About Us
A Few Words About the Idea Behind Trident Aviation Training
In the airlines, training is a way of life; almost a continuous process. Besides frequent and regular recurrent and refresher training and proficiency checks, there is almost always some new information waiting every time you check in for a trip. But after leaving the airlines, it quickly became obvious how hard it can be to stay current on procedures, technologies, and regulations, much less remain proficient at flying.
It also became clear that there are many other pilots facing these same challenges: pilots wanting to learn new skills, add certificates or ratings, recover and maintain their old skills, or just work on becoming better and safer pilots. And all these pilots need quality training that is efficient and cost-effective.
So that was the idea behind Trident Aviation Training: Find ways to bring the best technologies and resources to our aviation community to help pilots become and remain proficient and safe. While our primary focus lies in instrument flying, our goal is to help people to not only achieve new ratings and certificates, but also to maintain and improve their skills and knowledge.
We hope we will see you around the airport at Owatonna, have a chance to meet you, and hopefully find ways to help you meet your flying goals.
About Our Instructors
Dennis Vanatta is a retired airline captain who has been working in aviation for more than fifty years, including operating a flight school and fixed base operation, flying as a line captain in air freight and passenger service, serving as an airline flight instructor and check airman, and working in airline management. He holds an Airline Transport Pilot certificate with numerous type ratings, a Gold Seal Flight Instructor Certificate (single- and multiengine and instrument), and is rated in gliders and seaplanes. He is also an Airframe and Powerplant aircraft Mechanic.
Eric Workman is a retired systems engineer who has been flying for more than 20 years. Eric is also a single and multiengine instrument instructor, and has a true passion for the knowledge and skills required for safe (and fun) light airplane instrument flying.
We look forward to meeting you and doing a little hangar flying with you. We talk airplanes!
