MEET THE TEAM
Instructors

Nik Austin
Class 1 - Chief Flight Instructor
Nik is the chief flight instructor at Centennial and holds a Class 1 instructor rating and multi-IFR ratings. Nik has been instructing at Centennial since 2021 and has helped new pilots reach their goals and uphold the highest standards of safety and skill in aviation. As chief flight instructor, Nik leads a team of dedicated and skilled instructors and works closely with students to provide personalized instruction that caters to their individual needs and learning styles. When outside the cockpit, you can catch Nik cheering on the sidelines of the Edmonton Elks games or enjoying the finest poutine Edmonton has to offer.

Tomas Houdek
Class 2
Tomas is a dedicated Class 2 instructor holding CPL, ME, ME-IFR. His inspiration to become a pilot stems from childhood, after a family friend took him flying on a Piper Bushmaster, departing from Gladu lake within the Villeneuve control zone. This peaked Tomas’ interest for aviation and aerodynamics and after meeting his school friend’s father, an Air Canada captain, he knew there was nothing else he’d rather do. After achieving his CPL, Tomas’ passion grew further and he wanted to share the joys of flying with others as all his instructors have done so with him.

Zach Cota
Class 2
Zach is a dedicated flight instructor with a strong passion and joy for flying and teaching. His solid experience in aviation, combined with his love of flying, ensures his commitment in training aspiring pilots, and mentoring students through each stage of their aviation journey. Zach’s enthusiasm for aviation is contagious, making him a trusted mentor in the flight training community.

Yusuf Mohamed
Class 2
Yusuf is a Class 2 flight instructor at Centennial Flight Centre. His love for aviation started at a young age, and he embarked on his aviation journey in Fort McMurray, where he earned his private pilot license, and later his commercial, multi-IFR, and instructor ratings at Centennial.
With experience as an aerial surveillance pilot, Yusuf brings a unique perspective in aviation.
He enjoys giving back by guiding the next generation of aviators toward earning their wings and is committed to fostering a positive and supportive learning environment for all those who share his passion for flight.

James Jeong
Class 3
James is a Class 3 Flight Instructor with Multi-Engine and IFR ratings, originally from South Korea. He began his flight training in 2021 and earned his instructor rating at Centennial. James also has experience as an aerial surveillance pilot, adding real-world operational insight to his instruction. He focuses on helping students build solid flying skills, strong decision-making, and real confidence in the cockpit. With a calm and safety-first mindset, James makes each flight session both productive and enjoyable.

Midhun Baburajan
Class 3
Midhun Baburajan is a highly skilled and methodical Class 3 Flight Instructor with a passion for aviation and a commitment to providing top-tier flight instruction. With over a decade of experience in aviation, Midhun began his aviation journey in India in 2011 before relocating to Canada to further pursue his career. He has since gained valuable experience flying across the Lower Mainland and the Prairies.Midhun’s dedication to aviation and student success makes him a key asset to our team of instructors.

Prateek Bahrani
Class 4
Prateek is a Class 4 Flight Instructor with a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) and multi-engine rating. Originally from India, he began his aviation journey in 2023, turning a lifelong passion for flying into a professional career.
Now mentoring aspiring pilots, Prateek is committed to safety, continuous learning, and helping students build confidence in their training. Outside of aviation, he enjoys playing badminton and staying active.

Alan Daniel
Class 4
Alan Daniel is a Class 4 Flight Instructor who is passionate about teaching students how to fly. He enjoys helping others build confidence in the cockpit and guiding them as they develop their skills. He is committed to creating a positive learning environment and supporting each student’s progress.

Jasan Singh
Class 4
Jasan is a Class 4 Flight Instructor with Multi-Engine and Group 1 IFR ratings, bringing a disciplined and practical approach to flight training. With experience as a flight dispatcher and a background in the Canadian Armed Forces, he emphasizes precision, situational awareness, and strong decision making. His instructing style is straightforward and hands on, focused on building confident, thinking and employable pilots ready for the next step in their aviation journey.

Amun Jandu
Class 4
Amun Jandu is a Class 4 Flight Instructor with a Multi-Engine and Group 1 Instrument Rating. He began his aviation journey in 2023 and takes a structured, student driven approach to training, emphasizing safety and precision while guiding students toward their individual aviation goals.
Dispatch

Abby Sarmiento
Dispatch
Abby is a dispatcher at Centennial, and she holds her Commercial Pilot License. She began her initial flight training at Centennial and is continuing to work towards her additional ratings. Someday, Abby aspires to obtain her float rating and fly along the West Coast. When she is not flying or dispatching, Abby is an avid rock and ice climber who can be found sharing her passion at the wall or on an adventure in the mountains.

Claire Davis
Dispatch
Claire is a dispatcher at Centennial who is also pursuing her pilot’s license. She first joined Centennial through a high school work experience placement, where she discovered her passion for aviation and knew it was the career path she wanted to follow. Driven by her love of flying and the thrill it brings, Claire continues to build her skills both on the ground and in the air. She is known for her upbeat, bubbly personality and her enthusiasm for connecting with others.

Ethan Dee
Dispatch
Ethan is a commercial pilot with multi-engine and IFR ratings who is currently completing his flight instructor rating at Centennial Flight Centre. Passionate about aviation, safety, and professionalism, he has completed his training in record-breaking time while also working toward a university degree, demonstrating exceptional dedication and work ethic. As he begins his instructing career, Ethan looks forward to sharing his passion for aviation and helping support the next generation of pilots.

Ankit Parshant
Dispatch
Ankit is currently a Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) student at Centennial Flight Centre, where he also works as a dispatcher. With a background in engineering, Ankit has always had a strong passion for aviation, which ultimately led him to pursue flight training at Centennial. Known for his reliability and strong attention to detail, he is a valued member of the team who contributes to the smooth day-to-day operations. As he continues his journey in the aviation industry, he is committed to expanding his knowledge and sharing his experiences with others who are working toward their own aviation goals.

Griffin Edgar
Dispatch
Griffin is a dedicated and knowledgeable student pilot and dispatcher at Centennial Flight Centre. He began his training in 2025 as a high school graduate and excelled through the mentorship of his instructors. He joined the dispatch team in early 2026. Griffin’s genuine passion and commitment towards aviation reflect the values Centennial strives to instill in its students. He’s best known for his dry sense of humour.
Maintenance
Kevin Lussier - Dwayne Urban - Peter Huber - Marc Hanatschek
Maintenance Team
Our Maintenance Team plays a critical role in ensuring the safety, reliability, and performance of our fleet. Through rigorous inspections, scheduled maintenance, and timely repairs, they uphold the highest industry standards. Their expertise and attention to detail are fundamental to maintaining a safe and efficient training environment.
Management

Carlin Simpson
General Manager
Carlin brings a well-rounded background in aviation, with experience in both helicopter and fixed-wing operations, including commercial flying and flight training management. Carlin oversees daily operations, regulatory compliance, and student progression. He is passionate about continuing to grow within the aviation industry while supporting students in a professional training environment.
Contact Us Today
Centennial Flight Centre Inc.
Building Hangar 42
Villeneuve Airport
Sturgeon County, AB, Canada
T8T 0E3
