Our flight instructors have been conducting flight training for a combined thirty-five years and have thousands of hours of flight instruction experience to assist you in obtaining the finest training possible in Central Florida. Each of them is passionate about flying and about training the safest and most competent pilots in the industry. Our instructors love teaching as much as flying, so you are always in safe hands at Orlando Gateway Sport Training.
Jonathan Johns
Licensed Commercial Pilot
CFI, CFII, and MEI Instructor Ratings
FAA FAASTeam Representative
JAA Authorized Instructor (Lufthansa/ Intercockpit Airline Training)
Flight Experience In Over 51 Different Single And Multi Engine Aircraft
Over 14 Years of Flight Instructing Experience
Former Part 135 Check Airmen
Previous Chief and Assistant Chief Pilot for Part 61/141 Flight Schools
Course and Syllabus Development for Private, Instrument, Commercial Programs
Jonathan became fascinated with flying airplanes at an early age. “I remember my mom taking my friend and I to the YMCA for a soccer game and afterward the Blue Angels came and presented a video while inviting us to an airshow while explaining how important it is to stay focused and follow through if we wanted to fly”.
Since that time, he went on to complete his training in 1995 and began his career in aviation. Flight Instructing in a number of aircraft and in ab-initio programs, 141 programs, as well as local instruction through Part 61 operators. Eventually flying corporately in Citation business jets and turbo prop aircraft. He has worked with advanced training systems and yet is able to train with a “down to earth” attitude so information is easy to digest and safety remains as a primary influence in training. With advanced training and instructional skills as an aviation safety expert, the quality of your training will never be a question.
Jonathan enjoys spending his leisure time with his lovely wife and children. He also volunteers at a number of non-profit organizations and is currently continuing his professional education at Rollins College in Winter Park, Florida.
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Roger Frechette
Licensed Airline Transport Pilot
CFI, CFII, AGI, and IGI Instructor Ratings
Experienced Transport Pilot
FAA FAASTeam Representative
Over 10 Years of Flight Instructing Experience
Over 5,000 Hours Flight Experience
Roger has a dream of seeing others enjoy flying and using it to develop their other life disciplines. Roger started flying in the 1960′s and has developed great flight instructor skills and a passion for the flight training business over the last two decades. Roger enjoys flying his own Cessna C-177 Cardinal in his spare time, while also spending time with his lovely wife. Roger participates in a host of non-profit charity events and enjoys showing others how to achieve their dreams whether their dreams are in flying or elsewhere. Roger has spent a lifetime in public service and helping others. Roger is a CFI, CFII, Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor rating with over 12 years of flight instruction experience. Roger has over 2,000 hours of instruction experience with a total flight time of just over 5,000 hours. Roger is a dynamic leader and will perfect your training experience.
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Craig Robida
CFI Instructor Rating
Craig has loved flying since he was a child. He completed his training as a commercial pilot of single and multi engine aircraft as well as his certification as an FAA flight instructor. Craig has worked in the airline industry for the last 2 years. Craig realized his passion for people and flight instruction during his tenure at Commutair Airlines and became a part of the team at Orlando Gateway Sport Pilot Center. Craig is our client services expert on staff and enjoys a range of hobbies and activities when he’s not flight instructing or flying for leisure. Craig is a valued part of the team at Orlando Gateway and with his down to earth and organization skills you are sure to have a great experience. Craig is a perfect fit in the Orlando Gateway Sport Pilot team and is sure to be a perfect fit in your flight training experience.
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Mel Hasan
CFI Instructor Rating
Mel is a dynamic part of our team and serves on a part time basis. Mel has over 13 years of flight instruction experience and has served in the airlines and corporate world as a pilot. Mel has experience as an Assistant Chief Instructor at other ab-initio and part 61 flight instruction programs while also serving as a standardization manager with Jonathan Johns at a previous school. With Mel’s easy going disposition and fun loving attitude you are guaranteed a great experience.
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Brian Cason
Brian is a fabulous and new part of our team and serves on a part time basis during the weekends. Brian is an FAA certified flight instructor, commercial pilot and currently serves in the aviation industry with JetBlue on a full time basis. Brian enjoys flying his own light sport aircraft in his leisure time, and you will find that Brians enthusiasm and expert skills will keep you excited and always looking for new adventures in flying.
