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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

Peter Kovach

Airplane Flight Instructor

Peter was born and raised in the Cleveland, Ohio suburbs and comes from a family of aviators. He earned his Bachelor’s degree and flight ratings from Kent State University, where he also worked as a part of their Line crew. After graduating, Peter moved to the Tampa Bay area to complete his Flight Instructor ratings. Outside of aviation, Peter loves skiing and taking care of animals. He used to work on a farm looking after alpacas and camels to name a few of the animals Peter has looked after.

Luis Chavez

Growing up in Tampa, the constant buzz of general aviation aircraft overhead always had Luis curious. While on vacation in New Zealand he was able to take a helicopter tour to a glacier, where he was hooked and knew aviation was for him. He is working towards becoming a CFI and would like to someday work in utility, fire, or EMS.

Grace Cochonour

Certified Flight Instructor

Grace grew up in the suburbs of Chicago. She graduated from Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation in 2023 with a Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Flight Science where, she completed her PPL, IR, Commercial ASEL & AMEL. After graduation, Grace moved to the Tampa Bay area to complete her CFI. She is excited to share her passion for aviation and train the next generation of pilots.

Hunter Bessey

Instructor Tour

Hunter was born in Tennessee and raised in Missouri. When he’s not flying, he enjoys mountain biking, fishing, and anything outdoors. With a dad in the Army, he was exposed to aviation at a young age through many air shows on base. At age 18, he moved to Utah and quickly reignited his passion for aviation. After obtaining his CFI, he sought out a new adventure which led him and his wife to Tampa where he hopes to also help others discover their passion for flying and succeed as professional pilots.

Kyle Funderburk

Certified Flight Instructor

Kyle Funderburk grew up in Palm Harbor, FL. He started pilot training at Tampa Bay Aviation. He is an avid snowboarder and competitive sailor. He has a passion for quality instructing and aviation and wants to inspire the next generation of GA pilots.

Alex Iannucci

CSEL | CFI ASEL

Alex Iannucci was born in Toledo, Ohio where he started his aviation career. He comes from a family of aviators which inspired him to pursue the best job in the world. Alex is also a member of the 180th Fighter Wing. He has spent the last 8 years working as a crew chief on F-16’s in the Air National Guard. Alex completed a degree in air transportation and received his ratings from The Ohio State University. When Alex isn’t flying, he enjoys snowboarding, hiking, and living an active lifestyle.

Andrew Farris

Commercial ASEL | Commercial AMEL | MEI | CFI ASEL | CFII ASEL

Drew was born and raised in Boston, MA and began his flight training journey in 2021. Prior to pursuing a career in aviation he attended St. Michael’s College studying business administration and playing baseball for 3 years. After college he worked in software sales around Boston for 3 years before pivoting to a rewarding career in the sky’s. Drew finished his flight training at ATP in St. Pete and looks forward to sharing his passion for aviation with students.

William Osborne

Commercial ASEL | Commercial AMEL | CFI ASEL | CFII ASEL | MEI

Tampa Bay area local looking to share his passion for aviation with others interested in learning the tricks of the trade.

Joey Rivas

CFI

Joey Rivas, originally from Puerto Rico, found his passion for aviation after graduating with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He made the leap to Florida to pursue a career with the Navy as an engineer. While there, his fascination with aviation grew, leading him to pursue a Private Pilot License (PPL) as a hobby. Eventually, he decided to pivot towards an aviation career full-time. In 2023, Joey relocated to Tampa, where he completed his Commercial Pilot and Flight Instructor Training at Tampa Bay Aviation, solidifying his dedication to a career in the skies.

Daniel Gonzalez

CFI

Was born and raised in Cuba. Moved to Tampa when I was 16. Went to college and almost made it to dental school, however my dream was to become a pilot so I changed careers and here I am as a cfi now.

Evan Morick

CFI

Evan was born in Virginia Beach, Virginia. He was inspired to pursue aviation by his father who served in the military as a Naval Flight Officer. After College, Evan acquired his pilot’s license but took a job as a mortgage loan originator saving for flight training. Evan is eager to help make your aviation dream a reality!

Nick Gleaves

CFI

Born and raised in Memphis, TN. University of Memphis Alumni. Strong mechanical background with experience in drag racing and running my own performance automotive business. ATP Graduate and previous instructor with ATP at KPIE. Aviation is my dream and passion!

Joseph Fontana

CFI

Joseph is originally from New Jersey. Received all flight training and graduated with an Associates degree in Aeronautical Science from Aviator College in Fort Pierce. Hobbies include fishing, music, and skiing

Porter Brereton

CFI

Porter is Utah born and raised. Went to UVU and later Aviator College to finish flight training. Fan of outdoor activities including skiing, snowboarding, and hiking.

Nikolas Dickens

CFI

Nik is from the City of Chicago, with a background of spending a big part of his adolescence in Toronto, ON & Jamaica where his family is from. His family is his support & motivation. His love for aviation sprouted from his parents home being in the approach path of Runway 31 at KMDW & also travelling on former airline ATA & SWA with his family at a young age. Nik is a graduate of Western Michigan University. He went on to become a Southwest Airlines Destination 225 Cadet. He has an undying love for food/cooking, music, sports & travelling. He is a former athlete with Football & Track & Field as his specialties. He has a special love for the beach, sunshine, warm weather & animals.

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