Our Team
James Marshall
CFII & cSIP - Chief Flight Instructor
James Marshall is the epitome of a general aviation pilot. He has the skill, the knowledge, and the style to have earned the title “pilot”. It is said that ground lessons with James are so effective its as if he was there when the PHAK was written.
When James isn’t showing off his flow or hanging around the flight school he can be found flying his tail wheel experimental aircraft tearing through the skies!
Mallory Newell
CFII - Flight Instructor
Mallory is a Certified Flight Instructor (CFI/CFII) with a degree in Aeronautical Science and a lifelong love of all things aviation—seriously, she probably started doing radio calls before she could walk. Originally from the rolling hills of Kentucky.
she traded in horses for horsepower and now calls sunny Florida home (where the skies are bluer, and the coffee is stronger).
Known for her bubbly energy and calming presence, Mallory has a magical ability to make even the most nervous students feel like Top Gun recruits. Whether you’re learning how to taxi straight (hey, it’s harder than it looks) or diving into the depths of IFR, she’ll keep you smiling through it all
When she’s not soaring through the skies, you can find Mallory out by the water, caffeinating, or channeling her inner Maverick at the gym.
Andrew Drap
CFI- Flight Instructor
Meet Andrew – aviation guru, passionate instructor, and Connecticut native who will 100% tell you (unsolicited) that New Haven-style pizza is the best in the world. He’s been flying long enough to teach airplanes how to behave and has a knack for making complex maneuvers feel like a walk in the park (or a hike, which he also loves).
When he’s not teaching students how to keep the shiny side up, Andrew’s probably out exploring a new trail or yelling at the TV during college basketball season.
If you want flight wisdom and a hot take on why your favorite pizza is inferior—Andrew’s your guy.
Lauren Mangus
CFII - Flight Instructor
Lauren is a familiar face at Jax Beach Aviation, helping keep everything running smoothly at the front desk while also serving as one of our newest Certified Flight Instructors. After completing her flight training right here at JBA, she’s excited to give back by teaching the next generation of pilots.
A former teacher turned CFI, Lauren has traded grading papers for logbooks but still brings the same patience, organization, and love of learning to everything she does. Originally from sunny Florida and seasoned by a few chilly years in Scotland, she handles both humidity and turbulence like a pro. When she’s not organizing the front desk or flying in the cockpit, you’ll likely find her chasing sunsets or planning her next cross-country adventure.
Aiden Ersoy
CFII - Flight Instructor
Aiden’s aviation journey came full circle right here at Jax Beach Aviation, where he earned his Commercial, CFI, and CFII before joining the team as an instructor. He’s proof that once you catch the flying bug, there’s no going back, and honestly, he wouldn’t want to.
When he’s not in the cockpit, you’ll probably find him watching soccer, hiking or camping somewhere off the grid, or turning wrenches on cars and airplanes just for fun. Aiden brings patience, humor, and hands-on know-how to every lesson, making learning to fly as enjoyable as it is rewarding.
Cole Stellmacher
CFII & Cirrus - Flight Instructor
Cole Stellmacher is one of those instructors you instantly feel comfortable around. Having completed his training right here at Jax Beach Aviation, Cole knows our program inside and out and brings that full-circle experience into every lesson he teaches.
Now a Certified Flight Instructor and Cirrus instructor, Cole is passionate about helping students grow with confidence while keeping training approachable, fun, and rewarding. His calm, laid-back style paired with genuine enthusiasm makes every flight feel like a great experience, whether you’re just getting started or working toward advanced ratings.
Now a Certified Flight Instructor and Cirrus instructor, Cole is passionate about helping students grow with confidence while keeping training approachable, fun, and rewarding. His calm, laid-back style paired with genuine enthusiasm makes every flight feel like a great experience, whether you’re just getting started or working toward advanced ratings.
When he’s not in the cockpit, you’ll likely find Cole out in the water catching waves or on stage playing guitar with his band, Haze Brother Music. He brings that same rhythm and positive energy into aviation, creating an environment where learning feels natural and enjoyable.
