Meet Our Flight Instructors

JR Boesen

JR has grown up around aviation and his family owns and operates Exec 1 Aviation. JR put in his time working as a commercial pilot with the airlines and is now our full time charter pilot flying the Citation and King Airs. He is also involved in real estate and plane brokerage. To reach JR email him.

Craig Coon

Craig works full time at Exec 1 Aviation managing our line operations during the weekdays and as a charter pilot and flight instructor at night and on weekends. To reach Craig contact Exec 1 during the weekdays or email him.

Rachel Keating

Rachel grew up in Dubuque and earned her Bachelor of Science in Flight Operations with a minor in Aviation Management from the University of Dubuque. She has over 3200 hours total time and has earned her ratings of CFI, CFII, MEI, ATP and Advanced Ground Instructor as well as being rewarded as a Gold Seal Certified Flight Instructor. She has been a flight instructor for 8 years and has flown the last two years on charter. Rachel also serves as the instructor for the DMACC Ground School. To reach Rachel you can email her or call her at 515-422-2023.

Erich Koehne Josh Weibe

Erich grew up in a small town in Wisconsin with a love of aviation. He began his aviation career as a lineman at his home town airport so he could receive a discount on the airplanes. After receiving a scholarship to finish his private pilot he moved to Quincy, Illinois to finish his Professional Pilot ratings. When his girlfriend was transferred to Des Moines, Erich followed and started working at Exec 1 in 2003 working the line and flight instructing. His love for aviation is so great that in the winter of 2004 he and his wife were married in the conference room at Exec 1. Erich has over 2400 hrs with 1200 dual given. He holds his CFI, CFII, ATP and was awarded his Gold Seal CFI in 2005. A member of the National Association of Flight Instructors, his latest goal is to become a Master CFI. To reach Erich email him or call him at 515-210-3806.

James Kurtenbach

James holds his CFI ratings.

Jeff Wubbena

Jeff is a part time flight instructor. He has experience as a charter pilot at Exec 1 Aviation flying our King Airs and currently works full time as a corporate pilot. He is also an avid distance runner and won the 1989 Drake Marathon. To reach Jeff email him.