Tampa Bay Aviation

"This is a tour review. Luis was our pilot and he was absolutely amazing. He showed us all the cool spots to go and visit while here in St. Pete. I would recommend the tour over the beach to anyone and everyone! I sincerely enjoyed my time and especially Luis. The flight was smooth, fun, and an unforgettable experience."

"I have been a student at TBA Since August 2023 after taking a discovery flight. Most recently, I found Liz Lima, who is an outstanding CFI- she is patient, knowledgeable, and skilled. I cannot stress the importance of finding a CFI with whom you connect and from whom you can learn. If it weren't for Liz, I would likely have left TBA and found another school in the Tampa Area. The prices at TBA are reasonable- being a Flight School, the planes will go in every 100 hours for maintenance- this does leave the chance of a flight lesson cancellation. Overall, it's been a good experience and I'm happy to have the chance to pursue a childhood dream."

"I have had an amazing experience at Tampa Bay Aviation. I've had one of the best flight instructors a student could ask for, John Callahan. He turns flight school into a fun activity that I always look forward to during the week. Not only having him for obtaining my private pilots license, I will always request him as a flight instructor for Instrument Rating and Commercial. I highly recommend Tampa Bay Aviation for anyone looking to become a pilot for fixed wing or helicopters."

"I had the privilege of receiving my helicopter private pilot’s license under the guidance of Tampa Bay Aviation’s flight instructor, Kevin Watkins. I cannot speak highly enough of Kevin’s expertise and teaching abilities. Kevin is truly an exceptional helicopter flight instructor. Kevin has a unique ability to make the learning experience not only informative but incredibly enjoyable. His passion for aviation is contagious, and he goes the extra mile to ensure that every lesson is engaging and exciting! After having worked with three other CFI’s in the past, from Georgia to Texas, I know how rare it is to find an instructor who can balance the technical aspects of flying with such enthusiasm, which makes each session a memorable adventure. Kevin's teaching style is both patient and encouraging. He has a knack for breaking down complex concepts into manageable chunks, making it easy for students like myself to grasp the intricacies of helicopter flight. His ability to adapt to each student's pace and learning style is commendable. Throughout my training, Kevin was always punctual and well-prepared. He made sure every lesson was productive and tailored to my progress. What truly sets Kevin apart is his unwavering commitment to safety. Throughout my training, I always felt secure under his guidance. He instills a strong sense of responsibility and attention to detail, which are crucial in aviation. I have complete confidence in his expertise and decision-making. Thanks to Kevin's guidance and mentorship, I am now a confident and capable private helicopter pilot and my love for flying has grown exponentially. I wholeheartedly recommend Kevin as a helicopter flight instructor to anyone aspiring to master the art of helicopter flying. He is a true professional, a patient teacher, and a genuine aviation enthusiast. I can't express enough how grateful I am for Kevin’s patient guidance and unwavering commitment to my growth as a pilot. Tampa Bay Aviation’s support and resources were invaluable throughout my journey. Their team's professionalism and the quality of the training facilities exceeded my expectations at every turn. Michelle, also a member of Tampa Bay Aviation’s team, helped me out tremendously with introducing me to TBA, as well as what to expect as a student. Cory, another CFI at TBA was also another great instructor! Corey was not my primary instructor, but when I got the privilege to fly with him, or do ground school, he was always very helpful and insightful. Corey’s knowledge and experience in aviation helped me tremendously. Again, although Corey wasn’t my primary instructor, he always helped me out so much when Kevin was unavailable. Overall, it was clear from day one that I had chosen the right place to pursue my dreams. In summary, my experience learning to fly helicopters with Kevin Watkins was exceptional, and I am grateful for the knowledge and skills he imparted to me. If you're looking for one of THE BEST helicopter flight instructors who combines expertise, patience, passion, and love for flying - Kevin is the perfect choice! He's not just a great CFI; he's a mentor who will inspire and guide you through your aviation journey. I can't thank him enough for the incredible experience he provided during my training. Kevin truly deserves all the recognition and praise for his exceptional skills and passion for flying. I am forever grateful for the incredible experience that Tampa Bay Aviation’s team and Kevin Watkins provided. Here's to many more flights and adventures to come! See y’all in the sky! Peyton Crenwelge"

"I have had a great experience at Tampa Bay Aviation, I am an online Liberty University student, my school uses TBA as a flight affiliate. I have received great service and assistance throughout working towards my Private Pilots license. John Callahan is my instructor, and let me tell you he is fantastic. He’s super personal, relatable, funny, and has the best teaching methods I’ve experienced from my 8+ instructors at the school. I highly recommend TBA!"