FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS

A former Hollywood Film and Commercial Producer with a Master of fine Arts from the renowned Stark Program at USC, Alejandro fell in love with general aviation on the set of film productions where he spent hundreds of hours flying in small aircraft to remote locations.

Alejandro earned his PPL in an SR 20 at Van Nuys Airport and has since gotten all his licenses and ratings in Cirrus Aircraft. An embodiment of the Cirrus Life, Alejandro has taken SR Airplanes across the entire continental US, Alaska, Canada, Europe, South america and the Caribbean. Sharing his love for what personal aviation can offer is now his number one passion.

Alejandro holds an Airline Transport Pilot Certificate, Instructor-Instrument, and Vision Jet SF50 Type Rating.

Logan is a proud Floridian, born and raised in the Sunshine State. His passion for aviation took off while attending Nova Southeastern University in 2022, where he began exploring the field more deeply. Since then, flying has become a central force in his life. Outside the cockpit, Logan enjoys Florida’s natural beauty—spending his free time fishing, freediving in pursuit of world records, enjoying the ocean, and making lasting memories with friends and family. He brings both focus and enthusiasm to everything he does, whether in the skies or along the shore.  

Stephen is a Cirrus Flight Instructor with a background in physiology and over 15 years of experience as a coach and performance specialist in New York City. He earned his private pilot certificate through a Part 61 school in New Jersey and continued his training at United Aviate Academy in Arizona, flying both the Cirrus SR series and the DA-42. Stephen brings energy, structure, and real-world insight to every lesson. Outside of aviation, he volunteers with the Civil Air Patrol, enjoys hiking with his Shiba Inu, scuba diving, learning guitar, and traveling with his wife, Felicia.  

Originally from Australia, Jeremy, brings a diverse training background to his instruction. He began his aviation journey in a structured Part 141 environment in New York and completed his advanced training under the mentorship of Forge Aviation’s founder in South Florida. His instructional approach blends real-world flying skills with strong ground instruction, with a focus on developing confident and adaptable pilots. Jeremy emphasizes clear communication, sound decision-making, and precise aircraft control—helping students make the airplane feel like an extension of themselves rather than just a machine they operate.  

Jon-Marc began his professional aviation career as a flight instructor, eventually moving on to fly for several airlines. He holds type ratings on the DHC8-200, ERJ 170/190 series, and Airbus A320 series aircraft, and currently serves as a Captain on the Airbus A321, flying transatlantic routes for a major airline.

Originally from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, he developed a passion for aviation at a young age. He completed all his licenses just a year after finishing high school. He later earned degrees in International Business and Marketing from Pennsylvania State University.

Through Forge Aviation, JonMarc has reconnected with his roots in general aviation, rediscovering the joy of flying for fun and sharing his experience with both aspiring and seasoned aviators training in the Cirrus. He brings a deep well of knowledge and professionalism to every flight. Outside the cockpit, he enjoys traveling, skiing, golfing, and playing hockey. 

Jorge started his flying career in the United States Air Force in 1999. After pilot training he spent 3 years flying the Learjet 35 out of Japan. After flying in the Pacific for three years, Jorge was stationed in California and started flying the Galaxy C5. After flying the C5 around the world for 2 years Jorge transferred to the Air Force Reserves and started flying the Globemaster C17. While flying the C17 in the Reserves, Jorge joined UPS Airlines and started flying the Boeing 757 and 767. Jorge continued to fly the C17 for another 13 years and retired from the Air Force reserves with 20 years. Jorge continues to fly with UPS Airlines and has flown the 747-400, and is currently a Captain flying in the Americas Region and Domestically.

TJ is a retired corporate IT executive with academic degrees in computer science and finance. What began as a hobby quickly became a lifelong passion for aviation. He started flying in 2006 in a Cirrus SR20 G2 and has since flown every model of the SR series produced by Cirrus. With over 2,800 total flight hours—2,600 of them in Cirrus aircraft—he now serves as the president of the Cirrus Owners and Pilots Association (COPA). His flying experience includes operations in all 50 U.S. states and 21 countries.

Through Forge Aviation, TJ offers flight instruction, ferry pilot, and safety pilot services in both Fort Lauderdale and Daytona Beach. He brings a wealth of real-world experience, deep knowledge of Cirrus aircraft, and a passion for helping others become confident and capable pilots.

Born and raised in Greensboro, North Carolina, Garrett began his aviation journey at Western Michigan University’s College of Aviation, where he earned his Private Pilot, Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot certificates while completing a degree in Professional Flight. He later returned home to complete his CFI and CFII training and begin sharing his passion for aviation with others.

As an instructor, Garrett enjoys working alongside students to help them achieve their goals both in and out of the cockpit. He believes the strongest training comes from a collaborative approach between instructor and student, with a focus on creating a positive learning environment that builds confidence, proficiency, and a lasting passion for aviation.

Outside of flying, Garrett enjoys supporting his favorite North Carolina sports teams, traveling throughout his home state, and spending time with friends—whether that’s at the beach, in the mountains, or exploring somewhere new.

Nick is a native Floridian and graduate of Florida State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science degree. After a career in the fire service, he decided to pursue his lifelong passion for aviation.
Nick completed his flight training in South Florida before joining Forge, where he transitioned into the Cirrus SR series and earned both his Certified Flight Instructor (CFI) and Certified Flight Instructor-Instrument (CFII) ratings.
His background in emergency services has instilled a strong foundation in situational awareness, risk management, and disciplined decision-making—skills that translate seamlessly to the cockpit and enhance the training experience for his students.
Outside of aviation, Nick enjoys golfing, running, and spending quality time with his wife, Kay, and their daughter, Ava

Paola Vidal was born and raised in Puerto Rico, where her passion for aviation began long before she ever stepped into a cockpit. She spent eight years as a flight attendant with United Airlines, gaining firsthand experience in the airline industry and developing a deep appreciation for aviation and the people who make it possible.
Driven by a desire to take her aviation career to new heights, Paola attended United Aviate Academy, where she completed her flight training from Private Pilot through Multi-Engine certification, flying the Cirrus SR20 and Diamond DA42. 
As an instructor, Paola is committed to creating a welcoming and supportive learning environment where students feel comfortable asking questions, building confidence, and developing sound decision-making skills. She believes that every student learns differently and strives to tailor her instruction to help each pilot reach their full potential while maintaining the highest standards of safety.
Outside of aviation, Paola enjoys staying active through fitness, spending time at the beach, volunteering with aviation organizations, and making memories with her dog.