Meet the Team

Patrick Arnzen

Chief Executive Officer

A former airline pilot, and designated pilot examiner (DPE) since 2012, Patrick has built and run several aviation businesses over the course of his career. He currently serves as the CEO of Thrust.

This rapidly expanding flight school operates the popular Zero Time to Airline program that trains future airline pilots.

Jeremy Owens

Chief Operating Officer

A former Naval Aviator and seasoned operations executive, Jeremy oversees Sales & Marketing, Operations, Flight, Maintenance, Human Resources, and IT at Thrust Flight. His combination of aviation experience and executive leadership helps ensure the organization operates safely, efficiently, and at scale.

Jeremy flew the E-2C Hawkeye and served as a T-45 Goshawk instructor pilot, accumulating more than 2,000 flight hours, nearly 200 carrier arrestments, and 42 combat missions over Afghanistan. He later spent more than a decade in manufacturing and operations leadership, including senior roles at Honeywell and Ultra Clean Technology, before serving as CEO of a private equity-backed company.

He holds degrees from the United States Naval Academy, Norwich University, and Southern Methodist University. Jeremy and his wife, Ashlee, have four children. Outside of work, he enjoys hiking and running with his German Shorthaired Pointer, Autumn.

Andrew Lammers

Chief of Staff

Andrew joined Thrust Flight through Summit Park’s LEAD Program. He came from Messina Group Consulting, where as an Engagement Manager he led delivery teams on growth strategy, operational efficiency, and M&A integration for clients. Before consulting, he served four years in the United States Marine Corps.

Andrew holds a BBA in Finance from Southern Methodist University and an MBA in Strategy from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Hunter Gravley

VP of Business Operations

Hunter is a native Texan from the DFW area and worked for 10 years in video production before coming to Thrust as a Videographer in 2019. 

He rapidly rose through the ranks here at Thrust through various additional positions in Marketing and Operations to become extremely knowledgeable and proficient in the management of student flight training, culminating in his promotion in 2022 to Director of Operations. 

He sits on the Prosper ISD Industry Advisory Council and enjoys spending time outdoors with his wife and two children.

Stevan Franco

Director of Human Resources

Stevan has spent more than 15 years helping companies build great workplaces by supporting their employees, developing leaders, and creating HR programs that make a difference. He enjoys solving problems, building strong relationships, and helping organizations grow while making work a better experience for everyone.

A proud Texas Tech University graduate with a degree in Finance, Stevan is an avid Red Raiders fan. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him spending time with his partner and their four children.

Mike Fischer

Director of Maintenance

Mike has over 32 years of experience in aviation with a  broad knowledge of the industry. Prior to joining Thrust, Mike owned and operated a large aircraft maintenance facility. 

He was the Director of Maintenance for two 135 charter certificates. He has effectively and professionally led large aviation teams for the last 25 years. Mike is an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with Inspection Authorization (IA) privileges.  

Mike has also been a pilot for 30 years, he holds a commercial certificate, multi-engine rating, and ground instructor certificates. Mike recently received his Flight Instructors certificate at Thrust. Mike is an exceptional leader that has a true passion for aircraft, his team, and the industry.

Jon Dillenberg

Director part 147

Jon is a skilled airframe and powerplant technician with an inspection authorization. He has a wealth of experience in the aviation industry, having started his career as a UH-60 Crew Chief in the US Army.

In this role, he was responsible for maintaining and repairing the aircraft, as well as training other crew members. Jon also served as a Standardization Instructor in the Army, sharing his knowledge and expertise with his colleagues.

After leaving the military, he worked as a Technical Instructor at the Bell Helicopter Training Academy, where he taught type training for the Bell 412 to students from around the world, and was promoted to Manager, Technical Training, leading the entire global technician training business. Jon has conducted training in over 20 countries, making him a well-rounded and highly qualified professional in the field.