Jeff Van Pietersom, a Wisconsin native, brings over four decades of aviation experience to the cockpit. He began his flying career in the U.S. Navy, where he served for 20 years and gained extensive experience operating complex aircraft in high-demand environments.

After retiring from military service, Jeff transitioned to commercial aviation, flying as a captain for a major U.S. airline for 27 years. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) certificate and is an FAA-certified flight instructor, qualified in single-engine, multi-engine, and instrument instruction (CFI, CFII, MEI).

Now based in Watertown, Wisconsin, Jeff founded Discover Flying Wisconsin to share his passion for aviation with others. He offers discovery flights, orientation sessions, and formal pilot training tailored to students of all backgrounds—from first-time flyers to returning pilots.

With thousands of flight hours and a calm, safety-focused teaching style, Jeff provides a welcoming and professional environment to help you build skills and confidence in the air.