Take to the skies with the best instructors and curriculum
Vortex Flight School took off in May 2022 with the lease of a Cessna 152, and it didn’t take long for aspiring aviators to recognize its potential. Fueled by a surge in demand, the school rapidly expanded its fleet and team of skilled instructors by 2023, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for flight training. In 2025, Vortex soared to new heights by introducing a Part 107 drone training program, broadening its offerings to include cutting-edge aerial technology.
From day one, our mission has been to deliver exceptional, personalized instruction, knowing that the guidance of a passionate and dedicated instructor makes all the difference. At Vortex, we are proud to uphold this standard, ensuring that every student benefits from training that is not only professional but also deeply inspiring.
Our Team
Because amazing things start with great people.
Lakey Harkrader
Chief Pilot & Owner
Lakey, the chief pilot and owner of Vortex Flight School, hails from Louisa County, VA. As a graduate of Randolph Macon College in Business and Economics, Lakey knows what it takes to deliver quality flight training to students. His professional journey has taken him to remote regions of the Alaskan wilderness where he has worked as a big game hunting guide and commercial fisherman. Lakey has spent considerable time in Alaskan bush and float planes, and has learned from the nation’s finest pilots.
George Grove
Senior Flight Instructor
CFI, CFII & MEI
George servers as our senior instructor, leveraging his extensive military experience as a staff sergeant with a Blackhawk crew to provide unique insights to our students. Following a transition to the professional pilot sector, he operated King Airs for Fisher Auto Parts and currently pilots PC-12’s and jets from Leesburg, VA. His passion for aviation remains evident as he imparts knowledge to students at Vortex Flight School.
Trey Rogers
CFI
A Florida native and long-time Virginia resident, I bring a deep passion for aviation to my role as an instructor. Every flight is an opportunity to share the joy of flying while empowering students to achieve their aviation goals. With a commitment to excellence and personalized instruction, I strive to help each student build confidence, skill, and a lifelong love for the skies.
Joel DeWolfe
CFI
Joel grew up throughout the country in a military family and was inspired to fly by his father, who served as a pilot. Early in his training, he gained valuable experience flying tailwheel aircraft and operating off of grass strips. He later graduated Magna Cum Laude from Liberty University’s residential part 141 flight program and is grateful for the opportunity to share his passion for aviation with students