SENIOR GLOBAL AVIATION TRAINING CONSULTANT
Captain Tom Ortman
Captain Tom Ortman earned a BS in Accounting and an MBA from San Diego State University. He began his aviation training in 1980 at Western Flight, Montgomery Field in Southern California and obtained his Private, Instrument, Commercial and Multi-engine ratings within 1 1/2 years. Tom also earned his CFI, CFII and MEI in 1985 and instructed at Palomar Airport’s Flight International. At that time, Flight International had a military contract and flew Lear Jets and MU-2’s daily out from the coast of San Diego. This experience allowed him a great opportunity to obtain his Lear Type Rating and ATP in 1987.
Tom Ortman flew for Eastern Airlines from 1987-89 as a flight engineer on the B-727. Starting in 1990, he began working for United until June, 2015 when he retired as Captain. At United, Tom flew around the world on DC-8, B-737-500, B-757/767, B-777, B747-400. He has over 23,000 hours of flight time including 3,500 hours of dual instruction. Tom is a FAASTeam Representative for San Diego FSDO, board member (Safety and Event Representative) for the Palomar Airport Association, member of the Southern California Aviation Association, member of the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI), and AOPA member.
Tom has proven to be an excellent mentor–directing people in their pursuit of aviation, whether for fun or as a career. His wisdom and extensive experience is a definite asset for World Wide Pilots, ensuring professionalism every step of the way—promoting safety and proper training for pilots.
Regulatory Counsel
Ara RaisDana
Ara earned her undergraduate degree in psychology from the University of Kansas and completed her Juris Doctor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law. During law school, she distinguished herself through the Pro Bono Honors Program and received multiple academic recognitions, including the CALI Award, the Witkin Award, and the Jefferson Medal in Law Practice Management. She is a licensed private investigator in California and Arizona, Westlaw certified, and an active member of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity International.
Ara brings a disciplined, analytical, and detail‑driven approach to legal work, supported by a strong academic foundation and cross‑jurisdictional investigative licensure. Her background reflects a commitment to rigorous legal practice, high‑level research proficiency, and sound judgment in complex matters. She is well‑equipped to support organizations operating in regulated, technical, or compliance‑focused environments, offering a blend of legal insight, structured problem‑solving, and professional reliability.
EUROPEAN CONNECTION
Hans Witsenburg
Hans Witsenburg began his career in transportation with the Nederlandse Spoorwegen (NS; Dutch Railways).
He also worked with Carlson Wagonlit Travel – Business Travel Management, before starting with Cathay Pacific Airways (CX) in 1988. With CX, Hans was based in CVG, DFW and LAX Airports. He retired from CX in 2013.
That same year, he founded LBH International Consulting LLC., and in early 2014, he joined WWP, Aviation Training Consultants to represent the company and support its European Connection division.
EUROPEAN CONNECTION
Marjan van Nimwegen
Marjan van Nimwegen has brought professional experience in public relations to World Wide Pilots, LLC. She has over 20 years of experience in direct customer service, assisting people of all ethnicities and diverse backgrounds from all over the globe.
Marjan’s long range international public experiences have played a significant role in her ability to understand and assist people of all walks, nationalities and cultures. She is able to advise and guide recruits towards achieving their aviation-training goals with complete confidence.
Her multilingual expertise (Dutch, English, German, French, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese) is most beneficial to all of our candidates.
SENIOR MILITARY ADVISOR
Dean Smith was born in Heidelberg, Germany and raised in Gainesville, Georgia. He holds an AA in General Studies from Central Texas College, a BA in Criminal Justice from American Military University, and a Master’s degree in Leadership from the University of Texas at El Paso. His academic background reflects a strong commitment to professional development, leadership, and organizational excellence.
Today, Dean works with the U.S. Department of State as an EOD Coordinator in Basrah, Iraq. He also serves as a liaison to the U.S. Armed Forces, helping promote flight schools to prospective students interested in pursuing aviation careers. His broad experience and educational foundation make him a valuable resource for individuals seeking guidance in specialized training and career advancement.
DIRECTOR OF BUSINESS SUPPORT
Mandy Porter
Mandy Porter brings more than 30 years of marketing, customer support, and creative expertise to WWP. In her role as Director of Business Support, Mandy is responsible for WWP’s virtual events, research, and print and digital publications. During her career, Mandy has managed a variety of technical support and customer service industries. As a trusted strategic advisor, she has worked with her clients to develop an event’s vision and produce high-quality, cost-effective, audience-focused, and profitable events.
WWP Headquarters: San Diego, CA
Address:
2261 Rutherford Road,
Carlsbad, CA 92008
Toll-Free Telephone: 800-523-1256 Ask for Hans
Toll-Free Fax: 800-865-2996 Attn: Hans
Email:info@worldwidepilots.com






