Learn from the Best

Quantum Commanders are more than mentors—they are world-class aviators, astronauts, industry pioneers, and seasoned professionals who bring unparalleled expertise to the Pilot-in-Command Curriculum. Their deep knowledge of aviation or aerospace operations, leadership, and decision-making provides students with real-world insights that go beyond textbooks and simulators.

One of the most impactful aspects of the program is the exclusive interviews and masterclasses led by Quantum Commanders, where they share firsthand experiences from cockpits, control towers, and global flight operations. These sessions provide invaluable perspectives on critical decision-making, overcoming adversity, and navigating the complexities of an aviation career. By learning directly from those who have mastered their craft, students not only gain technical expertise but also internalize the leadership principles and command presence that define a true Quantum Pilot.

Chuck Aaron

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Chuck Aaron is perhaps the most famous pioneering helicopter pilot in the world.  Working with Red Bull North America, he spent several years inaugurating and perfecting helicopter aerobatics on the airshow circuit in his signature BO-105 helicopter.  He has also flown in several major films and television series, notably flying the opening sequence to the “James Bond” film, SPECTRE, in Mexico City.  Accolades and honors include: Living Legends of Aviation, Art Scholl Award, Helicopter Pilot of the Year, Lifetime Achievement Award (HAI), Wright Brothers Master Pilot, and the Sikorsky Rescue Award. He is also a proud member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots.

We are thrilled to have Chuck as our first “Quantum Commander” and overall supporter.  Chuck represents the spirit of exceptionalism in aviation and his deep experience as pilot-in-command will be of use to all our future leaders.

Julie Clark

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Rising from personal tragedy with uncommon resolve, Julie Clark built a career that redefined what was possible for women in aviation. One of the first female pilots hired by a major U.S. airline, she rose to become an Airbus A-320 captain, logging almost 35,000 flight hours during a career that spanned more than four decades. Further, in parallel, she also became one of America’s most admired solo aerobatic performers, thrilling millions with her patriotic, precision routines in her meticulously restored T-34 Mentor, Free Spirit. Accolades and honors include: Living Legends of Aviation, the Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award, the International Council of Air Shows Sword of Excellence, the Katharine Wright Memorial Trophy, and the Women in Aviation Pioneer Hall of Fame.  However—later this year—Julie’s pathbreaking legacy will be further cemented with her inauguration into the prestigious National Aviation Hall of Fame.

A lifelong mentor and advocate, Julie continues to inspire future aviators through speaking, scholarships, and nonprofit service. Quantum Leadership is honored to partner with Captain Clark in our mission to empower the next generation of aviators—her courage, integrity, and passion for flight embody the kind of leadership we strive to cultivate. Her story is one of skill, heart, and unwavering commitment to lifting others into the skies.

Jimmy DiMatteo

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Naval Aviator | Red Bull Air Race Director | Top Gun Adversary | Breitling Jet Team

Captain Jim “Guido” DiMatteo is one of the most accomplished tactical aviators of his generation — and one of the most inspiring voices in aviation leadership today. In his 27-year U.S. Navy career, he flew five frontline fighters, flew combat in Desert Storm, and made history by commanding both of the Navy’s TOPGUN Adversary Squadrons. His leadership earned him the Naval Aviation “Triple Crown” and titles like Fighter Pilot of the Year, Adversary Pilot of the Year, and the TOP HOOK carrier-landing award.

After retiring from the Navy, Jim led on the global stage—serving as Race Director for the Red Bull Air Races, directing the Breitling Jet Team’s U.S. Tour, and managing flight operations at EAA AirVenture Oshkosh. He still flies the F‑5 Advanced Tiger with Tactical Air Support, preparing Navy and Air Force pilots for real-world adversaries.

In March 2018, Jim was inducted into the Palm Springs Air Museum’s Hall of Fame for his lifetime achievements in aviation. The recognition continued a family legacy of aviation excellence—inspired by his father and brother, both Naval aviators whom Jim deeply respects.

A collegiate rugby champion, entrepreneur, and philanthropist, Jim’s career exemplifies leadership, integrity, and a greater purpose—values central to the Quantum Leadership Foundation.

Alan Eustace

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Alan is a trailblazing engineer and adventurer who once jumped from the edge of space. After a successful career as Google’s Senior Vice President of Knowledge, Alan teamed up with a fearless crew of innovators to design a custom spacesuit and balloon system that lifted him 25 miles above Earth. In 2014, he shattered three world records in a single skydive — including the highest jump ever — reaching speeds faster than the speed of sound. His record-breaking suit is now featured at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum.

A passionate pilot and skydiver, Alan holds advanced certifications in both airplanes and helicopters, and was inducted into the International Skydiving Hall of Fame in 2019. His daring work earned top honors in aviation and action sports, including the prestigious Laureus Award, the FAI’s Milestone Award, and recognition as a finalist for the Collier Trophy — one of the highest honors in aerospace.

Alan is an amazing human being, a methodical trailblazer, and peerless leader. We are thrilled to have him as a foundation supporter and leadership lecturer/interviewee as part of the Quantum Curriculum.

Hoot Gibson

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Captain Robert “Hoot” Gibson is one of the most accomplished pilots and astronauts of our time. A former Navy fighter pilot, test pilot, NASA astronaut, airline captain, and air race champion, he has logged over 14,500 flight hours in more than 160 types of aircraft across a remarkable 55-year career.

He began his path with an Associate Degree in Engineering Science from Suffolk County Community College and a Bachelor’s in Aeronautical Engineering from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. In the Navy, he flew F-4 Phantoms and F-14 Tomcats in combat over Southeast Asia, completing more than 300 carrier landings. After graduating from TOPGUN and finishing first in his class at the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, he served as a flight test pilot before being selected by NASA in 1978.

