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Universal Flight Training Staff
Joe Vazquez
Chief Flight Instructor
Joe Vazquez has been a flight instructor since 1987 and is experienced in a wide variety of single & multi-engine aircraft and gliders. He is an FAA rated part 141 chief instructor, serving in that role at Hanover, Virginia until his move to Florida in May 2020.
Mr. Vazquez is also a Major General in the Civil Air Patrol and served as National Commander/CEO from Aug 2014 until Sept 2017. He is a retired Computer Engineer, having worked for Dupont and CSC during his career as an Operations Manager. He is a 1983 graduate of the University of Georgia and holds degrees in Computer Science and Psychology. His wife, Leslie, is also a CFI/CFII/MEI and CAP Lt. Colonel.
CJ Marsini
Assistant Chief Flight Instructor
CJ Marsini is a third generation pilot who was sitting on his grandfathers lap flying ultralights and Ercoupes at 3 years old. Five years ago he decided he wanted to make aviation his full time career and has taken his training to multiple environments, including South Carolina, Tennessee, Michigan, Alabama, New Jersey, and Florida. His diverse training has allowed him to be able to teach students of all skill levels in all types of weather. He started off as an Uber driver to pay for his initial training while he followed his dream of becoming a full time pilot and now has amassed over 1,600 hours over five years and looks to pass on all of the knowledge he has learned to the next generation of pilots.
Dan Gormley
CFI
Dan Gormley knew he wanted to be a pilot since his early teens, after his brother, who is a captain at Delta Air Lines, bought him a discovery flight for his birthday. He finally started his aviation journey in 2021, 5 months after graduating from high school. Since then, Dan has flown over 1,000 hours in various airplanes, including, but not limited to, complex, multi-engine, and tailwheel airplanes. His unwavering passion has led him to utilize his knowledge, skills, and abilities to provide a safe and productive learning experience for his students.
Kiatrell Zachery
CFI/MEI
Kiatrell fell in love with aviation as a young kid. He would go on to learn how to fly at Baylor University. He then continued his training in West Virginia before finishing up additional Florida ratings. He has his MEI & CFI ratings and would love to share his passion for flying with you!
Fun fact: He loves flying with his wife and their 150lb English Mastiff!
Thomas Donetz
CFI/CFII
Thomas has loved airplanes since as long as he can remember. Aviation became his passion in 2021 when he took his first discovery flight in New Jersey. After achieving his Private Pilots License, he moved to Florida to continue his ratings and became an instrument instructor. He’s looking forward to meeting new students and teaching the wonders of aviation while building his hours to become a career pilot for the airlines.
Justin Gorrell
CFI
Justin's fascination with airplanes and travel inspired him to begin flight training with us in late 2021. Since then, he has made progress in his own pilot training and has now joined our team as a CFI. Justin is passionate about sharing his knowledge and is dedicated to helping his students achieve their aviation goals with his patient and encouraging teaching style. Future goals include continuing to learn more and earning CFI-I and MEI ratings by the end of 2024!
Jackson Septer
CFI
Jackson Fell in love with flying after downloading Microsoft Flight Simulator on his computer in high school. After doing a discovery flight, he was hooked and has since been training and currently attends Embry Riddle Aeronautical University. His goal is to continue developing his career, imparting knowledge, and eventually work for a major airline.
Matthew Bach
CFI/CFII
Matthew Bach found his passion for aviation at 12 years old. For his birthday, he was gifted a discovery flight from a FedEx pilot and right away, he knew he wanted to be pursue this as a career. Since then he has achieved his ratings up to his flight instructor to help future aviators and guide them through the process of achieving their goals as well.
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