ABOUT US
Rapid Flight Training was founded to deliver Fast, Focused, Flight Training. Our motto is "It's OK to be Impatient." We are impatient for you to get your certificate or rating. Rapid Flight Training concentrates on knowledge transfer and eliminates relearning caused by pauses and delays. Real-world cross-countries and situation-based training are the core of our accelerated flight training program.
MEET OUR TEAM
MATT LEHTINEN
FOUNDER & CHIEF INSTRUCTOR
I love flying as much as I love teaching. I grew up flying floatplanes with my dad in Northern Minnesota. I'm a serial entrepreneur, and back in the day, I achieved both my private and instrument in just a few months. Thus, my goal is to help you "Rapidly" realize your aviation dreams. Whether your goal is professional or personal, we provide safe, effective, and practical scenario-based training. It's OK to be impatient. We cut out the waste and delays of flight training, and we have a lot of fun doing it!
LUCAS WELCH
CFI
I've had a passion for flying as long as I remember and started flying early in high school. I am one of the founding instructors and have been with RFT since the very beginning in Muncie. I am currently a senior at Ball State studying Physics and Meteorology. My students have had a strong track record of successful check rides, and I love teaching and seeing my students succeed.
DAVID WHITE
Business Manager
I am the business manager for RFT and I swapped a career in accounting and finance for flight instruction and the airlines. My career is proof that you can pursue your aviation dreams independent of your starting point. When I'm not flying Airbus jets, I love helping our instructors and students execute their flight training goals.
JONATHAN NAGLE
CFI/I
I grew up traveling with my father and developing a fascination with the energy of international airports and mechanics of flight. This early curiosity turned into a 15-year career in the US Army where I managed a fleet of heavy lifters including Chinooks, Blackhawks, and Lakota helicopters. I served overseas on multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Kuwait. I finished my service as a Chinook Crew Chief honing a high-stakes and disciplined approach to crew resource management. Now as a Flight Instructor, I want to bring my extensive mechanical expertise and combat-tested perspective to the cockpit. My goal is to provide my students with a flight training experience rooted in technical precision and deep-seated passion for the skies.
CONOR PADJEN
CFI/I
I've had a passion for aviation as long as I can remember. So, I went ahead and earned my private pilot at 17 years old and used it to fly my family and friends around during my senior year of high school. Next, I attended Utah State where I earned my degree in Aviation Technology and Professional Flight with a minor in criminal justice. I started here at Rapid in late 2025 and have been dedicated to giving safe, high-quality and fun flight instruction. Outside of flying, I enjoy hiking, golfing, working out and spending time with my dogs.
TIM MOLINARI
CFI/I
My aviation career started back in 2016 as a freshman in college. After earning my Flight Instructor certificates, I knew I wanted to remain closer to home and teach at a flight school that truly put its students first and fosters a learning environment that promotes aeronautical safety and professionalism. Here at RFT, we are all about developing safer pilots and helping them achieve their dreams with Fast, Focused, Flight Training. On days off from teaching, I work in the airlines as a Flight Dispatcher planning and tracking flights across North America as well as jumpseating on aircraft ranging from CRJ 200's to Boeing 777's to observe flight deck operations.