Professional Flight Training School

Collegiate Aviation Program

Professional Flight Training

Professional Flight Training School

Meet the Team

Justin Pitcock

President and Chief Flight Instructor

Justin Pitcock joined HCH Aviation in the summer of 2024. He is a former active-duty U.S. Marine Corps aviator with over 15 years of experience flying the MV-22 Osprey and multiple other platforms in combat deployments, Presidential flight operations, civilian flying, and training operations.

A Texas A&M finance graduate, University of Texas MBA, and native of Graham, TX, he combines leadership, aviation expertise, and business acumen to grow aviation education across Texas. He remains active in the Marine Corps Reserves and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of aviators

Kristen Conklin

CEO

Kristen's high standards for excellence show through in each of her successful ventures from aviation to the real estate industry.

Kristen's focus on the details ensures our customers have a first-class experience at each contact with HCH Aviation. Through her leadership, HCH Aviation will continue to evolve so that we achieve "Best in Class" status known for training top-notch aviators ready for the most challenging aviation careers.

Kristen's high standards for excellence show through in each of her successful ventures from aviation to the real estate industry.

Kristen's focus on the details ensures our customers have a first-class experience at each contact with HCH Aviation. Through her leadership, HCH Aviation will continue to evolve so that we achieve "Best in Class" status known for training top-notch aviators ready for the most challenging aviation careers.

John Hughes

Aviation Safety Director

With a career spanning over four decades, HCH founder and Aviation Safety Director Jon Hughes offers students insight into corporate, 135 charter and 121 carrier operations.

Currently flying the Boeing 767 for United Airlines, his credentials include ATP, certified flight instructor instrument and multiengine, with type ratings in Embraer 175/190, Airbus A320/321 and Boeing 757/767

With a career spanning over four decades, HCH founder and Aviation Safety Director, Jon Hughes, offers students insight into corporate, 135 charter and 121 carrier operations.

Currently flying the Boeing 767 for United Airlines, his credentials include ATP, certified flight instructor instrument and multiengine, with type ratings in Embraer 175/190, Airbus A320/321 and Boeing 757/767

Drew Surette

Director of Maintenance

Drew Surrette serves as the Director of Maintenance at HCH Aviation in Nacogdoches, TX. With extensive experience in large and smaller GA aircraft maintenance and inspection, Drew ensures the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of the company’s fleet. He leads a team of skilled A&P technicians and implements rigorous maintenance standards to support training operations.

Drew’s commitment to excellence underpins HCH’s reputation for top-tier aviation safety and service.

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Jason Vance

Assistant Chief

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Jack Gainer

Check Airman

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Natalie Ruckel

Office Manager

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Mathew P. Leftwich

Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI

Education: LeTourneau University.

My favorite thing about flying is flying with students through the clouds for the first time.

Peyton Leftwich

Flight Instructor

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Joe Cefalu

Flight Instructor

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Chris Barker

Ratings: CFI, CFII, Check Airman.

Education: Spartan School of Aviation, Tulsa, OK

Favorite thing about flight instructing is watching the first solo.

Chris Barker

Flight Instructor

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Casey Clark

Ratings: CFI, CFII, A&P

Education: Perdue University.

Flying never stops challenging you, and that's what keeps it exciting.

Casey Clark

Flight Instructor

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Eli Lesley

Ratings: CFI

Education: Stephen F. Austin State University, HCH Avitaion

My favortie thing about flying is the incredible ability to travel and the remarkable views. The best views in the world come from airplanes.

Eli Lesley

Flight Instructor

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Jacob Andrews

Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI

Education: Texas State University / ATP Flight School.

I enjoy that the field of aviation is constantly evolving and challenges me to continue growing and learning as a pilot.

Jacob Andrews

Flight Instructor

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Landon Dodge

Flight Instructor

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Levi Jones

Flight Instructor

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Daniel Cox

Ratings: CFI, CFII, AGI, IGI

Education: University of Texas at Tyler

The main thing I love about flying is the Adventure. Every day is a new and exciting challenge which makes the aviation industry very rewarding.

Daniel Cox

Flight Instructor

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Aubrey Large

Ratings: CFI, CFII, MEI

Education: Blue Line Aviation, Friendswood high School.

My favorite thing about flying is making my students' dreams become a reality and watching them grow as professional pilots!

Aubrey Large

Check Airman

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Dylan Houck

Flight Instructor

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Will Kendrick

Flight Instructor

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STAFF

Flight Instructor

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Instructor Ratings: CFI Education: Stephen F. Austin State University, HCH Aviation Favorite thing about flying is the fun that comes from operating an airplane.