Cole is the kind of instructor you look forward to flying with. Always a good vibe, always ready to help, and always down for a great hang!
Thomas Hatch
CFII - Field Operation / Maintenance Crew & Instructor
Thomas is the kind of guy who thrives on fresh air, epic views, and campfire stories—preferably shared with his dog, who may or may not be the true decision-maker in his life. When he’s not flying or training for his instrument rating, you’ll find him hiking, camping, and exploring national parks like it’s his full-time job (we’re still trying to figure out if he secretly lives in a tent).
He’s also known for speaking fluent “doggy voice,” which we fully support and consider a soft skill around here.
Thomas is joining our team to help keep the airplane line in tip-top shape, maintain hanger cleanliness, and generally handle anything else we can add to his schedule without scaring him off. If it involves aviation, outdoors, or dog-friendly vibes—Thomas is your guy.
Seth Pierce
Co-Founder
CFII & Typed in Phenom/ lt Jets
Flight Instructor
NetJets. Seth uses his varied experience from flying light twins to Caribbean islands, piloting jets for a charter company, and instructing in dozens of aircraft types to guide our CFIs and Curriculum. Although Seth is not teaching fulltime at JBA he is often interrupting lessons with sometimes helpful but always distracting stories.
Before flying, Seth built a successful career in Biotech/aquaculture sales dabbling in real estate along the way. Seth comes from a family with a deep history of competitive sailboat racing. He studied Biology in college and maintains that he is a lifelong science nerd.
Dustin Kaloostian
Co-Founder
Commercial-Multi Pilot
Imagineering Dept
Dustin is the ultimate self-made story (still in progress)—his first business, a candy empire spanning middle school bus routes, launched at the age of seven. After dodging trouble, accumulating way too many W2 name badges, and somehow surviving college at the University of Florida,
he emerged with a Finance degree and a knack for turning dreams into action.
By day, Dustin works in the hospital and medical device world with Medtronic’s Enabling Technologies division. By night (and weekends), you’ll find him flying or endlessly analyzing aviation accident videos on YouTube. His passions include helping others, Buggys, real estate development, and brainstorming big ideas for the JBA Imagineering department.
With boundless energy and a flair for thinking outside the box, Dustin is always dreaming, scheming, and working to turn the extraordinary into reality.
Dave Kicklighter
CFII - Flight Instructor
Meet Dave – a fixed-wing flight instructor since 1989, and a man who’s forgotten more about flying than most of us will ever know (but don’t worry, he remembers the important stuff).
After 13 years as a U.S. Army Instructor Pilot in the AH-64A Apache—yes, the one with all the buttons—Dave decided to spice things up with 8 years in the airshow circuit doing aerobatics and ferrying planes like a sky-bound stunt double. These days, he keeps things chill (literally) flying Medevac in Bell 206/407 helicopters—because apparently saving liveswasn’t hardcore enough without rotor blades.
He’s got a soft spot for tailwheel aircraft, a cast-iron skillet that’s seen more action than a flight deck, and a love for airport sunsets that borders on poetic.
His pet peeve? Pilots who taxi with brakes—don’t be that guy.
Allie Kampmeyer
Instrument Pilot -
Operations Manager
Allie is the Company Manager at Jax Beach Aviation and supports daily operations while working remotely from Washington, DC. A certified pilot herself, she brings a deep understanding of aviation and a strong passion for the community behind it.
Allie is also an avid photographer who loves spending time outdoors. Having traded her running shoes for a gravel bike, you’ll often find her exploring the city on two wheels, stopping at coffee shops, weekend markets, and hunting down the best pastry. When she’s not on the bike, she enjoys fun adventures in the sky and capturing the world from above.
Jenniviev Gubat
Student Pilot - Front Desk Team Lead
Jenniviev is an incredible part of the Jax Beach Aviation team, bringing dedication, positivity, and a strong work ethic to everything she does. As a current student pilot, she’s actively pursuing her aviation goals while also supporting our day-to-day operations at the front desk.
