The Team
Felipe Santiago, DOO — ATP, CFI, CFII, MEI, P
Felipe Santiago is an experienced commercial aviator from Miami, Florida. Born in Havana, Cuba, Felipe and his family came to the United States when he was very young. Wanting to make use of all the new opportunities before him and with a passionate love of flight, Felipe began his career working at a flight school at just 12 years old. While other kids were saving up for video games, young Felipe was exchanging work for flight time.
It wasn't very long before Felipe obtained both his Private and Commercial Pilot's licenses and was flying banner towing operations to pay for his Instrument Rating. Upon receiving his Multi-Engine rating, Felipe began flying charters to the Bahamas and throughout the Caribbean region (work he misses dearly!) as he built sufficient experience to become an airline pilot.
Felipe celebrated his 21st birthday not in a bar alongside so many others his age, but at Flight Safety in Missouri obtaining his Airline Transport Pilot certificate and Embraer 170/190 Rating. Not long after, after managing to rack up an astounding 2300 hours of flight in just 18 months, Spirit Airlines offered Mr. Santiago a first officer position. He spent much of his free time pursuing general aviation, his first love.
Mr. Santiago is now a Captain of the Airbus 320 family. When he is not flying jets he returns to his passion, general aviation. Where he contributes back to the community by educating current and future pilots. He is also a volunteer with the Civil Air Patrol, U.S. Air Force Aux. Mr. Santiago is a Gold Seal Flight Instructor.
Juan Santiago, Chief Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII, MEI
Juan Santiago, the Chief Flight Instructor at Aviator Zone Academy, is an accomplished aviation professional with roots in Medellin, Colombia. After moving to the U.S., he pursued his passion for aviation, beginning his career at 18 in New Smyrna, FL, and later achieving his Flight Instructor credentials in South Florida along with a Pilot in Command type rating on the Citation 650. Juan, at just 27, has accumulated over 5000 hours of flight time and has over six years of experience as a Flight Instructor. His exceptional teaching abilities, coupled with his dedication and passion, have enabled over 70 students to achieve their licenses, ranging from Private Pilots to Certified Flight Instructors. Juan, known for his unparalleled commitment to aviation education, is also a distinguished Gold Seal Flight Instructor, a testament to his excellence and expertise in the field.
Joaquin Celestino, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII, MEI
Joaquin Celestino was born and raised in Lima, Peru. His vocation for aviation started when he was 15 years old and flew for the first time in a plane on vacation with his family. At that moment he fell in love with aviation. When he was 17, he got his private pilot license before he got his driver’s license. He looks forward to training future pilots sharing his knowledge and motivating them to achieve their goals. His long-term goals are to become an airline pilot and fly different types of airplanes around the world.
Mr. Celestino is a Gold Seal and a Check Airmen Flight Instructor.
Maria Marin, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI
Maria Marin was born in Armenia, Colombia. From a very young age, she saw her dad work as a pilot and her mom as a flight attendant, growing up around aviation. She knew that she wanted to be a pilot and started loving everything related to aviation.
In 2019 she moved to the United States to get her Private, Instrument, and Commercial Pilot Certificate, followed up by her CFI certificate in order to be able to share her knowledge with new candidates that want to pursue their dreams of being pilots.
Yojan Agudelo, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII, MEI
Yojan was born in Ibagué, Colombia. After finishing high school at 15 years old, his biggest dream was to become a pilot. He moved to Miami when he was 17 years old to start his path in aviation. He describes his training as an amazing experience full of different emotions and wonderful sunset. Once he got his commercial pilot license, he discovered that in the future he wanted to teach other students to achieve their dreams; and that’s how he became a CFI, the feeling of transmitting the information and seeing other people reaching their goals is satisfying for him. As a long-term goal, he wants to fly in an airline and discover every place in the world. Mr Agudelo is a Check Airmen Flight Instructor.
