At the helm of Tactical Flying stands Nick Minx, the company's owner and a dynamic force in its day-to-day execution. With over 21 years as a sworn officer with the San Diego Police Department (SDPD), Nick's career has been defined by his unwavering dedication to critical incident tactics. Assigned to SDPD's Air Support Unit as a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO) in 2012, he quickly distinguished himself, earning certification as a helicopter pilot and amassing over 3,000 combined hours operating from both pilot and TFO seats. This extensive experience has honed his skills as a tactical operator and cooperative aircrew member, where he exceled in thermal imaging, night operations, and integrated ground-air support. Nick's intimate involvement in Tactical Flying's core operations is what sets the company apart. He personally oversees curriculum development, leads instructor development, and participates in client engagements to ensure every program aligns with real-time tactical needs. Whether troubleshooting UAS integration for SWAT teams or refining night vision protocols, Nick remains deeply embedded in the workflow—reviewing flight logs, mentoring emerging instructors, and innovating safety measures drawn from his ongoing career with SDPD as a Sergeant. His hands-on approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement, directly influencing course delivery and client outcomes.

As owner, Nick's vision emphasizes practical, mission-critical training that saves lives, and his daily presence ensures Tactical Flying evolves demands of law enforcement aviation. Under his stewardship, the company not only delivers world-class instruction but also builds lasting partnerships with agencies nationwide.

Ryan Welch (Director of Training): Ryan Welch serves as a Tactics Instructor and Director of Training at Tactical Flying, leveraging his 16 years as a San Diego Police Department (SDPD) officer. As a senior Tactical Flight Officer in the SDPD Air Support Unit for over 8 years, he has accumulated more than 4,000 flight hours.

A subject matter expert in airborne thermal imaging and thermography, Ryan excels in airborne law enforcement tactics. In his leadership role, he oversees training program development and delivery, ensuring high-quality, practical instruction. Additionally, he provides expert witness testimony in legal cases involving tactical aviation operations. His expertise strengthens Tactical Flying's commitment to advanced, real-world training for law enforcement agencies.

Matthew Zdunich (Tactics Instructor): With 23 years at SDPD, including selection as a TFO in 2011 and unit pilot in 2015, Matthew has logged over 5,000 flight hours (2,500+ in each seat). Now, as a Sergeant and Chief Pilot, along with his role as a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) since 2019, he trains both pilots and TFOs, emphasizing precision in high-risk critical incidents.

Kris Kubasta (Tactics Instructor): A 17-year SJPD officer and 13-year Air Support Unit member, now as a the Unit Sergeant, Kris has surpassed 4,000 hours in fixed-wing and rotorcraft. As lead trainer for TFOs and pilots, he develops comprehensive programs for tactical proficiency.

Nick Byrd (Tactics Instructor): A Sergeant with 20+ years at SJPD, including fixed-wing and rotorcraft roles, Nick specializes in tactic instruction and serves as the department's use-of-force expert, bridging aviation with ground-level decision-making.

Jeff Moring (Tactics Instructor): Jeff Moring is Tactical Flying's Fixed Wing Lead Tactics Instructor, bringing 23 years of service with the California Highway Patrol (CHP), including 17 years in the Golden Gate Division Air Operations unit as a fixed-wing Tactical Flight Officer. He served as primary TFO trainer, Associate Chief TFO, and Safety Officer, while contributing to the design of TFO workspaces in CHP's seven AirVans. Jeff also programmed aircraft radios for over 100 agencies and 1,000+ channels, enhancing interoperability and operational safety.

Cody Robinson (Tactics Instructor): Cody Robinson is a Tactics Instructor at Tactical Flying with a 14-year career at the Houston Police Department (HPD), including roles as Police Officer and Sergeant. Over nine years in the HPD Air Support Division, he has excelled as a Tactical Flight Officer, pilot, and Instructor Pilot, logging more than 2,500 flight hours. His expertise shines in aviation safety through comprehensive initial and recurrent pilot training programs, ensuring high standards of operational readiness and risk management. Cody's unit management experience, combined with proficiency in airborne thermal imaging, surveillance systems, and tactical operations, makes him a key leader in fostering safe, effective airborne law enforcement units.

Har Brink (Tactics Instructor - TFO Instructor): Harald Brink brings over 32 years of experience from the Dutch National Police as a Lieutenant and Chief Tactical Flight Officer to Tactical Flying. Starting as a patrol officer in The Hague, he advanced to specialized traffic units using high-performance vehicles like Porsche 911s for pursuits. His career expanded into combating organized crime across land, sea, and air. In 2009, he joined the Dutch National Police Air Support Unit at Schiphol Airport, excelling in missions involving search-and-rescue, surveillance, and tactical support. By 2012, Harald became a TFO instructor and examiner, mastering technologies like EO/IR sensors and advanced searchlights. His international expertise enriches Tactical Flying, providing unique European perspectives on airborne law enforcement and elevating global standards for safety and effectiveness.

Derek Ralph serves as Tactical Flying's primary UAS Tactics Instructor, drawing from 14 years with the San Diego Sheriff’s Department and 10 years as a U.S. Army National Guard Infantry Combat Veteran. His diverse assignments include Detentions, Patrol, Training Officer, Community Oriented Policing, Emergency Planning, and SWAT. While on SWAT, Derek pioneered his department's adoption of small Unmanned Aerial Systems (sUAS), evaluating and acquiring the first units for search-and-rescue and tactical operations. His expertise enhances training in drone integration for high-risk law enforcement scenarios.

Tony Casteleiro is a seasoned Florida Deputy Sheriff with 17 years of law enforcement experience, including three years in corrections and seven years on patrol. He served as a Patrol Field Training Deputy and High Liability Instructor, honing skills in high-risk environments requiring precision, judgment, and accountability. With seven years in aviation, Tony excelled as a Tactical Flight Officer (TFO), Command Pilot, TFO Trainer, and helicopter Instructor Pilot (CFI/I) in both rotor- and fixed-wing aircraft. He has logged over 2,000 flight hours and 2,500 hours using airborne thermal imagers, mastering complex tactical missions. As a Certified Airborne Thermographer and subject-matter expert, Tony integrates aircraft, sensors, and aircrew into cohesive tactical systems. His expertise covers advanced sensor use, mission planning, training development, and operational standards. Combining extensive law enforcement service with elite aviation credentials, Tony offers a command-level perspective on airborne law enforcement, delivering disciplined, results-oriented training and tactical refinements grounded in real-world experience.

Kevin Means (Founder): The visionary founder, Kevin transitioned from U.S. Navy helicopter crewman to SDPD officer in 1982, accumulating nearly 12,000 flight hours over 20+ years as a pilot and TFO. An FAA-certified instructor with night vision endorsements, he served as training officer and NVG check-airman, laying the groundwork for Tactical Flying's emphasis on advanced aviation safety.