Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
OUR TEAM
Brandi Rector - Founder/Owner/CEO
A former helicopter mechanic, quality assurance specialist, and door gunner who completed two tours of duty with the Marine Corps, earned her pilot’s license after leaving the military. As the founder of Semper Fly Helicopters, Brandi continues to break barriers as the only female veteran owner of a helicopter flight school in the country. Her impressive military and civilian experience highlight her dedication to pushing boundaries and setting new standards in aviation. Most recently, she helped the University of Oklahoma become the first University in the Southeastern Conference to establish a helicopter flight school through a partnership with Semper Fly Helicopters.
- Work
- Commercial Helicopter pilot, CFII, and A&P mechanic
- Sensor Operator, General Atomics
- Mechanic, Aircraft Restoration Services
- Aviation Enforcement Agent, U.S. Customs and Border Protection
- Quality Control Inspector and A&P Mechanic, Trans State Airlines
- Logistics Manager on Sikorsky's CH-53K Program
- Military - U.S. Marines
- Helicopter Mechanic and Aerial Gunner on the CH53-E
- Honorable Military Discharge with Outstanding Military Performance Evaluations
- Collateral Duty Quality Assurance Representative (CDQAR)
- Education
- Saint Louis University: B.S., Aeronautics with a focus in Aviation Management (Magna Cum Laude)
- Georgetown University: M.S., Applied Intelligence
Michael Sanford - Founder/Owner/Business Development Officer
As the Business Development Officer of Semper Fly Helicopters, Michael leverages his extensive aviation background and leadership experience to drive growth and expansion. He focuses on building strategic partnerships, securing contracts, and creating new opportunities to strengthen Semper Fly’s presence in the aviation industry which establishes new pathways for students.
Michael is a retired Marine helicopter mechanic, quality assurance specialist, and door gunner. He served as a trip lead at HMX-1, the Marine Corps squadron responsible for transporting the President of the United States, and as an Anti-Terrorism Force Protection Officer, where he specialized in security and operational planning. Michael also holds a bachelor’s degree in psychology, further enhancing his leadership and problem-solving abilities. His extensive military background and education reflect his expertise in aviation, safety, leadership, and mission-critical operations.
Adam Chunn- Chief Flight Instructor
Adam Chunn is a U.S. Army veteran, accomplished rotorcraft professional, and FAA Designated Pilot Examiner who brings exceptional experience and leadership to Semper Fly Helicopters. With more than a decade of operational and instructional expertise across multiple helicopter platforms, Adam plays a key role in shaping the high-standard training culture Semper Fly is known for.
Adam currently flies EC145 SPIFR missions as a Part 135 Rotorwing HAA Pilot and Company Instructor for Sanford Health. As an FAA DPE, he conducts practical tests from Private through ATP in aircraft including the R22, R44, Cabri G2, Bell 206, Bell 407, and EC145, giving Semper Fly students direct access to one of the region’s most respected examiners.
His background also includes serving as a Part 135 Director of Operations, nearly a decade on the Aviation Faculty at Lake Superior College, and additional flight experience in the AW139.
Adam’s blend of military discipline, operational depth, and instructional skill makes him an outstanding Chief Flight Instructor—and a tremendous mentor to every pilot who trains under his guidance.
Charles Beesley - Assistant Chief Instructor & Certified Flight Instructor Instrument
A United States Marine veteran, Charles brings unwavering discipline, exceptional airmanship, and a deep commitment to developing the next generation of rotorcraft pilots.
Before stepping into aviation, Charles supported fellow veterans as a service dog trainer with Battle Buddy Service Dogs. He later completed his helicopter training at North American Helicopter Academy in 2019 and went on to earn his B.S. in Aviation Management with a minor in Helicopters from Saint Louis University—establishing a strong academic and operational foundation in rotorcraft aviation.
Charles quickly excelled as a CFII, earning a reputation for precise instruction, calm leadership, and an ability to translate complex maneuvers into real, measurable progress for his students. His passion for teaching and his high standards in the aircraft made him a natural fit for leadership.
As Assistant Chief Instructor, Charles plays a key role in shaping Semper Fly’s training culture. He leads by example, upholding rigorous safety standards, mentoring instructors, and ensuring every student receives the highest-quality aviation education. His blend of military discipline, technical expertise, and instructional talent makes him an invaluable part of our team.
Outside the cockpit, Charles is a proud father of three incredible children who motivate him every day.
Matthew Bergthold - Program Manager/ CFII
Matt is also a military veteran who brings considerable helicopter flight and repair experience. In addition, he is a computer scientist and software engineer.
Matt's certifications include Commercial - Rotorcraft, Instrument - Rotorcraft, and CFII - Rotorcraft.
- Business
- Senior Software Developer, Bitco Insurance Companies
- Senior Software Engineer, Inpixon USA
- Computer Scientist, Inpixon (Sysorex) Government Services
- Military - U.S. Army
- Medium Helicopter (CH-47D) Repairer Supervisor
- Participated in 2 combat deployments
- Military - Iowa National Guard
- Medium Helicopter Repairer
- Education
- Columbus State University: B.S.,Computer Science (Cum Laude)
- Scott Community College:A.A., Liberal Arts
- University of Dubuque: Flight Operations, Rotorcraft
- U.S. Army: · Certificate, Helicopter Repair Course
Andrew Steffensmeier- Safety Manager/ CFII
Andrew Steffensmeier is an experienced rotorcraft professional, CFII, and U.S. Army veteran who leads Semper Fly’s safety program with exceptional operational depth and disciplined judgment. With nearly 2,500 accident-free flight hours and extensive experience as a UH-60 Blackhawk Pilot-in-Command, including MEDEVAC and combat support missions, Andrew brings unmatched real-world credibility to our training environment.
During his 12 years in the U.S. Army, he conducted missions around the world and developed advanced expertise in NVG operations, tactical planning, personnel recovery, aviation survivability, and high-risk mission execution.
Andrew’s civilian aviation background includes Part 135 operations in the EC130, EC225LP, and S-61N, overseas DoD support missions, and specialized instructional roles preparing military aviators for complex operational environments. His Airframe & Powerplant certification further strengthens his ability to manage and evaluate safety from both flight and maintenance perspectives.
As Semper Fly’s Safety Manager, Andrew oversees risk management, operational safety, and standardization across all programs. As a CFII, he brings calm, mission-focused instruction and a commitment to excellence that elevates every student and instructor.
