Meet the Team
-
Scott Marquardt, a native of Wisconsin and a proud Packers fan, discovered his passion for aviation during a discovery flight in his mid-twenties. Determined to become a skilled aviator, he pursued his education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. By 2010, he had earned his associate's degree in Aviation Flight and a bachelor's degree in Aviation Technologies, specializing in helicopter maintenance.
With qualifications as both a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and an Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic, Scott's versatility allowed him to assume multiple roles at Sparta Aero, a reputable General Aviation Fixed Base Operator (FBO). For three years, he dedicated himself to instructing aspiring pilots, maintaining aircraft, and contributing to the management of the airport. Eventually, an opportunity arose for Scott to acquire the business, an endeavor that aligned perfectly with his upbringing in an entrepreneurial household. (He co-owned his first business at age 8.)
Under Scott's leadership and with the support of his team, Sparta Aero has experienced remarkable growth, with sales increasing by an impressive 400%. Continuously expanding his skill set, Scott has ventured into aircraft sales as well as piloting different makes of corporate aircraft, such as Mooney, Cirrus, Beech Barons, the TBM 700, various Citation jets, and different models of the King Air series. With over 2,000 hours of instructional experience, Scott has honed his teaching abilities to a high level, consistently providing exceptional guidance and instruction to aspiring pilots.
Beyond his professional achievements, Scott enjoys traveling, participating in animal rescue efforts, and cherishing quality time with his very supportive wife and step-son (son).
At Sparta Aero, we are privileged to have Scott Marquardt at the helm, leading our team of dedicated professionals and ensuring that our commitment to excellence in aviation training remains unwavering.
-
Noah was born in Southern Ohio, where two generations prior his grandfather was a local legend known for his flying skills as a flight instructor and aerobatic pilot. Following his grandfather’s legacy, Noah began his flight training in 2022, and within less than a year had obtained two FAA certificates as a Commercial Pilot and a Certified Flight Instructor. His passion for aviation is always on display, and his experience in a fast paced training environment allows him to impart his knowledge to his students effectively and efficiently.
Noah currently lives in St. Louis with his wife and daughter. In his free time, he plays piano, ukulele, and accordion with his friends and family, with ambitions to learn banjo and fiddle. He also speaks and reads Latin fluently.
-
Ms. Gonstal finds a way to juggle the responsibilities of finishing High School, keeping the FBO tidy, as well as running her own business. Grace's most recent accomplishment was receiving her Private Pilot certificate.
-
Carrol Lee, originally from Indiana, started his career with the US Army in 1979. Stationed in Fort Campbell KY, Carrol received his A&P license in 1982. That’s over 40 years as an A&P mechanic! (He’s getting close to the Chuck Taylor award…)
Following the Army, he continued his career as a helicopter mechanic in Denver, CO.
In 1987 Carrol started working for US Airways where he stayed for 18 years, and honed his skills as an aircraft technician. Carrol moved to Southern Illinois in 2021 to be closer to his two daughters and 4 grandchildren. Shortly after the move, Carrol found his home at Sparta Aero, where he could continue to further his passion of solving problems and fixing flying machines.
Beyond his skills as an aircraft mechanic, Carrol mans a mean grill, and provides many Friday cookouts for the crew. Sparta Aero is truly blessed to have him as part of our team.
-
Robert Repass, a native of Iowa, discovered his love for aviation at a young age; he loved going to the airport to watch the planes take off and land. While in college he earned his Private Pilots license. After college, he decided to go to Flight Safety International in Vero Beach to train for the remainder of his licenses and ratings. Rob then spent some time in FL teaching, but left the aviation industry for a few years in 2015. He got back into the scene in 2019, and has been instructing ever since.
Rob has a very easy-going demeanor, and although he looks like the Terminator in his photo, is very relaxed in the cockpit and helps students to feel comfortable and confident.
Rob is excited to be here at Sparta Aero Services to help others reach their dreams of becoming pilots. With over 1000 hrs of dual given, his experience is highly valued at Sparta Aero.
-
My early years were spent as an Air Force brat, so some of my earliest memories revolve around airplanes and, in particular, airshows with the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels. Flying or not, I’m fascinated with the machines and the people who make them fly.
Both my father and my mother were from the area, so he retired from Scott AFB, and that’s how we came to live here.
I studied anthropology in college (SIUE), concentrating on archaeology and specializing in analyzing animal bones. My son graduated high school and I graduated college as the Class of 2000. I eventually secured a job at the Center for American Archeology (not a misspelling) in Kampsville, IL, where I managed the collection and the lab, and taught basketry, flintknapping, pottery, atlatl throwing, and academic classes and lab procedures. I later studied earth and planetary science at the graduate level.
Most recently, I spent seven years in Vietnam teaching English in the cities of Bien Hoa and Vung Tau. Bien Hoa was my first stop, and as crazy as it sounds, my back window overlooked the former American Air Force base there where I watched Sukhois fly in and out, and around the city between high rise apartment buildings.
I returned to the US in January, 2023, and came to work for Sparta Aero in September. I work the front desk at the FBO, perform general office tasks and do what I can to make life easier for everyone here.
-
Chase was born and raised right here in Southern Illinois. After high school, Chase followed in the family's footsteps and pursued a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in accounting at Southern Illinois University of Carbondale (SIUC). After a few brutal tax seasons, Chase was considering a career change. His stepdad mentioned trying to become a pilot, which piqued Chase’s interest. In 2021, Chase took his first discovery flight and was hooked. After two years of training, Chase obtained a Commercial Pilot certificate and a Certified Flight Instructor certificate.
When Chase isn’t preparing tax returns, he likes to get outdoors and enjoy everything nature offers. He spends time fishing, golfing, and exercising.
Chase can do anything he sets his mind to. His attention to detail, passion for aviation, and desire to develop professional pilots make him a valuable asset at Sparta Aero. His value to the company is beyond his skills as a flight instructor. Come say hello and find out what we mean.
-
Check back soon for a bio!
-
There isn’t enough room here to write of Steve’s endeavors. If it’s happened in GA, Steve has probably done it. He is a key asset to our organization, and the Force is strong with him.
Contact Us
Better yet, see us in person!
We love our customers, so feel free to visit during business hours.
Monday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Tuesday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Wednesday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Thursday: 08:00 am – 05:00 pm
Friday: 08:00 am – 04:00 pm
Saturday: 08:00 am – 03:00 pm
Sunday - Closed
