Management
Tom Landry
Tom Landry, founder and owner of Sasquatch Aviation, began his aviation journey at North Central Institute in Clarksville, TN, where he started his training in 2008. Since launching his career in 2010, Tom has amassed over 15 years of expertise as a professionally trained pilot and a licensed A&P IA mechanic. His passion for aviation and unwavering commitment to safety have been the cornerstone of his work, ensuring that every aircraft he services meets the highest industry standards.
From private planes to commercial aircraft, Tom brings advanced technical skills and a meticulous attention to detail to every project, ensuring each plane is ready to fly with confidence. Tom values the trust his customers place in him, dedicating himself to keeping pilots and passengers safe in the skies.
When he’s not in the hangar, Tom enjoys exploring the great outdoors, embodying the adventurous spirit of Sasquatch Aviation. Whether hiking through the woods or sharing his love of flight with his family, Tom finds inspiration in every aspect of life.
Chad Robertson
Chad brings a rare combination of hands-on skill, deep aviation knowledge, and a strong connection to the Aurora Airport. A degree in aviation, a licensed A&P IA mechanic since 2014, a pilot since 2017, and a recent CFI/CFII, Chad has spent his career working in and around aviation in a wide variety of roles. This has provided him unmatched insight into both the aircraft and the community we serve.
Chad joined Sasquatch Aviation in 2024 to lead our shop team, where he ensures every aircraft is maintained to the highest standard of safety and precision. With extensive expertise in piston aircraft and an unwavering commitment to quality, he’s the go-to guy for both technical troubleshooting and keeping our operations running smoothly.
When he's not overseeing shop operations or sharing his knowledge with the team, Chad enjoys flying his own aircraft, restoring cars, and spending time with his kids, often doing all three with the same level of passion and curiosity.
Dan Owczarzak
Known around here as “Dan O,” he brings a fresh perspective and a whole lot of energy to the Sasquatch Aviation team. With a background rooted in IT management, Dan made a bold leap into the world of aviation—and he hasn’t looked back. His expertise in contract management, sales, and customer service helps keep the business side of things running smoothly, ensuring our customers enjoy top-tier support both in and out of the hangar.
While he may now be found shuffling papers more than hosting virtual conferences, Dan’s real superpower is making things happen behind the scenes. He brings structure, strategy, and a human touch to every interaction.
Outside the office, Dan keeps things just as exciting. He coaches soccer, enjoys experimenting in the kitchen, finds any excuse to play, and maps out epic family road trips in their trusty Sprinter van. Whether it’s business operations or cross-country adventures, Dan brings curiosity, creativity, and a little bit of mischief to our team.
Flight Instructors
Alan Koziol
As our Chief Flight Instructor, Alan’s career is defined by a dual passion for high-level commercial aviation and the art of mentoring. What began as a foundational love for teaching has evolved into a sophisticated career in the skies; in addition to leading our training program, Alan currently serves as a pilot for Alaska Airlines.
This unique perspective allows Alan to bridge the gap between initial flight training and the rigorous standards of the major airlines. He is deeply committed to developing safe, confident pilots who are not just prepared to pass a checkride, but are equipped for long-term professional success. Under his leadership, our students benefit from real-world insights and a curriculum rooted in industry excellence.
Jeremiah Harkema
Beginning his career in aviation with the Navy and transitioning into flight training in his retirement, Jeremiah brings a wealth of experience as a CFI. He craves adventure and loves the opportunities flying provides. His passion is helping others experience the same feeling of freedom.
When he is not on the field, in our Flight Office, or in the sky, Jeremiah is exploring the outdoors, deep into a creative project, or on a mission to save the world. He has stories that can make time fly.
Lance Fewel
Lance’s aviation journey began in the cockpit of U.S. Navy jets, where he honed the precision and discipline that define his flying style today. Following his military service, Lance spent decades as a Captain for UPS, navigating heavy jets across the globe until his recent retirement.
Retirement hasn't slowed him down; instead, it has fueled his passion for mentorship. As a CFI, Lance is dedicated to passing on a career's worth of knowledge and experience to the next generation of pilots. When he isn’t at Sasquatch, you’ll likely find him landing at regional airports in his personal aircraft, likely with a set of golf clubs in the back, searching for fairway.
