Dan Kropp had a unique love and enthusiasm for the freedoms realized when man adorns wings and soars to the skies. Like so many pilots, and all of us with a desire to fly, Dan’s calling started when sharing his father's lifelong passion. Flying has nurtured the pioneering spirit of generations, and Dan has experienced this love of flight and airborne adventures in so many ways.

Dan has been an FAA Gold Seal Flight Instructor for over 20 years and specializes in unique flight training programs. Dan's ratings and certificates include ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, AGII, Helicopter and various type ratings.

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He has trained numerous students seeking their Private Pilot License, as well as advanced certifications and ratings. He also specializes in emergency procedures, tail wheel instruction, off-field landings and has significant back country flying time in Alaska, Canada and Mexico.

 

As a former company commander and U.S. Army Major, Dan deployed to Iraq in 2008 and was much older (typically 20 plus years) than most of his fellow soldiers. By default, and to his acknowledged honor, Dan became a mentor and more accurately a great listener for many of our young soldiers dealing with PTSD and some of the stresses involved in serving at war overseas. This experience fueled a new desire to share his passion of flying while assisting in the healing process of suffering veterans and others challenged with life-changing disabilities. Dan knew that flying provided the structure, commitment and excitement many veterans badly needed to help overcome their incredible challenges ahead. Mission Flyers was the platform Dan created with Richard Vietor to share his knowledge and experience while giving back to those so deserving of our efforts. Inspiring Flight will now carry Dan’s mission forward.