Our Team
Our instructors deliver an unrivaled experience. Your safety and comfort is first and foremost, with the best learning environment.
CEO and Founder | CFI . CFII . MEI . ATP
Abel Chacon
I’m an ATP-rated Commercial Pilot and CFI/CFII/MEI with over 1,800 hours of flight experience, much of it spent instructing in high-performance and complex aircraft like the Cessna 182RG. Aviation has been my lifelong passion, and it’s become my purpose to share that passion with others through teaching and mentorship. I take pride in helping pilots refine their skills, build confidence, and reach milestones that once felt out of reach.
Through Abel Aviation, my mission is to make flying more accessible while creating a professional, supportive environment where both students and instructors can thrive. I believe aviation should inspire, challenge, and connect people—and I’m dedicated to helping others achieve their goals while keeping alive that sense of wonder for flight.
CFI . CFII
Hannah Lundgaard
Hi, I’m Hannah! I’m a flight instructor who loves helping students discover confidence, curiosity, and joy in aviation. I have over 700 hours of instructional experience teaching pilots at all stages of training, in different states and some pretty complex airspace along the way.
When I’m not instructing, you’ll usually find me flying for fun—especially if there’s a new restaurant at the destination. I also serve as Vice Chairman of the Austin Country 99s, where I’m passionate about supporting and empowering women in aviation. Long term, I hope to become a Designated Pilot Examiner so I can continue giving back to the aviation community that’s given me so much.
CFI . CFII
Matt Moraes
Some say that flying runs in my blood, others say that I just love what I do. But in reality, it's both. From my first word being "Airplane" and the fact that I come from a family of military and commercial pilots, sharing a small sliver of the sky feels like sharing a part of my upbringing. Now, with more than 3 years of flying experience and over 1,000 hours of flight time, my entire objective as your flight instructor is to help you exceed any standard set, empower you to perfect your ADM, and ultimately help you share the beauty of the world beneath us and the skies above us.
Student's have described my teaching style as "Encouraging, Calm, Consistent, and Descriptive."
Want to know more? --- I earned my Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering and have worked on programs for commercial and military jet engines and even developed a program to optimize the design of jet engine fuel nozzles. Realizing I could no longer deny my desire to fly, I decided to follow the "family business."
Outside of flying, you can find me spending time with family and friends, roasting coffee (if you ask nicely, I'll roast you a bag), telling a sick dad joke, behind a camera, cooking up delicious meals, or sticking my nose into any leather goods store I can find.
CFI . CFII . MEI
Macy Spaniel
Hi, I’m Macy. I’m a CFI, CFII, and MEI. I’m passionate about helping students build confidence, solid decision-making skills, and a strong foundation they can carry into their careers. I bring experience from both flight training and FBO operations, and I’m dedicated to creating a positive and professional learning environment for every student.
CFI . CFII . MEI
Kyle Mason
10-year motorcycle instructor, turned to aviation. Keeping safety as the utmost conscious priority, I strive every day to make that aspiring pilot next to me better than I could ever be.
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I believe that every person learns differently, so it is my goal to adapt to my students' needs and watch them "take flight" in every aspect of the term.
CFI . CFII . ATP
Alex Martinsen
Greetings Aviators! My names Alex, I’m a CFI/CFII & ATP rated pilot. I’m seeking to help others fulfill their aviation goals and share the experience of flight. I got into aviation 10 years ago through flight simulators and video games and went to Liberty University fulfilling a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics science. I’m also a weather fanatic and track tornadoes in the United States. I work for a regional airline & am based here in Austin, TX. I’m excited to work with you guys!
CFI . CFII . MEI
Steven Amend
Hello current and future pilots,
I'm Steven (the individual to the right of Abel) and I'm a Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor, and owner of Blue-Sable Flight LLC. I hold a CFI, CFII, and MEI, and my flying experience includes flight instruction, recreational, contract, and ferry flights.
My favorite place to be is in a multi-engine airplane. I've logged more than 700 hours of multi-engine time and have had the opportunity to help many students and signed off over 50 individuals for check rides from Private Pilot to Multi-Engine Instructor. Some of those include many of the great instructors at Abel Aviation. Along the way, I've also safely landed two aircraft following left-engine failures—experiences that reinforced the importance of staying calm, thinking clearly, and always putting safety first.
I enjoy sharing my passion for aviation with others and helping pilots build the knowledge, skills, and confidence they need to fly safely. Whether I'm instructing a new student or taking on a ferry or contract flight, I strive to approach every flight with professionalism, a positive attitude, and a commitment to continuous learning.
When I'm not flying, you'll usually find me spending time with my wife and our two huskies.
CFI . CFII
Bryan Walker
Bryan is an aviation lover through and through. He grew up with a passion for flying and spending free time playing flight simulator. His dad began taking flying lessons when Bryan was 12 years old which yielded the opportunity to grow up flying in a Cherokee 180. Seeing his dad become a professional pilot Bryan always wanted to become a full time aviator. After 13 years of experience as a Firefighter/Paramedic Bryan transitioned to full time flying. He currently flies Cessna Citations and the twin pressurized Cessna variants Full time. With almost 2,000 hours of flight experience, Bryan maintains a strong passion for education and flight training. Prior to becoming a CFI he routinely instructed fire academies, paramedic programs, and continuing education courses.
Bryan has successfully trained several High School aviators (both male and female) as well as adults, and numerous other certificate and rating seekers preparing them for long careers in aviation.
Regardless of your age or previous experience Bryan enjoys tailoring the complexities of flight instruction to the needs of the student and getting them to develop good confident fundamental flying skills.
When not flying or instructing, Bryan enjoys spending time with his Wife Katie and their 2 children Eli and Emma. He has also served on City Council for the City of Marble Falls and has a well established aircraft brokerage operation.
CFI . CFII
Daniel Kokenes
My professional flying career began in the military as an Aeromedical Evacuation Pilot for the Texas Army National Guard. Initially, the mission demanded support during an overseas deployment. Today, the mission demands stateside border support and emergency disaster relief in Texas. Additionally, I remain an active lifelong learner as a Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII). It has been a privilege to operate various aircraft as a military pilot and a privilege to impart that knowledge to the fellow aviation community. I truly enjoy sharing my experience with pilot's of all backgrounds from the beautiful skies of Austin, TX!