Aamro Experience

I always had a passion for aviation.   When I was a young teen, my dad learned to fly and bought his own C-172.  We flew a lot together. I soloed when I was 16 years old.  I went to Embry-Riddle and became a CFI in 1978.  I’ve been teaching ever since.  I hold a Commercial Multi-Engine Certificate and am a CFI and CFII.  I have given over 8000 hours of dual instruction. Now at 63 years old, I have been flying for nearly 50 years!  Dozens of my students have gone on to enjoy Professional Pilot careers.  AOPA has recognized me several times as a Distinguished CFI and has given me 3 Flight Training Experience Awards. 

As Chief Pilot and Director of Operations at Aamro, I am dedicated to providing excellence in flight training to each and every student with a keen dedication to safe operating practices for each and every one of our students and instructors.

Hi my name is Justin Hein and I have been with Aamro Aviation since February 2020. Starting in early 2021, I began managing the F45 office. Born and raised in West Palm Beach, I attended The King’s Academy and then furthered my education at Florida Atlantic University, where I graduated in 2021.

I always had a passion for aviation since I was young, constantly taking trips to PBI to watch planes. I first started flying at Aamro in the summer of 2019 and currently working on my commercial license. 

Hey I’m Jake! I’m originally from the Chicago area and moved to south Florida to attended the University of Miami where I graduated Magna Cum Laude. After graduation, I became a CFI, CFII, and MEI. When I’m not in the air, you’ll find me pursuing my passions: wakeboarding, scuba diving, photography, and performing music!

My Name is Alberto Ramos, I’m Mexico-Panamanian. From when I was young, I was always surrounded by airplanes, and since then that has been my only dream. Currently, I’m finishing my commercial single certificate and looking forward to being a professional pilot. I’ve been with AAMRO since 2023 and has been the most grateful experience. The team and people are so welcoming.

I joined the Italian Air Force when I was 19. After having earned my “wing” and after my Master Degree in Aeronautical Engineering I was assigned to the Italian Flight Test Center.
When I left the Air Force, I flew for the Italian airline owned by Lufthansa and then in Alitalia group. I am EASA Class, Type and flight Examiner, FAA Instructor with a total of more than 33,000 hours. I was selected and part of the first Italian group of Astronauts for the Spacelab/Space Shuttle program. Currently, I am a CFI/CFII/MEI at Aamro Aviation since 2015.

John Olaynick, CFI CFII MEI MEII. 
Flight instructor since 1995.

Frank LoPresti is an ATP FAA licensee pilot and CFII with about 2900 hour and has worked for Flight Safety International in the King Air Program. He has also worked as a Part 135 pilot flying King Air’s, Pilatus and Citation Jets.
Frank is originally from CT but now resides in southern Florida.

My name is Steven Olsen, I’ve been a pilot since 2017 and my adventures have taken me all over the Southeast United States and even the Bahamas. I’ve landed at the beautiful and sunny Key West all the way up to the ancient Appalachian Mountains that surround Asheville. Flying is my passion and I love showing other people what taking to the friendly skies is like.

Hello my name is Naomy! Originally from Miami, FL where I grew up with my family for about 21 years until I left to NYC be a flight attendant with Republic Airways. I grew up in the field of aviation all my life with my dad being a pilot and my mom working as a desk agent for the airlines. I knew I wanted to be in the field cause the excitement it brought to me when running through airports and being on the go, but I knew I didn’t want to stay in the back in the galleys of the airplane forever. So I made the jump and never looked back. I hope to continue growing and helping those around me find their path in skies we’re so lucky to be in. 

Hi my name is Zach! I grew up in New Jersey before moving to South Florida to attend college at Lynn University and graduating in 2020. I have been a Flight Instructor since 2019 and I am passionate and dedicated to providing the best flight training training experience. I currently fly for JetBlue Airways and I strive to incorporate real world airline flying into the flight training environment. There is nothing better than being able to see student’s advance their careers to the highest level of professional aviation and to be a piece of the puzzle is rewarding.

Hello my name is Roman! My love for aviation began in 2020 with a flight at Aamro. Since then, I became a CFI while studying Aviation Management at Southeastern University in Lakeland. I love helping students realize their passions and potential so that they can achieve their goals. My faith plays a huge part in my life and motivates me to be the best instructor I can be as my career progresses.

