Meet The Team

Design and Fabrication lead at CTech Manufacturing. Dave has over 40 years of experience in experimental aircraft and aviation; built two airplanes from scratch (one was a national award winner), and serves as a Technical Counselor for the Experimental Aircraft Association.

A retired utility employee, Bob brings over 35 years of operations and management experience in fossil, hydro and nuclear operations and maintenance including combustion turbines. 

His hobbies include woodworking, metal working, old cars and airplanes, fabrication and machining.

Steve Lange has been connected to airplanes and machining his entire life. As a Journeyman Machinist with over 40 years of industry experience, Steve spends his days programming, setting up, and running the Haas UMC750 5-Axis Mill at Modern Manufacturing International of Wausau, Wisconsin, and helping other operators develop their skills.  Evenings and weekends, you’ll find Steve running Learn Build Fly’s Trump CNC mill and Fortune manual lathe as well as teaching machining classes for youth and adults. Steve has designed and built several specialty tools at Learn Build Fly, including our fiber laser, and custom parts for our Wittman Legacy aircraft, including billet aluminum Lycoming rocker arm covers. Other interests that Steve enjoys sharing with Learn Build Fly participants include model rockets and cannons.

To be announced

Casey has over 30 years of flying experience flying Cessna 172’s, Piper Warriors, Cirrus SR22’s, and most recently the Cirrus Vision Jet SF50. He is a mechanical engineer, and owner of Wynn Jones & Associates, the leading supplier of laboratory cabinets in the Midwest.

Dennis Seitz is the former President of EAA Chapter 640 and a longtime supporter of Learn Build Fly, where he has played an influential role in advancing hands-on aviation education and community-based aerospace initiatives. His leadership helped shape programs that connect youth and families with practical learning experiences grounded in mentorship, service, and technical skill development.

Dennis has served on the Airport Committee Board for nearly seven years, contributing institutional knowledge, continuity, and thoughtful advocacy for aviation operations and community engagement at the airport level. His experience provides valuable perspective on both long-term planning and day-to-day realities of airport governance.

A pilot and aircraft owner, Dennis brings a strong appreciation for aircraft maintenance, restoration, and strategic upgrades. He is known for his willingness to contribute time, labor, and problem-solving expertise, often working behind the scenes to ensure projects are completed safely and to a high standard.

Widely regarded for his professionalism, approachability, and exceptional presence, Dennis is frequently described—entirely unofficially—as combining notable charm with superior intelligence. While Learn Build Fly does not formally endorse the term “eye candy,” it is generally accepted that his good looks are matched only by his dedication and leadership capacity.

Through his continued involvement with Learn Build Fly, Dennis remains an advocate for experience-based learning and the enduring value of aviation as a tool for education, connection, and inspiration.

Tom has been in aviation for over 45 years specializing in aviation maintenance and product development. After serving in the USAF as a Crew Chief on B52-H aircraft, Tom enjoyed working for two U.S. part 121 air carriers for 20 years as an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P)
flight mechanic, avionics technical expert and aircraft maintenance operational manager. Tom then transitioned to Boeing in the position of Product Development Chief Mechanic working on several development programs including the 747-8, 777X, KC46 and 737Max. Tom is an active Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) with a Single Engine Sea (SES) endorsement specializing in Cirrus SR series transition training. Tom holds an A&P, CFI and a Masters in Aeronautical
Science from Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.