Elijah Wessel, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII
Elijah Wessel was born and raised near Cleveland, OH. He was introduced to the world of aviation when a family friend took him up on a discovery flight at a very young age. Ever since that flight, Elijah knew that he wanted to pursue a career in aviation. He began his flight training at a small municipal airport in Wadsworth, Ohio, but eventually moved to Miami, FL to study full-time, where he earned his Commercial Certificate and his CFI Certificate. Elijah hopes to provide excellent instruction by sharing his knowledge and love for aviation. He hopes to one day fulfill his dream of becoming an airline pilot.
Miguel Angel Martinez, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI
Born in Cuba, Miguel A. Martinez arrived in the United States in 2013 with a deep-seated passion for aviation. Despite initially pursuing a different field in his educational journey, his heart always longed for the skies. It wasn't long before Miguel realized that aviation was his true calling. Today, he is proud to be a part of Aviator Zone Academy, where he has the privilege of sharing his love for aviation with aspiring pilots. Miguel’s story is a testament to the power of dreams and the boundless opportunities that aviation offers.
Mark Sadky, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI
Born in Cairo, Egypt, Mark has harbored dreams of becoming an airline pilot since childhood. He relocated to New York City with his family in 2010 at the age of 16, where he would often watch planes at JFK Airport, envisioning himself as a captain. Seeking a quieter life, his family moved to Nashville, TN, in 2015, where Mark earned an associate degree in Languages. After saving money for his training, he moved to Brooksville, FL, to start flight training, achieving his Private Pilot Certificate. His pursuit of better flying conditions and larger airports led him to Miami, where he earned his Instrument rating, Commercial certificate, and CFI at Miami Executive Airport. Mark aims to pilot a Boeing 777 cargo plane as a commercial pilot.
Valentina Salinas, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI
Valentina, born in Colombia, was raised by her father, a pilot, and her mother, a flight attendant. Growing up in an aviation environment, she developed a deep passion for becoming a pilot herself. In 2019, she moved to Miami to obtain her licenses and underwent additional training to become a CFI. Her goal is to share her expertise and ultimately achieve her dream of becoming an airline pilot.
Colin Rodriguez, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII, MEI
Colin Rodriguez was born in Michigan but raised in Miami. Since he was little, he always had a passion for flying and all he could remember was looking towards the skies whenever he had heard a plane fly by. After graduating high school Colin had plans to attend Miami Dade College and obtain a degree in Criminal Justice but even in the middle of school and working full time the desire of flying never left. From there Colin made the decision that he was going to pursue a career in aviation and make flying his art that he wanted to perfect, as well as share to others the passion he’s found in aviation with the dream of becoming an airline pilot one day.
Javier Rodriguez, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI
I've been drawn to flying ever since I can remember, a passion that's grown from the cheerful atmosphere of Miami. After graduating from the University of Tampa with a degree in Advertising, Marketing, and Public Relations, I took to the skies first as a flight attendant and then found my true calling as a pilot. Guided by my family's aspirations and the constant presence of planes in St. Petersburg, I worked hard to get my Private, Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine Pilot licenses. Now I teach as a Certified Flight Instructor at Aviator Zone, where we're all committed to our work and treat each other like family. My journey is a testament to the idea that if you're passionate and persistent, you can find your place in the sky.
Sebastian Gutierrez, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII
Sebastian Gutierrez, born in Santiago, Chile, discovered his passion for aviation after his first flight at 16. As the first pilot in his family, he initially worked as a flight dispatcher for Sky Airlines in Chile, specializing in the A320 aircraft. Driven by his love for flying, he moved to Miami and earned his Private and Commercial Pilot licenses in 2018. Over time, Sebastian realized he wanted to share the excitement of flying with others, leading him to become a flight instructor. His mission is to help others achieve their aviation dreams, believing that flying should be accessible to everyone. With a BS in Aeronautical Science, his ultimate goal is to become an airline pilot and travel the world.
