Our Team
Dave Wacker - Chief Pilot
I began flying shortly after high school, after taking a ground school class. I knew instantly that is what I wanted to do for a career. I obtained my ratings in college, instructed for about a year and then flew single engine night freight, then twin engine night freight.
I was hired by a regional airline, then by an airline flying turbojets. I took a break from flying, and resumed instructing about 12 years ago. I find it very rewarding when a student earns their certificate!
Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot
Airplane Multi Engine Land
-Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
-Flight Instructor
Airplane Single and Multi Engine
Instrument Airplane
Type rated in:
SA-226, EMB-120, DC-9
Tim Tyre - Director of Aviation Studies
Tim Tyre is a professional Flight Instructor who holds ratings as both an FAA certificated Advanced Ground Instructor (AGI), Instrument Ground Instructor (IGI) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), and Commercial Remote UAS Pilot. Tim was instrumental in the development of the Aviation Science program at Carroll University and served as its director for 4 years. Tim was formerly the Director of Aviation studies at St. John’s Northwestern Military Academy. CAPT Tyre is an active FAA Safety Team Representative (FAASTEAM) and an FAA Remedial Instructor pilot. CAPT Tyre has approximately 3,000 hours of aviation instructional experience, both in the air and in the classroom. Tim specializes in instruction with light sport aircraft (LSA).
Tim holds a PhD and has an extensive research resume with published studies in military counter-terror operations, high stress aviation factors, and post-traumatic stress disorder. CAPT Tyre published his first book in 2016 entitled, “The Widowmaker” which details the World War II mission history of the B26 Martin “Marauder” twin engine bomber.
Tim very much enjoys teaching to enhance the safety, knowledge and professionalism of the aviation community.
Ratings:
- Private Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
-Flight Instructor
Sport
-Remote Pilot
-Ground Instructor
Advanced
Instrument
Lance Basting - Assistant Chief Pilot
I have an extensive background in teaching as I taught at the high school and college level for over 30 years before retiring in 2024. I earned my Private Pilot certificate in 2007 and flew on and off until I earned my Commercial Pilot certificate in 2018. As I gained experience (and ratings) in aviation, it only made sense to pair teaching and my enjoyment of aviation, so I earned my fight instructor certificate in 2019. Sharing the joy and pride students get from their accomplishments, whether it’s completing their first solo or passing a check ride is truly rewarding for me. I am committed to helping students develop the skills and mindset to be safe and proficient pilots.
I am qualified to provide Young Eagles flights through the EAA, so if you are between 8 and 17 years old, reach out to Link Aviation and let them know you would like to schedule a Young Eagles flight. If you decide to pursue your Private Pilot certificate, the Young Eagles program can provide valuable benefits to you including a free EAA student membership, a free online ground school valued at $299.00 and a voucher you can use toward the cost of a flight lesson. You can learn more about the Young Eagles program by visiting https://www.eaa.org/eaa/youth/free-ye-flights/eaa-young-eagles-flight-plan
Ratings:
- Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
Airplane Multi Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
- Flight Instructor
Airplane Single Engine
Instrument Airplane
Memberships:
- National Association Flight Instructors (NAFI)
- FAA Safety Representative for Eau Claire & the Chippewa Valley Area
- Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA)
Sawyer Prigge - Instructor
My name is Sawyer Prigge and I am from southern Minnesota. I have been flying since November of 2022. My goal is to pursue a career in commercial aviation. Flight instruction is part of that journey.
I believe that being safe is the number one priority when flying, especially for new pilots. My goal is to provide students with a fun learning experience while also being safe at all times.
Ratings:
-Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
-Flight Instructor
Airplane Single Engine
Instrument Airplane
Peter McKeen - Instructor
I have always loved aviation, especially pertaining to Commercial Aviation and WWII. My flying experience in the front seat began in the Civil Air Patrol at 15 years old, then flight training with a local flight school at 17 years old. I obtained my private pilots license in the Chippewa Valley, then obtained the rest of my ratings up to and including flight instructor in Sanford, Florida. I returned to Eau Claire to flight instruct for about a year and a half, then took a job in Grand Rapids, MI flying the Learjet 45 series jet.
My current “day” job is flying right seat in a Citation XLS Gen2 out of Eden Prairie, MN.
I sincerely appreciate opportunities to instruct especially with young men and women considering aviation as a career.
Ratings:
- Airline Transport Pilot
Airplane Multi Engine Land
-Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
-Flight Instructor
Airplane Single Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
Type rated in:
LR-45, CE-560XL
Kris Schmidt - Instructor
I am a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) currently working toward my Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) rating, and I am enjoying every moment of this journey. I began my flight training in April 2022 after realizing that my dreams are achievable. Since April 2023, I have been flight instructing, transitioning from my previous career as a heavy truck and trailer mechanic.
I love being a flight instructor and feel fortunate to come to work each day, where I meet wonderful people and share in their successes. I take pride in teaching my students to become skilled pilots, focusing on their overall development rather than just preparing them for a checkride. I am grateful to be surrounded by colleagues from whom I can continue to learn and grow.
Ratings:
-Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
-Flight Instructor
Airplane Single Engine Land
Taryn Panter - Instructor
I am a passionate and dedicated Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) from Miami, Florida, with a Bachelor of Science degree in Environmental Science from Florida State University. My qualifications include a Private Pilot License, Instrument Rating, Commercial License, Commercial Multi-Engine License, Multi-Engine Instructor (MEI), and Instrument Instructor (CFII) certifications. I am excited to share my love for aviation and help students develop the skills and confidence they need to become safe and proficient pilots.
Ratings:
-Commercial Pilot
Airplane Single Engine Land
Airplane Multi-Engine Land
-Flight Instructor
Airplane Single Engine Land
Airplane Multi-Engine Land
Instrument Airplane
Testimonials
I just wanted to take a moment to comment on what a great job Link Aviation has done in getting they're flight programs up and running! First off, I am a 45 yrs old and spend my days working with cattle and crops.
I passed my FAA SPA written exam earlier this year and was anxiously waiting for the program at Link to begin. I had very little prior experience flying before enrolling in my first fight lessons with Sawyer Prigge. Sawyer has made the first few fight training lessons both challenging and a lot of fun.
Every time we have parked and shut down the RV12 I have had a big smile on my face and can't wait to get the next flight lesson scheduled. For anyone that is on the fence trying to decide whether or not to work with Link Aviation on a new pilot license or refreshing old skills, don't hesitate to work with Link!
Great people, great program.
Ted Weinzirl