Hi there! I’m Hollie Tran, the Piper Ambassador at Thrust Flight. Prior to embarking on my aviation journey, I pursued a college education, majoring in pre-medicine biology with double minors in chemistry and entrepreneurship. Originally aiming to become an optometrist, my perspective shifted in my third year of college when a friend invited me to experience flying in one of his planes. This experience ignited my hidden passion for aviation, prompting me to commit to starting my flying career with Thrust Flight after graduating in May 2023. I began my flight training the following month and am currently working towards becoming a CFI, with aspirations of eventually joining the airlines. As a representative of Piper Aircraft and Thrust Flight, I aspire to inspire others, particularly those hesitant to pursue their aviation dreams, to take that leap of faith.

Hello, I’m Tre Warner, the new Piper Brand Ambassador at Blueline Aviation. Growing up, I always loved aviation but never realized you could actually get paid to fly until 2 years ago! This sparked my curiosity and led me to begin my search for a different aviation school. After spending months researching, Blueline was the clear choice for me, seeing how they are the fastest program in the nation! Through Blueline, I started flying the Piper Archer and fell in love. Between the avionics and handling of the aircraft, what is there not to love? I am looking forward to gaining more knowledge and experience through this Piper Ambassador Program to discover a career path I love. I can’t wait to experience a different side of aviation.

Hey! My name is Hailey Olson. I am a 4th-year Commercial Aviation major at the University of North Dakota. I am a private pilot finishing up my instrument rating, and working on my commercial certificate. I am originally from Alaska, and from a young age, seeing planes fly over my house every day seemed like the coolest thing, and that inspired me to get my license. After college, I plan on getting my R-ATP and flying for the airlines. Getting my license and learning to fly has been such an amazing experience. I’m excited to share my journey at UND Aerospace through the Piper Ambassador Program and inspire the next generation of pilots.

Hey there! I’m Zachary Hagengruber, and I’m one of the Piper Brand Ambassadors at The University of North Dakota! I got into aviation back in Oregon where I was born and raised, flying over the Pacific Northwest inspired me to pursue my passion for aviation as a career. I chose the University of North Dakota for their excellent training facilities, program size, and most importantly, the new Piper fleet! I have always been a big fan of Piper and the aircraft they produce. I hope to one day fly for a major airline, and I look forward to spreading my love and passion for Piper Aircraft with others.

Hi, y’all! My name is Holly Hayes, and I’m the Piper Brand Ambassador for Bowling Green State University (Talons Up!) I am currently working towards my multi-engine instructor rating and cannot wait to start teaching! I am excited to be an ambassador as I have flown Piper aircraft throughout the entirety of my training, and every flight has been invaluable to my growth as a pilot. I hope to inspire others considering a career in aviation to chase their dream.

Hi! My name is Laura Beinecke, and I’m so excited to be Mankato’s Piper ambassador! Since the age of seven I had wanted to be an aerospace engineer. In high school, I joined the aviation club, where I got to help build a Van’s RV-12is with my fellow classmates. There was the option to get your private pilot’s license in the club’s plane that we had previously built. After some convincing, I went up for my first time ever and fell in love with flight, getting my pilot’s license though the club shortly after.

I started college studying aerospace engineering, but realized my heart was in flying and quickly switched to Mankato for their professional flight program. Doing so was the best decision I’ve ever made. I’ve loved every moment of flight training here.

Hi there, I’m Brooke Gassert and I’m the Piper Brand Ambassador at AeroGuard Flight Training Center! My aviation journey officially took off in 2022 after finally relenting to the aviation bug that bit me years ago while watching my dad and brother earn their pilots’ licenses. The entirety of my flight training has been conducted at AeroGuard in Piper Aircraft, and I’m honored and humbled to represent Piper, a brand synonymous with quality, reliability, and passion within the aviation community. This year, I am thrilled to share my story, experiences, and genuine passion for Piper Aircraft with fellow aviation enthusiasts, aspiring pilots, and industry professionals!

My name is Maddy Kelly and I’m a junior at Purdue University majoring in Professional Flight. My flying journey began when I visited the Museum of Flight in Seattle for a class field trip and I was fascinated with the idea of becoming a pilot. I chose to pursue my dream by attending Purdue’s flight program which offered me the opportunity of a traditional college experience as well as a world class training environment. I currently flight instruct and look forward to building my hours and experience before pursuing a career as an airline pilot. I’m excited to be an ambassador this year in order to contribute positively to the aviation community and work with a company that’s been so impactful on my training journey.

Hi! My name is Carter Mazur and I’m a student at L3Harris Flight Academy in Sanford, Florida.

After taking a discovery flight 4 years ago, a day hasn’t passed that I haven’t dreamt of flying. Fast forward a year and I finally began my private pilot training back home in Michigan. As I sat at my desk every day working, I saw the planes flying over and knew that the sky was where I belonged. I made the leap, left my job, and enrolled at L3 Harris. I am currently training for my commercial rating and am excited to complete all of my ratings in 2024! The Piper brand is special to me because I began my training and completed my private pilot license in a Piper Warrior, and wherever I end up in my career, Piper will always be where I started. I am excited to be a Piper student ambassador to share the pleasure it is to train in a Piper aircraft with future students and owners and encourage them to join this incredible community of aviators.