We may be a little biased, but we feel like our instructors here at Aces Flight School of Rock Hill , SC, are the best in the business. After you've worked with our collection of instructors, you will certainly agree. While incorporating a safety-first mindset, we never forget to have some fun in the air and make the overall experience enjoyable and appealing to newcomers, which we believe will help students retain knowledge at a more advanced rate.
Our top-of-the-line team of instructors is happy to work with any class of pilots, ranging anywhere from new to experienced. A.C.E.S. Flight School offers training toward Sports, Private, and Commercial certifications as well as advanced ratings for High Performance, Complex, IFR, and Multi-Engine.
Jackson McKinney
Jackson’s love for aviation began at a young age, when his Uncle Tim gave him a tour of his company’s hanger. Jackson then began his flight training at ACES Flight School in 2022 as a junior in high school. After completing his Private Pilot License at ACES he attended Auburn University. He recently graduated as a Certified Flight Instructor with his Bachelors Degree in Professional Flight.
Jackson’s favorite part about being a flight instructor is seeing his students grow in their confidence and skills. In his free time, Jackson loves watching sports, especially baseball, being outdoors, traveling, and spending time with family and friends.
Elaine Hendrickson-Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
Elaine’s passion for aviation began with her love for travel at a young age. She took her first flight lessons in high school and later attended Purdue University, where she earned degrees in Professional Flight and Aviation Management. Elaine is a multi-engine and single-engine commercial pilot with an instrument rating, as well as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII).
As a full-time flight instructor, Elaine is dedicated to general aviation and takes pride in helping her students achieve their flying goals. When she’s not at the airport, you’ll likely find her enjoying the outdoors and going on walks with her dog, Poppy.
Scott Cooper
Scott's passion for flying was sparked during his childhood summers traveling from South Carolina to Washington. This love led him to participate in AFJROTC's flight training as a teenager. After a detour in life, he returned to aviation in 2022, quickly earning his Private, Instrument, and Commercial pilot certifications through ATP Flight School's accelerated program. By August 2024, after completing his CFI training with ACES Flight School, Scott began his instructing career, where he currently shares his enthusiasm for aviation with others.
Cale Ward
Cale became a CFI in April 2025, bringing with him the same determination and discipline that defined his years as a USAF Special Operations TACP veteran. He began his aviation journey in 2023, completing his flight training through Liberty University.
His military background instilled a strong work ethic and an unwavering commitment to excellence.
Outside the cockpit, Cale is a devoted husband and proud father of two, balancing the demands of family life with his passion for aviation. When he’s not flying or spending time with his family, he competes as a professional disc golfer.
Collin Whitehouse
Collin's love for aviation began early—watching the Blue Angels practice in Florida during family vacations had him hooked. That passion stayed with him through eight years of service in the Air Force, where he worked as an engineer and concluded his military career supporting SpaceX launches at Cape Canaveral. Now, as a second-career Certified Flight Instructor (CFI), Collin is excited to share his knowledge and help others achieve their aviation goals. Whether someone is just starting out, transitioning to a second career, or flying purely for fun, he's committed to helping make it a reality.
When he's not flying, Collin enjoys spending time with his wife and their two Australian Shepherds—often exploring the local food scene and searching for the next great cold brew.
Megan Slater
Aviation has always been a part of Megan’s family, as her father flew for American Airlines, her sister now at Piedmont, and growing up going to air shows as a family affair, it was hard not catch the aviation bug as well. She started flight training in Tampa FL after college, then shortly moved to North Carolina to finish off her training with her sister. While Megan was working on her ratings, she was also working admin at a flight school out of Monroe. After working on both ends of a flight school, Megan knows exactly how to tailor your training needs, and is excited to help you along your aviation journey!
Keegan Miller
Keegan caught the flying bug at a young age when his Uncle introduced him to general aviation during High School. Working EMS to finance this flying habit, what was at first an interest was fostered into a passion. Keegan kept flying through college and earned his Private Pilot Certificate in 2022, the same year he graduated from Appalachian State University with a BS in Evolutionary Biology. Soon after college Keegan made the decision to pursue aviation as a career and achieved his Instrument Rating, Single and Multiengine Commercial Certificate, CFI, CFII, and MEI. Outside of aviation Keegan maintains a passion for spending time with his friends and family, following his App State Mountaineers football team, and varying hobbies like soccer and guitar.
Staff
Kevin Kyzer
A licensed pilot and owner of A.C.E.S. Flight School, I am also a real estate investor and developer, as well as a licensed general contractor. I previously served as CEO of Technology Connections and as a non-commissioned officer in the United States Navy. Above all, my proudest accomplishment is being a cancer survivor—a testament to my resilience, determination, and strength.
