Drew Struensee

Commercial Pilot & Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII)

Aviation Flight Technology student at Lewis University pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree. Providing structured, safety-driven, and highly tailored flight instruction for Private Pilot Training, Instrument Rating Training, and Commercial Pilot Training.

Drew Struensee
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325
Total Flight Hours
222
Pilot-in-Command (PIC)
70
Instrument & Night Hours
CFII
Certified Flight Instructor

Flight Instruction Offerings

Structured, safety-driven primary and advanced flight instruction tailored to each student's goals.

Primary Training

Private Pilot Training

Comprehensive flight and ground instruction from zero hours through your FAA Private Pilot Certificate. Emphasis on fundamental aerodynamics, situational awareness, and safe crosswind operations.

  • Customized lesson plans & milestone tracking
  • Thorough pre-flight & post-flight ground briefings
  • Solo supervision & structured cross-country preparation
Advanced IFR

Instrument Rating Training

Specialized instrument instruction covering ILS and RNAV approaches, holding patterns, ATC communications, single-pilot IFR operations, and advanced avionics systems.

  • Precision and non-precision approach procedures
  • Garmin G1000 & traditional instrument operations
  • Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC)
Professional Track

Commercial Pilot Training

Rigorous training for your FAA Commercial Pilot Certificate, focusing on precision flight maneuvers, complex aircraft management, and deep regulatory mastery.

  • Chandelles, Lazy Eights & Eights on Pylons mastery
  • Comprehensive commercial checkride oral preparation
  • Energy management & precision spot landings
Proficiency

Flight Review & IPC

Biennial Flight Reviews (BFR) and Instrument Proficiency Checks (IPC) designed to refresh safety margins, emergency procedures, and regulatory updates.

  • Tailored directly to your mission and aircraft type
  • System malfunctions and emergency procedures
  • Comprehensive review of FAR/AIM regulations
Instructional Approach

Why Train With Drew?

Formal flight education from Lewis University combined with deep hands-on aircraft maintenance experience. I focus on structured progression, clear communication, and thorough systems understanding to build confident, checkride-ready airmen.

  • Patient, structured, and analytical teaching methodology
  • In-depth focus on aircraft systems and operational logic
  • Safety-first cockpit resource management and decision making

Aeronautical Experience & Certificates

Summary of verified flight hours and official FAA pilot and instructor ratings.

Flight Hours Breakdown (325 Total)

Pilot-in-Command (PIC)222 hrs
Instrument Time70 hrs
Night Flight70 hrs
Cross-Country (XC)60 hrs
Multiengine Land19 hrs
Avionics Proficiency: Highly experienced in both traditional instrument panels and Garmin G1000 glass cockpit systems.

FAA Certificates & Ratings

Flight Instructor Certificate
  • Airplane Single Engine (CFI)Authorized primary and commercial flight instructor
  • Instrument Airplane (CFII)Authorized instrument flight instructor
Commercial Pilot Certificate
  • Airplane Single & Multiengine LandQualified in complex and twin-engine aircraft operations
  • Instrument AirplaneInstrument rated for single and multiengine operations

Work Experience

Professional employment history across aviation operations, engineering support, and IT systems.

Engineering Support and Software Integration Intern

IVI
05/2024 - Present
  • Assist engineering teams with data analysis, documentation, and operational process improvement.
  • Create customized Salesforce and Procore reports to assist accounting and project management teams in streamlining daily workflows.
  • Design and deploy automated workflows within Salesforce and Procore to eliminate repetitive administrative tasks.

Hangar Attendant

Integrated Flight Resources
08/2023 - 05/2025
  • Attend to flight crew and customer needs, assisting with aircraft boarding, baggage loading, and line service coordination.
  • Maintain strict cleanliness and presentation standards across managed general aviation aircraft and hangar facilities.
  • Monitor and maintain stock levels of critical operational supplies within the hangar and aboard aircraft.

IT Intern

Sure Controls Inc.
06/2023 - 08/2023
  • Provided direct technical support to staff when diagnosing hardware, network, and computer system issues.
  • Managed enterprise workstation environments across multiple computer operating systems and user accounts.
  • Assisted in the deployment, maintenance, and troubleshooting of specialized software applications.

Repair Station High School Apprentice

Gulfstream Aerospace Corporation
11/2021 - 06/2023
  • Interpreted and strictly complied with complex technical engineering drawings and aircraft service manuals.
  • Collaborated effectively across multidisciplinary teams within an FAA Part 145 repair station environment.
  • Performed functional and operational checks on newly installed avionics and mechanical components.

Education

Lewis University

Major: Aviation Flight Technology
Minor: Aviation Dispatch

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science degree while completing commercial and flight instructor certifications. Rigorous academic coursework in aerodynamics, aviation meteorology, aircraft systems, and federal aviation regulations.

Skills & Capabilities

Aviation & Technical Systems

  • Comprehensive understanding of complex aircraft systems, wiring logic, and operational checks.
  • Proficient in interpreting technical drawings, service manuals, and schematic diagrams.
  • Clear, precise strategic and tactical communication within high-tempo aviation environments.
  • Strong analytical problem-solving skills with a strict adherence to safety margins and standard operating procedures.

Software & Digital Workflows

JavaJavaScriptHTML5 & CSS3AstroSvelteKitReact NativeSalesforce Automation WorkflowsProcore Enterprise Reporting

Community & Leadership

  • Active volunteer and youth STEM mentor for FIRST Robotics competitions.

Contact & Inquiries

Reach out directly via email or phone to coordinate flight lessons, aircraft proficiency checks, or professional opportunities.

Contact Information

Feel free to connect regarding flight instruction, aircraft proficiency checks, or engineering support and software roles.

LocationChicagoland / Lewis University Airport Area & Midwest

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