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.
DALE BRYANT
CFI/I
Dale is a dedicated commercial aviator and first-generation pilot who transitioned into aviation following an established career in sales, management, and commercial operations. Bringing a unique blend of leadership experience, client-facing acumen, and operational maturity to the flight deck, Dale approaches aviation with a strong emphasis on risk management, clear communication, and continuous technical mastery. ​Holding active FAA certifications as a Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Instrument Instructor (CFII), Dale has logged extensive flight time across complex and multi-engine aircraft, including the Cessna Skyhawk, Piper Warrior, Arrow, Seminole, and the Diamond DA40 equipped with advanced glass cockpit avionics. ​Committed to precision, safety, and mentorship, Dale is actively advancing toward a professional career in air carrier operations—with the long-term objective of serving as a captain at a major airline.
Jack Swartwood
CFI/I
I started my aviation journey in 2022 by taking flight lessons over the summer while attending the University of Alabama. I quickly discovered that flying is much more exciting than sitting in front of a computer, and I decided that I was going to become a professional pilot. After graduating with honors from University of Alabama with a degree in MIS, I started flight training full time and "Rapidly" became a flight instructor in 12 months! At RFT, I am committed to helping students build the knowledge, confidence, and decision-making skills needed to become safe and skillful pilots. My goal is to share my passion for aviation while preparing my students for success wherever their flying takes them.