Katie was called to the skies by a “Learn to Fly Here” sign posted on the side of route 50. She earned her private pilot certificate in 2011 at Freeway Airport, then spent several years flying for fun in Pennsylvania and Florida. She started flying with Bravo in 2017 and earned her instrument, commercial, CFI, and CFII ratings. Katie added the FAA Gold Seal to her instructor certificate in 2023. She is a career flight instructor who is passionate about safety and helping clients achieve their aviation goals. When she is not flying, Katie works as a veterinarian at a small animal practice. In her free time she enjoys hiking, reading, and hunting grocery store aisles for new kinds of hot cocoa.
Frank Watson graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1996 and spent 13 years as an Air Force logistician. He separated from the Air Force in 2009 to get married and settle down in Frederick. He began his flight training in 2014 and earned his CFI in November 2016 and CFI-I in October 2017. He’s currently working on multi-engine airplane and commercial helicopter ratings. He enjoys long walks on the beach and sunsets.
Leon started flying in 1987 and got his private license soon after his 17th birthday, fulfilling a lifelong dream/obsession. Over the past 30+ years he has flown several thousand hours in his own and other planes, recently earning his CFI and joining Bravo. Leon has flown all over the country, including going to Oshkosh every July, and volunteers for animal rescue and disaster relief flights. An aspiring ex-lawyer, he loves to share his passion for flight with students, other pilots, and anyone who’ll listen, and learns something new on every flight. Oh, he also enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, and dog.
Pete Bastien has been flying for nearly six decades. He made his first solo flight in 1962, and in the intervening years has never turned down an opportunity to go flying. Retired from the Air Force and several business ventures, Pete has firmly resolved to spend his remaining years doing only the things he truly loves: flying, teaching, and taking long walks in the woods with his beloved dog, Byla. Because of his advanced age, his students have bestowed upon him the nickname “Retro Pete”, a sobriquet he wears with pride. Working nearly every day as a flight instructor and charter pilot, Retro says, “My plan is to live and fly forever; and so far, so good!” Pete encourages his students occasionally to invite their pets along for a lesson; he says it is fun for him, relaxing for the student, and avoids separation anxiety for the pet. However, dogs are somewhat problematic on cross-countries, because they absolutely hate flying in straight lines; they would much rather make…um…doglegs! Go figure!
Chris began flying with a discovery flight at Bravo in 2019. Quickly hooked, he decided that flying sounded more fun than working as an insurance adjuster. Earning his Private certificate in 2020, Chris took advantage of the unplanned time off provided by Covid-19 to complete his instrument rating. Flying paused while Chris and his wife Amy welcomed their first child to the world in fall 2020. Adjusting to his new life as a stay-at-home dad, Chris returned to training, earning his Commercial and CFI certificates in 2021. Chris is dedicated to helping you reach your goals, whether they be cultivating a new hobby or pursuing a new career. When he isn’t flying, Chris enjoys relaxing and spending time with his two young children.
Alex began flying in 2016, where he earned his private certificate in Frederick, MD. He then attended Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he graduated with a degree in Aeronautical Science and completed his instrument, commercial, and multi engine add-on license. Alex then returned to Frederick last year to complete his CFI training with Bravo, and is thrilled to share his lifelong passion for aviation with students in Gaithersburg and Frederick. When he’s not in the cockpit, Alex can usually be found enjoying the outdoors, thorough hiking, biking, and swimming.
Gaithersburg location
Bryan discovered his passion for flying after a discovery flight with Bravo Flight Training. In 2020 he decided to quit his career in Finance to begin his new journey in aviation. Training under Bravo instructors Jay Chiang and Katie Spillane, Bryan earned his Private Pilot, Instrument, Commercial and CFI certificates by summer of 2022, and is looking forward to completing his CFII and muti-engine rating in the near future. He is excited to share his love for aviation with anyone who is interested in flying, whether they be working towards becoming a professional pilot or simply flying as a hobby. During his free time, Bryan enjoys hiking and playing table tennis.
Many years ago my parents started my flight training in hope of straightening me out. It was nothing like I expected and I was bad at it. But I loved flying. Soon all my friends were at the airport an I still call Boeing Field my alma matter. Now that I have finished a fantastic career in the airlines it’s time to give back to aviation.
Delaney embarked on her aviation journey in 2019 at Montana State University. Inspired by a lifelong passion for flight, she completed the institution’s two-year aviation program. During her time there, Delaney acquired a range of qualifications, from her private pilot license to her multi-engine commercial license. Though she thoroughly enjoyed the magnificent mountain flying experiences in Montana, Delaney felt compelled to return to her home state to further her aviation career. Here, she successfully achieved a single-engine add-on and earned her Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) qualification with Bravo Flight Training. Looking to the future, Delaney aspires to transition into the charter aviation sector. When not flying she loves the outdoors. She enjoys things like climbing, hiking, and snowboarding.
Bridget Kalivretenos caught the flying bug back in 2004 when a family friend took her flying in his old C-152. She immediately knew she wanted to become a pilot. A southern California organization The Gillespie Field Eagles awarded her a scholarship to learn to fly. She earned her private pilots license at 18 and enrolled at Embry Riddle in Daytona Beach, FL. Afterwards, she perused other passions in life, including traveling around the country and raising three wild boys. 2022 called her back to flying and peruse a CFI rating. Bridget plans to be a flight instructor for many years and loves to share her love of flying.
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