Tammie Jo Shults
Captain & U.S Navy Veteran
Captain Tammie Jo Shults is a retired commercial airline captain, U.S. Navy veteran, author, and internationally recognized pilot known for her calm leadership under pressure. A pioneer in aviation, she was one of the first female pilots to fly the F/A-18 Hornet in the U.S. Navy before transitioning to a successful airline career. Captain Shults gained worldwide attention for her skilled handling of Southwest Airlines Flight 1380, safely landing the aircraft after a catastrophic engine failure at high altitude.
Grounded in her Christian faith, Tammie Jo openly credits God with guiding her life, decisions, and response to crisis. She speaks frequently about the power of hope, our habits, and the heroes who change the ending of the day for others—emphasizing how faith, preparation, and teamwork intersect in both aviation and everyday life. Through her writing and speaking, she encourages others to lead with a readiness for responsibility, and unwavering faith in Christ.
Brady Thornton
Paster & Moody Av. Graduate
Brady has served as a Pastor in Colorado for 24 years. In 2007 Brady and his wife of 26 years, Heather, planted LIFE Fellowship of Frederick. Together they have 4 children Colm and McKenna (twins, 25), Quinn (22), and Kendall (17). Their twins were born into the Thornton family while Brady was a student at Moody Aviation in Elizabethton, TN. He is grateful for the opportunity to remain connected with to the Missionary Aviation community as a Board Member for Ethnos360 Aviation.
Jon Egeler
MSI President & CEO
Born to missionary parents in Tanzania, Jon spent his first 12 years in Africa before attending public schools in the US for junior and senior high school. Sensing God’s call to be a missionary, and having had a lifelong interest in aviation, he enrolled in Moody Bible Institute’s Missionary Aviation program, graduating in 1985 with a B.S. degree. Jon and his wife Pam served in East Africa with AIM AIR as pilot/mechanic, safety officer, chief pilot, and Tanzania program manager. Following 8 years of service in Africa, Jon taught advanced maintenance at Moody Aviation in Tennessee for 6 years before joining MSI as president/CEO in 2004. He is a commercial pilot and CFII, and A&P with Inspection Authorization, and holds certificates in Aviation Lead Audit and Aviation Accident Investigation.
MSI currently serves about 45 ministries around the globe, promoting safety, security, and operational excellence. Jon and Pam have 2 grown children and live in Elizabethton, TN.
Moody Aviation Seminars 