Located in Durango, Colorado DarkHorse Aviation is a flight school that was built to meet the need for high-quality education and personalized flight training.
Motivated by a culture of safety and proficiency, the DarkHorse team composes flight and ground training based on the needs of each individual. Our dedicated and seasoned flight instructors can guide you from the initial training through advanced ratings and assist with other flight services.
JD Parsons - Founder, CFI/CFII/MEI
JD is the founder and owner of DarkHorse Aviation, bringing a deep passion for aviation to every aspect of the organization. He built a successful career in the trucking and gas industries before discovering aviation. After earning his first pilot certificate in 2020, he quickly realized that flying would become a lifelong pursuit. His enthusiasm for aviation led him to expand his involvement with Colorado Highland Helicopter. Shortly after, he opened DarkHorse Aviation to focus on fixed-wing training.
Today, JD remains actively involved in flight training, working with students in both fixed-wing aircraft and rotorcraft operations. He is passionate about making aviation more accessible to the local community and believes that the opportunity to fly can be life-changing. In addition to his aviation ventures, JD is the owner of On the Ball Coffee, a business he created in part to support and promote greater accessibility within aviation. Through his leadership, dedication, and community-focused vision, he continues to inspire the next generation of pilots and aviation enthusiasts.
Fun Fact: I’m a 5th-generation Durango native.
Ron Johnson - Chief Flight Instructor, CFI/CFII/MEI
Ron has had a lifelong passion for aviation and has dedicated more than 45 years to the flying industry. Throughout his career, he has accumulated extensive experience operating a wide range of aircraft. His depth of knowledge, hands-on expertise, and commitment to aviation excellence have made him a respected leader and mentor within the flight training community.
As our Chief Flight Instructor, Ron is committed to developing skilled, confident, and safety-conscious pilots. He places the highest priority on safety and works diligently to ensure that every member of his team upholds professional, respectful, and considerate practices both in the air and on the ground. His leadership, experience, and dedication to quality instruction help create a positive learning environment where students can thrive and achieve their aviation goals.
Fun Fact: I hate heights!
Michael Erwin - CFI/CFII/MEI
Michael pursued a career as a clinical pharmacist at a large academic medical center in Omaha and started flight training in 2010. Shortly after obtaining his private pilot certificate, he moved to Durango, Colorado. In 2019, Michael got back into flying and over the next few years obtained all of his advanced ratings. At the Nebraska Medical Center, Michael was heavily involved in teaching pharmacy students and residents, so flight instruction came naturally.
Currently, Michael is a copilot (SIC) on a Gulfstream 150 jet but still finds time to practice pharmacy and instruct student pilots when time permits. Michael’s greatest moments in aviation are sitting quietly in the right seat and watching his students who have been struggling in a particular maneuver or landing finally “nail it” on their own. Michael’s instruction motto is threefold: be safe, have fun, and always learn from your and others’ mistakes.
Fun Fact:
Jasmine Ahern - CFI/CFII
Jasmine began her aviation journey in 2022 and earned her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate in 2025, followed by her Certified Flight Instructor–Instrument (CFII) certificate in 2026. As a flight instructor, she is passionate about helping pilots build confidence, develop strong flying skills, and achieve their aviation goals in a safe and supportive learning environment.
Originally from Denver, Jasmine recently relocated to Durango, Colorado, where she continues to pursue her love of aviation while becoming involved in the local community. Outside of flying, she works as a software developer and photographer, bringing both technical precision and creativity to her work. She is also an active member of Women in Aviation International, and her enthusiasm for aviation, learning, and community engagement helps her connect with students from a wide range of backgrounds and experience levels.
Fun Fact: I’ve lived on 2, visited 5, and want to visit all 7 continents!
Brent Dixon - CFI
Brent has been flying for the past six years, fulfilling a lifelong goal of becoming a pilot. He likes every type of aircraft and has a particular passion for high-performance airplanes and cross-country travel. His enthusiasm for aviation continues to grow with every opportunity to fly.
Brent is committed to creating a positive, supportive learning environment for his students. Having experienced both exceptional and ineffective instruction during his own training, he understands the value of patient, high-quality teaching and excellent customer service. Outside of aviation, Brent is a mental health psychologist, bringing strong communication skills and a calm, student-focused approach to every lesson.
Fun Fact: I have to find the best slice of pizza wherever I am.