Charter Flights

Lorin began his journey in aviation in 2003 at the ALERT Academy in Texas, eventually obtaining his private pilot license, instrument rating, A&P license, and CFI/CFII.

Born in Northwest Indiana, Lorin moved to Fort Wayne with his wife and what he enjoys most about Sweet Aviation is the opportunity to share in the joy of flight with his students as well as guide them to becoming safe and proficient pilots.

Katelyn comes from a long line of flying enthusiasts. Her family were members of the Yankee Air Force and for a time were associated with the Yankee Air Museum in Belleville, Michigan. In addition, her grandfather worked in a B-24 bomber plant during WW2 and her father served in the Air Force where he worked on F-16s.

Katelyn attained her private pilot certificate from Purdue University and completed the remainder of her training at LIFT Academy. She recently attained her certificate to become an Advanced Ground Instructor as well. In addition, Katelyn also graduated from Ivy Tech Indianapolis with an associate’s degree in general studies and a technical certificate in business administration too.

When not at work Katelyn enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband Joshua and their children hiking through local and state parks.

Joe logged his first pilot in command time in 1979, since then he has flown 14,000 hours as a private, charter, and instructor. After retiring from Dana Corporation with 31 years of seniority he is finally working his dream job as a charter pilot at Sweet Aviation. He loves to help his passengers have a safe and stress-free trip every time.

In addition to being a charter pilot, Joe is also a single and multi-engine engine airline transport pilot, single and multi-engine instrument flight instructor, King Air 350 type rating.

Joe lives in Auburn with his wife of nearly 40 years Pat, their Golden Retriever, and a cat, and has two grown daughters. In his spare time he loves to run, lift weights, read military history, and of course fly.

Jorge Valderrama has more than 28 years of experience in the aviation industry. Originally from Lima, Peru, he has trained and flown with pilots from all over the world. He started his career at Indiana State University, holding multiple degrees in aviation, aerospace administration, and a Master’s degree in occupational health and safety. His extensive industry experience includes multiple international flight schools, regional airlines, and charter companies. Jorge has almost 4,000 hours of flight time, including multiple jet aircraft type ratings. He prides himself on making safety his first priority, and in providing excellent customer service. Jorge resides in Bloomington with his wife Lindsay and stepson Riley. When not flying, he enjoys working on his car, going to the gym, and traveling with his wife to explore new places and foods.

A Fort Wayne native, Tyson first got his taste of flying at Smith Field with the Young Eagles. He followed that passion through high school, participating in programs that led him towards his A&P license. He later graduated from Indiana State University with a degree in Professional Flight Technology while playing football for the Sycamores.

Tyson also has his private, instrument, commercial, and CFI/CFII certificates and is eager to share his passion for flying with the Fort Wayne community.

Dennis grew up watching planes depart at Fort Wayne’s Baer Field, which is now Fort Wayne International Airport. He made up his mind early on he would become a pilot. He earned his Associate of Applied Science Degree in Air Traffic Control and then went on to earn his Airline Transport Pilot license and become typed in multiple aircraft.

Dennis isn’t the only pilot in his family. His son flies for the U.S. Military, and his cousin has flown for many years. When not flying charter, Dennis likes to paint, sing in a choir, and participate in his church.

I’ve been married for 13 years with five kids. My path to aviation began more than a decade ago in efforts to provide a better life and future for my family. After spending the first couple of years in general aviation for a small private company, I moved on to the airlines where I would spend the next seven years with SkyWest Airlines. I began as a mechanic, then spent about four years in avionics, and finished my SkyWest career as a night shift maintenance supervisor. Eventually, I returned to the general aviation world to leave the first shift life, spend more time with the family, and work closer to home. Since then, I have earned my Inspection Authorization which opened the door to better opportunities leading me to Sweet Aviation. I am excited to see where my career leads within the company.

Originally from Fort Wayne, Rachel joined the Sweet Aviation family in 2015 and has over fifteen years of customer service experience. She is a graduate of Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne with a bachelor’s in psychology and is looking forward to becoming a pilot herself soon.

Cathy Taylor knows how to book travel from airlines, cruise lines, hotels, rental cars, and more, but it was her love for the aviation side of things that won her over. After a 13-year career with United Airlines, the company shut down its satellite offices, forcing her to make a choice. Did she move back to the big city or put down roots with her growing family in northern Indiana? She chose the latter, which opened up to her the world of Part 135 charter. With Sweet Aviation, Cathy manages charter sales, flight planning, and flight following, which involves making sure each passenger’s plane arrives on time. Her love for aviation has also inspired her son, who is pursuing his own flight dreams in El Paso, Texas.