one nearly every day.

I co-created and helped to build Crema, Coffee Roasters but eventually found my way back to my first love, flying. Soon after earning my Private Pilot Certificate an iconic flight in a Piper J4 cemented my love for the challenge and joys of tailwheel flying. When I became an instructor I started teaching tailwheel flying and quickly discovered it is the type of flying and teaching I enjoy most and Drift Aviation was born. Our focus is creating exceptional pilots using time-honored techniques and tailwheel aircraft…come fly with us!

Collin, CFII, MEI, A&P, IA

Hi, I’m Collin. I’m an avid pilot, mechanic, flight instructor, and have been an aircraft owner for over a decade. I have operated as an instructor or manager in various flight schools in Middle Tennessee, helping to develop the curricula for Private, Instrument, and Tailwheel courses. In 2018, I and my wife relocated to Papua New Guinea, where I served as a pilot with an Aviation Missionary organization, providing logistical assistance in medical emergencies and routine cargo hauling. In 2022, I completed my master’s degree in Aviation Safety & Security at Middle Tennessee State University. I operated as an aircraft mechanic and Authorized Inspector (IA) with the MTSU Flight School Fleet and a Teaching Assistant in undergraduate Part 147 Mechanic Program. I currently am an Assistant Professor in the Pro-Pilot Program at MTSU. I actively conduct research in aviation education, human factors, and a variety of other areas through both interdisciplinary collaboration and individual research projects. Outside the classroom, I serve as an Advisory Board Member for the Motlow Aviation Program, a volunteer pilot with the Flagship Detroit Foundation's DC-3, and a mentor for local high school students seeking aviation careers. I showcase my aviation experiences through social media under the handle “The Flying Mechanic.”