She’s always willing to jump in wherever needed—often stepping up last minute to help the team and our students, all while balancing a full-time job outside of JBA. Her commitment, reliability, and eagerness to help do not go unnoticed.
Jenniviev is someone you can always count on, and her supportive, can-do attitude makes a lasting impact on both our team and the students she interacts with.
We’re incredibly grateful to have her as part of the JBA family and are excited to watch her continue to grow—both here with us and in her future in aviation.
Betsy Perlik
Instrument Pilot - Front Desk Team
Betsy is a passionate adventurer with a unique journey that spans from the heart of the Midwest to the skies above Florida. Growing up in Kansas City, Missouri, the closest thing to the ocean was a lake, but that didn’t stop her from becoming a sailing pro before she could even spell “aerodynamics.”
Her love for adventure and desire to navigate land, sea, and skies connected her to the world of aviation here at JBA. Now based in Florida, she’s chasing her aviation dreams with the same energy she once used to avoid capsizing. When she’s not up in the air learning to fly, she’s holding it down at the front desk of the flight school—where she manages to keep the schedule, the coffee, and the student pilots in line (most of the time).
Ryanne Cepeda
Instrument Pilot - Front Desk Team
Ryanne Cepeda brings an incredible energy to Jax Beach Aviation that you feel the moment you meet her. Having trained with us and recently earned her Instrument Rating, she understands firsthand what our students are working toward and the journey it takes to get there.
Ryanne is an absolute joy to be around. Her positive attitude, genuine kindness, and natural ability to connect with people make her a perfect fit for our front desk team. She’s always ready to help, whether it’s answering questions, getting you scheduled, or simply making your day a little brighter when you walk through the door.
She truly makes the world around her a better place, and we’re incredibly lucky to have her as part of the JBA family.
Bailey Jamison
Avionics Manager - Maintenance
Lead Avionics Specialist
Originally from Kansas City, Missouri, Bailey Jamison is a former U.S. Marine who brings precision, leadership, and a passion for aviation to Jax Beach Aviation as our Avionics Manager. Specializing in custom panel upgrades and advanced avionics installations, Bailey loves transforming cockpits with the latest technology and making aircraft look as good as they fly.
After relocating to Jacksonville to lead our growing avionics department, Bailey has become the go-to expert for clean installs, quality craftsmanship, and innovative solutions. When he’s not in the hangar, you’ll find him spending time with his family, being a proud dad, and hanging out with his dog.
(Photo Coming Soon!)
(No Really I Promise)
Jonathan Kloster
Shop Manager - Maintenance Crew
Avionics Specialist
Jonathan, lovingly known as “Jon” is a true information sponge and craftsman. Jon handles the upkeep of JBA facilities and ensures aircraft are looking as beautiful as possible. Recently Jon underwent a sabbatical where he trained in the far mountains on the ancient art of avionics work.
When the monks released him from his training he returned with new skills and a mastery of the wire.
Angel Oquendo
A&P - Maintenance Crew
Angel Oquendo is an FAA-certified Airframe and Powerplant mechanic and a proud United States Air Force veteran. With over a decade of aviation and military experience, Angel brings a strong work ethic, attention to detail, and a safety-first mindset to Jax Beach Aviation’s maintenance team. He is fluent in Spanish and English, making him a valuable resource for both our team and our diverse aviation community.
Angel’s background includes extensive work on both commercial and general aviation aircraft, with hands-on experience across flight-line maintenance, powerplant systems, structural repairs, and inspections. His military service included multiple overseas deployments, where he supported mission-critical operations and developed the adaptability and leadership skills he brings to every aircraft he works on today.
Driven, dependable, and highly motivated, Angel is passionate about keeping aircraft safe, reliable, and ready to fly.
Cristofer Goodin
IA A&P - Maintenance Crew
Facing a never ending wave of inspections and oil changes stands one man. Cristofer Goodin better known as “Cris” is the aircraft pediatrician. With years of study and experience under his belt; Cris uses his ancient and powerful knowledge to keep the fleet flying and safe.
You can tell Cris is around by the sound of Harry Potter audiobooks filling the walls of the hangar.
