About Us

Find Out More About Florida's Premier Flight School

World Class Instructors & Staff

Unlike other flight schools, Tampa Bay Aviation offers twice the amount of aircraft and instructors which allows for better flexibility in your schedule to train and build up the flight hours that you need to attain your license. You’ll find that our highly professional culture is very friendly, approachable, and sociable, giving you the ability to feel at ease as you complete your training.

Our Story

Tampa Bay Aviation began in 2012 with one helicopter and the dream to expand general aviation and the passion for flight to the Tampa Bay area. Since that time, we have grown to multiple locations providing charter, flight instruction, tours, and aircraft maintenance. It is our desire to maintain the “local” company presence, with the “global” reach that today’s aviation customers demand.

Our flight school fleet includes some of the most cutting-edge aircraft with advanced cockpits on par with commercial airliners. Our pilots and instructors are some of the most respected in the area, with the knowledge and experience for every level.

Tampa Bay Aviation has an aircraft for almost every mission and budget. From a helicopter that can drop you on the golf course to the largest King Air turboprop to reach halfway across the United States. Our CitationJet can whisk you away to hundreds of locations in the southeast and is one fuel stop away from the western US.

Whether you want to accomplish your lifetime dream to become a pilot, tour our beaches from the air, or charter a private aircraft to your own paradise, Tampa Bay Aviation can serve your needs.

Our Four Locations

Tampa Bay Aviation offers Private to ATP training in Fixed Wing and Rotorcraft Aircraft

Clearwater Executive Airport

1000 North Hercules Ave.
Clearwater, FL 33765
Phone: 727-461-5229

ST. PETE-CLEARWATER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

14609 Airport Parkway #210
Clearwater, Fl 33762

TAMPA EXECUTIVE AIRPORT

6530 Tampa Executive Airport Rd #242
Tampa, FL 33610

Meet the Crew

Kyle Castellano

CFI

Kyle was born and raised right here in Tampa, Florida. He took his first discovery flight with Tampa Bay Aviation at just 14 years old, sparking a passion for aviation that would shape his future. He began flight training during his senior year of high school and completed all his certifications with TBA. Now, he’s come full circle working as a Flight Instructor at the very place where it all began. Kyle is currently pursuing his B.S. in Aviation through Liberty University and is passionate about mentoring students, sharing his knowledge, and helping others grow into confident, skilled pilots. Outside of aviation, he enjoys spending time outdoors, connecting with others, and cheering on his hometown Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Cade Beal

CFI

Cade grew up in Georgia and later moved to the Tampa Bay area before earning a Business Administration degree from the University of Florida. With a father who’s a captain for American Airlines and a mother who flew for Southwest, aviation has always been a part of his life. Now as a CFI, he’s passionate about helping students become safe, confident pilots.

Sofia Saldarriaga

CFI

Born and raised in Florida, Sofia has always been fascinated by airplanes, but never truly considered it as a serious career. She began training for her private pilot’s certificate at Tampa Bay Aviation in 2020 “just for fun” all while studying for her B.S. degree in Aerospace Physiology at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Despite pursing a career in the medical sciences, she found herself surrounded more by flight students instead of the pre-med students on campus. Her friendships led her to discovering her true passion, leading her to change career paths and earn the rest of her ratings after graduating college. Currently as a CFI with Tampa Bay Aviation, Sofia is eager to combine her love for teaching and flying to not only train but also encourage aspiring pilots with building knowledge, confidence, and experience in the skies. For fun, Sofia enjoys flying puppy rescue missions in Alabama and is an active Senior Member in Civil Air Patrol.

Dillon Marcinick

CFI

Dillon Marcinick was born and raised in Columbus, Ohio. His interest in aviation began at the age of 14 after completing a discovery flight, which inspired him to pursue a career in aviation. He began his flight training at The Ohio State University Airport and continued his education at Kent State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics. After graduating, Dillon relocated to Clearwater, Florida, to obtain his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) certificate and begin his professional aviation career. As an instructor, Dillon is dedicated to helping others become safe, confident, and skilled pilots. Outside of aviation, he enjoys playing golf, watching football, and traveling.

