Title: Online Assistant Instructor
Company: Liberty University
Location: Crowley, Texas, United States
John H. Bentley, PhD, Bell 429 Flight Instructor at Bell Training Academy and Online Assistant Instructor at Liberty University, has been recognized by Marquis Who’s Who Top Educators for dedication, achievements and leadership in Aviation and Homeland Security.
Dr. Bentley has established a distinguished career in aviation, homeland security and education, marked by a commitment to excellence and service. In his current capacity as a Bell 429 flight instructor at Bell Training Academy since 2025, he is recognized as one of the primary instructors specializing in high-risk operations and customer delivery. His responsibilities encompass customer-centric sales, training and administration, reflecting his expertise in both technical instruction and client satisfaction. Dr. Bentley’s transition to this role was influenced by his prior experience as a customer of the Bell 505 fleet training program, which provided him with unique insights into the needs and expectations of trainees.
Simultaneously, Dr. Bentley serves as an online assistant professor at Liberty University, where he continues to shape future leaders through academic instruction and mentorship. He previously held the position of online adjunct instructor at Liberty University for five years, starting in 2020, where he made significant contributions to the institution’s academic community by guiding doctoral students to graduation and serving on dissertation committees.
Before his current appointments, Dr. Bentley was employed as a program manager IFT-R at CAE USA from 2022 to 2024. In this role, he managed the initial flight training program for U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots, overseeing all aspects of program development and execution. Dr. Bentley’s leadership was instrumental in establishing a new helicopter training program for the U.S. Air Force, a professional milestone he regards as his most notable achievement.
In 2022, Dr. Bentley also served as an assistant flight commander at Amentum Services Inc., where he provided operational oversight and leadership for flight operations. He initially worked for the organization as an instructor pilot (UH-72/EC145) from 2018 to 2020, responsible for delivering advanced rotary-wing instruction to military aviators.
Between 2013 and 2018, Dr. Bentley was a flight commander at AECOM, where he oversaw flight operations and ensured compliance with safety protocols. His earlier experience included his role as an instructor pilot for the TH-67 at URS Corporation from 2009 to 2013, where he trained U.S. Army aviators on rotary-wing platforms.
Dr. Bentley’s expertise in aviation safety was demonstrated earlier during his tenure as a deputy site lead for the Constant Hawk-Army Research Laboratory project at Imperatis Corporation from 2008 to 2009. He was also employed by DynCorp International between 2006 and 2008, initially as a deputy program manager and then as an airfield safety manager. Earlier, Dr. Bentley worked as a senior systems analyst at QinetiQ North America, applying analytical skills to support defense-related projects from 2004 to 2006.
A retired military professional, Dr. Bentley dedicated two decades of service as an aviator in the U.S. Army from 1984 to 2004. His military career provided him with invaluable experience in leadership, discipline and technical proficiency, qualities that have defined his subsequent professional endeavors.
Apart from his work in the field, Dr. Bentley was a franchise owner at Planet Beach Franchising Corporation from 2010 to 2012 alongside his wife. Despite their efforts and dedication, the business was ultimately forced to close due to the housing crisis.
Highly educated, Dr. Bentley received an Associate of Science in general studies from Young Harris College in 1984 and a Bachelor of Science in professional aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach in 1996. He later acquired two master’s degrees from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, one in aeronautical science and the other in aerospace management with a focus on safety systems, both of which he earned in 2003. Furthermore, Dr. Bentley received a Doctor of Business Administration with a concentration in homeland security leadership and policy from Northcentral University in 2019.
In addition to his formal education, Dr. Bentley has earned numerous diverse professional credentials, including certification as a flight instructor and an instrument-rotary accreditation from the U.S. Department of Transportation, as well as a project management certification from the Project Management Institute in 2020. Dr. Bentley also holds a Lean Six Sigma white belt certification from the Management & Strategy Institute, which he earned in 2021.
Dr. Bentley is a professional member of the Project Management Institute and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. As a veteran, he is a life member of Disabled American Veterans and the Military Officers Association of America. He is also a member of the Aircraft Owner and Pilot Association and the Army Aviation Association of America. Civically active, Dr. Bentley is involved with his local church and advocates for Disabled American Veterans.
Throughout his career, Dr. Bentley has gained a high reputation for his expertise in aviation, homeland security, terrorism and cybersecurity. Among his most notable accomplishments, his leadership experience included building new programs, namely a $110 million, 10-year training initiative for U.S. Air Force helicopter pilots.
Among various honors, Dr. Bentley was recognized in 2004 with an Order of Saint Michael from the Army Aviation Association of America. He attributes much of his success to his faith, family support and the discipline instilled during his military service.
Looking ahead, Dr. Bentley intends to continue making meaningful contributions at Bell Training Academy while supporting its legacy within the aviation industry. Upon retirement, he plans to relocate to Lynchburg, Virginia, where he hopes to serve as a lecturer or full-time instructor while remaining active within his church community and advocating for veterans who need support.
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