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About Us

Find Out More About Florida's Premier Flight School
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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.

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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 four 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 Airport

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

ALBERT WHITTED AIRPORT

540 1st Street Southeast
St. Petersburg, FL 33701
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

Blair Crutchfield

CFI

Blair was born in Fullerton CA and raised in Port Saint Lucie Florida where he later graduated and attended Florida State University to pursue a Bachelors of Science in Computational Science. During his undergrad Blair performed in the FSU Big 8 Drumline and trained in Air Force ROTC. Upon graduation Blair decided to pursue a career in commercial aviation and later returned home, where he worked in recruiting at Aviator College of Aeronautical Science and Technology while receiving his flying licenses. Blair is committed to leaving a legacy in aviation and creating the next generations of pilots and traditions that carry on through the Aviation Community.

Kent Emden

CFI

Kent attended Pepperdine University for three years before entering into the world of aviation. Following that, he enrolled in ATP flight school for an intensive 11-month program, obtaining all necessary certificates. Since his first discovery flight, his passion for flying has only grown. The freedom, adventures, and constant skill refinement have become central to his journey. Kent is committed to the aviation industry and eagerly anticipates the opportunities it holds.

Clive Charpentier

CFI

Clive was born in south Florida but has lived in the Tampa Bay area since he was 5 years old. He has worked in the boating industry as a technician for many years but always had a passion for aviation. In 2012 he started his journey and acquired all of his pilot and instructor ratings and loves teaching and helping others obtain their goals.

Andrew Wert

CFI

Andrew was born and raised in the Tampa Bay area. He attended the University of Central Florida graduating with a Business Management degree and entered the real estate industry. He moved to Colorado and got his RE Brokers license while living in Vail and enjoying the beautiful mountains for skiing and hiking. He then decided to make his passion for flying a career and started flight training with the intention of flying for the airlines. He currently serves as a flight instructor at Tampa Bay Aviation and enjoys sharing the passion of flying with others.

Drew Chisholm

CFI

Drew grew up in the suburbs of Orlando and moved over to Tampa to attend USF. Throughout college he officiated junior ice hockey in the NAHL and USHL. After graduating, he decided business wasn’t for him and began flight training. He is eager to instruct pilots and help them reach their goals.

Mekenzie LoPreste

CFI

Mekenzie grew up in St.Petersburg Fl. While working on her bachelor’s she went on a discovery flight that sparked her love for flying. She decided to make the switch to a career in aviation knowing that she would be able to continue her love for teaching while building hours instructing. Her goal is to work for one of the major airlines and explore as much of the world as possible.

Cameron McKamey

CFI

Cameron was born in Davenport Iowa and has always loved all things aviation. He and his family would attend the local airshows whenever they stopped by their town. He never planned on making a career out of aviation until his junior year at Palm Harbor University High School where he took a career aptitude test and his top career recommendation was “Pilot.” After receiving the results, Cameron took a discovery flight out of Tampa Bay Aviation and fell in love with aviation all over again. He would soon enroll with TBA and complete his Private, Instrument, and Commercial licenses. He has a passion for teaching and is eager to help others achieve their goals.

Hunter Fornarotto

CFI

Hunter was born in Mississippi and raised in Florida. He comes from an aviation family and graduated from Tampa Bay Aviation. He plans to fly EMS eventually.

Carson Cram

CFI

Carson grew up in Colorado and joined the army after high school as a radio communications specialist. He developed a love for flying after spending his time flying in Black Hawks and Chinooks while deployed. He plans to fly for either CBP or EMS. Carson has the following ratings: – Commercial – Helicopter – Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) – Helicopter – Certified Flight Instructor Instrument (CFII) – Helicopter

Zach Widener

CFI
Zach grew up in South Carolina where he attended The Citadel, graduating in 2022. He then worked in construction before shifting to aviation. Zach completed his flight training in the Tampa Bay area out of St. Pete Clearwater International Airport. Teaching others his passion has always been a goal of his and he is committed to being the best instructor he can.

Tony Hudson

CFI
Born and raised in Oklahoma, Tony retired to Florida after serving 25 years as an Army Aviation Officer. He’s currently flying 407s and MD500s as a mission pilot with Manatee County Mosquito Control and spends his off hours mentoring the next generation of Rotary Wing Aviators.

ZACK TAYLOR

Founder, Chief Helicopter Pilot, Helicopter Charter Pilot

Zack currently oversees Tampa Bay Aviation’s part 61 and part 141 helicopter flight school as chief helicopter instructor. His previous experience includes flying Eurocopters for AirLife in Florida and Georgia as well as Bell Helicopters in the Gulf of Mexico to oil platforms. Zack’s extensive experience and knowledge with helicopters drives Tampa Bay Aviation’s helicopter flight school to exceed expectations and continue to grow into a prestigious establishment.

Zack has the following ratings:
• Airline Transport Pilot: Helicopter
• Certified Flight Instructor: Helicopter CFI, CFII
• Commercial: Single Engine Land

JASON PAUL

Chief Fixed-Wing Pilot

Bio coming soon

ISAIAH KARSEN

Assistant Chief Fixed-Wing Pilot

Isaiah was born and raised in Michigan. He attended North Western Michigan college where he earned his pilot ratings up to commercial license. During his commercial check ride process he had come down to Florida to fly (better weather) and finished his commercial, CFI, CFII, and MEI ratings. Isaiah was hired directly from our CFI class when a spot opened up. His goal is to earn his hours and work for a regional airline or a cargo company.

Isaiah has the following ratings:

  • Commercial: Airplane Single Engine Land, Multi Engine Land
  • Certified Flight Instructor: Airplane CFI, CFII, MEI

CARLO BIAGINI

Gold Seal Flight Instructor, Helicopter Flight Instructor

Carlo is from Santa Rosa, California and began instructing in airplanes in 1991. After 12 years of fixed wing instruction, he decided it was time for a change and began a new challenge instructing in helicopters. He considers himself fortunate to have joined the exceptional team at Tampa Bay Aviation in 2018. Carlo would eventually like to pursue a career in fire fighting, EMS, or Search and Rescue

Carlo Biagini has the following ratings:

  • Airline Transport Pilot: Helicopter, Airplane Multi Engine Land
  • Commercial: Helicopter, Airplane Single Engine Land
  • Flight Instructor: Helicopter CFI, CFII; Airplane CFI, CFII, MEI
  • Ground Instructor: Advanced, Instrument
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