We are a team of Industry professionals that come from all reaches and corners of the aviation world
Taylor Matz
Position: CEO, Flight Instructor
Education: Bachelor‘s in Agricultural Systems Management --- Associate’s in Agriculture Business
Taylor founded 360 Aviation at the start of 2020 with a vision of providing a high quality, safe, and fun training environment. After graduation college he flew Cessna Caravans for a small airline, then went on to fly CRJ‘s for SkyWest Airlines based out of MSP. Currently, Taylor fly’s for a major hospital doing Medevac Operations.
Darren Schone
Position: Flight Instructor, Flight Standards, FAA Designated Pilot Examiner
Education: Master‘s in Business Administration --- Bachelor’s in Aviation --- Associate’s in Air Traffic Control
Flying since 1998, Darren currently holds ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, Gold Seal Instructor, Seaplane, Tailwheel ratings as well as a Part 107 certificate. While also flying for a major hospital as a fixed wing medevac pilot, he has racked up over 10,000 hrs. of flight time. Darren has helped, and continues to help mold 360 Aviation into what it is today.
Kyle Strike
Position: Director of Flight Operations, Flight Instructor
Education: Bachelor‘s in Aeronautics emphasis in Unmanned Aircraft Systems. --- Associate’s in Aviation Maintenance Technology
About: With a strong passion in aviation, Kyle moved up the ranks within 360 Aviation very quickly. After obtaining his commercial ratings from the University of North Dakota (UND), Kyle joined 360 Aviation in April of 2020 and completed his CFI/ CFII/ MEI ratings. He is a USAF Veteran of the 133rd Airlift Wing out of Minneapolis with 13 years of experience on C-130 aircraft. He recently added Single Engine Sea to his certificates and is looking forward to teaching Seaplane pilots in the near future.
William Kozelsky
Position: Gold Seal CFI/ CFII/ MEI
Education: A.S. in Aviation Maintenance / A.S. in Aeronautics
Bio: William, an Albert Lea native, started flying in high school but placed his aviation career on hold when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. After five years in the Marines, he returned to 360 Aviation to pursue a career in aviation. William completed his private through CFI/CFII/MEI training with 360 Aviation in less than a year. He has worked with the 360 Aviation team since May of 2022.
Joshua Kogle
Position: CFI/ CFII
Education: Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice, University of Nebraska – Lincoln
About: Joshua Kogle hails from Edina, MN where his love of aviation started at an early age and grew into his main passion after graduating from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. He completed his ratings and licensure in the Twin Cites as well as with 360 Aviation while working in the boating industry. Joshua is proof that no matter how much you have going on you can reach great heights. Determined and focused, he wishes to grow his career in aviation.
Dan Matz
Position: Chief Financial Officer & Administration
About: Dan has been with 360 Aviation since day 1. He helped build the foundation for the company with his knowledge in business management and finances. He helps with our day to day operations with our financing and logistics.
Abbie Matz
Position: Administration & Human Resources
About: From the very beginning, Abbie helped form the vision of 360 Aviation for a higher quality training environment. At 360 Aviation her primary focus is to assist on the everyday finances, as well as dealing directly with customer needs.