Jorge Gonzalez, Flight Instructor — CPL,CFII
Jorge was born in Miami, Florida, he is an Emergency Department Registered Nurse and his passion for aviation started during the pandemic when he was looking for a hobby. He walked into Aviator Zone Academy and after a discovery flight, decided to pursue his PPL. Jorge made a pivotal decision halfway through his training to transition to a full-time career in aviation. Since then, he hasn't looked back. Jorge went on to obtain his Commercial and his CFI certificate with Aviator Zone Academy, and is eager to share his knowledge and passion for aviation as a flight instructor.
Andro Bixente Bailly, Flight Instructor – CPL, CFI, CFII
Andro Bixente Bailly is a Miami native. He has a bachelor's degree in international business from FIU. As a kid Andro was always captivated by WWII aircraft that he observed in museums across Europe. Shortly after graduation and a career switch he realized that becoming a pilot was his calling. Andro completed all his training from his first solo flight to being a flight instructor at Aviator Zone Academy. Along the way he had multiple mentors that provided him with guidance and support throughout his training. His goal now is to be a teacher and hopefully a mentor that will help people actualize their dreams of becoming a pilot.
Rocky Davis, Flight Instructor — CPL, CFI, CFII
Rocky has carved a unique path in the world of aviation. Before taking to the skies, Rocky spent 15 dynamic years navigating the maritime and hospitality career fields, gaining invaluable experience along the way. Born with a spirit of adventure, Rocky's journey began with a passion for exploration. After obtaining his EMT certificate, he honed his skills in emergency response, embodying a commitment to safety and service that would later define his career. Transitioning from the maritime industry to aviation, Rocky found his true calling as a flight instructor. With a keen eye for detail and a natural ability to inspire confidence, he guides aspiring pilots through the intricacies of flight, instilling in them the same passion for aviation that ignited his own dreams. Beyond the cockpit, Rocky's interests extend to physical fitness and travel. He finds solace in the gym, where he channels his determination and discipline to maintain peak performance. Off-duty, he explores new horizons, immersing himself in diverse cultures and landscapes around the globe.
Maria Bustos, Flight Instructor - CPL, CFI
Maria was born in Bogota, Colombia. She developed a profound love for aviation from a young age. Her passion for flying was ignited by accompanying her father to work at the airport every week since she was 4 years old. These early experiences surrounded by aircraft and the bustling environment of the airport deeply inspired her, setting her on a path to become a skilled flight instructor. In 2016, Maria moved to Miami to further her career in aviation. She gained valuable experience as a training lead for a major aviation company, where she cultivated her expertise and teaching skills. Now, as a dedicated flight instructor for Aviator Zone, Maria is committed to training the next generation of pilots, sharing her extensive knowledge and passion for aviation with her students.
Andrew Zampella, Flight Instructor - CPL, CFI
Andrew was born in Miami Florida. Always amazed looking at the skies when a plane flew overhead. I always had a passion for aviation if it was watching videos playing on a simulator or just looking at the skies. At the age of 15 I took my first discover flight and fell in love with flying. I have never looked back to this day. Today, I have the great privilege to be part of Aviator zone academy. I look forward to sharing my love and passion to the future pilots to come
Lucas Schwartz, Flight Instructor - CPL, CFI
From an early age, Lucas was captivated by the world of aviation, inspired by his father’s thrilling tales as a former Top Gun pilot and airline captain of Boeing 777s. What began as a dream to fly for leisure turned into a life-changing passion after a discovery flight at age 20. Sitting in the cockpit and experiencing the thrill of controlling an aircraft ignited a deeper calling within him.
Lucas’s dedication led him to enroll in Aviator Zone Academy, where he earned his private pilot license (PPL), commercial licenses for single-engine and multi-engine aircraft, and a flight instructor certification (CFI). Now, at 22, with his father’s legacy as a guiding light, Lucas is determined to follow in his footsteps, flying the same iconic aircraft and carving his own path in the skies.
Joan Manuel Rodriguez, Flight Instructor, CPL, CFI, CFII
Born in Santiago, Dominican Republic, Joan moved to Miami in 2015 to chase the American dream. With a background in Industrial Engineering, he spent nine years building a successful luxury goods brand, creating jobs locally and internationally. However, his passion for aviation, rooted in childhood, took flight in 2019. By 2021, Joan closed his business to fully commit to his dream, becoming an FAA-certified flight instructor.
