Our Flight Instructors & Staff are here to serve YOU
Ryan Owens, Chief Flight Instructor
Ryan was born and raised in Lafayette and currently lives with is wife and two daughters in Youngsville. He graduated from Northwestern State University's Aviation Program. After college Ryan immediately began his pursuit to become an Air Transport Pilot with his multi-engine rating as well as many other ratings allowing him to fly commercially. He has spent years as a Corporate Pilot.
Ryan recalls going to Aviation Fun Day at the Lafayette Airport every year as a child with his grandfather. Both of his grandfathers were avid pilots, so it was natural that Ryan pursued a career as a pilot, but nothing has brought him more joy that helping others accomplish their dream of flying.
Fernando Sequera, Assistant Chief Flight Instructor and Cirrus Instructor
Born in Venezuela and raised in sunny Miami, Florida. He studied Chemistry at Florida State University. He began his flight training at the age of 27, doing all his training here at Owens Flight Training. Starting from his very first flight right here, he now holds his CFI, CFII, MEI, and Certified Cirrus Training Instructor Certificate. It was important for him to find a flight school that could get him from start to finish, and felt that Owens Flight Training was the right place for him. On his off time his favorite activities are those that include being on the water or in a natural habitat but especially with family and friends. Fernando lives with his fiancé, his two dogs and his tailless cat. He is excited about getting married on October 2026 and for all the adventures of marriage.
Cole B Ruckstuhl, Flight Instructor and Cirrus Instructor
Cole is a commercially rated flight instructor with CFI, CFII, and MEI certificates, as well as Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor ratings. He specializes as a Cirrus Certified Training Center Instructor and holds a tailwheel endorsement.
As a first-generation pilot, Cole brings a genuine passion for aviation to every lesson. With over 5 years of instructing experience, he focuses on building confident, knowledgeable, and safety-minded pilots. Whether working with new students or advanced trainees, Cole enjoys sharing his love of flight and helping others reach their aviation goals.
Chris Darnall, Flight Instructor
Louisiana native who grew up in Lafayette and attended Saint Thomas More High School. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Management from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, while he also pursued his passion for aviation through Owens Flight Training. In his off time, Chris enjoys watching movies and hanging out with his cat Pancake.
Chris holds a Commercial Multi-Engine Land Certificate and a Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFI-I) rating.
Madison Pryor, Office Manager
Madison keeps the planes in the air, whether you are training or renting she is your go to. She has been around planes since she was 11 years old. After working 5 years in customer service and 2 years in executive administration, she has all the information you need to get started on your aviation journey.