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

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

CARLO BIAGINI

Chief Helicopter Pilot

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

Jim Moseley

Chief Fixed-Wing Instructor
As Chief Flight Instructor, Jim has overseen significant organizational growth, developed standardized training programs, mentored instructors, and ensured full FAA compliance while fostering a culture where team members feel both supported and accountable. His earlier leadership positions at AT&T, along with his experience as the owner of a successful construction company, strengthened his ability to manage complex operations, lead diverse teams, and deliver results in high-pressure environments.
What drives Jim most is seeing others succeed. Whether conducting FAA check rides as a Designated Pilot Examiner, teaching aspiring pilots, or coaching instructors to achieve higher professional standards, he is passionate about helping people reach their full potential. He views training as more than a responsibility—”it is an opportunity to build confidence, create growth, and open doors to life-changing achievements.”
Throughout his career, he has taken pride in creating pathways for success, developing people, and building systems that enable both individuals and organizations to thrive. His professional journey has always been centered on leadership, mentorship, and a commitment to helping others reach goals they once thought were beyond their reach.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Cindy Connelly

CFI

Cindy grew up in the Tampa Bay Area. She is a former college track and field athlete with an accounting degree. Upon graduation, she worked in corporate auditing then later moved back to Tampa Bay and switched to education. She has worked at a middle school for 8 years and coaches high school track, but her favorite role is being a mom. She has always loved big airports and traveling domestic and international so she decided it was time for a career change. Tampa Bay Aviation allowed her to pick her training schedule around work. Her eventual goal is to work for the airlines. She is excited to combine her love of teaching and love of flying together as a CFI.

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