UPRT-USA Advisory Board

UPRT-USA’s Advisory Board comprises top aviation experts who leverage their extensive experience to enhance our courses. They audit content, provide feedback, improve accuracy, suggest enhancements and ensure safe operations.

  • Keith Colmer - Advisory Board

    Colonel Keith Colmer, a test pilot with over 5,100 flight hours in 90 aircraft, graduated from MIT with a degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics. An F-16 combat pilot for the U.S. Air Force and Colorado Air National Guard, he flew two Iraq tours and was the first Guard pilot at USAF Test Pilot School. He tested F-16, F-15, and T-38C aircraft and serves as a Virgin Galactic astronaut pilot for SpaceShipTwo. Known as "Coma," Colmer earned the Orville Wright and Bobby Bond Memorial Aviator Awards.

  • Bill Maples - Advisory Board

    Bill Maples is a Master Production Test Pilot for Gulfstream Aerospace in Savannah, Georgia, testing jets like the Gulfstream G800 for safety and performance. An MTSU aerospace graduate, he flew the G600 over MTSU’s 2023 commencement, showcasing his expertise. Previously, Maples served in the Marine Corps, flying the AV-8B Harrier, T-37, and T-45. He was Executive Officer of MAG-13, Commanding Officer of VMA-211 “Wake Island Avengers,” and AV-8B Operational Test Director, contributing to aviation safety and innovation.

  • Michael Smith - Advisory Board

    Mike Smith is a lifelong FightSafety Instructor and Training Center Evaluator with Type Rating Authority. - More to come.

UPRT-USA’s Instructor

  • Instructor - King Evans

    King Evans, with over 5,000 flight hours across 50+ aircraft, holds Type Ratings for GIV, GV, GVI, GVII, and GVIII, and serves as a Master Production Test Pilot with FAA Test Pilot designation. As a CFII and MEI, he has logged over 3,000 hours of dual given and 20 years of teaching Upset Prevention and Recovery. King applies his expertise as a flight instructor and test pilot to deliver practical, effective, and safe UPRT training.