Hi, my name is Miguel Counts, and I am the Piper Ambassador at Thrust Flight. Before beginning my aviation journey, I served as both a police officer and in the military, always dreaming of becoming a pilot but unsure where to start. After finally taking the chance and starting flight training, I am now working on my CFII at Thrust Flight, with the goal of instructing full-time after completing my commercial multi-engine rating. Through the Piper Ambassador Program, I strive to represent both Thrust Flight and Piper while sharing the excitement of flight training and inspiring others to chase their aviation dreams.

Hey everyone, I’m Jayden O’Neal. I’m beyond excited to be the 2025-2026 Piper brand ambassador for Middle Georgia State University! My entire aviation career has been around Piper aircraft and has been nothing short of an amazing experience. From Cubs to Saratogas and Seminoles I have found that Piper makes the most enjoyable and versatile aircraft in general aviation!

I’m Helena Lind, originally from Minnesota, and I’m currently a student and flight instructor at the University of North Dakota, where I study Commercial Aviation and Airport Management. I recently had the incredible opportunity to fly in the Air Race Classic, which was an amazing way to showcase my passion for aviation and support the advancement of women in the field. I love sharing my flying experiences on social media to inspire and connect with future aviators. As a Piper Brand Ambassador, I’m proud to represent a company that shares my enthusiasm for safe, high-quality training aircraft.

Hi! My name is Lou Kritzeck, I’m born and raised in MN, and I am currently a senior at Minnesota State University, Mankato. I’m wrapping up my commercial multi-engine rating right now, and I’m so excited to be a part of this amazing group of aviators selected to represent Piper Aircraft!

Hello, my name is Sophia, and I am one of the two new Piper Brand Ambassadors from the University of North Dakota! I am currently enrolled in AVIT 221 and training for my instrument rating. As a kid I looked forward to the flying portion more than the actual vacation itself, and that’s when I realized that I could spend the rest of my life in the sky! I am looking forward to being a part of the Piper Ambassador Program and documenting my aviation journey for everyone to see!

Hello, my name is Gabriel Arumpanayil, and I will be going into my third year at Bowling Green State University studying Flight Technology and Operations with a minor in Spanish language. I am currently an instrument-rated private pilot and will begin my multi/engine commercial training this fall in the Piper Seminole. Outside of flying, I really enjoy spending time outdoors with friends doing things like surfing, rock climbing, hiking, etc. I also really enjoy listening to all types of music and reading. Thank you!

Hey everyone! My name is Carly Schmidt, and I am the Piper Brand Ambassador for Acron Aviation Academy! I grew up around aviation with both of my parents being airline pilots, and they even attended the same academy years ago. From sitting in a Piper Archer for the first time when touring the academy, to completing my first solo in it, and now training towards my commercial license, I will forever associate the Archer with some of the best memories in my aviation journey. I am also looking forward to learning how to teach in the Archer and doing my multi-engine training in the Piper Seminole. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share more of my experiences in Piper Aircraft and offer my support to other aspiring pilots.

Hi, my name is Hannah Godfrey! As a Branch Leader and student at Paragon Flight Training in LaGrange, Georgia, I get to be fully immersed in the world of aviation. One of my greatest passions is helping people get started on their flight training journey and watching them take their first steps toward a lifelong passion or career. As a private pilot who loves getting to fly the Piper P100i, I am actively building my flight time and working toward new ratings, with the ultimate goal of becoming an airline pilot.