Hi, I’m Jackie Funes, 23, from Stuart, FL and I’m currently a CFI/CFII at Aamro Aviation. Aviation is a second career for me, I originally was a lighting designer for concerts and special events which I started doing in 2015. I didn’t really know anything about aviation growing up but once I took my first discovery flight in 2021, I knew that this is what I want to do. I’m excited to share my passion for flying and help others discover theirs’s!

Hello my name is Luke O’Keefe! Born and raised in upstate New York where my passion for aviation began. Flight training brought me down to West Palm in 2021 and I have been teaching since 2022. I love flying every day and enjoy helping students progress towards their goals!

Hello, my name is Ryan Lally. : Aviation was a career change for me, started by a friend who is a pilot that gave me a discovery flight as a gift, and I haven’t looked back. It’s very rewarding as a CFI now to do those same discovery flights for people who want to learn to fly and see the smile on their face the second we lift off the runway!

Being born and raised in south Florida I grew up watching rockets take off and sea planes flying along the coast. After taking my first flight I knew I had caught the flying bug and aviation was the career for me. I hope to become the best certified flight instructor and one day achieve my goal of flying for a major airline!

My name is Jacob Felton and I’ve been an instructor with Aamro Aviation since April 2024. I moved from Colorado Springs to Palm Beach about a year ago and did most of my flight training in Colorado. After moving to Florida, I finished my commercial license and CFI/CFII here at Aamro. That short stint of training showed me how great the company culture, fleet, and maintenance is and I knew I wanted to work here. Growing up, I got to watch my dad fly the F-15E for 23 years in the Air Force so I’ve always had a strong passion for aviation. I hope to bring that same passion to Aamro and all of my instruction.

Hello, my name is Tyler Mahlman. My passion for aviation started in the military, where I was an air traffic controller for the Army. After catching the flying bug I attended the aerospace program at the University of North Dakota. It allowed me to pursue my dream of becoming a pilot. I had the opportunity to build up my knowledge and experience through classes, labs, and flight courses. I graduated from the University of North Dakota with honors and began flight instructing. Whether it’s your first lesson or an advanced training session, I strive to ignite your passion and help you achieve your aviation dreams

Hi there, I’m Matthew Calise. I was born and raised in West Palm Beach and have been with Aamro since June of 2021. Aviation has been a part of my life since I was a kid and I’m currently working on my commercial pilot license.

Additionally, I’m working towards a bachelor’s degree in aviation management with an associate in professional Pilot Technology.

My name is Jeff Hernandez and I’m proud to be working at Aamro as a desk agent while working on my commercial pilot certificate. I’ve always loved airplanes since I was a kid, and my goal is fly for a major airline in the future. Outside of the airport, I’m an emergency goaltender for the Florida Panthers of the NHL, and love to be on the ice with my friends

Hi my name is Jack, and I am a dispatcher here at Aamro. I am currently enrolled in Liberty University’s Online Bachelor of science in aeronautics program, and will be completing my flight training at Aamro though the Liberty flight training affiliate program. Being a part of the Aamro team has helped me make connections in the aviation world.

As a Florida native, I enjoy spending time with family/ friends, going on our boat, and playing golf. I am an Embry Riddle alumnus and Studied aviation Business/Supply Chain management. I am currently working on my pilot ratings and started flying in 2020

Hello, my name is Mackenzie Dieter, I am 23 and a Florida native. My love for aviation started later than most when I began my college career at Embry Riddle Aeronautical University.  In 2022 I graduated from ERAU with my BS in Global Conflict Studies as well as a double minor in Homeland Security and Terrorism Studies. Currently, I am working at the front desk here at AAMRO while finishing my pilot ratings. In my free time I love being outdoors and spending time with loved ones

Hi, my name is Coral Quillin! I work the front desk here at Aamro Aviation and I’m also completing my flight training here. I come from a whole family of pilots, and I’ve had a passion for aviation since I was a little girl. As a South Florida native, it’s awesome to be able to learn to fly here.

Born and raised from Long Island, New York. Began my dream of flying there but decided to continue my training where I moved down to Florida in October 2023.

Being here, l’ve earned my private pilot license and I’m currently working on my other licenses. As a current student and as a front desk/Dispatcher, I would say being part of the Aamro family has nothing but been great and welcoming experience.