Our Story

The story of Learn 2 Fly CT dates back to a young boy who had a dream to fly…

Silent Skies – The First Electric Plane Flyover

Always having loved aviation and having served in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Structural Mechanic, the journey of Learn 2 Fly CT began when Phil ran into a high school friend while working at Bradley International Airport after his military duty.

It was that chance encounter that convinced Phil he needed to pursue his passion for flying. He went home that night, changing colleges to pursue a degree in Aeronautics and beginning flight training at nearby Simsbury Airport shortly after – earning his Private Pilot Certificate within 3 months and a Bachelor of Science in Aeronautics from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Worldwide.

Today, Phil is an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP), Commercial Single Engine Land/Sea (CASEL/S) and has achieved his Certificated Flight Instructor certificates for Single Engine, Multi-Engine and Instrument (CFI, MEI, CFI-I), and his Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate. He also spent the summer of 2016 teaching students in a 1946 Piper Cub on straight EDO 1400 floats and in November 2022 set a “world first” with flying the first 100% electric aircraft over a sporting event, during the November 19, 2022 Lafayette College VS Lehigh University football game. Watch Below.

Phil currently flies at an airline and is actively involved in Learn 2 Fly CT! After his own journey to become a certificated pilot, Phil noticed the region lacked affordable flight schools where students could get quality training and learn how to safely fly an aircraft. His goal was to start a flight school where based on quality instruction, a constant focus on safety – while maintaining affordability, and thinking “outside the box” for bringing the Flight Training industry into the 21st century.

Our philosophy is that the key to eliminating aircraft related incidents and accidents is staying current on training and maintaining proficiency with all aspects of the aircraft and flight procedures. Our mission is to ensure you enjoy your time in the air – and return home safely to your loved one’s after every flight.

Learn 2 Fly CT, LLC. operates out of multiple locations in Connecticut.
We are proud to be a veteran-owned and operated small business.

Our Instructors

Phillip Smith

CFI, MEI, CFI-I, A&P

Phil Smith has turned his life-long passion for flying and turned it into his career. As an Aviation Structural Mechanic, he worked on P-3 aircraft on the Whidbey Island Naval Air Station located in Washington state. It was there Phil learned aircraft inside and out during his 4 years of active duty in the U.S. Navy.

After completing his assignment, Phil returned home to Connecticut where he worked at Bradley International Airport (KBDL) servicing aircraft. This provides Phil with a unique perspective having worked on both civilian and military aircraft.

In addition to his hands-on experience, Phil received formal training from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University where he received his B.S. in Aeronautics. Phil has also achieved certification as a Commercial Single Engine Land/Sea (CASEL/S), Commercial Multiengine Land (CAMEL), Certificated Flight Instructor (CFI), Multi Engine Instructor (MEI) and Certificated Flight Instructor Instrument (CFI-I).

During the day, Phil works in Operations at Gama Aviation in Shelton, CT in addition to his role as Chief Flight Instructor at Learn 2 Fly CT.

Kathryn Jones

Chief CFI, CFI-I

Hello, my name is Kat, I’m a career CFII and have been instructing since November 2019.

I got my private license in the UK back in 2015, and since then I have moved to the states where I finished off my pilot certification under the FAA. I started instructing out of Morristown airport; where I became Chief Instructor at that school. Since I have been an instructor for longer than 2 years, I am able to do certification and ratings up to and including, CFI and CFII. 

J’Vaughn Joseph

Assistant Chief CFI

I’ve been in the aviation industry for roughly 8 years- starting as a ramper for Envoy, before becoming a dispatcher for a Part 135 operation, and then a flight attendant and instructor with Avelo Airlines.

When not training others, I enjoy photography, hiking, and flying up to Jafrey NH with my partner for ice cream!

Let’s go flying!

Kevin Nyzio

CFI, MEI, CFI-I, ATP, IGI, Remote Pilot

Starting at a young age, Kevin began flight training at Northampton Airport MA. Bagging groceries while attending high school to afford 1 flight lesson every week. In 2016 Kevin earned his private pilot certificate. What he thought was the end of his training, turned out to be the beginning of much more.

Unsure how to move up the ladder Kevin got a job at a local airport BAF as a Line Service Technician to become more familiar with the aviation industry. In 2018 Kevin decided aviation could be his lifetime career. He was accepted as a full-time student at Airline Transport Professionals (ATP) right here in Hartford where he earned his IRA, CSEL, CMEL, CFI, CFII, and MEI. After graduating he was hired to instruct and soon promoted to the Lead Flight Instructor.