Jamie Handy
CFII - Instructor
Born and raised in the Florida Panhandle, she traded in golf courses and clubhouses (thanks to a degree in sports management) for runways and hangars. She’s always been obsessed with all things aviation—if it flies, she’s into it. Known for keeping things running smoothly on the ground while keeping spirits high,
now she gets to be part of an awesome flight school team, helping future pilots chase their dreams (and sometimes their paperwork).
When she’s not making checklists or talking about how cool planes are, you can probably find her trying to convince someone that turbulence is just “sky potholes.”
Retired “Hired”
Sierra MacMillan
Retired (Hired)
Sierra is a Certified Flight Instructor II and a member of the Jax Beach Aviation front desk team. Originally from Golden, Colorado, she recently relocated to Florida, trading mountain soaring for East Coast flying.
She is an active supporter of Women in Aviation and was selected for a Women in Aviation International Conference Scholarship through the MSU Denver chapter. When she’s not at the airport, Sierra can never turn down the opportunity to find a great cup of coffee, check out a local coffee shop, or plan her next flight along the Florida coastline.
Peyton Laufenberg
Retired (Hired)
Peyton, a proud Wisconsin native (and cheese enthusiast), brings patience, dedication, and a wealth of aviation knowledge to every lesson. Whether in the classroom or the cockpit, Peyton is committed to helping students succeed and feel confident at every step of their journey.
Though new to Jacksonville, Peyton has quickly embraced his new home and crowned himself the biggest Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fan. His combination of expertise, approachability, and enthusiasm makes him an invaluable resource for our students.
Hendo Pow
Retired (Sky West)
Meet Hendo, Hailing from the salty shores near Bells Beach, Australia, Hendo grew up surfing waves, not air currents. In fact, he didn’t take his first flight lesson until much later in life—possibly after realizing surfboards don’t have autopilot.
He may be a pro surfer (no one’s confirmed or denied this), but these days he’s more into crosswinds than cross-steps. As for his ever-growing collection of shot glasses from every U.S. state? It’s strictly a souvenir situation—not an alcohol problem, despite what his kitchen shelf suggests.
Friendly, fearless, and just Aussie enough to make everything sound cooler, Hendo is here to make your flight training both top-notch and totally unforgettable.
Sam Lagana
Retired (Hired)
Sam is a dedicated and skilled CFII. From the scenic shores of New Jersey, Sam brings a wealth of experience and passion for aviation to every lesson. Having proudly served in the United States Coast Guard, Sam’s expertise and commitment to safety are evident in every flight.
When not in the cockpit, you can find Sam catching waves and enjoying the surf. Sam’s unique combination of technical knowledge, real-world experience, and a love for adventure makes every flight lesson an exciting and enriching experience.
Mason Black
Retired (Air Force)
Mason Black is the backbone of our day-to-day operations at Jax Beach Aviation. As our primary flight operations team member, he keeps our aircraft clean, organized, and always ready for training—making sure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes.
From detailing airplanes to maintaining the overall flow of the school, Mason takes pride in the little things that make a big difference. His attention to detail and consistency help ensure that both students and instructors can focus on what matters most—flying.
Mason is also beginning his journey into aviation, and his passion for learning and being around the aircraft shines through in everything he does. He’s one of the most genuine and kind people you’ll meet, and if you ever need help with anything around the school, he’s always the first one ready to jump in.
Simply put, Mason keeps JBA running smoothly—and we’re lucky to have him on the team.
Brendan Johnson
Retired (Red Rose Flight Tours)
Brendan, affectionately known as “The Wizard,” is a guiding light at Jax Beach Aviation. Equal parts mentor and mystic, his office is a haven for students seeking advice, encouragement, or simply a place to refocus. Nestled in the enchanting downstairs space,
Brendan’s realm is filled with aviation relics, faded sectionals, and flight computers that only he seems to truly understand.
More than a mentor, Brendan helps students navigate both the technical and practical sides of flight training, including career planning and financing. Whether you need guidance or just a calming presence, Brendan is always there, ready to help you soar.