Originally from Southern New Jersey, Matt has always had a fascination with airplanes. He was introduced to general aviation in college when his roommate, who was enrolled in an aviation program, took him up for a couple of flights. That experience sparked a passion for flying that eventually became his career. After college, Matt spent several years working in hospitality and in the industrial inspection field before deciding to pursue aviation full-time. He earned his Private Pilot Certificate in New Jersey before moving to Florida and beginning his training at Tampa Bay Aviation, where he completed his Instrument Rating, Commercial Pilot Certificate, CFI, and CFII. Today, Matt is a flight instructor at Tampa Bay Aviation and enjoys helping students develop the skills and confidence to become safe, capable pilots. He currently lives in Tampa with his fiancée Elizabeth and their dog, George. Outside of flying, he enjoys travel, music, and quality time with family and friends.

Gavin grew up in Tampa Bay and attended the University of Central Florida, where he earned a degree in Industrial-Organizational Psychology. While in college, he took his first discovery flight and found his passion for aviation. After graduating, Gavin enrolled at Tampa Bay Aviation, where he completed all of his flight training, from his first lesson through his flight instructor certificate. Having come up through TBA’s program himself, Gavin knows firsthand what students experience at every stage of training. Now, he’s excited to help others work through challenges and reach their aviation goals!

Anne was born and raised in California. She worked as a court reporter before pursuing her lifelong dream of becoming a pilot. After years of working in the legal field, she decided to turn her passion for aviation into a second career. While balancing work and family life, she completed much of her flight training at Tampa Bay Aviation and is excited to return as an instructor. She looks forward to sharing her love of flying with her students and helping them work toward their own aviation goals.

Michael was born and raised in Florida where he earned his pilot certificates and ratings after graduating from the University of North Florida with a Bachelor’s degree in communications. Michael was hired directly from our CFI class and his long term goal is to work as an airline pilot. Hobbies include: fishing out on the boat, wakeboarding and videogames.

From St. Louis, Missouri, Ethan Adelman served four years in the U.S. Army as an infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, an elite airborne special operations unit. His experience around aircraft during his military service sparked an interest in aviation that led him to begin flying in 2023, after his service. He went on to earn all of his ratings with Tampa Bay Aviation through Liberty University. Ethan is pursuing a career with the airlines. As an instructor, he aims to make flying approachable, build confidence, and help students develop the skills and judgment to become safe, capable pilots. Fun fact: Ethan also helps his family run their 122-year-old chili and tamale company in St. Louis, Edmond’s Chile Company!