Kevin spent the next 13 months instructing, building time to advance his career as well as train the next generation of pilots. Shortly after New Year in 2020, Kevin became a First Officer at Republic Airways. Achieving a Restricted Airline Transport Pilot Certificate due to his young age. (It is never too soon, or too late to achieve your dreams!) 

Now, after 2 and a half years at the regionals, Kevin has already moved on to the majors. Still want to continue instruction to help those who want to follow the same or a much different path. Whether you are wanting to fly the big iron at the airlines, achieve a commercial pilot certificate, or just fly for fun with a Private/ Sport pilot certificate Kevin can help lead the way. Off duty, Kevin enjoys Photography, traveling, and automotive.

Dave Chapdelaine

CFI, CFI-I, MEI

David has always had a passion for aviation. All of his careers are involved in some form of aviation from fueler and deicer at Corporate Air based at Bradley International, at Space and Sea Systems working on the International Space Station and Space Shuttle to now working as an engineer at Pratt and Whitney designing turbine airfoils.

Additionally, David is an avid hockey player and coach. He has coached hockey for over 30 years in the USA, Canada, Scandinavia, and Europe. He has instructed at all levels from learning to skate to junior hockey.

David was not able to pursue his love of flight until later in life. In 2012 he decided to pursue his dreams and took a discovery flight. Since then he has never looked back and obtained his Instrument, Commercial, and Multi-Engine. In 2019 David wanted to combine his passion for coaching and flying. Later that year he obtained his Certified Flight Instructor rating.

In David’s free time, he enjoys sailing, hiking, and archery. He lives in Ellington with his wife and 2 daughters.

Nick LoVerde

PPL, IRA, CSEL, CMEL, CFI

I started my aviation journey here at Brainard earning my PPL, IRA, CSEL, CMEL, CFI.

My background in education involves teaching English in Taiwan, South Korea, and Vietnam.

When I’m not flying, I thrive on beach volleyball, bingeing the news, and catering to every whim of my young daughter.

My goal with my students is to learn, be safe, and have a lot of fun. As science fiction author Arthur Clarke once wrote — “Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic”. Flying is science and magic. Excited to share the magic with my students.

Rich Goldstein

CFI

My name is Richard Goldstein, and I’ve been working as a CFI for about 2 and a half years. My journey into aviation started in 2019 when I graduated from UCONN, yet still had absolutely no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I decided to google “how to become pilot” and the rest is history.

I did all of my primary training right here at the Brainard airport, but have done the bulk of my instructing thus far out of Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Taj Pottinger

CFI

My aviation journey began on the vibrant shores of Jamaica and led me to the U.S. Army, where I earned my ratings in the CH-47 Chinook and UH-72 Lakota helicopters. This military background has instilled in me a commitment to precision, safety, and teamwork.

As a Certified Flight Instructor and Advanced Ground Instructor at Learn2FlyCT, I bring that same level of excellence to your training, both in the air and in the classroom. I’m dedicated to making complex concepts clear, building your confidence, and preparing you to excel in every phase of your flight training.

I keep my lessons hands-on, relaxed, and tailored to your pace. My goal is simple: help you build the skills and confidence to fly anywhere, and have a good time doing it.

I fly out of both our bases: Hartford-Brainard, and Simsbury.

Jason Otrin

CFI

Hi I’m Jason, a CFI here at Learn2Fly. 

I’ve been fascinated by aviation since I was a kid, and joined the Army as a helicopter mechanic after high school. I also served as an intelligence officer and earned my private pilot flying out of El Paso, TX. I loved the freedom of exploring the beautiful southwest US, especially the mountains of New Mexico.

I’m active in Civil Air Patrol, EAA (Groton chapter) and volunteer with several aviation charities to help veterans pursue flying careers. I’ve also been training police, fire departments and others to use drones since 2018. I’ve worked with hundreds of students and have learned a lot about teaching from them. But I’ve probably learned the most about teaching, mentoring and life in general from being a dad and husband!

In my training, the best instructors were patient, respectful, organized and skilled at finding different ways to teach difficult concepts. We worked together to create a clear training plan so I knew what to expect and how to prepare for the next lesson. These instructors expected students to put in the work! They were mentors and coaches, challenging me to continuously build my skills and judgement and be a better pilot while having fun in the process. This is the kind of instructor I aspire to be for my students.

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