The Team

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

Since he was a child, Lucas always felt a fascination for airplanes. His father, a former Top Gun pilot, would tell him exciting stories about his days in the air and his career as an airline pilot, flying majestic Boeing 777s. These narratives ignited a dream in Lucas to fly, though initially only as a hobby.

Lucas's life took a decisive turn when he turned 20. That year, he decided that his love for aviation deserved more than just being a hobby. He embarked on a discovery flight that forever changed his perspective. The experience of being in the cockpit of an airplane, controlling the flight, sparked an insatiable passion for aviation in him.

Determined to follow this new path, Lucas enrolled in the Aviator Zone Academy. There, he dedicated himself fervently to his studies and training, achieving his private pilot license (PPL), as well as commercial pilot licenses for both single-engine and multi-engine aircraft. His dedication didn’t stop there; he also obtained his flight instructor certification (CFI).

Now, at 22, Lucas finds himself at a crucial point in his career. With his licenses in hand and a burning passion, his goal is clear: to follow in his father's footsteps and fly the same imposing aircraft that he once piloted. Lucas's story is not just about a young man chasing a dream, but about someone determined to leave his own mark in the world of aviation, inspired by the legacy and teachings of his father.

Reynaldo Cabrera, Maintenance Coordinator

His aviation career began in 1998 with M&M Aerospace and BE Aerospace, where he managed hardware inventory for major airlines. In 2002, he took on the role of overseeing inventory controls for the C130 disassembly program at D&D Enterprises. By 2004, he joined Africair and Tropical Aviation, handling Cessna aircraft sales across the Caribbean and Latin America.

In 2007, he was promoted to the Citation Sales department, covering the entire Caribbean. Three years later, in 2010, he moved to Aviaservice, managing sales for Beechcraft products.

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 — PPL, 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

Born in Miami, FL, Nicole has always been around the world of aviation. Watching her brother succeed in aviation from a young age made her grow an interest in flying. After High School, Nicole plans on attending Miami-Dade College and majoring in aviation administration to further her education. Nicole hopes to have a career in aviation in the future.

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.