About Us

Our owner and experienced flight instructor, Ryan Marracino, a Central Florida native, explored many interests before pursuing aviation full time. He earned a Masters Degree in Biomedical Sciences, worked as a biomedical researcher at the University of Central Florida’s College of Medicine, and taught college level and high school chemistry.

His underlying passion for aviation won out over life in a research lab or academia, and he is now a full-time flight instructor with well over 1000 hours of given instruction in Tailwheel skills, private and commercial pilot training,  Upset Prevention and Recovery training, and aerobatics for Patty Wagstaff Aviation Safety in St Augustine, FL.

Ryan has a very natural and calm teaching style and has a real passion for teaching fundamental stick and rudder skills to pilots of all levels. He greatly enjoys guiding students to gain a deeper understanding of the capabilities of the airplane, to help make them more skilled and safer pilots.

When not flying, Ryan enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle including running, hiking, swimming, and most recently picked up skiing. He also loves mechanics, rebuilding car engines and has competed in amateur time trial events in sports cars. Above all, he finds joy in the simple everyday moments spent with friends and family.