Now combining his entrepreneurial skills with his love for teaching, Joan tailors lessons to meet each student’s unique needs while preparing to join the airlines. Outside of flying, he enjoys mountain biking and cooking with friends, embracing a balanced life of adventure and creativity. Deeply committed to the aviation community, Joan values growth, hard work, and the rewards it brings to himself and those around him.
Declan Gonzalez, Maintenance Coordinator - PPL
Declan Gonzalez grew up in Miami, Florida, where his fascination with planes took flight from an early age. As a child, he would spend hours imagining himself in the cockpit, captivated by the idea of soaring through the skies. That passion eventually led him to Aviator Zone, a place where he’s not just learning to fly but becoming part of a close-knit community that shares his love for aviation. Declan admires the academy’s hands-on approach to training and the expertise of its instructors, who are guiding him every step of the way. His journey is a testament to following your dreams, as he works tirelessly to turn his lifelong love for aviation into a reality while inspiring others to reach for the skies.
Santiago Artunduaga, Dispatcher - CPL
Santiago knew from the moment he graduated from high school that his calling in life was in aviation. Therefore, he began his training as a commercial pilot in the city of Medellín, Colombia, where he is originally from. Afterward, due to the difficulty of finding work with an airline in his country, he studied business administration and worked in that field for a few years. However, his passion for aviation drove him to pursue a Master of Science in Aeronautics at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and reconnect with the field that truly inspires him.
Kevin Naranjo, Dispatch - CPL, IR
Born in Miami, FL, Kevin was always passionate about aviation. As a child, he watched Top Gun and knew the airplane cockpit is where he wanted to be. Kevin went to FIU and got his bachelor’s degree in Biology before starting at Aviator Zone and getting his private pilot license. He’s currently working on his instrument rating and hopes to one day be an airline pilot as well as fly for the Airforce as a reserve pilot.
Nicole Santiago, Student Enrollment - PPL
Nicole, originally from Miami, FL, grew up immersed in the world of aviation. Watching her brother thrive in the field ignited her own passion for flying. While in high school, she began working part-time as a dispatcher, which further fueled her ambition and led her to pursue her flight ratings and certifications.
Now a certified Private Pilot (PPL), Nicole is steadily advancing toward her goals. With a clear focus and unwavering determination, she is committed to continuing her training and certifications, driven by her ultimate dream of building a successful career in aviation.
Nathalie Santiago, Dispatch
Nathalie was born in Miami, Florida. From a young age, Nathalie has been around the aviation world because of her older brother. Being around this environment has grown onto Nathalie; since then, she fell in love with the idea of being a pilot. After high school, Nathalie wants to major in Aviation Administration at Miami - Dade College to pursue her passion for aviation.
Rachel Alonso, Scheduler - PPL
Rachel was born in Pinar Del Rio, Cuba. She emigrated to the United Sates at the age of 7 and for as long as she can remember her one true dream is to become an Airline Pilot. The dream of flying people around the world fuels her heart with excitement. After graduating from High School she attended Miami Dade College for an associates in the Professional Pilot Program and she is currently working on her Instrument Rating.
Robert Bastori - Scheduler
Robert was born in Miami, Florida. Since Robert was 12 years old his neighbor that is a captain at Atlas Air has always encouraged him to try out aviation. Robert finally gave in and till today has been the best decision he says he has have ever made. After highschool Robert got a full scholarship at Miami Dade College to major in Professional Pilot Technology, which has taught his so much about aviation. Robert hopes to go a long ways in his career of Aviation.
Maria Aguirre - Dispatch
Maria Aguirre, born in Colombia, is a dedicated aviation professional. She completed all her flight training in the United States, earning her Commercial Pilot License (CPL) and Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) license. In addition, she holds a CPL license from Colombia. Currently, Maria is pursuing a degree in Aeronautical Science at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, where she is further advancing her expertise in aviation. Maria is passionate about flying and committed to making a lasting impact in aviation.