Instructors and Staff
meet our instructors
At KC Aero Academy, we pride ourselves on offering an exceptional learning environment. With a dedicated team of experienced instructors and staff, we ensure personalized attention and flexibility in your training schedule. Our professional culture is not just about flying; it's about fostering a friendly and sociable atmosphere where you feel comfortable as you pursue your aviation goals.
Below is a small sample of our staff. We currently employ 10 full-time CFIs, 2 dispatchers, and 2 full-time A&P mechanics.
Mike Bennett - CFI/CFII
- 100% First Attempt Student Pass rate on FAA Practical Exams!
- Total Flight Time: 3000
- Total Instruction Given 2500
- Commercial Pilot SEL Instrument
- High Performance / Complex / CFI CFI-I
About Mike:
After earning his Private Pilot License in the summer of 2002, Mike enjoyed many years of general aviation flying, including his time in the 150th Aero Flying Club based out of Morristown, NJ, KMMU, where he met some amazing people and built a bit of a name for himself in the aviation community. During this time, he started the YouTube channel and website 110knots.com, where he shared his passion for aviation through videos of flying with his 5-year-old son. In the summer of 2017, Piedmont Airlines invited Mike to PHL to attend a hiring session. That meeting set things in motion for Mike to earn his CFI and, later, his CFI-I.
Mike worked at a few NJ-based flight schools while running his own general contracting business, but quickly realized that he needed to focus 100% of his energy on building the 1500 hours required to obtain ATP Minimums, so he moved to Sanford, FL, and went to work for a large 141 Flight Academy (L3 Harris) out of SFB. At L3Harris, Mike learned how a large flight school operates. He was part of a larger system that could produce quality pilots at an impressive pace. He also saw how that same system wouldn't work for everyone. It was fun, and Mike made lifelong friends there, but COVID-19 changed everything.
Mike's journey took a new turn during the COVID-19 shutdown, and he returned to his roots in the field of Information Technology. However, his passion for aviation never waned. It was during this time that he met Keith at X39, who, despite being busy, took Mike's number. A few weeks later, Mike received a call from the then-lead CFI at Tampa North (also Mike.) The lead CFI was transitioning to the airlines and offered Mike a position. Without hesitation, Mike embraced the opportunity, a decision he has never regretted, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to his passion for aviation.
Braden Schmidt CFI CFI-I MEI
- 100% First Attempt Student Pass rate on FAA Practical Exams!
- Total Flight Time: ~1400
- Total Instruction Given ~1100
- Commercial Pilot SEL Multi-Engine Instrument
- High Performance / Complex / CFI, CFI-I, MEI
About Braden:
- Proficient in a range of glass cockpit avionics and standard analog instruments.
- Piper Archer
- Piper Seminole
- Cessna 172
- Cessna 182T
- Cessna 401T
My passion for aviation runs deep in my veins. Inspired at a young age by my great-grandfather, a B-29 pilot during World War II. My grandfather was an Air Force pilot who later went on to achieve an impressive aviation career, ranging from commercial airline work to agricultural piloting. This interest was later bolstered by my formative years in the Civil Air Patrol from 11 to 15. These influences have instilled a profound respect for aviation history, discipline, and education. I am excited to pass on all these elements to new aviators.
With my recent experience as a Part 141 instructor and my training experience at a Part 61 school, I am well-versed in both sides of aviation instruction. I am dedicated to fostering an environment of safety, enthusiasm, and thorough instruction, ensuring each student exceeds standards and achieves their full potential under my guidance.
Jon Gray CFI CFI-I
Flight Instructor CFI CFI-I
- Our top performing instructor! One look at our social media and you'll see Jon's name mentioned many times!
- Total Flight Time: ~1200
- Total Instruction Given ~1050
- Commercial Pilot SEL Multi-Engine Instrument
- Complex / CFI, CFI-I
About Jon:
Hello! My name is Jon Gray. I am a CFI and CFII here at KC Aero Academy. I am originally from Salem, Oregon.
I joined the military where I found my passion for aviation as a UH-60 Blackhawk mechanic and crew chief. As I was transitioning out of the military I pursued my dream of becoming a pilot and have since become a Flight Instructor.
I am excited to teach new pilots and share my love of aviation and the opportunities that it can bring. And remember, keep the blue over brown!
Zack Gardner CFI CFI-I MEI
-
Total Time: 1300
-
Dual Given: 1000+
-
Commercial, ASEL/ASES, Multi-Engine Instrument Rated Pilot
- High Performance/ Complex/ TAA
- Proficient in Steam Gauge/ G1000/ G500-430 Avionics
- Piper Archer/ Cheorkiee / Seminole
- Tecnam P2010/ P2006T
- Cessna 152/172/182/150
About Zack:
Frank Micallef - CFI
Flight Instructor CFI
About Frank:
Our first in-house CFI here at KC Aero Academy! Frank came to us after earning his Private Pilot Certificate and quickly worked his way through his ratings and certificates to become a Certified Flight Instructor CFI! We are proud to have Frank as a part of our valued team!
