Meet Our Flight Instructors

Daniel Kelman

Dan has a special history with us. In 2004, during his last year of high school at Thetford Academy, Dan completed private pilot training and earned his certificate right here at Signal Aviation! He was accepted into Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program and worked as a flight instructor at the school while earning his degree. He also gained valuable turbine experience at Purdue copiloting the University’s business jet! Flying wasn’t his only passion in college; Dan was also a member of the University’s national championship collegiate club rowing team. After graduating in 2008, Dan was hired by Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) as a First Officer on their CRJ-200 regional jets. Unfortunately, the downturn in the economy resulted in ASA furloughing many of their pilots. ASA’s loss is our gain because Dan has returned to the Upper Valley to instruct full-time. He is completely familiar with Signal’s flight training program - from both sides of the cockpit - and his first-hand experience with professional pilot opportunities that exist after flight training will be of interest to many students. Dan grew up in Thetford, VT and currently lives in Enfield on Mascoma Lake. When not at the airport, he designs websites for individual clients and stays active in local athletics, serving as an assistant coach and playing whatever sport is in season.

John Manchester

John is a true "Upper Valley" native, having lived in the area for more than 50 years. He also has one of the richest aviation backgrounds on the field and was recently recognized by the National Association of Flight Instructors for having completed 36 years as a FAA Certificated Flight Instructor. A graduate of Hanover High School and Norwich University, John was commissioned as an officer in the US Army after college and went on to graduate from Army Flight School as a rotary wing pilot. John served our country in Vietnam flying Hueys for the Army and eventually accumulated over 1,100 combat hours. When he returned home from Vietnam he opened his own business and concurrently joined the Vermont National Guard where he served 17 years as a helicopter pilot flying OH6s and Hueys. John has owned several single engine Cessna aircraft and has been a flight instructor for the Army and the FAA for well over 30 years. In addition to instructing here at Signal, John is an active member of the local business community and is the proprietor of two area convenience stores and one restaurant. He is involved in many civic activities including the Hanover Select Board, Planning Board, the Howe Library, The Hanover Rotary Club, and SCORE.

Brendan Dowd
Brendan is originally from Massachusetts and began his flying career enrolled in Purdue University’s Professional Flight Program. He earned his Certified Flight Instructor certificate and worked as a flight instructor for the University during his senior year. After graduating from Purdue in 2008, Brendan was hired as a First Officer for Atlantic Southeast Airlines (ASA) flying the CRJ-200. The downturn in the economy in 2009 resulted in ASA furloughing many of their pilots, Brendan included. Now a part of the Signal team, Brendan is looking forward to passing along his experience and knowledge of flying to our students. He recently moved to the Upper Valley and is looking forward to getting to know the area better and meeting new people. He is especially excited about the wealth of winter activities in the area, with learning to snowboard at the top of the list!