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 Flight, a multi-location flight training organization that has trained thousands of pilots from around the world. This rapidly expanding flight school operates the popular Zero Time to Airline program that trains future airline pilots.

Ray Lamas – President

Ray Lamas joined Thrust Flight as President in August 2022.  A former combat Mission Commander aviator in the F-14 and F/A-18F, he is a graduate of the Naval Academy and holds an MBA from the Darden School of Business.  He has held a variety of roles over 15 years in the industry, including strategy consulting with Bain & Company and various corporate strategy and business leadership roles, most critically leading the Global Training Business for Bell Helicopter for over four years, leading growth in simulator training and into international markets for both pilots and maintainers.

Nathan Rausch – Senior Admissions Advisor

Nathan has been with Thrust Flight for 10 years operating a few different roles before becoming the Senior Admissions Advisor. Prior to joining Thrust Flight, he spent several years in the high-end hotel industry before becoming a hotel manager on cruise ships and private yachts. Having always wanted to become a pilot, he came back to land and joined Thrust Flight in March 2013.

Hunter GravLEy – Director of Operations

Hunter is a native Texan from the DFW area and worked for 10 years in video production before coming to Thrust Flight as a Videographer in 2019.  He rapidly rose through the ranks here at Thrust Flight 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.

Bryan Miles – Director of Operations

Bryan Miles has been with Thrust Flight for over five years. He began as a dispatcher before working his way up to becoming the Director of Operations, he has played an integral role in the development of the Zero Time to Airline program. His warm personality and sense of humor make every student feel welcome. The level of generosity, care, and effort put into everything he does has been a gift.

Brian Brassaw – Chief Marketing Officer

Brian is an experienced digital marketer who joined Thrust Flight in 2022 as the Chief Marketing Officer. Prior to joining Thrust Flight, Brian was the Ecommerce Manager for Cheaper Than Dirt. He has also operated as a marketing consultant helping brands with a variety of marketing initiatives. Brian received a bachelor’s degree in Communications from Brigham Young University.

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 Flight, 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 Flight. 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.