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 retired U.S. Marine Corps aviator with over 18 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. Justin is a family man with five children and is dedicated to mentoring the next generation of aviators.

Kristen Conklin

Co-founder and 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.

Jon Hughes

Co-founder and 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 co-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

Nick Neidert

Director of Maintenance

Nick Neidert serves as Director of Maintenance at HCH Aviation in Nacogdoches, TX. He’s an A&P/IA of almost a decade who brings a breadth of experience across Part 91, 135, and 145 operations on large turbine aircraft and multiple single-engine GA aircraft with troubleshooting depth in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems.

Nick leads the team of A&P technicians responsible for the safety, reliability, and airworthiness of the company's training fleet. A private and glider pilot himself, he understands the flight line from both sides of the hangar door.

Jason Vance

Assistant Chief

Natalie Ruckel

Office Manager

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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 Aviation


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

HCH Aviation In the news

Find Us

Physical:

556 Terry Crawford Dr., Bldg A100

Nacogdoches, TX 75964

Mailing:

PO Box 632247

Nacogdoches, TX 75963

Copyright © 2026.

All rights reserved. HCH Aviation

Physical:

556 Terry Crawford Dr., Bldg A100

Nacogdoches, TX 75964

Mailing:

PO Box 632247

Nacogdoches, TX 75963

(936) 869-9406

Find Us

For more information about First Flight and Aviators Ball, please contact Kristen Conklin

936-554-9298 / [email protected]

First Flight is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization helping our youth become future aviators.

Copyright © 2026. All rights reserved. HCH Aviation