Flight Crew

Meet your International Air Charter pilots and crew members.

Michael Richards, Chief Pilot

Mike is a native Wisconsin resident. He was born and raised in Kenosha and later moved to Iron Mountain, MI in 1997. In 2007 he married Lisa, and all three currently reside there with their dog, Gabe. Mike has an extensive background of experience and accomplishments.  He once flew a 1942 Stearman across the United States!
Most of his career has been spent in some form of company management: training pilots, checking airman,
as a chief pilot, and director of operations. He has served in management was from 1997 to 2016 with CSA AIR, a Federal Express contractor in the “UP” of Michigan.  He was their Chief Pilot from 2000-2014 and director of operationss from 2014-2016.
He joined us at International Air Charters in 2017 flying the Cessna Conquest. In 2018 he was one of the two pilots who did the proving runs with the FAA in the Cessna 550 Citation which was a requirement for the company to begin flying jets.
Mike’s Professional Pilot Experience Includes:
  • Cargo in the Cessna Caravan
  • Medevac in Pilatus PC12
  • Cessna Conquest
  • Cessna Citation
  • Eclipse Jet
He has over 10,000 hours of flight experience of which more than 4000 hours have been spent as flight instructor.
He holds a B.A. from  Concordia University Mequon in Aviation Management and Communications with Photography Minor.

Dan Sauer, Pilot/Captain

Dan has been with IAC since November, 2017. He completed his Professional Pilot Curriculum in 1978 and has also trained with the FAA, and was an air traffic controller for 30 years. He has a wealth of experience and a ‘serious’ (12,300) amount of flight hours which has brought him to his present position as Captain with IAC.  His flight experience, knowledge of aircraft, and ongoing certifications include the Cessna, Citation, and Lear Jet.

He holds FAA Certificates for:  Airline Transport Pilot – ASEL and AMEL; LJ45 (Lear Jet rating), CE-500, 650, and 680, Commercial privileges – ASES; Flight instructor – ASEL, AMEL, ASES and Instrument, and as a Control Tower Operator.

He resides with his wife, Karen, in Land ‘O Lakes, WI and is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force. They have four children, seven grandchildren, and Murphy, the family dog.

Kevin Van Alstine, Pilot

Kevin has over 20 years of professional aviation experience. He completed his Professional Pilot Degree in 1998 and has been a Captain on charter flights with Passengers and Express Cargo as well as a Flight Instructor.  Kevin has experience in a variety of aircraft including multi-engine, single engine, turbine and piston powered. He has accumulated over 10,000 hours of flight experience. He also holds a Commercial Pilot Certificate with Single and Multi-engine land Instrument.

Kevin has been married for over 30 years; long enough for both progeny to achieve adulthood and move out on their own.

Dan Avers, Director of Operations

Dan comes to International Air Charters with over 20 years experience in Aviation. Since graduating from the University of Illinois Institute of Aviation he has worked continuously in the private aviation industry. During this time he has held multiple roles of increasing responsibility in Part 135 operations. He has over 7000 hours of flight experience and is also type rated in multiple turbo-jet aircraft.

Dan is a native of Northern Illinois and resides there with his wife, three children and the family Golden Retriever. He holds a Bachelors degree in Aviation Human Factors from the University of Illinois as well as an MBA from the University of Wisconsin Consortium.

Julie Nickelsen, Flight Coordinator

Julie is a native of northern Illinois and has been a full time Northwoods resident for the past 7 years after spending 46 years as summer resident.  She has spent many years in customer and membership services, both professionally and in the volunteer sector.  She has grown up with many family friends in the aviation industry as well as family members that are both commercial and corporate pilots, including her own daughter!

Julie has two grown daughters, and one grandson.  She enjoys being out on the lake, volunteering when she has time and spending time with family and friends.

Julie understands the need for high quality customer service, attention to detail and confidentiality for our customers. She looks forward to working with you and the IAC team to make your experience with us exceptional!

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