Dennis began his aviation career in college while studying computer science and mathematics at Washington State University when he earned his private pilot pilot license and enlisted in the Washington Air National Guard. Upon graduating, he earned a US Air Force Commission and went on to serve as a B-52 NAV / Weaponeer, F-15C Eagle pilot serving on three assignments across the US and Europe, an instructor with the US / German joint F-4F training squadron, a Fighter Weapons School instructor, T-38C instructor, and a Deputy Commander, Deployed Squadron Commander, and Deputy Group Commander for a Joint Terminal Air Control squadron and Special Forces unit at Ft. Lewis Army base in Tacoma Washington. Between USAF assignments Dennis earned his civilian multi-engine and instrument ratings. After retiring from the USAF, Dennis went on to work as an FAA Operations Inspector at the San Jose, CA FSDO, a Contract Pilot in the Citation series aircraft (CE-500, 501, 560, 525S), and co-founder of Mach 5 Aviation flight school in Auburn, CA which he runs to this day.