About Executive Aero Club
Elevating the standard of aviation
Executive Aero Club is a private, members-only Cirrus Training Center dedicated to delivering a highly personalized aviation experience in Eastern Iowa. Based at the Eastern Iowa Airport in Cedar Rapids, we provide exceptional flight training and support for individuals who value quality, safety, and a higher standard of service.
Our mission is to help members pursue the freedom and opportunity that private aviation makes possible. Through advanced Cirrus aircraft, expert instruction, and a tailored approach to ownership and travel, Executive Aero Club offers an experience designed around confidence, capability, and a genuine passion for flight.
Matt Gunderson - Founder & President
Matt Gunderson is the Owner and President of Executive Aero Club, based in Cedar Rapids, IA. With a passion for aviation that spans more than 26 years as a Certified Flight Instructor and Platinum Cirrus Standardized Instructor Pilot (CSIP), Matthew has helped countless pilots achieve their goals—from earning their first certificate to advancing their professional flying careers.
In addition to his extensive flight instruction experience, Matthew is an aerospace engineer and entrepreneur with a career centered on innovation, leadership, and technical excellence. As the leader of Executive Aero Club, Matthew is committed to providing members with exceptional aircraft, high-quality instruction, and a community that shares a passion for safe, enjoyable flying.Â
Emerson Gasper - Director of Training & Operations
Emerson Gasper is an Ankeny-based pilot and CSIP who found his passion for aviation at a young age and has been all in ever since. Emerson is born and raised in Iowa and completed all of his flight training in eastern Iowa. Along the way, Emerson gained experience working at various FBOs, where he learned the ins and outs of aircraft operations, client service, and what makes the aviation experience truly stand out. He’s known for being easy to talk to, outgoing, and genuinely invested in the people around him, whether that’s in the airplane or just around the hangar. Emerson brings a real world, down-to-earth approach to aviation and takes pride in being part of a community that values both professionalism and the enjoyment of flying.
Emmett Carmichael - TCI
Born in Seoul, Korea, raised in Iowa City and having lived in both Germany and Switzerland, Emmett has a global perspective shaped by strong Hawkeye values. Before aviation, Emmettachieved excellence in the culinary world, owning and operating Apres, a beloved wine bar and world bistro. Throughout it all, flying remained his lifelong passion—one he shared closely with his family. Eventually, his passion became a calling, and led him to step away from the culinary industry and pursue his childhood dream of aviation. Today, he’s excited to continue that journey and share his love of flying with others.
Jacob Primero - TCI
Born in Virginia Beach, Jacob has spent most of his life growing up in Cedar Rapids. He has always had a passion for aviation, but it truly took off when he started working at the airport. He’s excited to help people feel comfortable in the cockpit, build their confidence, and teach clients to appreciate the beauty of flying.
Outside of aviation, you might find him on the pickleball court or enjoying some time outdoors.
Justin Trcka - TCI
Justin Trcka is from the Cedar Rapids area and discovered his passion for aviation during his freshman year of high school on a trip to Montana. The first time in a cockpit sparked an interest that stayed with him, eventually leading him to pursue aviation over his original college plans. He attended the University of Dubuque and graduated with a degree in Flight Operations and a minor in Aviation Management. Justin is excited to share his passion for aviation with others and help create knowledgeable, confident, and safe pilots here at Exec Aero Club.
Lizzy Vesely - TCI
Rick Giarusso - TCI
Aaron Lagrange - Fleet Specialist
Born in Suwanee, Georgia, Aaron moved to Iowa in 2010 and graduated from Linn-Mar High School in 2025. He is currently studying at the University of Iowa’s Tippie College of Business, with an expected graduation in 2029. He brings years of detailing experience to Executive Aero Club, including running his own mobile car detailing business in high school. Aaron has always had a passion for aviation, attending air shows with his dad and even flying in historic aircraft such as the T-6 Texan and P-51 Mustang. Although he is not a pilot yet, getting his pilot’s license is a goal he hopes to pursue.