Casey Brogdon
Casey’s aviation journey began at age 19 when he earned his private helicopter rating. Before returning to the cockpit full-time, he served a distinguished 17-year career in law enforcement as an officer, detective, and SWAT team member. These experiences instilled in him a deep sense of discipline and the ability to remain calm under pressure, traits that translate perfectly to flight instruction,
Now a fixed-wing CFI, CFII, and MEI, Casey leverages his background in high-stakes environments to mentor the next generation of pilots. He focuses on the precision and methodical decision-making required for professional flight, helping students at all levels become resilient, high-skill aviators.
Tyler Lehmann
A fixture at the Aurora airport for about a decade, Tyler’s approach to aviation is fueled by a genuine, infectious passion for flight. With over 1,000 hours logged, he remains just as excited to get into the cockpit today as he was on day one. His goal is to pass that same energy on to his students, ensuring they don't just learn the mechanics of flying, but develop a true love for the skies.
Tyler joined our team because our mission and style align with his own long-term vision for a career in aviation. Whether he is instructing, providing professional pilot services, or "turning wrenches" in the hangar during his downtime, he is committed to the industry in every capacity. His extensive local experience and versatile skillset make him an invaluable asset to both our team and his students.
Maintenance Team
Nat Dunn
Born in Micronesia and raised in Portland, Nat's story began at 30,000 feet—figuratively, at least. As the son of missionaries, early global travel left a lasting impression and sparked a lifelong fascination with aviation. That passion led him to become a certified A&P mechanic in 2015, and he’s been an integral part of the Sasquatch Aviation team since 2019.
With a calm demeanor and a sharp eye for detail, Nat brings both technical precision and a thoughtful approach to every aircraft he maintains. Whether he's wrenching in the shop or taking to the skies, his commitment to safety and quality is always front and center.
Outside of aviation, Nat enjoys time with his family, getting lost in the beauty of the Pacific Northwest, and continuing the missionary spirit he grew up with. His heart, like his career, is always pointed toward meaningful impact.
Mike Friedley
Born in Boise and shaped by life across the western U.S., Mike brought his mechanical expertise and adventurous spirit to Oregon in 2024 and straight into the world of aviation. With over a decade of experience as an auto mechanic, his precision and problem-solving skills have transitioned seamlessly into maintaining aircraft at Sasquatch Aviation.
Mike’s passion for flight runs deep, and now he’s channeling that enthusiasm into the cockpit as well! He is actively studying and preparing to begin his own flight training journey. His strong work ethic, curiosity, and hands-on know-how make him a valued part of our growing team.
When he’s not turning wrenches or hitting the books, Mike enjoys golfing, hiking, fishing, or simply unplugging with his family and spending time playing games or exploring Oregon’s great outdoors together.
Ken Griffin
Ken, an Army veteran, discovered his passion for aviation while utilizing his GI Bill to become a licensed A&P mechanic. He has been working on small engine aircraft in Oregon and Alaska since 2002. After a brief hiatus from the aviation industry, Ken eagerly rejoined the field and our team.
Ken is a problem-solver who believes every challenge has a positive solution. He's our resident MacGyver!
When not at work, Ken stays active. You might find him riding or working on his Harley, driving for DoorDash across the Willamette Valley, or taking his family to the coast. He's always on the go!
Ben Vander Lugt
Born and raised in Alaska, Ben’s passion for aviation is lifelong. Growing up in a community of pilots and aircraft owners, including his own father, he spent his childhood immersed in both fixed-wing and rotary-wing aviation. This early exposure gave him a deep, intuitive understanding of the industry long before he officially entered the field.
Ben recently relocated to the area to support his partner while she pursues her nursing degree. He has since joined our team to work as an A&P Technician while continuing his own flight training. Though he is early in his career, his decades of proximity to aircraft make him an incredibly quick study, bringing both mechanical skill and a pilot’s perspective to the hangar.
Outside of work, Ben stays true to his Alaskan roots by embracing the outdoors. Whether he is skiing, hiking, or finding a new fishing spot, he takes every opportunity to explore his new surroundings. We are thrilled to have his expertise and adventurous spirit on the team.