My name is Frank Micallef, and I am an Instructor here at KC Aero! I am originally from Long Island, New York, but have lived locally here in Tampa most of my life. I played collegiate baseball at USF, Iowa Western, and UT-Martin while training to fly and working as a lineman. I am very excited to help new pilots reach their goals and share the joys of flying.
Aaron Ince CFI CFI-I MEI
- 100% First Attempt Student Pass rate on FAA Practical Exams!
- Total Flight Time: ~1200
- Total Instruction Given ~900
- Commercial Pilot SEL Multi-Engine Instrument
- Complex / CFI, CFI-I, MEI
About Aaron
Aaron was born and raised in Clearwater, Florida, to a family of pilots. His father was an Army helicopter pilot in the Vietnam War and went on to become a Captain at Delta Airlines for +20 years, and both his sister and brother-in-law are now United Airlines pilots.
Inspired by his family, Aaron pursued a career in aviation, starting in 2018 by attending the University of North Dakota. He obtained his bachelor's degree in commercial aviation early in 2024 and holds his Commercial, CFI, and CFII ratings.
Coming from a structured 141 flight program, Aaron understands the required structure, timeline, discipline, and goals related to obtaining flight certifications in a timely manner. Transitioning to a part 61 operation that meets the same safety and airmanship standards as the most renowned 141 programs, Aaron is dedicated to helping aspiring pilots become the best aviators they can be.
Mike McGuire - CFI/CFII
Flight Instructor CFI CFI-I
About Mike:
My mission is to inspire and empower every student, ensuring you reach your goals—whether you're aiming for a private pilot certificate, advanced ratings, a flight review, or simply exploring the skies with a discovery flight.
My aviation journey began in the U.S. Air Force, where I served as a maintenance technician on the B-2 Spirit Bomber, honing my technical expertise and attention to detail. That experience sparked a deeper passion for flight, leading me to retrain as a Boom Operator on the KC-135 Stratotanker. Flying as an aircrew member fueled my dream of becoming a pilot, and after transitioning to the reserves, I pursued flight training full-time to make that dream a reality.
Now, as your instructor, I'm committed to passing on my knowledge, skills, and enthusiasm for aviation. I believe in personalized, hands-on training tailored to your unique goals, ensuring you not only meet but exceed your potential. Together, we'll navigate the skies with confidence, precision, and a shared love for flight. Let’s take this journey to new heights—your success is my priority!
Joe Halleran - CFI/CFII
Flight Instructor CFI CFI-I
About Joe:
Hello, my name is Joseph Halleran.
I'm excited to be teaching at KC Aero Academy! I was born in Long Island, NY, and moved to Coral Springs, FL when I was three years old. I'm excited to now be in the Tampa area and cannot wait to train new pilots!
Joe is a graduate of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University with a BS in Aeronautical Science with a minor in Airline Operations. He has earned his CFI, CFI-I, and commercial single-engine and multi-engine certificates!
We are excited to have Joe on our team!
Jim McLeod - CFI/CFII
Flight Instructor CFI CFI-I
About Jim:
Jim is a retired nuclear systems engineer with over 10,000 hours in piston single-engine airplanes and over 8000 hours of instruction given.
He is an instrument and multi-engine instructor and a rated helicopter pilot. With a flying career spanning many years, including operating his own flight school, Jim offers a wide range of skills that only experience can offer. We are proud to have Jim as one of our valued team members.
Notable skills. CFI CFI-I, MEI, LSA, and Tailwheel training.
Garett Clifford - Aircraft Dispatch
About Garett:
Garett has trained with us since the beginning and is now finishing his Certified Flight Instructor training. With a passion for aviation and a strong foundation in aircraft systems and flight operations, he will, no doubt, be one of our top flight instructors shortly. He holds a degree in K-12 education from the University of South Florida, but has since shifted his focus to aviation.
Currently working in the hospitality industry, he is dedicated to transitioning into a career in aviation and is continuously expanding his knowledge through training and hands-on experience. With a keen interest in aircraft dispatching and flight operations, Garett is committed to ensuring safety, efficiency, and excellence in the field.
Luis Gill - Webmaster
About Luis:
"Lue" has a proven track record of 20 years in the Tech industry at senior Product Design and Development levels. He is a thought leader focused on User-Centric (UC) and Human-Centered (HC) design solutions and research, assessing customers' needs and implementing innovative UIX solutions while also serving as a subject matter expert (SME).
He is a U.S. Army/National Guard veteran and has been passionate about aviation since he was young. Lue is one of KC Aero Academy's Private Pilot Graduates, currently working on his IFR rating. He is well on his way to becoming an Airline pilot.