Captain Gibson flew five Space Shuttle missions—four as Commander—aboard Challenger, Columbia, Atlantis, and Endeavour, including the first docking with the Russian space station Mir. He later served as NASA’s Chief Astronaut, helping lead the agency during a critical era of space exploration.

Following his NASA career, he flew as a commercial airline captain and later won the Unlimited Gold Championship at the Reno Air Races in 2015. His many honors include the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Yuri Gagarin Gold Medal, and enshrinement in both the Astronaut Hall of Fame and National Aviation Hall of Fame.

Captain Gibson exemplifies leadership, excellence, and courage—values at the heart of the Quantum Leadership Foundation. We’re deeply honored to have him as a participant in our interview series.

Stuart Harris

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Pioneer in space and wilderness medicine | Emergency physician | Leadership educator

N. Stuart Harris is a pioneer in wilderness and space medicine, with decades of experience delivering care in the world’s most extreme environments. At Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, he’s led innovation beyond traditional settings — from high-altitude expeditions and Arctic communities to human spaceflight.

He is founding Chief of the SPEAR MED Division (Space, Ecological, Arctic, and Resource-limited Medicine) at MGH, and launched the hospital’s Wilderness Medicine (2007) and Space Medicine (2022) Fellowships. He also serves as Editor-in-Chief of the 8th Edition of Wilderness Medicine, the 2,600-page textbook that redefines health through an ecological lens.

A Fellow of The Explorers Club and the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, Stuart also chairs the Board of the National Outdoor Leadership School (NOLS), where he co-developed the Medicine in the Wild program. His work reflects a belief that leadership is forged through experience, humility, and the ability to act under uncertainty.

Whether on a glacier, in a trauma bay, or advancing space medicine, Stuart brings to the Quantum Leadership Foundation a spirit of exploration — and a vision for leading where the map runs out.

Fred Sorenson

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Famously known for his role as the seaplane pilot “Jock Lindsey” in the beginning of the film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, or as the pilot who rescued cast and crew of Jurassic Park after a hurricane hit, Fred Sorenson is a legendary real pilot.  With almost 50,000 flight hours, flying everything from seaplanes to heavy metal, and everywhere—he is a renowned international ferry pilot—he has and continues to be a mentor to aviators wishing to set international records.  The Walt Disney company even has a restaurant fully themed from his renowned Indiana Jones’ character, Jock Lindsey’s Hangar Bar, in Disney Springs, Orlando.

Fred’s exploits are legendary, and we are proud to have him as a foundation supporter (as well as a technical advisor for the upcoming “Around the World” trip). His experience and character epitomize the humor, reward, innovation, and daring it takes to be a successful aviation leader. Oh, and don’t forget “backbone”— “that’s just my pet snake Reggie!”

Patty Wagstaff

QUANTUM COMMANDER

Patty Wagstaff is a force of nature in the world of aviation—fearless, focused, and fiercely dedicated to excellence. One of the most celebrated aerobatic pilots of all time, she broke barriers as the first woman to win the U.S. National Aerobatic Championship, a title she went on to defend multiple times. A six-time member of the U.S. National Aerobatic Team, Patty has wowed audiences around the globe with her breathtaking precision, fluid artistry, and signature style.

Her aircraft, the iconic Goodrich Extra 260, now hangs in the Smithsonian National Air & Space Museum—an enduring symbol of her barrier-breaking legacy. Patty’s contributions have earned her aviation’s highest honors, including the Art Scholl Showmanship Award, the ICAS Sword of Excellence, induction into the National Aviation Hall of Fame, and the National Air and Space Museum’s Award for Current Achievement.

But beyond the accolades, Patty is known for her warmth, integrity, and unwavering generosity of spirit. She has mentored countless young pilots with wisdom and patience, and continues to be a guiding light—especially for women in aviation. A true original, Patty Wagstaff is more than an icon; she is a role model whose courage and grace continue to inspire the next generation to fly higher.

Mentorship Program

  • MENTORS

    QUANTUM MENTORS are experienced professionals: airline pilots, corporate jet pilots, current and former military pilots or aircrew, air traffic controllers, business leaders, and an aviation medical examiner. Some of our current mentors include:

    *Cody, American Airlines

    *Brooke, Endeavor/CFI

    *Jeff, United Airlines

    *Leah, USAF

    *Steve, United Airlines (Ret.)

    *Cody, Corporate Jet Pilot

    *Paul, TBM Corporate Pilot

    *Rachel, VP, Int’l Govt/Defense Aviation Services Provider

  • Career Acceleration & Skill Development

    Mentorship provides firsthand industry knowledge, career guidance, and skill-building opportunities that fast-track professional growth. By learning from experienced pilots and aviation leaders, mentees gain real-world insights, confidence, and decision-making skills that accelerate their journey from student to professional aviator. A strong mentorship connection opens doors to networking, career advancement, and leadership opportunities that might otherwise take years to develop.

  • Empowering Female Pilots

    For women in aviation, mentorship is a critical tool for overcoming barriers and fostering inclusivity. Female pilots benefit from strong role models, representation, and a supportive network that helps them navigate an industry where they are often underrepresented. A mentor provides insight into career progression, work-life balance, and strategies to build confidence in male-dominated spaces. By fostering strong female mentorship networks, we empower women to rise into leadership roles, inspire future generations, and reshape the future of aviation.

  • Navigating Challenges & Building Resilience

    The aviation industry presents unique challenges—technical, operational, and psychological. A mentor helps new pilots navigate obstacles with expert advice, offering guidance on overcoming setbacks, adapting to industry changes, and staying resilient in high-pressure situations. Through mentorship, aspiring pilots gain the mindset of a leader, learning how to make informed decisions, manage risks, and thrive in demanding environments.