Brandon Tyler Beardsley

As Assistant Chief Flight Instructor at Eastern Kentucky University’s FAA Part 141 aviation program, I support the Chief Flight Instructor in leading a high-volume flight training operation, overseeing more than 350 flight students and a team of over 40 employees. My responsibilities include supervising and mentoring flight instructors, conducting proficiency checks and stage evaluations, ensuring consistent training standards and full FAA compliance, managing daily flight operations and scheduling, monitoring student progress, and maintaining the highest levels of safety and instructional quality. This role has honed my leadership, team management, operational oversight, and customer-focused skills in a demanding academic environment—preparing me to transition those strengths into business aviation as a First Officer/SIC.

As a Flight Instructor with Instrument and Multi-Engine ratings, I deliver comprehensive flight and ground training from private pilot certification through advanced ratings and initial flight instructor preparation, across single- and multi-engine aircraft. This includes foundational private pilot skills, instrument procedures and IFR operations, multi-engine handling and engine-out techniques, and instructor-level training, with a consistent focus on safety, regulatory compliance, risk management, and pilot proficiency—directly supporting crew coordination and operational excellence in business aviation. As a designated Part 141 Check Instructor, I conduct independent student stage checks, end-of-course evaluations, proficiency assessments, and instructor standardization checks in accordance with FAA regulations and the school's approved training course outlines, ensuring objective evaluation and consistent training standards. Additionally, as a Maintenance Check Pilot, I perform functional check flights to verify aircraft airworthiness and system performance following maintenance, repairs, or modifications.

Served as an E-5 Staff Sergeant and crew member, overseeing A-10 loading operations and technical duties during part-time duty to support training and unit readiness for overseas deployments. Executed inspections, repairs, and munitions loading on weapons systems, applying expertise to ensure aircraft met operational standards in varied conditions. Balanced part-time military responsibilities with college studies and flight training, laying the groundwork for a future aviation career.

- Oversaw daily aircraft armament operations as a shift supervisor, managing a team of approximately 7 crews (21 personnel) to ensure timely mission support and operational efficiency. Coordinated logistics and communication between maintenance teams and crew members, streamlining workflows and resolving operational challenges to meet critical deadlines. Monitored equipment and aircraft readiness, providing leadership with regular updates and guiding team performance to maintain high safety and productivity standards. Built on prior experience in armament maintenance and standardization, advancing to lead complex shift operations and mentor junior team members in a fast-paced environment.