Havyn Hradec

CFI

With two parents at American Airlines, Havyn knew she wanted to be a pilot since the first time she got to take the controls of a small plane at just 7 years old. She started flight training at Tampa Bay Aviation right after graduating high school, and a year and a half later started flight instructing. As a former artistic swimmer, she loves the water, as well as other outdoor activities like surfing, hiking, ice skating, and skiing/snowboarding.

Austin Willmes

CFI

Austin was born in upstate New York and is a proud veteran of the United States Navy. Austin and his family relocated from Colorado to Florida to be closer to family. His passion for flying began with his very first discovery flight at Tampa Bay Aviation, an experience that sparked a lifelong commitment to aviation. As the only pilot in his family, Austin takes great pride in the path he has forged and the opportunity to help others begin theirs.

Cullen Moorhead

CFI

A graduate of the University of South Florida, Cullen is a Florida native who enjoys flying around the coast and sharing his love of aviation with his students. His favorite aviation moments include watch his students tackle obstacles and achieve their pilot goals.

Luke Bafia

CFI

Luke grew up as a Floridian playing hockey traveling the world. His desire to become a pilot began at a young age while traveling through airports. He played Division 1 hockey at Western Michigan University while also graduating with an Aviation Flight Science Major. He is excited to share his aviation knowledge and passion with the next wave of pilots.

Gregor Doenges

CFI

Greg was born in Texas but grew up in the Tampa Bay area. He attended Florida State University and graduated with a degree in Economics. He then came back to Tampa and completed all of his certificates at TBA. Hobbies include, playing basketball, going to the beach, and working out.

Mark Dixon

CFI

Mark was born and raised in Scotland and he attended the University of Edinburgh where he earned his MSc. Before transitioning into aviation, he spent over 17 years working as a strength and conditioning coach across International, Olympic, and U.S. Professional sports. A lifelong aviation enthusiast stemming from going to Airshows as a boy in St. Andrews with his grandparents, Mark realized his passion for flight after an intro flight with Tampa Bay Aviation whilst working in his previous career. Now having returned to Florida after spells in DC and NC, as an instructor, he aims to bring his coaching experience to provide a student-centered approach to flight training, with an emphasis on allowing students to become confident, competent, and adaptable pilots. Outside of flying, Mark enjoys traveling and experiencing other cultures, being physically active, playing golf, and watching rugby.

Jon Kien

Helicopter CFI

Originally from New Jersey, Jon taught airplane flying while in college. He most recently earned his helicopter ratings and is now devoting his time to flying and teaching helicopter training.

Sebastian Walker

CFI

Sebastian grew up in the mountains of Colorado, where he discovered his passion for aviation, earning his private and instrument rating. After moving to Clearwater, FL, he completed his Commercial, CFI, CFII training. He loves sharing aviation with others and is passionate about helping students feel confident, capable, and excited throughout their training journey.

Chalie Galliand

CFI

Chalie Galliand is a 20 year military veteran. He holds Certified Flight Instructor Rating for both fixed wing and helicopters. He was most recently an Assistant Professor of Aerospace Studies at AFROTC Det 158, University of South Florida. Prior to that assignment Chalie taught Physics and Astronautics at the United States Military Academy at West Point. In addition to academics, he was an assistant officer in charge of the West Point Flying Team.

Jae Kim

CFI

Jae grew up in Queens, NY and is an Air Force veteran, having proudly served as a Flight Engineer for most of his career. He translated his passion of aviation and completed his private pilot and instrument rating at Annapolis, MD. Upon his retirement from active duty, Jae moved his family to Florida and continued the rest of his training at Tampa Bay Aviation. Jae is excited to share his passion of aviation as an instructor and aspires to fly commercially in the future. In his free time, he enjoys living the Florida lifestyle with his family and two dogs.

Trevyn Sengpiehl

CFI

Trevyn was born and raised in Virginia and has always loved airplanes. He had his first orientation flight at 14 when he was in Civil Air Patrol and absolutely loved it then began taking flight lessons at 19 thinking it would be just a hobby. After graduating from Liberty University, he started a career with the fire department in his hometown. A few years ago, he decided to make his passion for flying into a career with a goal to fly for a major airline one day. He moved to Florida in 2023 and has since gotten all his ratings from Tampa Bay Aviation. Trevyn is married to his high school sweetheart and they have three daughters.

--> ​