People:

Pilots

Teachers

Students

Staff

Directors

Staff:

Robin Stoddard—Wright Flight's Founder

Currently a Lt Colonel in the Air Force Reserve, Robin Stoddard first conceived of the Wright Flight program for children when he was the top fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. LTC Stoddard graduated cum laude from Colorado State University in 1977 with a degree in political science emphasizing national security issues. He went on to an even more distinguished career as a fighter pilot in the USAF with more than 3,500 hours flying the A-10, the A-7 and the F-16. He was selected Junior Officer of the Year in 1981 in the 81st Tactical Fighter Wing (then the largest fighter wing in the free world). He is a distinguished graduate of the USAF Squadron Officer School and the 1984 recipient of the Lt. Col. Anthony C. Shine Award, for flying and professional skills. This award is made each year to only one pilot in the USAF. Before transitioning to civilian life, Robin was a finalist in the White House Fellows competition for two years running. He then resigned from full-time military service in order to have more time to devote to making Wright Flight a reality. In civilian life, he is also known as an editor, a screenwriter, a researcher, and a lecturer specializing in free market materials (World Research, Inc., San Diego, CA, USA). Robin has published a feature article in Air Force Magazine and book reviews for the U.S. Army's professional journal, Military Review. Robin's recognition includes gold medals (for co-authoring screenplays) from the Greater Miami International Film Festival, the Chicago International Film Festival for educational films: Libra (about space colonization) and The Inflation File (about root causes of inflation). He also received the bronze medal from the New York International Film Festival for Libra. He is also a 1994 Citationist, President's Volunteer Action Award, Points of Light Foundation. LTC Stoddard is a member of a number of professional organizations, including: the National Guard Association of the U.S.; the Air Force Association; the Order of Daedalians; the Red River Valley Fighter Pilot's Association; the Pima County Sheriff's Department Aero Squadron; the Tucson Chamber of Commerce; the Military Affairs Committee; the Aerospace Education Foundation; he is a Presidential Advisor, and the Vice-Chairman of the Tucson Committee on Foreign Relations.

Mark Hollinger—Vice President

Mark Hollinger is the Vice President of Wright Flight, Tucson Arizona. Fundraising, Accounting, Community Relations, Program Services, and Volunteer Services are some of the many "offices" that Mark directs.

Born in Tucson, Mark worked in the health care industry for many years. After working for Wright Flight as a Computer/Accounting Consultant and seeing this wonderful program motivate the youth of Tucson and America with incredible results, Mark decided to join Wright Flight as a permanent employee. Striving to be one of the newest Wright Flight pilots, Mark is actively flying and pursuing a private pilot license for the upcoming year.

Suzanne Maly—Education Director

Suzanne Maly serves as Education Director for Wright Flight. After teaching the Wright Flight Program for 17 years, Suzanne now volunteers her time as Education Director and will join Wright Flight's Board of Directors in the ensuing term. An avid Astronomer, Suzanne's love for learning, teaching and education fits perfectly with Wright Flight's goal of "Helping Kids Reach new Heights".

Greg Rush—Chief Pilot

A longtime pilot with thousands of flight hours, Greg Rush currently assists Wright Flight as Chief Pilot. His myriad of volunteer endeavors with Wright Flight include maintaining aircraft, training and qualifying Wright Flight pilots, and flying students on graduation Fly Days.

Greg’s first flight was in 1977, and he hasn’t stopped flying since.  He has a wide breadth of knowledge as an ATP licensed pilot, instructor, and A&P mechanic, and enjoys sharing his passion for aviation with others, such as southern Arizona children who earn the right to fly in Wright Flight.

Greg and his family have lived in Saudi Arabia where he conducted Learjet flight operations throughout the Middle East and Europe for McDonnell Douglas Corporation. As a Federal Law enforcement officer, Greg formerly flew extensive turbojet operations throughout North, Central, and South America in an effort to eradicate drugs entering U.S. borders. 

Greg has over 3,000 flight instruction hours and over 12,000 total flying hours.  Currently employed by a major cargo airline, Greg has had the opportunity to fly around the world more than 25 times.

 A dedicated volunteer, Greg performs vital functions to help Wright Flight remain a safe and successful program.

Matt McLynn—Director of Flight Operations

Matt McLynn has been a private and commercial pilot for 42 years. Retired from United Airlines after 35 years of service, Matt loves flying anything from a Cessna 150 to a jet fighter. For 10 years he flown in air shows, 3 years with the Thunder Delfin Jet group , 2 years as a corporate pilot, delivered aircraft around the country for 20 years, skydivers for 2 years, and the list goes on.

Currently Matt volunteers both for Warbirds West Air Museum and Wright Flight. His extensive aviation experience provides an essential component to the Wright Flight program. Insuring that Wright Flight aircraft and volunteer pilot aircraft are properly maintained and current with FAA safety guidelines is Matt's primary duty. Additionally, Matt updates and monitors all pilot currency, insurance and safety records.

Born and raised in Chicago, Illinois, Matt lives in Green Valley, Arizona and commutes weekly and as often as needed to the Tucson International Airport home of Wright Flight.

Call the Wright Flight office at 520-294-0404 to request a pilot application and current schedule or fill out our contact form.