Longtime Aviation Innovator, Executive to Lead Jacksonville Flight School

Wayne C. Heller to take school to ‘higher level’ as Chief Executive Officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (March 19, 2019) — Sterling Flight Training, Jacksonville, FL-based flight school
formerly owned by Malone Air, announced new ownership today as the flight school seeks to elevate and
expand its capabilities to help address the growing worldwide shortage of pilots.

Wayne C. Heller, an airline operations executive with over 30 years of experience, will serve as Sterling’s
new CEO. Heller along with Wexford Capital LP acquired Sterling Flight Training in late December 2018.

“Sterling Flight Training is a beloved institution, and is extremely well-positioned to help match the goals
and dreams of those seeking careers in aviation,” Heller said. “We are doubling down on the strengths
Sterling brings to the industry as well as further refining Sterling’s programs to foster and develop
“airline-ready” employees. The company is sharply focused on creating career opportunities both through
and at the flight training school.”

The flight school provides FAA- and VA-approved flight training courses and programs to equip its
students with all the necessary licenses, ratings and certifications to begin their aviation careers while
providing access to the most current training materials and methods. Additionally, Sterling’s formal
affiliation with Liberty University via its Aeronautics Program allows access to degree programs and
student financing for professional pilot training.

“The elements required for offering premium flight education are already in place at Sterling,” Heller said.
“Our focus for the future is to further enhance our capabilities to dramatically grow the number of
successful Sterling graduates who will benefit from the well-paid and highly in demand jobs.”

Heller, who served as Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at Republic Airways from
1999 to 2015, was the chief architect of a strategic growth plan that focused on recruiting and training
thousands of airline pilots to support a rapidly expanding organization. Heller led the company’s
transformation from operating a handful of Saab 340 aircraft to nearly 300 Embraer, Bombardier and
Airbus jet aircraft. It was also during this time that Heller introduced several training initiatives to enhance
the quality of Republic Airway’s pilot training programs as well as help establish Republic Airway’s one of
the nation’s safest airlines.

Alex Osleger, a veteran airline pilot and airline operations executive who worked with Heller at Republic
Airways, serves as the school’s new general manager. Additionally, Scott Malone, founder and previous
owner, continues as the school’s chief flight instructor. Together, Heller, Osleger and Malone bring almost
100 years of airline/aviation knowledge and experience to Sterling providing immediate connections to
airline opportunities around the globe for Sterling graduates.

About Sterling Flight Training

Based in Jacksonville, Florida, Sterling Flight Training offers comprehensive flight training education and
services both independently and in affiliation with Liberty University’s Aeronautics Program. With a
commitment to total excellence and integrity in aviation, Sterling continually invests in its privately owned
and maintained fleet of aircraft and flight simulators. Sterling is also a Cessna Pilot Center, with courses
that are FAA- and VA-approved. The school offers discovery flights for those interested in pursuing
careers in aviation, and also serves as an FAA Knowledge Testing facility. To learn more, visit
www.sterlingflight.com
About Wayne C. Heller
Wayne C. Heller proudly serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Sterling Flight Training, continuing a
highly successful, four decades-long career in aviation operations. Wayne retired as Executive Vice
President and Chief Operating Officer from Republic Airways Holdings in 2015. Republic Airways was a
holding company that owned up to six regional and low cost airlines. During Wayne’s tenure, Republic
grew from a small turboprop operation to the nation’s second largest regional airline, later acquiring and
operating Frontier Airlines and Midwest Express Airlines. In his new role, Wayne will be working to
ensure that instructors and students at Sterling are prepared for successful lifelong careers in aviation,
while continuing to serve the industry as a board member and advisor to numerous airlines and aviation
organizations. ​For media assets or to schedule an interview with Wayne C. Heller, please contact: Nancy
Ortega at 305.741.3738 or by email at ​nortega@wbradford.com

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