At Direct-to Pilot Academy LLC, we are dedicated to shaping the next generation of aviators through comprehensive pilot training programs and aircraft rental services. Our experienced instructors provide personalized guidance, ensuring that each student receives the highest quality education tailored to their individual needs. Whether you are a beginner looking to take your first flight or an experienced pilot seeking advanced training, our academy offers a supportive environment equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and resources. Join us in your journey to the skies and experience the thrill of flying with confidence and skill.
Meet the team!
Nick Botha
Chief Pilot and Owner
CFI-I, MEI
nick@flydtpa.com
Nick is the Chief Pilot and co-owner of Direct-To Pilot Academy. He has been teaching since 2022, and accumulated over 2600 hours of flight time. He has successfully trained over 25 applicants for new certificates and ratings, from private pilots to new instructors. He is well versed in a variety of aircraft, and is our resident tailwheel expert.
Tyler Sanders
Certified Flight Instructor
Gold Seal CFI-I, MEI, AGI, IGI
PH: 573-263-9397
tyler@flydtpa.com
Tyler has been teaching since January 2024, and accumulated over 1700 hours of flight time and earned his Gold Seal license in December 2024. He has successfully trained 21 applicants for new certificates and ratings, from private pilots to new instructors, and is also currently flying a Phenom 100 out of Dallas Love Field.
Hudson Northcutt
Certified Flight Instructor
CFI-I, MEI, IGI
PH: 903-335-1601
hudson@flydtpa.com
Hudson has been teaching since July 2024, and accumulated over 1000 hours of flight time. He has had multiple people pass their private pilot and instrument checkrides, given multiple high performance endorsements, and earned his Multi-Engine Instructor in August of 2025. Hudson also flies a Hawker jet on occasion.
Kennady Blount
Certified Flight Instructor
CFI-I
PH: 972-740-4761
Kennady Blount is a CFI with over 1500 flight hours and a passion for helping students become safe, confident, and skilled aviators. As an instructor, she values the flexibility and personalized approach that Part 61 training allows - providing the freedom to tailor each lesson to the student's learning style. Kennady is committed to developing well-rounded pilots by placing emphasis on both flying skills and ground knowledge.
Megan Schulz
Certified Flight Instructor
CFI-I, IGI
PH: 214-725-3407
Megan has been flying since August of 2022, and recently acquired her CFI ticket in May of 2025. She is actively teaching, while also working on her Instrument Instructor (CFI-I) and Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI) ratings. To add to her experience, she is also pursuing her Commercial Seaplane and Commercial Balloon ratings.
Drew Hodges
Certified Flight Instructor
CFI-I
PH: 903-522-0086
Drew has been flying since early 2022, and also recently acquired his CFI ticket in October of 2025, followed with his instrument instructor ticket in November of 2025. Drew is actively taking on new students, while also pursuing additional endorsements and ratings.
Nick DiMaggio
Certified Flight Instructor
CFI-I, IGI
PH: 817-228-6720
Nick DiMaggio began flying in 2021 and is passionate about helping students become safe and well-rounded pilots. He believes flight training should be flexible and personalized to each student's goals, learning style, and schedule. His instruction focuses on not only passing checkrides, but on building strong decision making skills, and real-world confidence in the cockpit.
Caleb Gann
Certified Flight Instructor
PH: 469-790-9553
Caleb is a driven aviator who began flying in June 2023 and has already logged over 650 hours. He earned his CFI in January 2026, and quickly built a reputation for his strong stick and rudder abilities. Caleb is an excellent tailwheel instructor, and his passion for aviation makes him a trusted mentor in the cockpit.