Kohlton Schmidt
Cologne,MN
Summary
Dynamic Certified Flight Instructor at North Star Aviation, adept at fostering a safety-first mindset and enhancing student proficiency through tailored instruction. Proven leadership in applying CRM principles and emergency procedures training, ensuring high-quality, FAA-compliant training that cultivates skilled, confident pilots ready for the aviation industry.
Overview
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Certified Flight Instructor
North Star Aviation
05.2023 - Current
- Guided and mentored aspiring pilots through personalized flight and ground instruction, helping them achieve their goals and realize their dreams of becoming aviators.
- Delivered high-quality, FAA-compliant training that emphasized safe aircraft operation, sound judgment, and continuous improvement.
- Prioritized safety as the foundation of every lesson by requiring consistent application of the Federal Aviation Regulations (FARs) in both flight and ground training scenarios.
- Fostered a supportive, learner-centered environment that encouraged student growth, resilience, and commitment to aviation excellence.
- Applied Crew Resource Management (CRM) principles in all training scenarios, strengthening communication, workload management, situational awareness, and teamwork.
- Served the local aviation community by developing safe, competent pilots prepared to contribute positively to general aviation and local flight operations.
- Conducted detailed preflight briefings, structured inflight evaluations, and thorough postflight debriefings to reinforce safety standards and regulatory compliance.
- Ensured students understood not just the rules, but the why behind them, cultivating a safety-first mindset and strong regulatory awareness.
- Maintained accurate training records, monitored student progression, and endorsed qualifications only when all safety, proficiency, and FAR requirements were fully met.
- Acted as a community resource by promoting aviation education and encouraging safe, regulation-driven flying practices among new and prospective pilots.
Project Manager
Aligned Asset Group
01.2014 - 04.2023
- Served as the primary customer-facing representative throughout the full project lifecycle, ensuring clear communication and a positive client experience.
- Conducted onsite plant visits to perform detailed asset inventories and develop comprehensive master lists of equipment.
- Uploaded and managed inventory data on the BidSpotter online auction platform with accuracy and attention to detail.
- Developed strategic auction plans and executed targeted prospecting activities to drive sales and maximize revenue.
- Collaborated across the sales process to translate customer needs into defined, measurable scopes of work that supported successful project outcomes.
Farm Hand
Kugath Farm
05.2010 - 06.2013
- Performed daily dairy farm chores before school throughout high school, demonstrating strong work ethic, reliability, and time management.
- Fed livestock, monitored animal health, and assisted with basic herd care to maintain consistent dairy production.
- Cleaned barns, stalls, and milking areas to ensure sanitary, safe working conditions for both animals and staff.
- Operated and maintained farm equipment such as tractors, feeders, and cleaning tools to support daily operations.
- Assisted with milking routines, equipment setup, and post-milking sanitation to uphold quality and safety standards.
- Helped with feed preparation, bedding replacement, and general facility upkeep to support overall farm efficiency.
Education
Bachelor of Science - Professional Flight
Minnesota State University, Mankato
Mankato, MN05-2021
High School Diploma -
Waconia High School
Waconia, MN06-2013
Skills
- Flight instruction techniques
- Emergency procedures training
- Radio communication mastery
- Multi-engine aircraft operation
- Aircraft Systems
- Student assessments
- Customer care
- Leadership
- CRM and SPRM
- Professionalism
Flight Experience
Cessna 152, 172, 182, 310
Piper Warrior, Archer, Seminole
Cirrus SR20 and SR22
Total: 1217.7
PIC: 1084
ASEL: 905.4
AMEL: 312.3
Dual Given: 835.8
XC: 271
Night: 66.7
Flight Sim: 76.5
Actual Instrument: 14.2
Simulated Instrument: 93.7
Ratings
Commercial Pilot ASEL and AMEL, Instrument Rated
CFI ASEL, CFI AMEL, CFII
Timeline
Certified Flight Instructor
North Star Aviation
05.2023 - Current
Project Manager
Aligned Asset Group
01.2014 - 04.2023
Farm Hand
Kugath Farm
05.2010 - 06.2013
Bachelor of Science - Professional Flight
Minnesota State University, Mankato
High School Diploma -
Waconia High School